We Need More Heroes: In Print And In You

This Saturday because the world has been stricken with and continues to have shitty things going on, I want to keep it short and emphasize the need for more superheroes. In more ways than one. Because negativity and being awful, it all just needs to stop.

In a traditional sense, yes we need more superheroes in our comic books and videogames and animated shows that actually represent everyone and then feature those characters in fun, engaging and heroic stories to help inspire people and children alike to be better and do better. The “grimdark” trend in storytelling from big name comic companies that consistently toss heroes through the shredder and ‘life shattering revelations” and events are not particularly enthralling, nor does it inspire. Poorly written and executed. It’s dull, editorial mandates derailing a lot of creativity. I could go on, but that is a different post for another week. This is not just about traditional superheroes in your comics and on your TV. We also need more flesh and blood superheros: you.

In real life we technically already do have actual “superheroes” who risk their lives for others all over the world; soldiers, policemen, doctors, researchers, nurses, firemen, volunteers, teachers , true vigilante activists, mothers, sisters, fathers, investigative journalists, writers and artists, nuns and monks and spiritualists. Any and all good Samaritans or individuals who help others actively or wish to actively help others or the planet through their work. The thing that links all of these people together? Compassion.

In the words of the Indigo Tribe: Nok!

We need more compassion in the world. More empathy.  With more compassion for instance, writers can write superheroes and stories that are full of heart and understanding, and yet also still be entertainment. But the big thing,  with compassion we can change how we think and act; anyone can be a superhero in their real life if we try a little to be a bit more open. A bit more gentle and empathetic. A bit less in a bubble. A bit less self serving.

Preach it Diana.

We need compassion, become aware of our actions and how they effect other people. We need to work actively to be better people. Instead of bickering and hate. After this week’s occurrences all over the world, we just need to step back, stop being dicks, and instead be heroes. What would Peter Parker Do? What would Captain Rogers do? What would Clark Kent Do?  Lois Lane? Wonder Woman? Heroes are heroes because they exemplify the best of us, or at the least, they are supposed to.

Okay we might not want to ask “What Would Batman Do” but, look, he does get some stuff right, is it really this difficult? Guns. Bad. Go away.

I think comic companies have forgotten that to a degree, and perhaps most of us have too. Not to say people aren’t amazing, there are so many good, compassionate people. Because people are inherently good. But we can be even more so.  In the face of the struggles and the awful things going on in the world; we have to. We do not have to learn all at once, but we can do it. It will take work, but we can do it. We can make a difference. We really can.  No radioactivity, billionaire fortunes, or mutant powers needed. Just compassion.

Think we can do it?

Max Eber
Staff Writer/The Doctor
max@ihogeek.com
Twitter: @maxlikescomics