Real American Hero

Now that the Infinity Saga has fully played out on the big screen, I feel a bit more comfortable discussing this topic. However, WARNING - much like another unavoidable reboot of the Fantastic Four, slight-spoilers ahead!  

People always ask me why Captain America over Iron Man. To me, that’s an easy question to answer superficially; Captain America, or more accurately Steve Rogers is not the hero I would be if suddenly imbued with superhuman powers, because Cap’s personality isn’t like mine at all. He’s truly altruistic at his core, i.e. he is blatantly absent of ego. He does what he believes to be the best thing for those he encounters in his role as a hero, in the best way he knows how- for them, not for himself. 

In comparing characters like Iron Man and Captain (which I am often doing, because I get asked this so often) I can likely more easily explain why I don’t gravitate towards Iron Man; Is Iron Man a hero. Absolutely. Is he also a conceited, know-it-all with control issues? Indeed. And given my personality I fall closer to his side of the bell curve than Cap. But on a personal note, I’m trying, and have been trying to move the needle, but I digress.

Another key difference between Cap and Iron man, or more accurately, Steve Rogers and Tony Stark is  the fact that Captain America doesn't think he is smart enough to know what’s best for everyone else. And while Tony Stark is highly intelligent in many ways, he’s just stupid enough to think that he does know what’s best for everyone else. Usually without their input. This is demonstrated in the film and comic version of the character via Ultron’s creation, his stance on the Sokovia Accords (or Superhuman Registration Act, if you’ve read the comics themselves). Within the comics specifically, his participation in the Illuminati (think-tank and self-appointed string pullers consisting of Iron Man, Namor, Dr. Strange, Professor X, Reed Richards and Black Bolt) solidifies his interest in making decisions on the behalf of others on a global scale. I can perhaps best sum this up by stating the following; Cap is worthy.

Contrarily, Steve Rogers is the personification of the U.S. as a righteous (not read as ‘self-righteous’) protector. And that is not to say that Rogers as Cap is beholden to laws and bureaucracy of a nation when the acts it perpetuates are morally wrong. His moral compass isn’t necessarily tied to a government or a country, its tied to doing purely good for the benefit of others, because it is the right and only thing to do. Take this quote from the Marvel’s Civil War event within the comics: “Doesn't matter what the press says. Doesn't matter what the politicians or the mobs say. Doesn't matter if the whole country decides that something wrong, is something right. This nation was founded on one principle above all else: The requirement that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or the consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and tell the whole world --No, YOU move.” Ya, those that have read this blog before and/or know me probably knew that was coming. 

As an aside, I know there has been a kerfluffle surrounding the time travel plot issues in Avengers: End Game, what due to Steve's traveling backwards in time to live out his days with Peggy Carter. To the detractors and so-called time travel experts: Stop overthinking it and just enjoy Cap's swan song in the MCU! Why oh why can't you simply enjoy a thing!

In closing, I understand that many people identify with certain heroes in their life solely because those heroes remind them in some (or many ways) of themselves. I have those heroes as well. Cap though, for me, Cap is something different. His character is a reminder of the limitlessness of ideals, not only when we clearly and simply define them, but also when they are tested. This in turn reminds me of what we can accomplish when we stand by and do what is truly right.

See You in the Funny Papers

Ahh, comic books, that microcosm of literature that somehow manages to work every internet nerd into a steely-eyed, froth-mouth frenzy of rage if one tiny thing is changed about the characters they’ve followed from the time they were old enough to read, up until present day, where they rant with their keyboards via their parents Wi-Fi connection. All the typical things like “You ruined my childhood!” and “This isn’t canon!” and “My mom got me Cool ranch Doritos instead of Nacho cheese!”

                We’ve been seeing changes from both Marvel, as well as DC as they provide their respective universes with a bit more diversity, and even enable writers to start with a new approach to classic heroes in order to attract new fans.

                As of this writing, the latest item that’s filling Marvel’s hate mail (Do people still actually send letters anymore? Or is all internet hate directed via online forums and email?) is their decision to “retire” Tony Stark and replace him with a 15 year old GASP! African-American DOUBLE-GASP! girl! TRIPLE-GASP!   

                Immediately thereafter, all the narrow-minded, stuck in the past, obsolete fan boys (and maybe girls?) scream their collective disapproval, and then shit themselves in disbelief.

                In recent times we’ve also had DCs New 52, and now DC’s Rebirth, along with Marvel creating Marvel Now, and not to mention their efforts at making Miles Morales (the new Spider-Man), female Thor, New Wolverine (X-23) and so on and so forth…and in all these instances at least a segment of the comic fan base became irate and complained endlessly.

                Obviously, I’m writing about this because I have an opinion, and here’s where I’ll tell you what it is…

                …As at least a casual comic book fan since 1992 I think this type of thing is amazing and here’s why:

                As a fan, in many of these heroes’ cases we’ve seen them in action for nearly three-quarters of a century (or more). More or less, every story arc that can be done has been. We’ve seen them beat up every manner of bad guy (or gal), we’ve seen them love and lose, we’ve seen them fight our other favorite heroes, we’ve seen them broken, lose everything, and even die, only to come back as if nothing ever happened. Why on earth would you want to have writers rehash the same story, and cover the same ground that’s been done for decades?

                As a writer (term used loosely, I am a filthy, filthy amateur) rebooting, or retooling these characters provides fertile ground to yield fresh ideas. When you think of Wolverine for instance, it’s a safe bet you know the origin, the experiences, the famous battles and moments of his fictional life. Further, I could argue, due to Wolverine’s personality, you can almost predict (based on circumstance), where the character will end up. But you don’t know X-23’s because they haven’t been written yet! You see what I’m getting at?

                As a capitalist, I can also understand why Marvel in particular can’t just say, well fans want more diversity in their heroes, so let’s create a brand new one. Names like Iron Man, Thor and Spider-Man are more than just household names; they are brands in and of themselves! It could conceivably take years to build up the popularity and name recognition of a new hero or heroine, and why risk that when from a creative perspective it lends itself to produce dynamic ideas that haven’t been done before?

                Personally, some of my favorite books are the ones that never took place in their respective universe’s continuity. Books like Old Man Logan, Marvel Zombies, Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe are all great because they break the rules of what you might expect from certain characters, settings or origin stories. In other words, I want to see something new!

                In short, to all you naysayers out there: STFU!

                Only after, the new Iron Man (Wo-man?, Girl?? Person???) is released then and only then do I give you permission to whine, piss and moan.

                Actually, no I take that back, we still don’t want to hear your ridiculous opinions, and to be clear no one cares about your childhood.