Comics - Fantasy or Reality?

There was an article a couple of months' back in the New Sunday Times where a columnist wrote on Spider-man and “What a wondrous web he weaves”. This columnist also went on further to talk about the issue of reading comics.

And so, the question arises. Are comics good or bad? Let's start with specific questions. Is there violence in comics? Definitely, yes! Is there any sexuality in comics? Well, this would be based on your definition of sexuality, but yes.

I believe it is best to understand that COMICS are NOT FOR KIDS ONLY! In terms of American superhero comics, things are no longer the same. Probably being influenced by the manga (Japanese comics) and for the market selling, most superheroes are not perfect like Superman. These new heroes have emotions, like everyone of us. They make mistakes, they regret and they probably do something bad. Even Superman does. And the beauty of it is, we can actually learn from such issues.

Take for instance the ever popular quote from Spiderman “With great power comes great responsibility”. Oh, how true it is. You do not need to be a superhero to realize this. It’s a quote that applies to almost all of us.

I believe the most important thing is to reflect good values from these heroes. Since the heroes are more human than ever and more like you and me, it's a good method to emulate them as idols who in many ways, are human and, make mistakes.


I personally have adored Batman since my teenage years. He is not simply called “The World’s Greatest Detective” for the fun of it but simply because unlike other superheroes, he makes use of intellect, detective skills, science and technology, wealth, physical prowess and intimidation in his war on crime. He comes to prove that violence is not the only resolution for crime.

Over the years, I am indeed glad to have come across great talents like Frank Miller, Stan Lee, Alex Ross, Chris Claremont, Joe Quesada and Alan Moore. Titles like V for Vendetta, Watchmen, The Sandman, Batman: The Killing Joke are truly thought provoking and have certainly left a mark on me. I actually use the movie V for Vendetta in teaching the subject Introduction to Human Communication.

To sum it all up, there are many lessons and ideas that one can get from comics and one of the most valuable lessons I have learnt is that the most upstanding of citizens is capable of going mad or tarnishing his or her image after having "just one bad day or event". How true this can be. Think about it.