To What Extent Are Superheroes Modern Myths - Assignment Example

TO WHAT EXTENT ARE SUPERHEROES 'MODERN MYTHS'? 14th OCTOBER, 2008 The super hero’s so far are considered to be indispensable for the modern comic book. Super hero emerged from the comic books which mythologize the role of the super hero. The heroic myth has become so insidious in modern times that there are many heroes that can represent the same prototype but still portray to be so different and distinct in their creation and structure. Throughout history it can be traced that mankind has associated itself with mythology and characters more strongly than its ownself (Reynolds R, Retrieved on 14th Oct, 2008). Although, in the modern era, new kind of mythology has wiped off the human mind which is none other than the ‘Superheroes’, whether rocketing from other planets and portraying the aliens , destroyed by radioactive creepy crawly bugs or personifications of a beauty land all are no less than the creatures of the past. Superheroes are all the more in popularity reflecting the exaggerations which man can perform naturally , such us spreading light, disgorging fire, etc. the extremely enriched powers and abilities have made the superheroes so unique and distinctive. There has been an on going debate since past decades about the authenticity and goodness of superheroes exhibiting the most prominent and exemplary figures. “Superhero” is not an actual, real category but an archetype. For instance, the superhero comic Astro City contains numerous characters identified as superheroes as they are blessed with super natural powers to fight crime and justice prevails (Ampersand, 2006). Humans have an urge to believe in something which is greater than there own individuality, there instinct forces them to believe in epic heroes, evils , devils and stories of good commanding over bad , that is why people like to cling over the episodes such as star wars etc . But such belief is nothing but a myth. Superhero portrays a role where they let us know who we are and what we visualize. Superheroes fulfill an artistic function which is the requirement of any society. To take an example of X-men, which is group of fictional superhero characters in comic books, are empowered mutants who are born with supernatural abilities. The comic creates mixed emotions in the hearts of people having distinct opinion and views regarding the superheroes. Some harbor intense fear and threat against the mutants who according to the scientists are the next generation in human evolution series. The X-Men exposes us to world of genetics, the comic book has numerous references to the Anunnaki, Nibiru and other heritage. X-Men is not something too distant in future, where it would be noticed that a group of f mutants begins to worry the world. Mutants are the next in evolution, people who have suddenly developed incredible physical power and dexterity, and other various innovations. Even the world is astray. The government is in a conflux about how to keep track of these strange humans, how to control them and prevent them from running amok. All individuals find an X- Men within himself uncomfortable with some of our traits and some of our hidden weaknesses with a strong desire of empathy, perseverance, tolerance, and understanding. The X-men recreate the struggle of common man in archetypal terms, assuring the real life of individuals ultimately connects with the splendid scheme of the entire world. The extent to which the superheroes are taken to be modern myths can be determined by analyzing various ages in which different issues of human existence have been very clearly highlighted through the comic characters for instance. Golden aged marked the emergence of characters such as the Superman and Captain America, the former who reveal himself as a super-powered alien who gives the same regard to the American values as his own while other is a patriot who was encouraged to soar up the human performance, both the characters represented the America which all citizens want to believe in and also have added mythological qualities. The Silver Age was influenced by the space race, fear of Communism and the effects of Atomic power. Rather than being mythological origins for the heroes, science fiction was on the forefront. Here the heroes were shown troubled trying to overcome their daily life struggles (Wynters D, 2007) perhaps the best feature of the silver age was reflected in comics was Peter Parker/Spiderman (Marvel). He got his powers when he was bitten by a radioactive spider, other example being the Fantastic Four (Marvel) who got their powers after being exposed to solar radiation on a space voyage, and were constantly combating with conflicts amongst themselves; the Incredible Hulk, who got his power as the result of being subjected to gamma radiation at a bomb site and who struggled with repressed urges and multiple personalities; and Iron Man whose power was nothing more than a robotic suit. How can one say that superheroes are not modern mythology? When one looks at the S-shield on a yellow background, people know what it is. The development of the X-Men (Marvel) addressed the issues of racism and inequality without actually pointing or using black people. X men weren't given any extra powers by anything mystical; they were just born the born the way they ought to be and had a mission to protect the world from hatred and fear (Wight K, 2008). Bronze Age marked the darker story lines and minority characters. It was during this age when a new team of X-Men was introduced, Iron/Modern Age this age was defined by a new kind of hero, the anti-hero. Batman and Wolverine were the highlights of the age (Wight K, 2008). Hence all these examples prove that superheroes as the comic characters are a part of the modern mythology. Various other examples can support and reveal the extent of superheroes as modern myths such as the creation of the Pulp Fiction heroes was introduced in the early 20th century. The prototype were partially taken from reality, but were combined with the myths displayed by the pre-superhero pulp fiction characters possessing incredible abilities. A number of myths actually explore the meaning to be born as a human. In 1912 the American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs, innovated the most popular character Tarzan (Wight K, 2008). The Tarzan was raised by apes in the African jungle. The past myths about people raised by animals feature the unique caring and affectionate qualities exhibited by animals and vive versa that is people possessing the animal instinct. Tarzan himself demonstrated the traits of an individual possessing the merits of animal strength and urbane admiration. Cultures are remembered due to their mythic narratives but the modern era is found flooded with every bit of it (Lawrence S J, Jewett R, 2003). Myths actually develop and frame our beliefs, values and social thinking, some people hold the view that what we see around us is nothing but the ancient myths living in the cinema but many others differ on the viewpoint People around the world are in regular process to develop new myths or try to rework the already existing ones. Modern technologies have given a new form to the comic characters with the help of movies, telecommunications, and the Internet which facilitate and augment the traveling of myths to reach people faster than ever. Superheroes are artistic creations, though their creators may have drawn on earlier themes. The quest for identity is the base for most of the mythic fantasies (Parker H C, retrieved on 14th Oct, 2008). The most common classical mythology of Greece and Rome contain stories about superhero. From generations to generations these myths have a striking similarity. Superheroes have a birth but during childhood display special powers which grant them a special purpose in life (Parker H C, retrieved on 14th Oct, 2008). Gradually the superheroes rise to eminence and undergo a triumphant struggle with the powers of evil and eventually the superhero fall victim to the sin of pride and moves ahead with a heroic sacrifice leading to his death. The superhero reflects both individual and society. A superhero is a deep rooted manifestation of the social subconscious. The superhero is a mythological being that creates a complete new and a unique idea of living. They are much more than the simple reflection of us, on the whole reflecting the entire society. Superheroes are our new mythology. They are not very dissimilar to the Greek gods. Mythology or myths actually highlight the collective consciousness in a conventional manner; myths are social experiences which each and every human being lives beyond the genetic codes or pre sect religions. Comics are certainly one of the most influential means or translators of mythology in the modern era. Superheroes may be an introduction to the next evolution (Chopra D, Morrison G, 2006). Some of the people are offended to link superheroes with myths. People also think that superheroes are not modern myths in any real perspective in comparison to any cultural function which myths are associated or linked too. Myths comprehend social thinking, they are spiritually oriented and can explore the in depths of daily living to a great extent, myths help to direct the followers to lead a good life by narrating stories, superheroes may definitely impart some advice with moralistic values and positive beliefs but they do not render anything beyond what a piece of literature or any other form could (Cohn N, 2006). Superheroes do none of such things which myths are actually supposed to follow, however Superheroes can be regarded as one type of fiction that reflects some cultural values but to call them as myths means just stories of fantastical nature. Equating modern comic book superheroes to mythology degrade the belief systems and cultures of people whose lives are affected by mythology (Cohn N, 206). Once the practical roles of myths are deeply understood in accordance with the cultural system, superheroes would be found having no link to the same. Superheroes can fit in best as a literary kind; it seems just meaningless to compare them with any other imapproriate context. On the other hand one can say that myths basically serve four purposes firstly to open up the dimension of mystery, secondly anifestaion of the explored mystery in all things, validating and maintaing a society and fourthly a direction and guidance to live a human life. If Superhero comic characters are analyzed based on the above dimensions then it can be certainly said that superheroes are aboslutely clear mythology. Modern mythology generates from various emotions of excitement, mystery, terror, fear, anger. Superheroes offer images which transcend the best and the worst aspects of human life, they support the belief that good is always rewarded and evil if always punished. Some people support the view to find and explore more than the ordinary life while others take it as a threat of rapid change of technology and science. The modern superheroes have incredible powers like the Superman, Batman, X-Men who fight for the right by using unbelievable strength , drive and vigor keeping there identity to be one among the common man, such myths strengthen the viewpoint that every individual has the potential to advance for heroism. People create myths, one of them being the myth of UFO, the unidentified flying objects. UFO stories bear a remarkable resemblance to the past myths such as fairy tale kidnappings, it’s just that lack of adequate evidence to support UFO adds them to the extended list of mythology Conspiracies lead to the concealing and hiding of truth which appears in various forms as modern myths. The search for the spectacular and mystery lies behind the creation of the modern superheroes. Other myths, for instance unidentified reasons for death and disappearance in the Bermuda Triangle are also part of modern inventions. Superheroes have baffling and unfathomable components in place of the gods and deities with a magic of earlier mythologies. The intensity of myths can be derived from two main characteristics, firstly that myths are parables that convey in-depth meanings like our superhero stories which reframe our human thinking process and behaviour through our subconscious mind and second characteristic reveals that myth are encountered again and again, although there may be different storylines but the basic theme remain the same like Superman, Batman, Spiderman etc (Foster M H, 1984). The two characters who made their first ever appearance in the comic books , the Superman and the Batman are worldwide acclaimed superheroes who are further made phenomenal via the successful direction of the respective characters in the movies who have adapted the comics into the large budgeted films. Superhero comics have been linked to modern mythology; it’s a cliché (Keller K, 2006) Oropeza's in his work “Superhero Myths and the Restoration of Paradise," justifies the superhero myths and the corresponding theology. He states that characters do not speak openly about the religion and the gospels but the stories do reflect them. The theme of "restored paradise," is a live example of how superhero stories cross over mythical, religious and ideological boundaries". He firmly believes that every superhero myth has a fallen soul. Superheroes are cultural icons through which the common man gets a chance to clarify and settle some of their anxieties about the future of this planet”. According to Oropeza superheroes are displayed as as immortal spirits (Fleming J, 2005). The popular figure named the superhero has laid a deep and intense influence upon society, ethics, virtues and politics that a mythology now suffuses our culture. Superheroes have become a flamboyant personality in the mainstream of modern culture. The comics-religion link is gaining popularity as religious organizations are using superheroes to get their spiritual message across for instance The American Tract and the ATS have has issued pamphlets which are based on comic based superhero movies Spider-Man and Superman Returns (Religion News writer, 2007). Batman, one of the most popular comic character and famous American superhero possesses the image of a healthy, independent and strong individual who functions in the "real world”. Unlike Superman, Batman is more an ordinary man who is self-made and hardly in need of any sort of spiritual forces. Batman’s story is a complete humanistic myth which holds a significant meaning in a modern human being life, it holds the notion that one must make his own identity in the world depending and enchasing one’s strength, patience, endurance and creativity. Superhero comics are popular art form, willing to attach themselves to culture and moving beyong the relam of spirituality for over the past twenty-five years. Superheroe comic books have influenced the mind of human beings espceially children and display their journey of life (Fleming J, 2005). She-Hulk character was created by Marvel comics as a trademark; She-Hulk was nicknamed as "Shulkie". The story opened with diminutive women, Jennifer Walters, who was lawyer by profession and had Bruce Banner as her cousin who was The Hulk. In an incident, She-Hulk lost her Hulk like characteristics and changed into a super-strong, green-skinned giant. The story of the She- Hulk is the story of the writer who is trying to resolve in his own mind the concept of a social and an animal woman and depicts his own side of individuality. She- hulk has been an enduring comic-myth because every individual tries to square up the two varied aspects in their own personality. We all begin our life as Hulk, full of varied emotions and thoughts, and as we grow up in life we learn to mange the complex mix of emotions so that we are able to move well with others and fulfil our expectations in life. The history of the character seem to indicate that the more rational and reasonable a person is, the less likely the person oughts to be prone to anger, and uncivilized behaviour. The superhero mythology bridges the gap between the technology and scientific research and the futuristic explicit ideas. The text-image conservationism related to the superhero connects science and science fiction together, developing a profound relationship between pop-cultural mythologies and techno scientific research (Colin Milburn, 2005). The integration of military nanoscience and comic-book culture delves deeper into the mythology of superheroes as both the field operates logically according to the logic of the draft. The superhero future and its related myth stand in linking of the transcripts and technological advancements from one realm of cultural production to the other realms. BIBLIOGRAPHY Chopra D, Morrison G, 21st July, 2006, Comic-Con 2006: The Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes, retrieved on 14th Oct, 2008, http://comics.ign.com/articles/720/720103p1.html Fleming J, 2005, Review of The Gospel According to Superheroes: Religion and Popular Culture ed. B.J. Oropeza, retrieved on 14th Oct, 2008, http://www.english.ufl.edu/imagetext/archives/v3_1/reviews/fleming.shtml Wight K, 6th Feb, 2008, Comics: The Modern Mythology?, Retrieved on 14th Oct, 2008, http://poor-blogger.blogspot.com/2008/02/comics-modern-mythology.html Wynters D, 1st June, 2007, Super Heroes: Ancient and Modern, Retrieved on 14th Oct, 2008,http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/260273/super_heroes_ancient_and_modern.html Foster M H, The New Literacy: Television, Purveyor of Modern Myth , The English Journal, Vol. 73, No. 2 (Feb., 1984), pp. 26-30    Reynolds R, Super Heroes: A Modern Mythology, Retrieved on 14th Oct, 2008, http://www.upress.state.ms.us/books/713 Cohn N, 17th April, 2006, Superheroes are not Mythology, Retrieved on 14th Oct, 2008, http://www.emaki.net/blog/2006/04/superheroes-are-not-mythology.html Religion Newswriter, 4th June, 2007, Superheroes and spirituality: the religion of the comics, Retrieved on 14th Oct, 2008, http://www.religionlink.org/tip_070604.php Keller K, September 1, 2006, Superheroes are for Everyone The Brains Behind Girl-Wonder, Retrieved on 14th Oct, 2008, http://www.sequentialtart.com/article.php?id=239 Ampersand , 12th December , 2006, The Definition of Superhero, Retrieved on 14th Oct, 2008, http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/12/12/the-definition-of-superhero/ Colin Milburn, 2005, Nanowarriors: Military Nanotechnology and Comic Books, Retrieved on 14th Oct, 2008, http://repositories.cdlib.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4297&context=postprints Lawrence S J, Jewett R, 1st May, 2003, The Myth of the American Superhero, Retrieved on 14th Oct, 2008, http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+Myth+of+the+American+Superhero-a0101261152 Parker H C, Dreams and the Hero Myth : Hero Myth and Dreaming, Retrieved on 14th Oct, 2008 http://www.psychics.co.uk/dreams/heromyth.html Read More