8 - Zack R - Something for Everyone

“You know one of the greatest things about Spider-Man's outfit, his costume? He’s completely covered. So any kid could imagine he’s spiderman.” - Stan Lee, creator of Spider-Man Spider-Man was created with the notion in mind to be a relatable character. He was a teenager with teenage problems. He had math tests, chores, and high school crushes. He was a character that the audience that read comics at the time, teenagers, could relate to. A whole new depth is added to a story that a reader can relate to. During the early 1950’s and on through the next decade or so, Marvel Comics went under many changes from hiring writers like Stan Lee, changing its name from Timely Comics, to Atlas Comics, to finally, Marvel Comics and more to put themselves out there and become even more of a major player in the comic industry. To do so they felt that they needed to make their heroes relatable. Someone that the reader could see pieces of themselves in and inspire themselves to be their own hero. This brought the start of Spider-Man and The Fantastic Four. Spider-Man, the relatable teenager, and The Fantastic Four, a dysfunctional family with their own internal conflicts. Comics became a mainstream type of entertainment and eventually made their way to movies and shows. Movies like Blade in the 90’s finally started showcasing diverse superheroes but it wasn’t really until Marvel’s own cinematic universe that diversity in superheroes became larger. They’ve introduced gay heroes like Valkyrie and will be introducing their first Muslim Hero Ms. Marvel this year. More and more people now can watch the shows and the movies and imagine that they’re the hero. They can apply the lessons in each movie to their own life instead of trying to connect fruitlessly to an archetypal character. Movies are made not only for entertainment but to teach lessons and visualize the creators message. For example Black Panther (2018) brought attention to the marginalization and oppression faced in areas of the world specifically on race in this case. Now kids, teenagers, and adults who’ve all felt the dehumanization talked about in these movies feel recognized. They can feel understood and that their issues are validated. Not only do they get to see themselves as a superhero with powers and abilities, but they can feel the deeper connection of social and global issues they face every day that may seem ignored or overlooked. One of the best things about superheroes is they give us someone to look up to. They give us the courage to face the challenges we haven’t been able to face before. The need for diversity is clear. It includes everyone to feel this inspiration for any issue they face. They no longer have to try to visualize themselves as something they aren’t. Diversity is what can motivate the next generations to create change and be their own hero. 484