We Could Be Heroes - Analysis Essay Example
📌Category: | Books |
📌Words: | 636 |
📌Pages: | 3 |
📌Published: | 17 February 2022 |
In the chapter “We Could Be Heroes” Professor in Film and Cultural studies, Will Brooker, brings an insightful explanation of what a superhero is essentially about and how an individual can transform themselves into one. He describes the personal backgrounds of superheroes and why they decide to make a change in their lives. Brooker explains that superheroes are about forming a new change in their identity, hoping to eliminate a hard past in order to move on. An example he provides is Rorschach from the epic novel Watchmen, it demonstrates that a person can initially be viewed as a misfit to society before they become their better version (12). Furthermore, Brooker adds how in this present-day reality, there may not be the superheroes from the comics that wear a costume or hold a secret identity, but similar characteristics are shared with entertainers. An example, most artists, actors, and influencers are identified simply by their unique style or their public name. He also notes that celebrities are role models to many because they put themselves in the light and encourage others to embrace their different qualities. A person that may be considered a nobody today can become an inspirational somebody tomorrow (Brooker 17). Being open and gaining confidence is highly important so that it can allow many people to reinvent themselves to become the superhero they want to be.
The chapter “Superheroes Are Made” sets forth the main elements that build up a superhero given by the comic book writer Tom DeFalco. There are many works that go into creating a new superhero which is not just about coming up with a crazy costume or the name they will display. To begin with, DeFalco’s definition of a superhero is “anyone who possesses a superhuman trait” (139). Every superhero has a story but each of them holds a specific contribution to the world they exist in. Defalco points out that to build a superhero one of the first things that must be settled is the building site or genre that is going to present the outline story of the character. This generally means what type of category they will form part of and what other subjects will be tied to them. In addition, the foundation is another principal element that indicates the theme of the superhero and what they will play out. For instance, Spider-Man is faced with the struggle of making the right decisions such as saving the day while dealing with personal problems (DeFalco 141). Many superheroes like Spider-Man must give up many things in order to be the best they can be and serve for the greater good. A framework is also a building block for the character to carry its role out in accordance with their world. DeFalco gives an example with the Ericstrike series, an architect that at the same time follows in the footsteps of Thor to fight and protect (143). The last element that helps bring a superhero to life are the accoutrements that are not necessarily costumes/weapons but further details to their identity. This is usually more of a descriptive background of that superhero’s personality that can help grasp the attention of many because they are getting to know them in depth. The audience that DeFalco is trying to target in his work here is any person that might feel as if they don’t have enough of a capability that is close to that of a superhero. He emphasizes on the fact that just as superheroes have to put many valuable things at risk to reach a dream or goal, individuals too have to make sacrifices to be able to progress in life. DeFalco delivers a sense of reassurance to everyone about being able to succeed if they put an immense effort and faithfully trust that they can accomplish anything they set their mind to.
Works Cited
Brooker, Will. “We Could Be Heroes.” What Is a Superhero? edited by Robin S. Rosenberg
and Peter Coogan, Oxford University Press, 2013, pp. 12-17
DeFalco, Tom. “Superheroes Are Made.” What Is a Superhero? edited by Robin S. Rosenberg
and Peter Coogan, Oxford University Press, 2013, pp. 139-146