Modern Myths

http://tinyurl.com/b24rj4g

Modern Mythology  ( Notes)

• "Comic books are modern mythology."
• Wonder Woman
• Obvious example of a superhero
• Greek
• Formed from a lump of clay and was given powers from the gods
• Inherent strength of woman hood
• Super Man 
• Most overtly mythic superhero in the entire pantheon of characters.
• " A being beyond the scope of humanity"
• Modern Man's Ultimate Ideal
• Hulk
• Example of Inner Struggle
• Savage Hulk (well known) - ( Scared, angry Child, abused by his father, loner)- Most prominant Hulk
• Grey Hulk ( weaker and craftier . Sadistic, manipulative, and selfish.) - What he never let himself become
• Professor Hulk (egoistical and flashy "classical superhero.)- What Bruce wanted to be 
• Devil Hulk- ( A creature of pure, unadulterated evil) - Persona of all of Bruces darkest thoughts and desires.
• Silver Surfer
• Demi-God position 
• Works for Galactus (ending as a vengeful god)
• This being is beyond good and evil and sought to destroy earth simply because he needed sustenance.
• The Silver surfer was inspired by purity
• This ultimately lead to him spearing earth
• Was outcasted by Galactus 
• Religious imagry  ( described as a christ figure) 
• Bat Man
• "Avenging angel of the night"
• Perfect example of how a person can rise from the depths of tragedy and despair.
• He Has no powers but he is called the "man among gods" using only his training and wits and knowledge of weapons.

Questions to answer

• Why do the authors/ artists create characters to mimic society and/or societal issues?


• I think the characters are made for the same reasons as any other myth or story is made. They're made to help us understand why the world is how it is, and it captures our attentions with a story so that it's message may get absorbed though the entertainment. Societal issues are important to understand so that the new generation that comes will not make the same mistakes as we did. As an example the author talked about the Great Depression, as the author of the article says ; "The Great Depression, a dark time the history of the United States, when the nation was wracked with the pain of poverty and misery, Superman was a powerful crusader for social justice, fighting for the poor and downtrodden. The Superman of the depression was ferocious, tearing through doors and demanding justice for the innocent." It helps us as adolescence and sometimes as adults understand the world in books and through cartoons, since it doesn't seem like learning it becomes fun.






• 
  Do you agree with the conclusions about the heroes made by the author? 
• I agree with the conclusions, because honestly I had never thought to look at the super heroes like that before, nor had i ever realized there were 4 other hulk versions which clearly shows how you can batter inner issues though split personalities. Each conclusion clearly states the problem or issue the character faced and their back story clearly shows you how they got there, and though their time on earth or during their adventures they are able to battle or figure them selves out whether its though killing bad guys or sacrificing them selves for a greater good.