The R.E.M. song “I am Superman” started out like this–
“I am I am I am Superman and I know what’s happening.
I am I am I am Superman and I can do anything.”
Then there was once a favorite Snickers commercial of mine that featured a football player who said “I’m Batman.”
More recently, at the end of Spider-man (2002)—
“Whatever life holds in store for me, I will never forget these words:
“With great power comes great responsibility.”
This is my gift, my curse. Who am I? I’m Spider-man.”
What does it mean to say–I am (insert Superhero here)? I think that it goes deep into all of our hearts and dreams. Who wouldn’t want to “jump tall buildings in a single bound”? Comic books have a distinct draw to all of us, as we all seek to be faster, stronger, and wiser.
I think the DC Comic concept of modern mythology is a good one. These Superheros are not real, but the are believable. They are also beyond reach. I hope that the writers all agree they can also be used to teach good morals about good and evil. In their world demand respect and awe. They can do supernatural things–they have stories to be told and enjoyed–and, they give hope to the hopeless. It is nice to read a story where the good always defeats evil.
stephen says
good observation. the name of the superhero really is the embodiment of the heroes ideals and morals. so proclaiming you are blank reaffirms what you are and what you believe in.