The comic book world and the superheroes that inhabit it have, at least in the past, been confined to the interests of a select group of people. It seems that today, however, superheroes are not only acceptable, but both wildly popular and profitable. Merchandise, movies, TV shows...just about every medium for profit contains some guy flying through the sky or a bat-like figure lurking in the shadows. So, whats the appeal? Why do the youth of today seem to be so obsessed with comic book culture?
The answer just might surprise you...
I believe the answer to this question lies thousands of years in the past, when Aristotle lamented within palatial courtyards and gladiators fought for glory in the arena. I believe the answer to the rise of comic book culture resides within Greek mythology. We've all read and studied the tales of old, be it in high school or college, and many are familiar with the tale of Theseus and his fight against the mighty Minotaur, or perhaps Odysseus and his many wanderings. (The name of the very website you're reading this article on stems from the name Odysseus.) It's been literally thousands of years since the origins of these stories, and they are not only still told today, but actually taught within our education systems. Why are they so timeless? What makes these specific tales so special that they survived the brutality of time? The answer to this is, in my opinion, is the same reason comic books are experiencing the rise that they are today.
The value of heroism...
The ancient tales of Greek mythology and the modern stories of superheroes and villains have much more in common than one might think. These legends of heroes with godlike strength and heroines graced with untold beauty and skill, they allow for us to aspire to greatness. The child huddled under the blankets with his flashlight, reading tales of Superman taking down bad guys and flying at the speed of light, must feel much the same way that a young stable boy in ancient Greece would, reading about Hercules and the impossible tasks set before him. Superheroes (or, if residing in ancient times, gods and demigods) inspire people to be more than they thought possible. The spectrum of what can and cannot be accomplished is stretched greatly, allowing for untold possibilities. After all, if Spiderman can save all of New York, can't you manage to ace that chemistry test you have tomorrow?
The point is, these fictional characters can often act as real role models, and inspire real people. Sometimes someone just needs to see the impossible being accomplished, much in the way that everyone roots for the underdog in a sports movie. (Rudy anyone?) If things that are completely unfeasible can be done in fictional worlds, perhaps things that are simply difficult can be accomplished in the real world. The characters in these stories are often flawed and make countless mistakes, just like us, yet always seem to end up saving the day. Superheroes are not confined to the realm of childhood entertainment; they also have the ability to inspire within oneself a sense of wonder, courage, and perhaps even the moral willingness to commit good, as opposed to evil.
