Everyone needs a little bit of superhero in their life right?

Right?

No, this is not where I start preaching the idea of tapping into one’s own superpowers in order that one may powerstride through those life-moments that demand that little extra zip.

This is where I list why I believe superheros (especially those from the 1960’s & 70’s) have something, in fact many things – apart from righting wrongs and bringing a sense of order to fictional worlds – to recommend them –

They give a sense of hope.

They show that having something that makes you different is a wonderful thing.

They stand up for what’s right (Doing that in real life for most of us is a much more soberingly selective and strategic practice.)

Clearly they love colour.

Sociologists might well trace the renewed popularity of superheros across the last decade and a half to a post September 11, 2001 world now divided more than ever between good and evil. Whatever the reason, it’s fair to say superheroes are the Greek gods of secular modern life – otherworldly figures able to tackle the problems of this human world.

And like the gods of Greek mythology, they can be flawed. In fact, psychologists
argue we need them to be flawed. Part of their appeal is that we can relate to them, despite their being superhuman. We understand in real life however, we are not Superman or Wonder Woman and that we cannot control the world.

As adults we live daily the undeniable truth of the need to tap into our own innate abilities to make our way in the world. We find ways to cope with adversity and seek help for things we feel less equipped to tackle on our own. But sometimes, when the whim takes hold, it can be fun to indulge in childhood moments revisiting worlds where heroes prevailed and the clearly defined good guy – or girl – came out on top

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