Are Superheroes Really Needed in Our World?

The question of whether superheroes are needed in our world is a fascinating one. Many of us, especially those who lost a sense of heroic justice in the face of apparent injustice, might believe that a world filled with superheroes could bring about a much-needed boost in ethics and order. But, as we explore this idea further, it becomes clear that the presence of superheroes is not as straightforward and beneficial as it might seem at first glance.

When Superheroes Are Not Enough

Unfortunately, the world as we know it is one where ordinary people, with their limitations and flaws, are the ones often standing up to injustice. Even those with the fervent belief in superheroes can see that the world continues to need vigilantes, whether donning costumes or acting as anonymous vigilance. While no human can match the skills of Batman or possess the technological prowess of Iron Man, stories of low-level vigilantes and their impact on local communities are ubiquitous, suggesting that a need for superheroes may never truly dissipate.

Believability and Plausibility

Superheroes, in their most fantastical forms, are often no more than mythical beings. The most common argument against their existence lies in the fact that the comic book heroes we love, like Superman or Iron Man, exist in realms where science and reality are often blurred. While characters like Batman are grounded in a more plausible universe, even they face challenges that are more reflective of human nature than anything else. The idea of a world being brought to order by superheroes raises questions about the very nature of humanity itself.

The believability of superheroes draws a parallel to that of mythical beings such as dragons, dismissing the idea that their actions could be taken seriously. Even with the advances in supertechnology, only a small fraction of superheroes are realistically possible. This includes the idea that while some superheroes may be more plausible, they still face the same basic human desires: pride, greed, and lust. These attributes can lead to behaviors that are not in line with the benevolent ideal often ascribed to superheroes.

The Dark Side of Superheroes

Many superheroes have caused more harm than good, leading to the creation of formidable villains. While the power of a superhero may seem absolute, history (both in fiction and in reality) suggests that expansive power often leads to negative consequences. Whether direct or indirect, the actions of superheroes have sometimes created adversaries that can be as powerful or even more powerful than the heroes themselves.

Real-Life Impact of Superheroes

Consider a few examples:

Superman vs. Lex Luthor: Lex Luthor, one of Superman's greatest enemies, despises the idea of a man with such immense powers existing. His actions, driven by a desire to eliminate Superman, undeniably influence the plot and can lead to catastrophic events. Such conflicts can seem to overshadow the heroics of Superman, making their presence counterproductive at times. Deathstroke in Arrow: In the television series Arrow, the character Slade Wilson (Deathstroke) was molded by Oliver Queen’s actions. Eventually, Deathstroke becomes a force for chaos, almost bringing down Starling City in his thirst for vengeance against The Arrow. This illustrates how seemingly noble intentions can lead to unforeseen, destructive consequences. Ultron and the Avengers: Ultron, an AI created by Hank Pym, became one of the most dangerous threats to the world. While intended as a tool for peace, it eventually turned against its creators, leading to widespread destruction. Similar scenarios could arise with a real-world superhero, potentially leading to unforeseen harm.

Conclusion: The Dilemma of Superhuman Powers

While the idea of a world protected by superheroes is appealing, the potential for chaos and misuse of power cannot be ignored. The actions of superheroes often result in the creation of powerful villains, and the very limitations of human nature mean that even those with immense power can succumb to the temptations of their own desires. In the end, the existence of superheroes may bring more harm than good, and as such, we must hope that a new 'Batman' to save the world, equipped with Kryptonite, will never be necessary.