What Makes a Superhero?

Origin

The concept of superheroes varies as far and as wide as our imaginations can go. Whether they are the guardians of an entire planet, protecting the solar system from impending doom and invaders from on high or a crime-fighting vigilante distributing justice to the scum of the streets below. Or even the common service member of the community who put the needs of others before and beyond their own to ensure the safety of the people. But what makes these individuals considered either “super” or “hero”?

Growing up, I always found superheroes to be really, really cool. The tights and costumes, gadgetry, powers, origin stories, super-villains, teams and team ups, act(s) of heroism, etc. From Batman to Spider-Man, it always amazed me that through some tragedy, laboratory experiment gone wrong, fate, chance, calling or what have you, that an average person or random Joe Schmoe could be transformed, through either cause and effect or perseverance and willpower, into a crime-fighting harbinger of justice. And while these individuals continually put their lives on the lines, admirable as it is, you have to wonder what and why. What made them decide to do what they do? What pushes them to make the sacrifices they make? Why go to such great lengths in doing what they do? 

Purpose

For every crime-fighter, vigilante, symbol of peace or justice, there’s a story behind who they are, where they came from and ultimately, why they do what they do. However, what made them embark on such a journey as to take up the role of defender and/or protector? 

To his misfortune, 8 year-old Bruce Wayne watched helplessly as his parents were brutally gunned down in an alleyway while on their home from the theater. Why they would take the back way home, especially down a creepy alleyway is beyond me, but whatever. Superheroes’ gotta origin I suppose, no matter how scarring it is. From that point on, growing up hadn’t been the easiest for Mr. Wayne. Life seemed as bleak as it could be for anyone who watched their loved ones get murdered in front of them. But a child? I couldn’t imagine the pain. Eventually coming to a certain point in his life, he made a decision that would reshape him, his household and those around him. He became the (K)night of justice (clever wordplay), a herald of vengeance. He became the Batman. Some might find what he does a little unorthodox, others may throw his mental stability into question, and few might even state his methods of delivering justice leaves a lot to be desired. However, his endless crusade against crime, which involve persistence, perseverance, years of training body, mind and soul, billions of dollars worth of equipment and toys, a few sidekicks here and there, prove that he's willing to take the fight to them and do whatever it takes to win the battle. Mind you that Bruce has a "NO KILL" Code, so when I say "whatever it takes", he does so in a way that preserves his integrity and he doesn't have to lower himself to the same sort of violence that took his parents from him. Other heroes, including Spider-Man, Superman, Nightwing, Flash, Captain America and many others hold up the same principle. So, is this what makes a hero? Saving lives and not taking them? I believe that is only part of the puzzle, and though many are of a different opinion on whether having a kill code would be beneficial or detrimental, you have to have great respect for their resolve and discipline to keep in check so they so won't step outside said moral code.

It seems that almost every hero you read about in comic books, manga, watch on television or the big screen has come to and gone through some sort of tragedy that made them who they are. Losing a loved one, getting into an accident, being unable to save someone because they were powerless to do so, or coming face to face with death, which only became a regular routine afterwards. Weird as it may be that these individuals would choose to take up a role, mantle or responsibility as guardian, protector or defender of a people, place or planet, it is commendable, nonetheless, the nobility of their actions.

STRENGTH & WEAKNESSES

Comic book characters aren't the only ones with abilities that would almost IMPOSSIBLE and beyond human comprehension. Samson, a key figure in the Bible, was blessed with tremendous superhuman strength and durability. Though he wasn't perfect, as imperfect as any human is, he was still chosen and called by God. In the end, Samson proved folly in his succumbing to the one weakness that would prove to be his undoing.

Many of us know the story. An angel appeared to Samson's mother and told her she'd be blessed with a child who would be blessed with awesome power. However, in order for him to keep this power, God had ONE RULE. A blade must NEVER come near nor touch a single hair on his head, lest he risk losing his strength; a secret known only to him and his parents. You could say he carried around his own kryptonite everywhere he went and none of his enemies were the wiser. Throughout his life, the strong man has had many upon many impressive victories, including those over the Philistines with a donkey's jawbone, tearing apart a lion with his BARE HANDS, even tore down and carrying a four ton gate to a mount and named it Bethel. However, for all of Samson's strength, power and durability, he was pathetically weak when it came to the lust of the flesh. You'd think a guy with superhuman strength could practice some self control, but hey, what's a human without flaws? He frequented brothels, drank to his heart's content, had relations with many women, and, what would ultimately be his downfall, got himself caught up in his feelings with the wrong woman.

Keep in mind, Samson is technically the main protagonist in this part of the book of Judges (see chapters 13-16). Unfortunately, for all of his God-given strength, he was only human. That doesn't excuse his actions, as he did know better, he just did a terrible job at keeping himself in check. Then, like the most awesome dad He is, God bails him out. It sucked to see his ending happen the way it did, but at least he didn't go down alone. A final prayer, a final blessing of strength, a final push to end the fight. (Your regular anime episode if you've ever seen one.) 

WHY?

From superhuman strength and invisibility to service for a community and the protection of the entire world from threat after threat, we admire the individuals who consistently put their lives on the line for the sake of the safety of the hometown, city, state, country or planet and its people they seek to keep from harm. As to why they do what they do, it varies. From selfless ambitions to save lives, to a feeling of obligation and responsibility to use their powers and resources for the good of others. (Or if you're Booster Gold, then you're selfishly in it for the fame and glory). It's hard not to appreciate the actions and heart of those who are consistent in their mission for truth and justice while preserving life. Even if they are fictional characters. However, let's also appreciate the quote: "Not all heroes wear capes". Or tights, masks, alter-egos, or have a stupid crazy origin story. Some wear badges, others teach students, most love others. We remind ourselves of our humanity when we can embrace our folly and come to terms with our imperfections; while also understanding that our greatest super power comes from how we love one another and stand together.

JESUS

The pure and blameless embodiment of these things, He was perfection incarnate; the living Word, who knew no sin, but understand our weakness. He understood our pain and sorrow, but never waivered from His mission. One the key differences between His weak moment and either your fictional or non-fictional hero's weak moments, is that the downfall they come to when it all came down to it. Not even the greatest displays of strength from either Superman or the Incredible Hulk come close to the strength our Savior displayed when facing temptation. And let's be honest. For all their strength, Kent or Banner probably couldn't walk away from an opportunity to satisfy their carnal desires as easily.

Yet, isn't that the beauty of His story? That He knows us so well, that He's willing to understand and save us time and time again. ALL WHILE LOVING US! It's simply amazing. Awe-inspiring. A healthy reminder of who He is to us and why we shouldn't take it for granted. 

I recall posting an image on my Instagram years ago that was captioned, JESUS IS MY SUPERHERO. An unexpected party felt the need to comment on my video and give their two sense on my free thought. She went to say all the reasons He wasn't a superhero, mainly because heroes go through weak moments throughout their life and how that wasn't Jesus. BUT ON THE CONTRARY, Jesus lived that! He lived us! Divinity and all power; ALL GOD, wrapped in humanity and imperfection. Yet, despite the trials, being tested and tempted, and beaten within an inch of His life, His love for those He would ultimately save proved formidable and nothing could challenge it. In the end, His rise was and is Hell's fall. His life was and is death's eviction. His sacrifice was and is our victory and the grave's defeat. 

So...

What makes a superhero? Heroics? Fame and notoriety? Or maybe just being selfless in your actions? Whatever the case, being a "superhero" should be just a label. Whether you wear that proudly is up to you, but who you are to others is what's just as important than the name they give you. It's not just who and/or what you are or even what you do, but why you're doing it in the first place. It wasn't just about who Christ was or even what He looked like (which is still an annoying argument to this day), it's what He came to do and why He did it. That's what makes a superhero and Jesus is forever mine.

Grace and Peace.