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           Superhero films have a focus on values. All heroes have a set of values. They are usually honesty, integrity, reliability, and respect. They stand up for the innocent, battle evil, and teach us these values. However these heroes do not always possess these values from birth. They are usually taught from family members or friends, thus I come to the conclusion that superhero films place an emphasis on family and friendship values. Superman learned his values from his Earth parents. They raised him, taught him what was right and wrong. The Avengers had to learn to trust their partners. This is an example of culture. Our culture is passed down from one generation to another. Parent teaches child. Child also learns from others, our culture shapes our actions.

            These actions/values we have learned have taught us how to participate in life. Parents teach us how to shop, how to find bargains, and how to save money. We use our values to interact with each other and how to treat each other. Superheroes have the same values, and it is clearly depicted in their films, treat everyone the way you want to be treated. This is the golden rule that we have learned since kindergarten.

            After the past analysis I have learned that these films are not only entertaining us, they are teaching us morals and values, and with any research I do into a subject, I gain more respect for that subject.

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Superhero Formulas

                One flaw with superhero movies is that they seem to follow the same pattern or formula. Their conventions are the same, and the only things that differ are the inventions, e.g. powers, criminal acts, locations.  A formula, as described by Ray Browne “is like a cooking recipe, which outlines the ingredients to be used in the cooking” (Schaffer, 2005) Just like a cooking recipe a formula outlines the plots of a movie or book. Conventions are those things that do no change in a story. In superhero movies the conventions are that there is always a hero, who has or gains powers, he or she has to face evil, and save the life of a group of people. The things that change (inventions) are the crimes or acts the evil person (villain) does.

                To illustrate this let us look at several different hero movies from the past couple of years, Thor, Captain America, and Iron Man. In the film Thor, the evil trickster known as Loki takes causes a war between the Frost Giants and the Asguardians. Loki overthrows the king Odin and causes Thor’s banishment to earth. Thor must find his way back to Asgard, defeat Loki, and save the planet from war. The formula goes as follows, Hero has powers, fights evil, and saves world. The film Thor follows this plot/formula precisely.

                Let us apply that same formula to Captain America. In this film Captain America is a small weak man who undergoes a scientific procedure known as Super Soldier project. From this experiment he gains super strength and agility. This film takes place during WWII and a power known as Hydra seeks to take control of the world. Captain America and his allies must battle Hydra to save the world. Captain America follows the same formula as Thor.

                Finally we take a look at Iron man 2. In this film Tony Stark has previously developed a super suit made up of ultra-high-tech material. This suit enables him to fly, take damage, and use advance weaponry. Whiplash the villain in the story tries to use advance robotics to take over the planet. Iron man must use his powers to stop him. As with the other two films, Iron Man 2 follows the same formula.

                This formula can be applied to almost all of the superhero films, including Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, X-men, and so on. Although these films follow the same formula, they manage to be huge successes. This furthers me to believe if there is nothing wrong with the formula, do not try to change it. These stories were created a long time ago, and should not be changed because some director does not want to be accused of following the same old pattern. If it is not broke do not try to fix it.

References

Browne, R. (2005). Profiles of Popular Culture. Madison: The University of Wisconsin Press.

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Introduction

            A hero has many qualities, and those qualities are highly debated. Every single person has his or her own views regarding heroes. As editor Ray B. Browne noted in “Profile of Popular culture”, “Heroes are created by and used to fill the needs of individuals and society”. (Browne, 2005) It is no wonder that everyone has a different idea of what a hero is, because everyone has different needs. Matching heroes with popular culture is a different aspect. You have to look at who designed the hero, if fictional, and who recognizes the hero, whether they are fictional or real. For an example, take Eli Manning, quarterback of the 2012 Superbowl Champions, the New York Giants. Millions of fans love him, millions of young aspiring athletes look up to him as their hero, however many Green Bay Packer fans might not think of him as a hero, rather a good athlete who happened to beat them.  Is Eli a hero? To some yes, to some no, but to popular culture, yes. Eli has lifted the spirits of the state of New York’s citizens; he has created aspirations in the minds of young athletes across the world. He is a popular culture hero.

Superman

            However, this article is not about Eli Manning, it is about Superman. He was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster, and made his first appearance in 1938. (DC Comics, 2012) He was created to depict the greatest superhero of all time. In order to understand how he has risen to be one of the biggest fictional heroes of all time, you must understand our pop culture. Popular culture usually relates to current trends, who is famous now, who is “in”. Because of this our culture throws heroes to the grinder and forever forgets them. Superman is an exception to this. He may not have to years of Hercules, but then again when is the last time Hercules has been depicted on the big screen. Superman was created almost seventy five years ago, and he is still going strong.

            As mentioned he is different from mythical heroes, however he does share some of their characteristics. He is super strong, he has no equal on earth, and he has one weakness. As stated though he is different, he is not yet a mythical hero but a popular culture hero. Mythical heroes stand above civilization, Superman does not, and he always considers himself no different than anyone else, and he subjects himself to the same laws that apply to everyone else.

            Movies, video games, magazines, toys, clothing, television shows, have all be sold featuring Superman. He is a pop culture icon and hero. Superman is also an individual’s hero, in the heart of Jerry Siegel, co-creator of Superman. Jerry’s father died from a heart attack after his store was robbed. Many conspirators believe that his father was actually shot, and this was covered up. In Superman’s first appearance he is depicted deflecting bullets of his chest. (DC Comics, 2012) Thus Superman was created out of an individual’s need for a hero.

Insights

            I continue to learn more about heroes, popular culture, icons, and celebrities. I learn how all of these interact with each other, and why they here. As each week goes by I grow a deeper respect for superheroes. They have transcended past being solely for my entertainment, and have become my reason for knowledge.