Superman, Thor and Batman - Essay Example

? Superman, Thor, Batman and The United s of America Superheroes have been a part of every individual’s life since childhood. It is fascinating how, through the years, these super figures may have updated their costumes or powers and yet people of different ages idolize them for the same reasons: these superheroes, despite their super powers, also manifest human emotions. Audiences can relate to the anger, frustration, embarrassment, hurt and happiness the characters feel. The characters’ popularity can be attributed to this empathy from their audiences. Interestingly, these characters have also been found to embody certain traits and/or ideals of a group of people. Studying these characters, how they were created and even the period when they were made, one can discover the reason behind their creation and possibly have a better understanding of the culture during that time. In America where one can find the movie capital of the world, superhero fans have tried to interpret what these characters, specifically Superman, Batman and Thor may want to stand for in relation to their homeland. Superman is one, if not, the most famous superhero of all time. The character’s popularity reaches outside the United States. At costume parties or children’s birthdays, the Superman theme is always a favorite. There is something in the man’s personality and overall appearance that has made people, especially Americans, a fondness. It is no wonder then that Superman who fights for “Truth, Justice and the American Way” has been believed to symbolize America more than any other super figure. The Superman everyone today is familiar with was supposedly influenced by not only one but several figures in the lives of then-teenage creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. A storyteller and an artist, respectively, Jerry and Joe, initially created an image in the likeness of philosopher Nietzsche’s Superman. According to Nietzsche, Superman is “a human who has battled modern values and overcome the flaws of humanity.” (Knowles, 1) When Hitler came into power however, he used Nietzsche’s writings and used them as a reason for “cleansing” the world of non-Supermans. Siegel and Shuster then transformed their Superman into someone who fought for justice. Hugo Danner, a fictional character with superpowers in a book the boys were fond of, was said to have given inspiration to Superman’s strengths. There was also the likeness to the biblical figure Moses. The deliverer of the Jewish people (Siegel and Shuster were of Jewish origin) was also left by his parents to save him, adopted by others and lived a double life. Some people say that mild-mannered Kent and the indestructible Superman were a representation of the Jewish people’s meekness and their hope of saving their families from the Nazis. Everyone knows the story of Superman. An alien sent to Earth by his parents, the boy is adopted by the Kents, a middle-class couple who lives in the countryside. The adoptive parents raise him without encouraging the use of his supernatural powers. As an adult, he is depicted as a humble, unassuming and shy newspaper reporter. He wears black, unfashionable, corrective glasses and walks with his shoulders slouched and his hair parted to the side. This is Clark Kent, Superman in his “human” form. At the sound of trouble, Clark changes into a charming, physically impressive and powerful man who helps anyone in distress. Although he appears to be invincible, he is weakened by kryptonite, a kind of stone that comes from, ironically, Superman’s own home planet, Krypton. Superman can be viewed as an epitome of America’s dominant figure in the world. Similar to Superman, the country is the current super power. It uses its resources and strength to protect its own and the other countries, big or small, who ask for help. It does not condone evil doings. The world was witness to America’s strength when it dominated in wars against Japan, Korea, Spain, Great Britain and Iraq. Like how people in Metropolis look up to Superman for protection, many of the United States’ allies are confident to have the super power on their side. America has assured them of its support, whether financial, military or humanitarian, for as long as the partner countries would allow America to help. Despite its force, America also has its own kryptonite which renders it weak and sometimes causes its downfall. America’s own belief that it is an unbeatable protector of men like Superman has caused it to be involved in matters that may not need its intervention. Casualties in the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, Afghanistan and the World Trade Center bombing are proof of how something outwardly indestructible can also be hurt and unlike in the Superman movies, the effects of these mistakes are long-lasting and at times, permanent. Another famous superhero is the masked Batman who is otherwise known as multi-billionaire philanthropist playboy and businessman Bruce Wayne. As a child, Bruce had witnessed a mugger shooting his parents. A brooding Bruce made a promise to avenge his parents’ death by spending his life fighting criminals. He proceeds to train himself and creates his own lair, costume, devices and car, the Bat-mobile. This other side of him is kept a secret with only his trusted butler, Alfred, in his confidence. Batman was created in the 1930’s. The contemporary popular culture of the time influenced Batman’s personality, character history, visual design and equipment. (Daniels, 2003) After World War II, the writers and artists of Batman removed him from a depressing world and made him a highly-regarded citizen in a much brighter environment. Eventually, Batman adopted a sidekick, Robin. This brought on subsequent clamor of hidden homosexual overtones and the rise of Bat-girl and Bat-woman. Unlike Superman, the character of Batman does not have super powers. The Masked Crusader’s strength and covertness is a result of spending time in the mountains of Tibet training amidst ninjas. Although he cannot see through walls, run faster than a speeding bullet or leap tall buildings in one bound, Batman does have a utility belt filled with various self-made tools to help him fight crime. Before he goes after criminals, he studies them and their movements very carefully in his hide-out. The mysterious yet intelligent aura of Batman/Bruce Wayne has endeared him to audiences the same way they were drawn to Superman/Clark Kent’s klutzy yet charming appeal. In associating the character with the United States, it can be said that Batman’s alter ego Bruce Wayne represents the business and industry of the country and how through national and international cooperation the problems of today and the future can be resolved. Bruce Wayne is the CEO and philanthropist who tries to do right by using his wealth to try and improve the well-being of Gotham City. In this sense, Bruce Wayne is like America. Through the years, the country’s money and effort has been used to beautify its territory, provide extra funding to law enforcement, and even improve the living conditions. The nation has also provided much needed financial assistance to Third World countries. Bruce Wayne can also be said to represent each American’s dream to have wealth and use it for their personal use. Bruce is depicted as a playboy living alone in a grand mansion and enjoying the luxuries that money can bring him. He is surrounded by lovely women, cars, motorcycles, elegant dinners and pieces of art and antiques. Most people in the United States also continue to strive for the American Dream. There is, however, a darker side of Bruce Wayne. His alter ego, Batman, can be seen as the “tool” that businesses use to spread their influence or drive away a competitor and to “create a scene of utopia” that washes away the consumers’ worries. However, if businesses were transparent as to how they achieve results, people would know the “secrets” of their successful businesses. These dark practices would be condoned. By America portraying the masked individual Batman and his alter ego Bruce Wayne, it allows a superpower like the United States to weave its influence without anyone to blame and at the same time make it appear that its actions are for a noble and respected cause. Although he is also an action figure in the comics and movies like the beloved Batman and Superman, Thor does not appear to share the same commercial popularity. He is not made in plastic miniature or featured in children’s clothing and accessories as frequently as the Caped Crusader and the Man of Steel. Nevertheless, one can also see some aspects of America embodied by the mighty Thor. The son of Odin has several similarities and differences with Batman and Superman. For one thing, he is also a powerful individual, trained in combat like Batman. He has the same boyish charisma as Superman. Where Batman has his utility belt and tools and Superman has his innate powers, Thor has his hammer, mjolnir, his belt and his gloves to help him in battle. In the movie, Thor uses his strength to save his friends and himself against the Destroyer, an automaton sent to kill Thor by his brother, Loki. (Lehmann) In contrast to the other two super heroes on Earth who are human, Thor is a Norse god from a world called Asgard. The movie Thor is based on a persona in English literature. Thor is the son of King Odin. The myth speaks of a fair-haired man, with exceptional built who wields a magical hammer,  Mjollnir, wears the belt, Megingjor?, and the iron gloves, Jarngreipr, and owns the staff, Gri?arvolr. He is also known as the god of lightning. Unlike the unassuming Superman and Batman, the depiction of Thor in the movie is that of spoiled brat who always acts on impulse. He disagrees with his father and friends and gives reign to his temper rather than the reasoning of people around him. He is of the belief that he is the best in Asgard and nobody can defeat him and his hammer. Because of his arrogance, Thor causes trouble instead of finding or being the solution like Batman and Superman. If Superman is America as a super power and Batman is the nation in its money-making ventures, Thor may be the United States mostly as seen through its military arm. Among the many things that Thor represents, there are six aspects that stand out and relate to America and the American military. Like lighting, the swiftness of the United States armed forces has been manifested in the many battles it has entered into. The force has been trained to respond at the soonest time possible in situations within and outside the country. Protection is also a term associated with Thor and his hammer. (Kuchinsky, 1) Thor is believed to faithfully shield his land and people from harm. In the same way, the American military goes through extreme measures in taking care of its nation’s territory, people and the other countries that depend on its defense. Hallowing, healing and fertility are additional concepts associated with the Norse god Thor which can be applied to America as a whole. The country pursues the spread of Christianity where possible. It also provides humanitarian aid to countries that need its help and rebuilds what it has destroyed or damaged in other nations. Moreover, Thor is known to work and play hard (Kuchinsky, 2) which is comparable to Americans who diligently work the required hours and indulge in recreational activities whenever their schedule allows. In the country called “the land of the free”, people are bound by their aspirations and dreams. Their actions direct them into achieving those ambitions and their emotions are influenced by the result of these events. With the advent of superheroes such as Superman, Batman and Thor, the American people have found an avenue to release their frustrations and further explore their hopes. These characters have also served as a way for Americans to analyze and probably better comprehend the goals, expectations and happenings in their lives and their country. Work Cited Daniels, L. DC Comics: A Celebration of the World’s Favorite Comic Book Heroes. New York: Billboard Books/Watson-Guptill Publications, 2003. Print. Lehmann, M. "Thor: Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter. n.d. Web. 22 November 2011. Knowles, A. Nietzche’s Superman. www.barrington.org. 22 November 2011. Kuchinsky, C. “Thor: Discovering the Humanity of this Ancient God.” Associatedcontent. 21 January 2008. Web. 22 November 2011. Read More