Marvel and DC, have produced superheroes and anti-heroes that are relatable to the average person. Even though they posses superhuman abilities, it does not mean they are perfect humans. Common issues and lessons of everyday life learned from comic book characters, include redemption, forgiveness and building confidence.
Redemption (Second chances)
A parent’s love is important to a child’s emotional development. Likewise, the love for a child can inspire a parent to become a better person.
In Marvel’s movie “Ant-Man” Ant-Man was a petty criminal who sought redemption for his past crimes to become a responsible father for his daughter. Ant Man’s motivation for redemption and acceptance drove him to save the world from a villain named Yellow Jacket.
In DC’s movie “Suicide Squad,” Deadshot was a hired assassin and an imprisoned criminal who wanted to be a loving father for his daughter. Deadshot was reluctant to work with Task Force X and stop the villain called the Enchantress from harming the world. In exchange for his help during the crisis, Deadshot was allowed supervised visits with his daughter and ten years off his prison sentence.
This shows that anyone whether good or bad has a chance to make things right in their life. There comes a time in your life where you have to right the wrongs and hit reset.
Crisis of Confidence (Belief in one’s self)
When a person believes in his/her abilities, skills, talents and value, a new logic to life is developed. For every action there is a reaction; each reaction can be a positive and fulfilling experience.
In Marvel’s Netflix original series “Jessica Jones,” the title character deals with her haunted past of being controlled by a super villain named Killgrave. After escaping the clutches of Killgrave, Jessica Jones tries to start her life over but is constantly reminded of the horrors caused by Killgrave. When Killgrave resurfaces and terrorizes a number of innocent victims, Jessica Jones finds the courage to take a stand against her tormentor and his reign of terror.
In the beginning of DC’s television series “The Flash,” the title character was not used to traveling at high speeds. Because of his trouble with speed, The Flash would mess up and get defeated by the villain of the episode, thus discouraging him. Over time, The Flash was able to control his superpowers and, therefore, his self-esteem, as he came back victorious episode after episode.
Sure, there will be times when you feel down and do not think you’ll be able to be back up again. However, you have to remember; anything is possible if you believe in yourself.
Forgiveness (Keep moving forward)
Letting go of the past can be unsettling. To forgive ourselves or others, we must first stop feeling guilty, angry or resentful. You can run from your past or you can learn from it.
“Never backwards, always forward” is the unapologetic mantra of Marvel’s television series Luke Cage. Spoken several times by the character of Pops, who serves as a mentor and father figure for Luke Cage, the message is clear: no matter what you face in life, you have a responsibility to keep moving forward and not look back. Forward means progress, which makes it better not just for you but also for those coming behind you.
In one episode of DC’s television series “Supergirl,” the title character struggles to be around and forgive Hank for killing her aunt Astra to the point of being unable to work with him. Eventually, Supergirl returns and agrees to work with Hank again because she missed the partnership and wants to move forward.
Once someone lets go of the past, he/she can move forward to the future. Mistakes are a part of our origin story and we must learn from them.
Life is full of issues to deal with and lessons to learn from. Being superhuman does not make you invincible to life’s problems.
