How Stan Lee’s creation of the modern Super-hero has inspired me and thousands of others.
Photo by Mia Nogueira
With a pink towel tied securely around my neck and my underwear worn proudly atop my miniature head, I dashed across the kitchen with grace and integrity.
Wielding a plastic wand in one hand, and a juice-box in the other, I paraded through the house with pride and purpose. I sought a damsel in distress, a sinister villain, or perhaps even a lost cat, in order to prove my virtue to the audience of stuffed animals and toy soldiers that sat before me, anticipating my upcoming escapades.
It’s true. I’ve always wanted to be a superhero. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t? They’re bold, brave, and sturdy, consistently depicting ideal human qualities such as self-sacrifice, modesty, and equity. While over-the-top and sometimes hokey, they have given me – along with millions of other impressionable children – something to look up to; a figure that always overcomes adversity, despite the dwindling chance of success. The superhero was an image of hope and, as a child, that’s something that was never in abundance for me.
So did I throw on a mask and stride across rooftops, saving the innocent and punishing the wicked? No. But I did accumulate an awesome comic-book collection that I felt made up for my lack of combat experience. My favorite franchise soon became Marvel, home of idolized superheroes such as Spider-man, the X-Men, and the Hulk. Before long, Stan Lee – the creator, main writer, and all-around spokesperson for Marvel Comics – became somewhat of a deity in my eyes. I would ritualistically read his comics, gaining knowledge and strength after every page. I loved the characters, I loved the settings, I loved the artwork, and I even loved the cliché, romantic side-plots that seemed to work their way into even the most masculine of series.
But what truly inspired me about the comics that captured me was the message they portrayed. The point was not to spontaneously gain superpowers and fight evildoers, nor was it to create an elaborate costume and become a public celebrity. Instead, comics gave me the inspiration to stick to my convictions; to remain virtuous and stalwart even in the bleakest of times. A true superhero doesn’t do what he does for the glory. A superhero does what he believes is the right thing to do. Superheroes overcome obstacles, they triumph over unappreciative citizens, they even risk their lives, all because of a sense of duty that can’t be trumped.
Let’s take a look at one of the most prominent Marvel Superheroes out there: Spider-man. Most can thoroughly describe this mighty hero without even picking up a comic-book. He is bold, fearless, and has all the powers of a mutated spider. It all seems simple enough, doesn’t it? But behind this peerless avenger lies imperfection; simply a resident of Manhattan who wants to make money and get through life unharmed. This unrecognized and underappreciated character is Peter Parker, the man behind the mask.
Is Peter Parker bold? No. Fearless? Absolutely not. Peter Parker is rigid, flawed, and socially fearful. Here’s just a normal guy who’s worried if girls will like him. Parker’s inner demons are consistently depicted throughout numerous series, displaying his doubts, inconsistencies, and even his greed. Probably the greatest – and certainly most recognized – internal struggle faced by Parker can be seen in the Amazing Spider-Man #50. In this issue, Parker begins to lose faith in his abilities as Spider-Man. This is primarily due to his financial struggles, his failing relationships – most notably with romantic lead Gwen Stacy – and his trouble keeping a steady job.
Ultimately, Parker loses all hope, throwing his Spider-Man costume into an alleyway trash bin and declaring that he is, “Spider-Man No More!” This leads to a massive inflation in local crime, along with an incessant feeling of guilt, haunting Peter Parker.
Sound heroic? It shouldn’t.
Sound like someone you know? It does to me.
In almost every issue of any Spider-Man series, it’s possible to catch a glimpse of Parker’s doubts and selfishness. But what makes him a hero, an idol, and someone I’ve looked up to since I was a child, isn’t his flaws; it’s how he overcomes them. Parker is no stranger to the evils of humanity; he experiences all weaknesses any everyday citizen would. But, despite his worries, and despite his desire to become wealthy, he prevails as an individual, remaining kind and benevolent in his normal – and, of course, abnormal – life.
A good, well-rounded character should never be perfect. And that applies to superheroes, as well. Without a well-rounded character, the superhero is unimaginative, and ultimately uninspiring. Displaying the humanity and flawed nature of the everyday Super-hero is an aspect of writing that Stan Lee has valued since the inception of Marvel Comics in 1961. Even after 50 years of writing, Stan Lee still vows to create interesting and comprehendible characters in his works. “If you’re writing about a character, if he’s a powerful character, unless you give him vulnerability I don’t think he’ll be as interesting to the reader,” said Stan Lee during an interview in 2006.
Comic books have continuously instilled confidence and courage in me every day, allowing me to prevail over countless hindrances throughout my life. I don’t do what Iron Man believes is right; I do what I believe is right. And that idea has guided me through good times and bad, allowing me to rise to the occasion and find courage even in times when courage is hard to find.
It is because of this guidance that Stan Lee, through his creation of the modern superhero, has remained my inspiration to remain virtuous, kind, and respectful throughout my life. Plus, he gave me an excuse to accumulate a wicked comic-book collection, which was always appreciated.
And hey, I’ve got the personality flaws down pat, meaning the next logical step is a much more difficult one: getting superpowers!
