William Bradley
Sep 7, 2018 · 2 min read

The “Superhero” Complex

What does a citizen of Metropolis think when he sees Superman leap a building in a single jump? The awe they experience from his incredible feat is two-sided:

  • External: What Superman has just done deserves credit and recognition
  • Internal: What Superman has done they could never recreate.

This creates an interesting relationship between Superman and the city. He’s infallible to them, he can’t be beaten, even his most known weakness (kryptonite) has yet to finally do him in. But what does this mean for Superman? What’s the cost of being a hero?

Superheroes have problems too. That’s why the Hall of Justice is so necessary. Only Batman, Wonderwoman, The Flash, etc. will ever truly understand the strain and pitfalls of being superhero. The Justice League is as much a place of commiseration as it is a tool for Earth’s defense.

What does this mean? There are people in your life who view you as a superhero. Maybe you’ve achieved a great amount of success, maybe you’ve exuded a lot of potential, maybe you’re talented in ways they hope they can be.

They sit behind you in awe as you “leap buildings” and whole you’re knees are killing you from landing in the superhero pose for the millionth time, they’re blindly cheering your last accomplishment.

This isn’t an admonishment of the relationship. I just think we all deserve to be aware when someone’s friendship turns into fandom. The theme of “check on your strong friend” is prevalent, there must be something to the idea that people are out there shouldering burdens silently while others clap for them doing so.

None of us are real life heroes. Be careful of being a fan more than being a friend. And if you can’t find other friends, then build your own Justice League and talk to other “heroes/heroines”. Nobody has to go it alone.

P.S. — I’m so glad I kept my DC and Marvel Universes separate.