In the early 1930s, comic stories like “Doc Savage” and “The Shadow” were created; these are what are known as the first superheroes. However, it wasn’t until 1938 with the creation of Superman that comics became popular.
Recently, James Gunn released his film version of “Superman” to help reboot the DC Universe. Once again, sparking conversation about whether superhero films are needed in cinema. I believe that superhero films and stories are vital to modern society.
Similar to comic books, superhero movies took a while to gain popularity. Before 2008, there had been many renditions of different superhero movies, but the only ones to be major successes were the Spider-Man trilogy starring Tobey Maguire and Christopher Nolan’s Batman movies. That quickly changed with the economic downturn in 2008, and superhero movies grew more popular.
One of the main reasons why these movies are popular is that they provide people with a form of escapism. Escapism is the act of seeking a distraction from everyday stress by immersing in an alternate reality.
Hero films like “Batman and Robin” or “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “The Suicide Squad” (2021) are fun movies. While they have action and high stakes, in the end, they make you laugh, providing you with an escape from your current reality. But escapism isn’t the only reason why superhero movies are needed in the present day.
While these movies do provide escapism, they also explain societal issues through the lenses of heroes and villains. All hero movies have three themes: justice, courage and sacrifice. Heroes stand up to injustice, reinforcing to viewers their responsibility and ethics in everyday life.
For example, Spider-Man was originally looking for justice for Uncle Ben's murder, but soon after, he realized his responsibility to help the people of New York with his new powers. Demonstrating that if you have the ability to help, you should always.
The comics and movies also serve as allegories to events that are happening or have happened in real life. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created “X-Men” to display how harsh bigotry is. Superman himself is meant to be the story of America, of an immigrant enforcing safety and ultimately making the country better. Batman and Captain America both deal with corruption in the government. The “Thunderbolts” explored themes of depression and mental health. These stories, though created years ago, have themes that still apply today.
While some argue there are too many superhero movies and audiences are growing fatigued, these heroes offer hope for reality. When people are feeling down, these movies provide comfort. It’s a reminder that things can change, and the individual has the power to change them.
I am not saying audiences need to see everyone's origin stories again, or that it is time to remake “Iron Man.” Simply that superhero stories have a background and a story that someone needs to hear. Not all of the stories are good, but someone out there enjoys them and thinks they are fun. Society needs Superman to survive.
Cassie is a senior studying communications at Ohio University. Please note the views and opinions expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Cassie? Email her at cb086021@ohio.edu.
