This week I wanted to start some superhero projects, because what's cooler than a superhero? So we'll be developing our own superheroes, making costumes, building up their story line and creating a superhero oriented universe where you child's imagination can run free.
But before we begin, I had to brush up on some superhero basics and so I turned to my good friend Chris, superhero extraordinaire, to help me out. I asked him 9 questions about just what it means to be a superhero and here are his answers...
1. What's the best way to "gain" super powers?
I prefer accidentally acquired powers for two reasons. One, these kind of origins are just way more fun and interesting, filled with really comic book-y stuff like radioactive spiders, experimental surgery, cosmic storms, etc. And two, people who get powers accidentally tend to retain much of their human-ness which allows for a lot more realistic, and thus, relatable vulnerability.
But regardless of how powers are gained, what's most important is that true heroes never really desire or seek power (that's a villainous quality); they are average people who are gifted/burdened with greatness by fate.
2. What are the benefits of being a side kick?
Honestly, few. Sidekicks are treated pretty disposable in comic books and die a lot. A LOT. All of them have awful costumes. On the other hand, sidekicks get catchphrases (if that's your thing), provide vital support, both physical and moral, and they get to pal around with the world's coolest superheroes!!!
3. Why would anyone want to be a side kick?
Just like superheroes, most sidekicks become sidekicks because of a higher calling, not because they want to.
4. How do super heroes develop their moral code?
It's pretty standard for a superhero to experience some tragedy early on that not only galvanizes them into action, but defines their unique world view. Superman's entire race was destroyed and, as a result, he values life above all else. Peter Parker's own pettiness indirectly lead to the death of Uncle Ben and from this he learned the whole power/responsibility thing. In practice though, most superheroes follow a pretty identical code of ethics that reflects simple, timeless, universal values: No killing, the good of the many outweighs the good of the few, etc.
5. What's the deal with capes? Seriously, are they necessary?
Watchmen and The Incredibles pretty much debunked the notion that capes are practical superhero garb; they don't add much (unless you're Batman, who's cape has all sorts of offensive/defensive features) and they tend to get caught in things like revolving doors, jet turbines, etc. However, they look waaaay cool!!! So are they necessary? Yes.
6. What makes a kick butt female superhero?
Historically, superhero comics were mostly been created by and geared toward dudes, so even many well known and highly regarded female heroes have roots in male wish fulfillment. On the other hand, it seems like lots of modern writers have this idea that you can easily create a heroine with depth just by making her physically tough, aggressive, unemotional, assertive, etc., thinking that a female character possessing "masculine"qualities is somehow instantly progressive. But male superheroes never have to address their "maleness" and it seems almost equally reductive to make challenging ideas about femininity a requirement of female heroes. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a great superheroine, despite notable lack of cape, and while much is made about (Buffy creator) Joss Whedon's propensity for powerful women, his real strength is writing three dimensional characters who are compelling because they are believable. Buffy has admirable qualities (bravery, loyalty, selflessness) AND problematic ones (she's irrational when it comes to boys, needlessly defiant, she complains all the time. seriously, like, ALL THE TIME) and in that way, she's totally relatable. There really is no magic formula, though. What makes a good female superhero is what makes a good male one: they just have to be real.
7. Good v. Bad isn't really as black and white as we think, can you give an example of some super hero gray area when it comes to good v. evil?
The entire notion of costumed, self policing rugged-individualists using violence to impart their own version of morality on society represents a colossal gray area, all of which becomes even more problematic when you consider that said "heroes" usually have serious character flaws. But, while these ideas have been thoroughly explored in some seminal works of the genre (Watchmen is probably the most well known and influential), I think part of the wide appeal of superheroes is that they DON'T often deal with nebulously defined moral quandaries and if they do, it's glossed over. In comic books, unlike real life, not only do many bad guys acknowledge their own "badness", but good guys have the privilege of being passive, only swooping into action when a villain makes it necessary and because of this, right and wrong stays pretty clear cut. Superheroes, and the accompanying moral simplicity, are by nature unrealistic, but remain relevant because they represent an ideal, an impossible model we can all strive for.
8. Some super heroes have alter-egos, what do you think would be the best alter ego for a super hero and why?
An ideal secret identity would be mundane enough as to not draw suspicion but would allow you to hear about and be exposed to crimes and disasters to prevent. Journalist, law enforcement, military are all good options. Perhaps the best alter-ego would be a petty criminal, the last person anyone would suspect as a costumed crime-fighter. (Batman occasionally uses this tactic to gain information disguised as low-level thug "Matches Malone")
9. What would your super power be (and how did you acquire it?)
And risk revealing my weakness to my nemesis? No comment.
Thanks Chris for all your help! I loved reading your answers!
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