Comic Heroes’ Fight for a Better Society

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Background
Achieving Better Societies
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

Comic books have become common in different parts of the world. Producers and authors of these artistic works present characters with superpowers, thus being in a position to achieve their goals much faster. Most of these superheroes have dominated most of the discussions and studies within the wider area of sociology. These spectacular characters tend to have significant influences on people’s thoughts, expectations, and goals. Some analysts have challenged creators of such comics for presenting superheroes that only exhibit the dominant values and expectations associated with dominant communities or races. The emerging ethical dilemma is whether comics are good for society or not, and if they have the potential to deliver better or more acceptable results. Nonetheless, the positions and influence of these super characters found in comic texts and films is something that people should not take for granted. Comic superheroes could become powerful tools for guiding more people to critique social injustices and respond effectively to most of the anxieties they encounter in their lives.

Background

The case of America presents a society characterized by many people with diverse backgrounds. The problems of discrimination, stereotypes, and absence of support mechanisms to empower minorities have existed in different societies for many years. Within the past century, marginalized communities have made some noticeable gains in education attainment and economic development (Patton 188). Unfortunately, most of the dominant races in the country dictate a wide range of social and economic issues. The increasing production of comic books and related materials have resulted in numerous superheroes that have redefined most of the social attributes and personal values. To some, these comics have become critical elements or points for benchmarking actions and goals that resonate with the American dream. For those who hold this view, comics appear to dictate how dominant groups live, address their concerns and lead high-quality lives.

Despite the nature of this observation, some analysts have gone further to identify comic superheroes as tools possessing a wide range of extraordinary competences. Most of the creators present them as courageous, involved, and capable of challenging the status quo in their respective societies. It also occurs that most of these characters are designed in such a way that they can challenge the injustices in the American community (Patton 189). With these divergent viewpoints in place, this conference paper explores a number of texts and the presented superheroes to determine what they mean for the American society.

Achieving Better Societies

Most of the analyzed materials present various themes revolving around the push for a better society. In the United States, it is evident that the government has done a lot to transform the lives of more people and address most of the existing challenges. It has implemented workable mechanisms and systems to improve the welfare of the greatest majority. Unfortunately, some gaps exist whereby marginalized populations find it hard to get quality education, sustainable health services, and meaningful jobs (Patton 189). These complexities worsen their situations, thereby making it impossible for them to record meaningful social mobilities.

This American reality presents significant gaps in the experiences and overall outcomes of many citizens. The move to create comic superheroes appears to become an ingenuous move aimed at addressing most of the issues existing in the society. Specifically, more people find it hard to receive the much needed services. Cases of criminal acts and abuse of rights have been recorded. The absence of proper policies to meet the demands of different individuals appears to receive a solution in most of these superheroes (Patton 189). Specifically, the characters are resolute, informed, and go beyond the obvious expectations to address social injustices. They remain involved and engage their colleagues to make societies better.

Numerous examples from different comic texts are worth presenting to support this kind of assertion. The first one is available in the book, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay: A Novel. In such a text, the reader appreciates that the two lead characters forge a new path in their lives, thereby overcoming their past worries. The duo focuses on the old-fashioned concept of the American dream to focus on the best approaches to realize their potential. The novel describes how Joe and Sammy become heroic and find new ways of finding better carriers (Chabon 46). They become the real determinants and authors of their own future. These attributes appear to portray the aspects and development defining the American society and how it has come of age. Additionally, readers appear to be encouraged to think deeply and work harder since they are the ones who can transform their life experiences. Such an act can take them closer to their social and economic goals.

The second example is notable from the work, Ms. Marvel Volume 1: No Normal. In this book, the reader experiences the life of Kamala Khan, a young girl who eventually encounters a mist and a subsequent apparition of The Avengers. When she wakes up, it is clear that she had acquired superpowers that reshape her future life. This girl founds herself ready and willing to engage in the best actions to protect the neighborhood. Specifically, she relies on such abilities to fight different forms of crime. In the process of taking this neighborhood closer to its goals, the girl eventually discovers herself and succeeds to redefine her true identity. This portrayal resonates with most of the problems many people encounter in their lives (Wilson and Alphona 59). The observations associated with this young girl appear to guide women to look beyond the existing barriers in their respective societies and focusing on the best ways to become great.

From the book, V for Vendetta, the third example of how superheroes could become the best models for overcoming societal problems is evident. The reader is guided to learn more about the need for freedom and how it is related directly to the question of anarchy. V is presented as an anarchist in the book. Based on this kind of understanding, V is convinced that real freedom could not be realized with the existence of government power. It emerges that all forms of governmental authority appear corrupt and continue to prevent humans from achieving real freedom (Moore and Lloyd 82). This challenge explains why people ought to consider the best solution and better ways of achieving this fundamental human right.

The fourth example to support the identified thesis is evident in the comic work, X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills. Its authors present a unique story that revolves around Magneto and X-Men. These two characters remain bitter enemies for a number of years in the book. However, the times appear to have changed since they are required to join forces and consider the best ways to deal with the increasing threats of mutants. The story also reveals that the characters are convinced that God would also view such mutants as an abomination. The effort appears to present a worthy cause aimed at dealing with a common adversary (Claremont and Anderson 72). Human beings can embrace a similar approach to collaborate and pursue worthy causes and movements that can challenge societal challenges directly.

The work, Iron Man: Extremis, presents the fifth example to support the main idea of this conference paper. The reader observes that a new era for the Iron Man has come. The famous scribe by the name Warren Ellis is observed to consider the bet approaches to join hands with Adi Granov who is famous for his works of art and illustration. With this new union, the two are keen to redefine the new world. It becomes clear that new and terrifying technologies have emerged that appear to threaten mankind. The work presents human beings as a fragile creation (Ellis and Granov 39). The identified Extremis becomes the center of interest as analysts are keen to understand its meaning and implications for the future of the universe. This work appears to challenge the nature of digital economy and how it is disrupting the experiences of more people. The ideas the Iron Man presents need to become the guiding principle for those who want to established the status quo and focus on desirable goals.

The sixth example of the potential powers of superheroes towards improving social welfare is found in this book, Civil War II. The authors are keen to describe the emergence of a new Inhuman by the name Ulysses. The creature is observed to possess precognitive and unknown powers. This new reality is expected to compel all protectors of the planet to collaborate and join hands. The mission is to get rid of Ulysses since his visions and ideas are problematic and capable of triggering a form of tragedy (Bendis and Marquez 16). The heroes of the world, including the Galaxy, Spider-men, Inhuman, and X-men are needed to act immediately. The emerging question is how to promote the peace and sustainability of Earth. This story seems to encourage the reader to focus on the best approaches to address emerging problems in the American society. The concept of cooperation is plausible and capable of delivering the much needed results in a timely manner.

The comic text, Mister Miracle is yet another powerful piece that presents the seventh example of the messages different superheroes present. The reader of this work appreciates that there is nothing capable of killing, containing, or stopping Mister Miracle. He is capable of escaping any kind of trap. The reader is keen to observe whether he has the potential to escape the final trap capable of killing him. The emerging message is that there is a new hero capable of addressing challenges and escaping the recorded burdens or traps in life. Through continuous experimentation and zeal, citizens can find meaning in fighting their challenges. They can also work hard and compel the government to put in place proper mechanisms to address their demands (King and Gerards 12). Any predicament or barrier should be handled in a skilled and practical manner. People can examine the views and abilities of this superhero to remain courageous and resolute. Such an approach will take them closer to their goals.

The eighth example of how superheroes can play a positive role towards challenging social issues is seen in the book, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. From this work of art, Miller and Janson succeed to reintroduce Batman as a more energized and stronger legend (8). He is coming at a time when the Dark Knight had already retired. The presented city appears to be characterized by numerous challenges, including an increasing number of criminals. The Dark Knight appears to be ready and possess matching powers capable of dealing with the threat of these criminals. The entry of Carrie Kelley makes the process simpler since the duo is able to address most of the recorded problems. This example is worth reading since it identifies crime as one of the problems many Americans continue to encounter in their neighborhoods. The presented superhero portrays a sense of escape from such a predicament. The emerging message also tries to encourage readers to consider the most appropriate practices to improve the overall security of their communities.

The ninth example is evident in the book, Captain Marvel: Higher, Further, Faster, More. After going through the book, the reader observes how Carol Danvers continues to pursue her ambitions as a U.S. Air Force professional. She meets Maria Rambeau who eventually becomes the best confidant and friend. They succeed to challenge the status quo and achieve goals in a career that are associated with men. They manage to navigate the issues existing in their world while addressing all obstacles that had appeared insurmountable. They remain resolute and set the best example for those who want to make meaningful progress in their lives. The problems of glass ceiling in the workplace and gender-based stratification appear to fall under this category. It becomes necessary for all women to work tirelessly since they have the potential to achieve their maximum potential (DeConnick and Lopez 19). The portrayal of these two characters can encourage more people to address the challenges they face in their lives directly. Failure to do so, such citizens will have to grapple with poor financial and social experiences.

The final example is notable in the work, All-Star Superman stands. Many scholars of comic books acknowledge that this is a riveting text that presents a true picture of the predicaments human beings continue to face today. Morrison and Quitely present a superstar in the name of All-Star Superman who is unstoppable. While he is near his death, the man of steel is keen to engage in desirable actions that have the potential to leave the world a better place and mitigate all possible challenges. The ultimate aim is to ensure that the world is much better for all people (Morrison and Quitely 31). He is also keen to create enabling conditions for other to pursue their goals diligently and effectively. The book tries to propose a new journey whereby all citizens are engaged and willing to make their societies much better.

From these explanations, it is agreeable that superheroes appear to have assumed an unexpected role in the American society. Since the government has failed its citizens in a number of areas, such characters are seen presenting powerful insights and approaches for making better societies. Individuals need to emulate most of the character traits these superheroes exhibit, such as courage, honesty, transparency, and dedication (Patton 188). The comics appear to describe workable actions and approaches that can work efficiently to address social issues. Those who take such insights seriously will find it easier to transform their lives and record meaningful social mobilities. The superheroes also embrace the notions of teamwork, critical thinking, and the ability to stand up when the conditions appear disturbing.

Americans could study the case of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) from the lens of these comic works. The pandemic has led to the deaths of thousands of individuals since the government failed to proper mechanisms in place. Such occurrences could have been avoided if the healthcare sector was prepared for such an occurrence. This case exposes the weaknesses and failures of many government agencies across the globe (Patton 189). With the courage and zeal of these superheroes, more people can fight for their rights and engage in actions that can eventually renew their lives.

Conclusion

The studied comic books present a number of superheroes that undertake complex roles to address most of the challenges existing in their settings. Readers realize that such actions are inspirational and capable of guiding them to join hands and fight social injustices. The emerging lessons also present powerful examples for becoming more courageous and tackling emerging challenges. The failures by different governments do not escape attention of the creators of these contents. These insights are, therefore, necessary and capable of guiding more people to overcome the barriers and gaps existing in their communities.

Works Cited

Bendis, Brian M., and David Marquez. Civil War II. New York: Marvel, 2017.

Chabon, Michael. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay: A Novel. New York: Random House, 2013.

Claremont, Chris, and Brent Anderson. X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills. New York: Marvel, 2011.

DeConnick, Kelly S., and David Lopez. Captain Marvel: Higher, Further, Faster, More. New York: Marvel, 2014.

Ellis, Warren, and Adi Granov. Extremis (Iron Man). New York: Marvel, 2013.

King, Tom, and Mitch Gerards. Mister Miracle. Burbank: DC Comics, 2019.

Miller, Frank, and Klaus Janson. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. Burbank: DC Comics, 2016.

Moore, Alan, and David Lloyd. V for Vendetta. San Francisco: Vertigo, 2013.

Morrison, Grant, and Frank Quitely. All-Star Superman. Burbank: DC Comics, 2011.

Patton, Brian. “On the Origin of Superheroes: From the Big Bang to Action Comics No. 1.” Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics, vol. 9, no. 2, 2018, pp. 187-189.

Wilson, Willow, and Adrian Alphona. Ms. Marvel Volume 1: No Normal. New York: Marvel, 2014.

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