The Silver Surfer from Marvel is a prime example of a problematic hero. In order to save his home planet from destruction, he roams the cosmos in search of suitable planets for Galactus to consume. In the eyes of his people, the Silver Surfer (Norrin Radd) is a true hero that saved his people. In the eyes of others, however, the Silver Surfer is but a minion at the hands of a treacherous villain.
Batman is another example of a problematic hero. In the 1940s comics, Batman commits some very brutal murders, including hanging a mental patient from the Batplane (according to cracked.com). It is evident in modern films through his brutal handling of felons that Batman has a low value of life and will go through all costs for the benefit of the greater good.
But eventually the Silver Surfer fights Galactus and gets kind of free and becomes a real upstanding guy.
ReplyDeleteAnd 1940s Batman is insane. Batman is a good example though because, while he has a huge respect for the value of life, he will do anything that doesn't involve out right killing someone to achieve his goals. He doesn't really trust anyone (he has kryptonite on him at all times) and his motivations are emotional. He's a tortured wreck of a man who takes out his pent up aggression on "bad guys." He trains children to fight in what he calls his "war." He answers to nobody and acts super utilitarian. And his use of company funds and tech is probably all kinds of illegal.
You read cracked? Me too.
I like your examples and the evidence behind each point!
ReplyDeleteBatman and many other super heroes are great examples of our common tendency to approve of rather problematic, extra-judicial methods of crime-fighting, at least in the sphere of comics, movies, and computer games.
ReplyDeleteThis is totally true! Now that I think about it the Batman story reminds me a lot of the newer TV show Arrow (the main character uses a lot of the same tactics the only difference is he doesn't see himself as a hero).
ReplyDeleteBecause Green Arrow is a ripoff of Batman. He was actually used as Batman in the 60s when DC was concerned about overusing Batman. Batman represents our emotional and violent secret wish to beat up that which is "bad" while still having the moral high ground.
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