Superhero Manifesto

Chapter 2

On Being a Superhero

“I can’t be a superhero, can I?”

Sure you can! We’ve already looked at the main attributes and needs of a superhero and seen that it is a possibility. The only thing that can’t be simulated is a real desire to help others. To be a superhero you really have to be committed to that one principle.

Remember: A superhero is a self-sacrificing individual who puts the needs of others ahead of him or herself. A superhero never works for personal profit or celebrity.

The Superteam

A real life superhero is great but a superteam is even better. A team of superheroes has a lot of advantages over the lone superhero:

◊ A team can get more done than a lone crime-fighter;

◊ A superteam can stand together to present a united front;

◊ Teams provide more inspiration for others as their members can provide a larger public presence;

◊ Members can count on one another for financial, emotional and logistical support.

There are two types of superhero teams. The first is a sort of motley assortment of superheroes each with their own uniform, identity and ability that differ vastly from one another. Groups like the Avengers or the Justice League are examples.

The second type is like the Green Lantern Corps, a team of superheroes with similar uniforms, identity and supports. Both versions have their advantages. In the first, each member is available to express their own individuality. In the second, all members are entitled to the same items and issues of inequality are minimized. It is up to the individual members to decide how they want to organize.

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