Magic Heroes

Comic heroes have a certain nostalgic value: They were the brave and noble heroes of our youth, saving the world with magic or superpowers. Who doesn’t remember being fascinated by Superman or The Hulk? They are the embodiment of magic, not always so much because of their powers, since some superheroes do not possess any superpowers, but more so because the battles that they fight every day, against all odds, seem to somehow magically swing in their favor at the very last minute.

America during The Great Depression needed something uplifting for its countless unemployed and hopeless masses. Somewhere in the late 30’s came Superman to save the day, or at least, to save hope, and he has continued doing so till today. After Superman, a line of superheroes and super villains followed. Many superheroes used some sort of magic, although not always in a very obvious form, such as Wonder Woman with her magic lasso, or The Green Lantern with his magic ring. Most of the villains too, had magic or supernatural powers, in order to be able to keep up with sabotaging the world. Magic Heroes can also be found in online games at the internet.

As with all things, superheroes had to change to adopt different themes and outlooks as time progressed. Female characters were introduced, and care was taken to include at least one female in a superhero group; think X-men or The Fantastic Four. Certain female heroines were also changed to show more assertiveness, such as the very noticeable change from Marvel Girl, a fringe heroine in X-Men into Phoenix, a powerful foe to be reckoned with.

Most superheroes are not able to cast a real spell, but their ability to win the worst of enemies time and again, to take a stand and fight bravely when no one else would, is no less than magical.