New “super” heroes—where do we go from here?

New “super” heroes represent the current films coming out in theaters.  For example, Katniss of The Hunger Games and Tris from Divergent can be seen as new “super” heroes.  They represent character’s trying to stray away from society’s current norms in order to live a better life.  The new “super” heroes that will be written will definitely be strong in the post-9/11 aspect as that still plays a large part in our lives today.  Also, right now dystopian novels are massive, but I am unsure if they will “die out” within the next 10 years or so.  These super heroes will probably not have any powers like actual “superheroes,” but will be considered “super” heroes due to their ability to connect to the reader/audience on personal levels.  I have a feeling the “super” heroes will be more on an emotional level rather than an action stance.   I feel this way mainly because novels by John Green are extremely popular, and they deal with struggles of overcoming illnesses, and emotional issues.  His characters can be seen as heroes though since they show character progression and emotional strength.  Honestly, my prediction may be completely wrong and the next “super” hero movies/novels will be technology based with a ton of action.  Not sure, though.

Superheroes after 9/11

Superheroes after 9/11 represent the post-9/11 sense of postmodernism.  This means that the superheroes portray the fears of the American people following the terrorist attack.  In order to do so, there are possible signs of superheroes suffering from post-traumatic-stress-disorder, which is mainly seen in Iron Man 3.  Also, the films have become significantly darker.  This can be seen in the latest Batman trilogy.  The scenes are very dark, as well as the villains.   A prime example is the Joker.  He is a dark, dangerous killer.  Also, there is this “post-9/11” aspect of Arab tensions to represent the unfortunate islamophobia in the United States following the attack.  This is seen in the latest Iron Man films.  Tony Stark is held captive in the Middle East, and that is where the main tension takes place, and the criminals are those in the Middle East. The superheroes after 9/11 represent the common fears held by Americans in order to make Americans feel “safe” or protection of some sort from the traumatic experience.   

What is the purpose of a secret identity?

The purpose of a secret identity can be different for many different people.  For the sake of the topic of superheroes, secret identities keep the superhero from governmental responsibilities.  Usually, the superheroes (at least in the Marvel universe) live where they fight crime.  So, they will technically be paying their taxes towards the damages as well.  Also, the secret identity protects the family and friends of the superhero.  If it is known that Peter Parker is Spiderman, his aunt would then be targeted, as well as Mary Jane/ Gwen Stacy.  Also, the superhero his/herself would be targeted.  If people know that Bruce Wayne is Batman, he would definitely either be: under attack, constantly bothered, or followed by paparazzi everywhere.  In the comic, Identity Crisis, there are paparazzi at a funeral of a superhero’s wife because their identities were known.  Superheroes personal lives need to stay out of the public eye in order to secure the safety of their family and friends. 

Who controls Gotham City?

Who DOES control Gotham city?

Jim Gordon: police chief that believes in doing the right thing for the sake of the citizens, yet always asks Batman, the man who breaks every rule, for help.

Batman: Masked vigilante. Refuses to kill, yet breaks every other law.  Works on his own.  The cause of chaos in Gotha,.

The citizens:  They pay for a majority of city damage due to Batman’s battles, they still live in Gotham regardless of all the horror that has occurred, they keep Gotham alive and in some sort of order.

Personally, I believe the citizens control Gotham.  They could have easily left, once they realized that Batman brings in all these villains.  Yet, they continue to pay their taxes and “support” this masked vigilante.  It is a tough decision, and there are probably more people/groups who could be responsible for controlling Gotham.  For example, Harvey Dent, the prior Mayor.  However, Dent worked with Batman as well.  The citizens are literally keeping Gotham alive with their taxes, jobs, and by simply living there.  They have witnessed some fairly traumatic events, yet remain where they are.  They are the reason Gotham is a functioning city.

Character Profile on Gotham City:

There are many, many characters of importance in Gotham.  Batman, Bruce Wayne (as the man of wealth, without the batman suit on), Jim Gordon, Barbara Gordon, The Joker, ect.

The following profile is on the Joker:

Name: The Joker

Birthday: Who knows?  Was created in 1940, though.

Birthplace: Who knows?

Parents: Does he even have a family?

In other words, the actual origin of The Joker is unknown.  The comic, The Killing Joke, makes the assumption that he joined criminals, later transforming into the Joker. 

The Joker enters Gotham, causing chaos. However, this villain alters order and never has an exact plan, but things always work out how he wants them to.  The Joker has this admiration and love for Batman, saying things like, “you complete me” and refusing to kill Batman.  Is the Joker in love with Batman? Or is there just an obsession?  Also, Batman refuses to kill the Joker.  It is quite confusing, but it is as if they have this weird connection and need to keep each other alive in order to keep living their own lives.  Without the Joker, there would be no chaos in Gotham, and there would be no Batman.  But what if the Batman ceased to exist?  So many questions, so little answers. 

Character Profile: Barbara Gordon

Making a character profile on a fictional character is exceptionally difficult as I am unsure if Barbara Gordon has a specific height, personality, birthdate…

Barbara Gordon:

- Daughter of Jim Gordon, police commissioner of Gotham City

- Member of the Bat family

- Birthday (Found it!): 2/18/1985    … Happy belated birthday, Barbs!

- “Medical History”: Paralyzed in The Killing Joke in 1988

- Became the Oracle

- 2011: regained the use of her legs, became Batgirl again

-Friends/allies:

            - Batman

            - Robin

            -Black Canary

            - Zantana

            - Wonder Woman

            -Poison Ivy

            - There are probably a few more but I have no idea I apologize.

-Personality/Character Traits:

            - Feminist (to some sort of extent)

            - Leader

            - Intellectual

            - No actual “super powers”

            - Has a photographic memory

I think it came out pretty well...

Thanks,

Sydney