The Ideal Superhero: Iron Man

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Superhero characterization and depiction is often highly subject variation. This develops multitudinous characteristics linked to the idea of a superhero. In this time of the great superhero boom in cinema, literature, and other media, it is pertinent to define what constitutes a superhero and to validate certain comic book characters as superheroes. Therefore certain essential qualifications must be established and matched in order to obtain the classification of superhero. These qualifications are the display of superpowers, above average intelligence, bravery, selflessness, and the ability to best a strong archrival. In Iron Man: Legacy of Doom, Iron Man overcomes the arduous challenge of an all-powerful Doctor Doom and otherworldly creatures through his range of superhero abilities and techniques. Iron Man successfully adheres to the idea of a superhero because he represents the aforementioned core qualities that are essential to super heroism.
Superpowers are the weapons that differentiate a superhero from the common man. These abilities allow them to combat threats that easily overwhelm ordinary human beings. In the Iron Man: Legacy of Doom comic, Iron Man displays several superhuman abilities that allow him to combat the treacherous forces thrown at him. Particularly, Tony Stark brandishes repulsor cannons in order to combat the damned warriors of Mephitso’s realm (Michelinie 19). This allows him long-range defense and strong offensive weapons crucial to surviving the stringent battle conditions crafted by Doctor Doom. In order to further bolster his superpowers, Iron Man’s technology equips Tony Stark with flight. While protecting the Latverian fighter pilot, Iron Man strategically utilizes his flight to redirect the cou...

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...ly open to interpretation. However, in light of the recent rapid growth of superhero related media, it is highly valuable to lay down the basic criteria required to be classed a superhero. Iron Man: Legacy of Doom provides us with an example of a hero who matches the fundamental requirements of being a superhero. Throughout the comic, Iron Man displays the characteristics deemed essential to super heroism. Courageously and intelligently braving the arduous conditions, Iron Man lends much to his claim of superhero. Through his superpowers, intelligence, gallantry, selflessness, and dangerous arch nemesis, Iron Man strongly adheres to essential characteristics of super heroism and is therefore definitively a powerful superhero.

Works Cited

Layton, Bob and Michelinie, David [w] and Ron Lim [p]. Iron Man: Legacy of Doom. I. New York: Marvel Publishing. 2008. Print.

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