Captain America: Doesn’t matter what the press says. Doesn’t matter what the politicians or the mobs say. Doesn’t matter if the whole country decides that something wrong is something right. This nation was founded on one principle above all else: the requirement that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or the consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and tell the whole world - “No, you move.”
Spider-Man: (Pause) Can I, like, carry your books to school? For the rest of my life?
Captain America: Come on… time to get you back to the rest of the group.
Spider-Man: I mean it. I can give you my lunch. My aunt made tuna sandwiches. Again.

In keeping with the comic theme and since I posted this on a website as a response to why dudes like comic books. I figured I’d throw this up here. I’d also like to mention I’m considering becoming a pastor…anyone interested in joining The First Church of Wolverine give me a shout. Praise Logan!!! Snikt!!!

When I look around there is no other place to get better examples of decency, manhood and confrontation of social issues then comic books. I can name very few sources that I have learned more from (I knew what magistrate meant at 10 because of the X-Men) First I’ll say go watch an episode of the Old Adam West Batman tv show…then realize that it is to comics what Weird Al Yankovic is to music….no substance. Shout out to Stan Lee…he created or co-created all the titles below. Before him Superheroes were just powerful role models…he made them powerful role models with the problems that the rest of us have.

For some background first, here are some facts about comics:

Captain America was fighting the Nazis in comic pages before America ever got into WWII.

The Incredible Hulk is about mental illness, dealing with emotions and self control.

The best example of what comics really are (I think) is found in Spiderman (I recommend the first two movies). A boy who was basically a genius, yet an outcast amongst his peers gains power and because of his inaction the person who represented morals and decency in his life is killed, so he dedicates himself to using his power to help others (With great power comes great responsibilty). As powerful as Spiderman was…not much changed for his true self…Peter Parker…matter of fact they got worse. His relationships became strained, he couldn’t keep a job, he was perpetually broke. His main source of income was selling pictures of himself in costume to someone who painted him as a criminal. Despite not getting his wishes and constantly suffering…he still used his power for the good of others and not to elevate himself. He lost jobs, missed dates and his grades in college suffered because he was always shooting off to help someone. Worse he could never take credit for it because it would expose his loved ones to harm. Eventually his Aunt (who raised him) and his girl (who he married) found out and like most decent men that was where his praise came from. People knew Spiderman was a hero…but only those two knew how much Peter Parker sacrificed. I always use Spidey because he has the setup to explain it…few of us have an “Uncle Ben” in our lives so it was from Spiderman that we not only got the message, but got the example. In effect Peter Parker became our Uncle Ben. I can’t name another character in any form of fiction that is a better representation of honor, humility and morality.

I could teach a boy more about being a man then by using an example of a athelete, politician, business man or whoever. Also because people see them as being for kids it’s the only place where at a young age you can read something that will treat you like an intelligent person instead of dumbing things down for you and staying in “safe” places.