Hero

You always dread days like these. You write imagined speeches in your head in preparation of such an inevitability. Heartfelt eulogies that poignantly convey a genuine emotional sorrow to such a tragic eventuality. I thought I’d know what to say, how to express my gratitude. Perhaps share some insightful anecdote about the significance of his work and how it got me through some tough times as a confused, introverted kid. Alas I find I’m at a loss, desperately seeking the appropriate response for such a profoundly despondent event. Stan Lee’s passing is one such incident that truly hurts my heart. The grief that I feel is a sensation that seems wedged in my subconscious somewhere. Lodged and niggling internally but unable to manifest as anything other than numbing shock.

I’m devastated I never got to meet him, to convey my sincerest admiration for his inspirational contribution to my formative years of reticent adolescence. To grovel at his feet and declare my unwavering support for the characters and stories he helped create. Despite never meeting him I always felt like I knew Stan Lee. His distinctive voice was so iconic that he could narrate the most monotonous parts of my day with that insatiable enthusiasm he harnessed and make it seem like final panel in an Avengers comic. His face was so ubiquitous that even people outside the comic book community recognised him, even if they weren’t sure where. What I’ll most remember about him however is his creations, most notably Spider-Man.

Spider-man was a considerable influence on me growing up, imparting admirable ethical values to a kid who would expedite his mother’s ire to get attention. A kid who selfishly considered his own arbitrary needs rather than that of his mother or sister. The principles of being a decent human being were inspired by the virtues instilled in characters like Spider-man. That “With great power comes great responsibility”. This is an expression of such eminence that still resonates with me today. One which I try to respect and preach to my own daughter. I’ll never get the chance to thank you Stan, but something tells me that a great many people have already made him well aware of his inspiration many times.

Stan Lee was truly the greatest Superhero of them all. Nuff said!

Where would we be without the gallantry and selfless acts of heroism, associated with heroes? Who would douse the flames of helpless, self-combusting kittens, perched desperately atop towering oak trees, if not for fire fighters? Who would be capably trained to assist you, 2 hours after a burglary had been perpetrated, if not for the competency of our proud British constabulary? Who would resuscitate the inebriated fools discovered comatose, soiled, and covered in regurgitated kebab’s and lubricated in jager bombs, if not for the already over extended, over stretched paramedics? You? Me? Kim Kardashian?! Certainly not the latter! But in the simulated world, protagonists are far more exaggerated, often defying incredibly contentious situations by decapitating nameless thugs, brutallisng generic miscreants, and lopping off extremities. Unrelenting, uncompromising, and indifferent to the consequences, but keenly focused on emerging victorious, with relative ease and rejuvenated, self-inflated egos.

But a hero is insignificant without an opposing force to compete with. Cunning, diabolical fiends, concocting nefarious plans to achieve world domination. Whether commanding armies to pander to their every whim, or brewing a new blend of camomile tea, it’s all done with malicious intent, maniacal laugh’s and the stroking of their figurative, and in some cases, literal beards in self-satisfied, contemplation at how fiendish they are (Mwahaha!!). Without one, the other simply would seize to exist, forced to work in Burger King, receiving continual exasperating abuse from ravenous teens, retaining insatiable appetites for Whopper’s and presumably, blocked arteries, with a chorus of ignorant taunts of how they should “Go back to their own country!” Despite sharing the same nationality. But the way in which a hero/heroin or villain is conceived is highly motivated by their intents and a semblance of believability.

A degree of empathy, or apathy in the villains case, is crucial when developing complicated, yet somewhat believable opposing forces. Motivation is an integral element when conceiving a protagonists/antagonists persona, whether selfish or born from consequence. Simply wielding twin guns while diving through the air in reduced gravity, simply isn’t an accessible cause for empathy. The requirements of a hero have altered, where a sense of vulnerability as well as very emotional human aspects, are humbling sentiments. Obviously you don’t want to manipulate a character with nurtured, emotional readiness, weeping from the reeling resentment attributed to an itchy trigger finger, which culminates in continued bereavement for the fallen enemies. But you also want to feel confidently assured, that when Gary Oldman thunderously demands “EVVVEEERRRYYYOOONNNEEE!”, that your character is in full control of the escalating circumstances.

Two alternate characters, conversing in witty repertoire, with vocalisations that feel organic, natural and sway with seamless dexterity, like a well choreographed dance. Such pirouetting exchanges between 2 distinct dynamics, vying for differing goals is what helps to establish a hero and villain. It’s a collaborative partnership, accentuating each others strengths and weaknesses, with characters portrayed as conflicting, but sometimes differentiating between them is a very subtle distinction. Every hero requires an adversary to make him/her look good, and without the opposing persona, things simply wouldn’t be the same. The world is filled with already well established clashes; Professor Moriarty vs Sherlock Holmes, Hannibal Lector vs Clarice Starling, Shredder vs The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle’s, Pepsi vs Coca-Cola, Xenomorphs vs Ellen Ripley, history vs Bill & Ted……and so on…..

Which games feature the best clash between heroes and villains? Let me know what you think.