11th June, 2008

KRIS BATHER

In the JLA mini-series, A Midsummer's Nightmare, the evil Dr Destiny puts Superman and co. in a coma-like state, while their dream selves live in an alternate universe where they are clearly not superheroes. They are - normal. Aquaman is not the King of Atlantis in this world, but on the board of a seafood conglomerate. Wonder Woman is not a proud ambassador for peace, but a school teacher. Earth's greatest heroes are mundane and powerless. Of course, they still have strange dreams reminding them of what their life is supposed to be like. Dr Destiny knew that taking away the League's true power and identity would effectively nurture them. You rob someone of a purpose, and you rob them of their power, or, at least, a reason to use their power responsibly.

A PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE: Every hero finds a greater calling in helping others; the prime example being the Man of Steel who lives with a selfless purpose both as Clark Kent and as Superman. "There is no situation that God can't use to change us, to remind us of His true power and character. The Bible is full of godly people who suffered at the hands of others, whether it be Noah who was ridiculed for building the arc, Joseph who was unjustly accused of adultery and imprisoned, or Paul who was flogged, chained, thrown in jail and shipwrecked more times than we can count."

It's an interesting theme, one which writer Mark Waid re-visited in his “ID” story arc. The Cathexis, a pair of sixth-dimensional scientists, visit earth and tell the Justice League that they are searching for a dangerous sentient energy known as ID, created to transform desire in to reality. It turns out the Cathexis were liars and as a result, people all over the world see their wildest fantasies became a new, chaotic reality. The alien pair also manage to separate the League members from their secret identities, thus Superman becomes two beings - mild mannered, and powerless Clark Kent, and the Kryptonian Kal-El. Bruce Wayne's parents were now never killed, and he becomes the careless playboy he pretended to be. He's greedy, short tempered and generally hates the world. His true purpose, and desire to better himself, never existed.

Eel O'Brian (who in our “true” world became Plastic Man, after a life-changing event in his criminal career) is the first one to wake up and realise that something is not right, and goes about convincing his team-mates of who they are meant to be. With Bruce Wayne, he takes an unorthodox approach. He pistol whips him. Repeatedly. Thankfully, it's enough as the bloodied playboy fills with anger and realises what's happened. O'Brian explains it to him more succinctly: "I can't believe we all made the same mistake. Everyone figured that when you split Bruce Wayne and Batman, you get a fop and a lunatic. Which is true. But not like we thought. The murder of Bruce Wayne's parents - that's what created Batman. That's the memory that drives him."

There is no situation that God can't use to change us, to remind us of His true power and character. The Bible is full of godly people who suffered at the hands of others, whether it be Noah who was ridiculed for building the arc, Joseph who was unjustly accused of adultery and imprisoned, or Paul who was flogged, chained, thrown in jail and shipwrecked more times than we can count. And of course, Jesus left us the supreme example of One who understood pain's purpose and ultimately the benefits it can bring us.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:2-3)

What makes a hero is not their powers, but what they do with them, regardless of the cost. Every superhero is someone who knows as Spider-Man does, that, “with great power there must also come great responsibility.” Superman has tremendous powers, but was raised well by his adoptive parents, the Kents, so he knows that he must use his abilities for the benefit of others, not for self gain. Batman has no super powers, but that doesn't mean he's any less of a hero. In fact, Superman often looks up to him as Bruce Wayne has had to train himself to be the best he can - the best detective, the best martial artist, the best tactician - simply by force of will. Anyone can be a hero. It is purpose that creates heroes, not powers. And everyone has gifts and abilities that can be used for the greater good. Whether it's helping stack chairs after church or becoming a missionary we can funnel whatever talents God has given us in the way that He directs. Then it will be not only us who reap the joy and reward, but also those that we serve.