Superheroes

Jennifer L. Hart for Writers Gone Wild

To celebrate the release of The Avengers, I'm talking about superheroes. You see, romance writers spend a whole lot of time thinking about heroes. What do we want in a man, what fatal flaw can we give him that will work to brink him even closer to his happily ever after and what makes him tick. But a superhero is an entirely different animal. He's larger than life, a role model, not just a pretty face, but the kind of guy who shoulders enormous responsibility.The weight of the world (or the cosmos) might literally rest on his oh so perfectly sculpted shoulders.

Example One: Thor

 Oh man, has this guy got it going on, in this world and the next. His one aim to become King of Asgard, at least until he meets his lady love and discovers exactly what sacrifices being crowned king will demand.  Fatal flaw? Pride goes before the fall and Thor has to choke his down while recognizing that even his dogged determination doesn't make him invincible. What makes him a force to be reckoned with? Takes on the Ice Giants, decimates a military base, and can talk science about an Einstein Rosen bridge with a smoldering wink. And let's not forget about his massive...hammer.

Example Two: Snake-eyes

Talk about the strong silent type. Storm Shadow said it best, he never gives up. The mystery of the man ensures he commands all the attention in the room and he's Colonel Hawk's number one go to guy, the best of the best of the best Fatal flaw? He's all weapon all the time, driven first by vengeance and then by the mission. I'm not sure he even sleeps, and if he does, does the mask come off? Though he is a martial arts expert, finesse isn't exactly his strong suit. Never mind his lcak of conversation. Verdict, while he'd be on the top of my dream team ass kicking list, I have a feeling alone time with this Joe would be downright unsettling.


Example Three: Wolverine
Casting Hugh Jackman as Logan was pure genius, he's owned that role from the first minutes when those claws came out. Adamantium aside, Wolverine is the ultimate reluctant hero, a mutant who didn't ask to be immortal or for the rapid healing that makes him so unique and so coveted. It's more of a curse than a gift, especially when he's staggering around completely clueless to anything about himself and that relentless quest for answers is his fatal flaw. Still, his heart is in the right place. Plus hey, it's HUGH JACKMAN!

 Finally, my personal favorite...

Example Four: Batman
Frankly I don't care who's in the suit, he's the Dark Knight. Obsessed with justice after the untimely death of his parents, Bruce Wayne developed the cool technology and kick ass fighting skills to ensure he could help out the good citizens of Gotham City when the police couldn't. Vigilante justice, his fatal flaw and driving force all at once and just like Robin Hood he makes you wonder if sometimes playing by the rules, coloring in the lines and getting the girl isn't a total cop out. Tortured hero, check. Billionaire playboy with the hottest ride in own, check. Unwavering moral compass, check.

If you can't be Batman, be with Batman.

So who are some of your favorite superheroes? Do you go for the dark and angsty types? Is a lone wolf or a team player your type of guy. Are you wowed by super abilities or cool toys? Or do you just think I'm a geek with way too much free time?