blather about superheroes
I've stumbled across a lot of superhero fans on LJ, which started me thinking. Who's my favorite superhero? Growing up in the US, it's almost impossible not to know the basic history and powers of the best-known superheroes, even without being a comic book fan. The recent spate of movies based on superheroes has been quite popular, mostly for good reason. I don't watch them indiscriminately (I need to say, I really miss Roger Ebert's movie reviews. Get better, Mr. Ebert!), but if a superhero movie gets reasonable reviews, I'll go see it. They're great escapist entertainment, and the best of them give an interesting perspective on what it means to be human.
So. My favorite superhero is Spiderman. I surprised myself a bit when I finally came to this conclusion... I've often thought of myself as a Batman-is-best fan. But Spiderman's back-story reflects best my own experiences, and his reactions to life's vicissitudes are the most like mine. Peter Parker grew up with his aunt and uncle, saddened, doubtless, by the loss of his parents, but with loving parental figures. He struggles to find balance at school, relegated to the background by geek status. He didn't ask for that twist in his life that would ultimately redefine everything. Batman's dark family history drove him to see powers beyond that of ordinary men. Superman's abilities were always a part of him. But Spidey was surprised by life.
I always loved Batman's dark, brooding nature. Angst and pain are fun to watch! Spiderman has relatable angst and pain. I understand his sense of loss when he feels that he must give up on romantic love, because he had that possibility of happiness. Batman's potential happiness was in doubt from the moment he saw his parents killed.
Spiderman's life not only demonstrates the difficulty of responsibility, but the joys as well. I love the scenes in the first Tobey Maguire Spiderman movie in which he explores his newly-bestowed powers. It’s not just a moment of "that's cool," like with Batman's awesome flying-squirrel cape. Peter gets to be euphoric, terrified, proud and gleeful... just like the rest of us do when life surprises us. He also shows us, in small ways, how easy it is to misuse the powers he has, or to misjudge when to use them. In short, he's the most human of the superheroes, and the most like me.
After I started thinking about superheroes, I examined my DVD collection. I have both of the Tobey Maguire Spiderman movies, and none of the Batman films. (Sorry, Michael, Val, George and Christian!) I also have X-Men and X-2, but that’s all about the Hugh Jackman love because I appreciate what a fine actor Hugh Jackman is.
ETA: I can’t believe I used the word vicissitudes while writing about superheroes. I am such a word nerd.
So. My favorite superhero is Spiderman. I surprised myself a bit when I finally came to this conclusion... I've often thought of myself as a Batman-is-best fan. But Spiderman's back-story reflects best my own experiences, and his reactions to life's vicissitudes are the most like mine. Peter Parker grew up with his aunt and uncle, saddened, doubtless, by the loss of his parents, but with loving parental figures. He struggles to find balance at school, relegated to the background by geek status. He didn't ask for that twist in his life that would ultimately redefine everything. Batman's dark family history drove him to see powers beyond that of ordinary men. Superman's abilities were always a part of him. But Spidey was surprised by life.
I always loved Batman's dark, brooding nature. Angst and pain are fun to watch! Spiderman has relatable angst and pain. I understand his sense of loss when he feels that he must give up on romantic love, because he had that possibility of happiness. Batman's potential happiness was in doubt from the moment he saw his parents killed.
Spiderman's life not only demonstrates the difficulty of responsibility, but the joys as well. I love the scenes in the first Tobey Maguire Spiderman movie in which he explores his newly-bestowed powers. It’s not just a moment of "that's cool," like with Batman's awesome flying-squirrel cape. Peter gets to be euphoric, terrified, proud and gleeful... just like the rest of us do when life surprises us. He also shows us, in small ways, how easy it is to misuse the powers he has, or to misjudge when to use them. In short, he's the most human of the superheroes, and the most like me.
After I started thinking about superheroes, I examined my DVD collection. I have both of the Tobey Maguire Spiderman movies, and none of the Batman films. (Sorry, Michael, Val, George and Christian!) I also have X-Men and X-2, but that’s all about the Hugh Jackman love because I appreciate what a fine actor Hugh Jackman is.
ETA: I can’t believe I used the word vicissitudes while writing about superheroes. I am such a word nerd.