Sunday, March 1, 2009
15 Minutes of Fame for the Unfamiliars
For a majority of my blogs I have discussed some pretty well known superheroes, but now it is to pay homage to the little known heroes who deserve a little attention as well. There are some superhero names that you may have heard of, but may have never been exposed to, because their lack of Hollywood support. While many have had movies and TV shows they never really reached the status of their hero brethren. For example, have you heard of the Green Lantern? Growing up I watched the cartoon on TV and it was one of the better cartoon story lines. With his ring, this superhero can pretty much do anything from flying around and kicking villain butt, to creating force fields around himself; he can keep up with his more famous cohorts. There has been discussion about a possible movie about this hero; however, nothing much has really developed. The Flash is one of the most popular unheard of heroes. His ability to run at unfathomable speeds would make for an interesting superhero movie....that is if the camera could keep up. There was an attempt at a Flash TV show in the 90's and it was so short lived that its name suited it perfectly....it was gone in a flash. One of the important superheroes that hasn't had the attention they deserve is Captain America. This was one of the most historically significant shield slinging superheroes. He made his debut during the WWII era, making him an important player in the very patriotic mantra of the time period; he was "America's Superhero". He was a mere mortal, yes, he may have been super strong, fast, and enduring, but he was human nonetheless, making his followers that much more able to act and be like him. His fight for patriotism enlightened the children of the time, making him very influential and inspiring to the comic's young readers. He stood for the "American values" of justice and peace. According to Jonah Weiland (2007), in issue number 25 of the comic book series, Captain America was killed. This makes one wonder if there is some symbolic meaning behind his demise. One possibility is that the times have changed so much and that the "American ideals" have changed likewise that there was no longer a need for this super hero, who had survived some of America's most trying times, such as WWII and Vietnam. These three heroes are just some of the unfamiliar superheroes that have graced comic books and the small screen, while there many more that could have been brought to your attention. These superheroes deserve a little recognition for their hard work, just like many of the hardworking people that surround us. They do their jobs, day in and day out, many times thanklessly. This week, try and thank one of these people....after all most of us like a little recognition once in awhile.
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I never did get into super heroes but I agree with you when you said that American Ideals have changed. I do not think that Americans look up to super heroes anymore. Kids are too busy playing games that kill people rather than watching heroes that save lives.
ReplyDeleteI also believe that a little recognition goes a long way, so props to the little people doing huge jobs. Interesting post I enjoy learning about things I do not know much about.
How interesting! I honestly was never aware of any of the super heroes that you mentioned above. I do agree that the thoughts and images we perceive to be of superheroes have not changed and are in fact shared among all superheroes. Growing up I didn’t look up to superheroes, maybe because I was more interested in dolls and makeup. My boy cousin was completely obsessed with superheroes though. I think that this has changed and kids today look up to TV icons and celebrities and think of them as superheroes….kind of scary!!
ReplyDeleteI sort of remember The Flash...but I didn't really remember until I watch Daddy Daycare a few years ago where one of the little kids ALWAYS wore a Flash costume and would only answer to Flash. The other three, I know of but don't know that much about. I think it's very depressing that the younger generations would rather blow things up and kill people than watch a sweet superhero save the day and kick some supervillian butt! I'd rather do the latter. I think the media plays a LARGE roll in that. There's so much violence with the wars waging around our world, the kidnappings, rapings, killings, etc that it's more natural to them to see disaster and depression rather than heros and safety and celebrations.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of any of these superheroes, but it was interesting to learn about them. I also think that American ideals have changed, and that's too bad because I know superheroes once played a huge role in kids' lives. Now it seems like superheroes are becoming replaced by "bad guys" in films and video games. Plus, just thinking of "superhero" movies that came out recently, Hancock certainly doesn't do any justice to the good name of superheroes.
ReplyDeleteBecause I was always a fan of the Justice League cartoon show, I knew about all these unfamiliar heroes. (Question: was the Green Lantern always a black man when he was a comic character too, or did they change his ethnicity? I've always wondered that).
ReplyDeleteFlash was always my favorite on that show because he was the comic relief.
I personally can say that I look up to the superheroes more than any violent video game. In fact, I avoid games like that. Superheroes stand for the people doing what's right in the world, and they're way more entertaining than the shoot-'em-up games like Halo.
I would have to say that I do not remember anything about the Green Lantern. I sort of remember hearing the name before but could not tell you any of his powers for sure. I am assuming he glows in some way, shape, or form due to his name but I really do not know.
ReplyDeleteNow Flash on the other hand was one of my favorites. When we were playing superheroes when I was a kid that is who I always liked to be since I used to be faster than all my friends. Although he was my favorite I do not remember where I heard of Flash and I know that I did not where his uniform for Halloween.
Captain America is another great superhero I agree but again I do not know much about him. I also did not realize he was that old of a character and that he has been gone so long.
I agree that many people go through their job daily without a thank you. A couple of weekends ago, one of my high school friends cussed out a hotel security guard for making him quiet down a little. He had no reason to do that, the guard was only doing his job and he very easily could have removed my friend from the hotel.
I have heard of the Green Lantern and The Flash, but not Captain America. I think it's a mystery why a character like that wouldn't last in America. What were the reasons for discontinuing the cartoons by causing him to die? I looked at the site you hyperlinked, and I think that he is unique in that he only carries a shield and no weapons.
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