| GOLLY-GOSH BATMAN! Is it a
bird, is it a plane? No. It’s Superman or maybe The Ghost
Who Walks! Do you know these catch phrases of heroes? They are recognised by people of all ages today. Heroes and superheroes have been about for centuries, such as Robin Hood and Bible heroes. They can be based on legends, real people, or made up by people who want someone to be their hero. Why are superheroes so important? Why do we need them? Maybe it’s because we feel insecure about ourselves and need help, or to fill that missing gap within ourselves and to escape into that imaginary world. Whatever the reason may be, superheroes still have a place in our culture. And people don’t care that their superheroes wear their undies on the outside! Claire Watts, author of the book ‘SUPERHEROES’, says there are many different reasons why people have superheroes. "It’s really good to see that adults are starting to get more involved in superheroes and it’s not just children all the time," said Ms Watts. Her book is great if you want some information, or just to read about your favourite superhero. Superman and Batman portray normal people on the outside, but they have this superpower on the inside, which is probably part of the appeal to the audience. They imply that every one has a different hidden superpower inside them. Both The Man of Steel and The Caped Crusader made their first appearance in comics in the late 1930’s. Then by the mid 1940’s they were made into films and cinema series. From here, Superman progressed faster than a speeding bullet ahead of Batman, having a TV series and a major film before his rival. The superhero market takes care of all age groups, from the youngest ages with toys and figurines, to teenagers, adults and the old, with comics, cards and now boxer shorts, robes and vests. They are still as popular as ever, especially after the latest Batman and Phantom films. But wait, what’s this? The Ghost Who Walks is Back! Yes, that childhood comical hero is here again, with his new movie. And those purple tights are looking better than ever! |
Mr J. Richards, president of
the Phantom fan club said there are currently 127 countries
associated with the club, and approximately 15,000
members world wide. "It’s amazing to see the
number of fathers passing the tradition of the club and comics
down to their children. It’s good to see," said
Mr Richards. His Grandfather was the founder of the club,
then his father and now himself have all been presidents. Even though the Phantom is making his debut on the big screen, he has never really been out of the public’s eye, and has stayed through the ages with his comics. Other comics haven’t lasted though, like He-man and Shera who were here one day and gone the next, or Spiderman who has been around, but always in the background. Women heroes haven’t been popular either, with the main two being Wonder Woman and Shera. In films like The Terminator and Robocop, the modern day heroes are cyborgs - robots that look like humans. They have superhuman strength, are indestructible, and they can repair any damage to themselves, which makes them the techno-heroes of today. They are a product of our advancing technology, but have they gone so far that we can’t relate to them? Maybe that’s why they don’t seem to have the hold over the audience that the past heroes have. Superheroes are a part of our culture and they are accepted. Whether they are good or bad, old or new, most people have a place for superheroes in themselves. But who will still be here in another 20 years? Will The Ghost Who Walks still be walking in the year 2000 and beyond? Will Batman still be fighting the Joker and the Riddler? And will Superman still be going faster than a speeding bullet? By Amanda |