Superheroes, like everything else in life, are more than they seem to be. Well, most of the time. Sometimes a wrong depiction makes them even less. But once in a while, above all the mundane slogans, there’s more to what they say. Even if it’s some educational propaganda shoved down their throat (especially in the old TV versions of Superman and Batman), it’s better than ‘Holy Smokes, Batman.‘
Superman
Sometimes, Lois, it’s not wise for the people to depend on Superman to keep their own house in order. This was not found in the comic books, but actually in the George Reeves’ starred TV show back in the 1950’s.
But he’s had some other notable ones in the comic books as well.
Only the weak succumb to brutality.
Wonder Woman
Govern yourselves with love, kindness, and service to others. Amazon code.
Spiderman
Probably the most famous line of all time, regarding masked heroes – With great power, there must also come—great responsibility.
1960’s Batman
The eductaional tone from the show is pretty much makes it impossible to watch nowdays, but it had some fantastic zingers and one liners meant to educate the nation.
All music is important, Dick. It’s the universal language. One of our best hopes for the eventual realization of the brotherhood of man.
Good grammar is essential, Robin.
This money goes to building better roads. We all must do our part.
When you get a little older, you’ll see how easy it is to become lured by the female of the species.
Captain America
If patriotic enthusiasm is what gets your juices flowing, Steve Rogers is the man for you.
Surrender? SURRENDER?! YOU THINK THIS A ON MY HEAD STANDS FOR FRANCE?!
I fought your kind every day of that war, Zemo! You mocked democracy and said that free men were weak! Well feel this grip, Zemo – it’s the grip of a man who loves liberty! Look into the eyes of your foe, and know that he will die for his freedoms! The world must never again mistake compassion for weakness! And while I live – it had better not!
Watchmen
The most epic superhero story ever written, and too bad the movie couldn’t really deliver, although putting it in a movie was probably the wrong idea. A two-three part episode on HBO would’ve felt better to me.
They claim their labours are to build a heaven, yet their heaven is populated with horrors. Perhaps the world is not made. Perhaps nothing is made. A clock without a craftsman. It’s too late. Always has been, always will be…..too late.
There is no future. There is no past. Do you see? Time is simultaneous, an intricately structured jewel that humans insist on viewing one edge at a time, when the whole design is visible in every facet.
Soon there will be war. Millions will burn. Millions will perish in sickness and misery. Why does one death matter against so many? Because there is good and there is evil, and evil must be punished. Even in the face of Armageddon I shall not compromise in this. But there are so many deserving of retribution … and there is so little time.
The horror is this: In the end, it is simply a picture of empty meaningless blackness. We are alone. There is nothing else.
Gambit
Ideals, mes braves, they’re easy to embrace. An’ I t’ank you for dat, at least. It’s dealin’ wit’ reality that’ll take some work. For all of us.
