Give Me a Man of Slightly Rusty Steel
Apr 1st 2007
Suzanne EnochOn Writing! & When Goddesses Fall To Earth
Okay, so we’re all goddesses. We know that – heck, we just have to look in the mirror or pick up a romance novel, and ta da, goddesses. Grapes are good, too.
So this got me thinking about other superior beings. Namely, super heroes. I’m a big fan of super heroes. Cool costumes, cool powers, mysterious and/or tortured pasts – face it, there aren’t too many super heroes who grew up like the Cunninghams (from “Happy Days”, for you youngsters out there). Does this mean they must face some kind of adversity to become “super”?
The first super hero I remember knowing about was Superman. In fact, somebody gave me a little stuffed dog when I was a baby, and it’s name was Krypto. That’s Superboy’s dog. I still have him, though his muzzle’s been replaced about twelve times and in twelve different colors, and the color has rubbed off one of his eyes.
The one thing these days as a writer that I don’t like about Superman is his invincibility. Except for green Kryptonite, nothing can touch the Man of Steel. And as a writer, I like my heroes . . . vulnerable. 
Somehow an act becomes more heroic when a real, physical price can be exacted for it. Batman, now he can be hurt. He’s a normal, ordinary human – with a ton of money and a big intellect. Plus a butler.
Spider-Man, he’s got special powers, but he can be injured, too. The same with the Fantastic Four, though bendy, rubbery Mr. Fantastic just doesn’t do it for me. Maybe it’s my overactive imagination. Hm.
My favorite super heroes are the X-Men. They have the cool powers, one each, and yet they have very human foibles and most of them can be hurt. Or killed. They take an action knowing they could pay for it. To me, that’s a real super hero. Maybe part of it is because the individual members don’t have MAN in their name, like we need to be reminded or like that’s what makes them “super”. Heck, some of the more powerful X-Men mutants are women. Oh, and my favorite one (not counting Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine, which totally wins — okay, KarenH?) is Gambit, otherwise known as Remy LeBeau, a Cajun who grew up as a thief and has the ability to charge objects with explosive energy. 
And he’s in love with Rogue, a woman he can’t touch without risking death. Now that’s both heroic and romantic. Plus, he’s really handsome and wears a brown duster and metal boots rather than Spandex. Yum.
So do you like super heroes? Who’s YOUR favorite? Why? Or do you prefer more…normal heroes?
40 Comments »
40 Responses to “Give Me a Man of Slightly Rusty Steel”
Sabrina Jeffries on 01 Apr 2007 at 9:45 am #
I always loved Batman, and especially after I saw Batman Begins. For me, he’s the epitome of the tortured hero. Although they’re doing a pretty good job with the Spiderman movies, too.
SuzyQ on 01 Apr 2007 at 10:16 am #
Oh, so many superheros. Two of my favorites growing up were Aquaman and Flash. But I have always been partial to X-Men (and not just because of Hugh Jackman, although that’s a definate plus). I agree, Suzanne, Gambit was a favorite of mine too. I always wondered why he wasn’t included in the movies . . .
Julia London on 01 Apr 2007 at 10:19 am #
I don’t know, Suzanne. I don’t think I am very much in tune with the superhuman world, but after your post, I wanna be. I loved Batman when I was a kid, but mainly because of his car. You really have me thinking — I want to take a second look.
Claudia Dain on 01 Apr 2007 at 10:24 am #
I have to admit to not knowing much about comic book heroes–it’s when they’re made into movie heroes that I sit up and bark.
Hugh Jackman as Wolverine: I’m hooked. He’s perfection on every level. I’m his. He’s mine. I don’t care what KarenH says!
kimber on 01 Apr 2007 at 10:26 am #
For me Batman is at the top of the list. My fav was Michael Keaton as Batman. He was so average guy dorky. I never really cared for Superman until the new one, Superman Returns, came out. I’m sure their are others that I like I just never realy thought about it. lol
SuzyQ on 01 Apr 2007 at 10:29 am #
LOL Claudia. I think we’d all fight for Wolverine (or just Hugh . . .)!
Suzanne Enoch on 01 Apr 2007 at 10:55 am #
I was going to put up a picture of Brandon Routh, the new Superman, but he’s just too good looking and I figured nobody would read the blog. *g*
I much prefer the newest versions of “Batman” and “Superman”, too — & I think it’s interesting that we’re seeing more of the heroes’ vulnerabilities than ever before.
Kelly Ann on 01 Apr 2007 at 10:56 am #
I never liked Batman until the lastest, Batman Begins, I hope they remake them all with the same movie star and the same effects etc.
I love the X-Men, my favorite is Storm. She is just so incredicible, calm, intelligent and will kick the crap out of any man.
I’m a kid @ heart, my favorite super heros are The Incredibles. Cartoon or no, I like the super hero family theme. All learning to work together to overcome evil, each with a special gift and there was even love.
Kelly Ann on 01 Apr 2007 at 11:04 am #
I could hardley watch the new Superman, Brandon Routh is too delicious for words. It was almost torture to look at him. ALMOST! Being that good looking is indecent!
My problem is with Lois Lane, she is in love with Superman? Then, she should know that Clark Kent is Superman too. She blows him off and treats him like he isn’t good enough for her. I really hate that!
Karen Rose on 01 Apr 2007 at 12:01 pm #
I’ll mud-wrestle Claudia for Wolverine… I’m short, but scrappy, so I could win.
Did anybody ever watch the old cartoon series Gargoyles? Something about that series hooked me – I loved Goliath! Does he count as a superhero?
MizMacgyver on 01 Apr 2007 at 12:16 pm #
I like Batman first, then Wolverine, and yes Karen, there was just “something” about Goliath, I think it was those flashes of tenderness he sometimes showed. My son thinks he has the coolest mom cos she was into the cartoons.
Suzanne Enoch on 01 Apr 2007 at 12:36 pm #
Oh, I think the “Gargoyles” qualify as super heroes. They can fly, are really strong, and turn to stone by day. I loved their names, too — Brooklyn, Hudson, etc. Isn’t it cool that we can love and admire a creature like Goliath, or like Vincent from “Beauty & the Beast”, just because of their better qualities?
dbrown3400 on 01 Apr 2007 at 12:40 pm #
The one I think of is Zorro as played by Antonio Banderas. Does he look ever so good in those tight black pants. He can jump onto that beautiful black horse from great heights to save the world, but also get the sh*t beat out of him. The last movie with Catherine Zeta-Jones as a spy and the little son pitching in as well was almost a caricature of the genre but he still saves the day.
Donna – TBC
dbrown3400 on 01 Apr 2007 at 12:42 pm #
I really don’t remember the Tyrone Power Zorro, but I did watch the Guy Williams version on Disney and liked that one too. I wasn’t watching tight black pants at that stage of my life.
Donna
Claudia Dain on 01 Apr 2007 at 1:03 pm #
I agree that The Incredibles was amazing. Truly, ranks as one of my all-time favorite movies. Every single frame of that movie charmed the pants off me.
But Wolverine/Hugh is still mine. You all seem to be missing the point that he WANTS to be mine. He’s got it soooo bad for me. It’s the hair, you see. We’ve bonded over our popping-out-all-over hair.
It was fate.
OV_099 on 01 Apr 2007 at 2:15 pm #
Heck, since I was a kid, I always was a fan of the DC comics superheroes. Started with Wonder Woman, then went on to the Justice League, some Batman in there with the Superman movies and now I’m on my third Superman related show.
Superheroes are great, but normal heroes are better. 
Lois
Judy F on 01 Apr 2007 at 2:20 pm #
I will join the fight for wolverine. I adore that man.
I agree with Vincent from Beauty and the Beast. I miss that show.
Karen Rose on 01 Apr 2007 at 2:21 pm #
Okay, MizMacG – I want to switch kids with you. Mine laughed at me because I liked Gargoyles (sniffle).
Manuelita on 01 Apr 2007 at 2:45 pm #
What about the guys and gals from the NBC TV series Heroes? My favorite is the Japanese guy who can manipulate time and space, Hiro. So far none of them have put on spandex.
Julia London on 01 Apr 2007 at 2:51 pm #
I love that Japanese guy!!
Claudia Dain on 01 Apr 2007 at 3:32 pm #
I’m watching Heroes, too, and have to admit to liking the guy who looks like a mini-Stallone. Can’t remember his name at all. He’s so tortured and so sweet, what’s not to like?
Brandy on 01 Apr 2007 at 4:06 pm #
I liked Micheal Keaton as BatMan as well. He was normal and not as suave as some of the other actors. But, I’m not a huge fan of Superman or Spiderman, and that has more to do with the actors that play them. Real Heros to me are Medical Professionals, Firefighters, Military and the like. They risk their lives every day for others. And w/o super powers!
foreverdelayed on 01 Apr 2007 at 4:15 pm #
I do love Superheroes! I don’t really have 1 favorite.
Personally, I loved The Hulk starring Eric Bana. That man is just so dreamy.
I love Christian Bale as Batman. Le sigh!
I am looking forward to Spiderman 3. I loved the first two so much that I hope the third lives up to my expectations.
Ladytink_534 on 01 Apr 2007 at 4:43 pm #
I never read comics growing up and until they started to be made into movies I never took notice. You already named my favorites: Wolverine (Love Hugh Jackman!!!) and that really cute fire guy from Fantastic Four,
Suzanne Enoch on 01 Apr 2007 at 5:16 pm #
Hey, I just found out that the next Superman movie is scheduled for release in ‘09. It’s going to be called “The Man of Steel”, & Brandon Routh & Kevin Spacey will both be back — along with Lois (can’t remember her name).
MizMacgyver on 01 Apr 2007 at 6:27 pm #
Karen Rose, bless your heart, I tell you what, I can’t switch but I will share him with you. He can tell his buddies he has a really cool Aunt Karen. He thinks it is so great that mom does the cartoons and that I can discuss video games, not to mention my love of Harry Potter, Star Wars, Star Trek, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Lord of the Rings. I don’t have the heart to tell him I just never grew up.
MizMacgyver on 01 Apr 2007 at 6:33 pm #
I like to look at Spiderman as long as he isn’t climbing walls. This is going to sound soooooo silly, but I will admit it to you ladies, it totally freaks me out when he crawls up buildings. I can handle the swinging on the web but not that crawling thing. Same thing with the mummies (Brendan Fraser) It grosses me out when they are doing that wall crawling thing. I think it is that fear of spiders (going way back to the creepy crawly blog). Walk, don’t crawl, to the nearest exit please.
Kasey on 01 Apr 2007 at 6:56 pm #
Okay, well I love superheroes. I love them all. X-Men, Spiderman, Superman, Batman and Zorro. I am a big comic movie geek and I grew up watching Lois & Clark, so I am a man of steel fan.
However, I also think Indiana Jones, although not a superhero, is my favorite hero. I like the whole cowboy type thing he has going on with the horses and the whip and his fear of snakes. I am really excited for the 4th movie, and for Spidey 3 and the Wolverine movie. I love them all.
Nicole Jordan on 01 Apr 2007 at 7:19 pm #
Loved the new Batman Begins! Didn’t care for the new Superman at all. Just didn’t seem to have any heart. But mostly I agree with you, Suzanne… the more vulnerable the hero, the easier it is for me to fall in love and root for him.
NicoleJ
Judy on 01 Apr 2007 at 7:34 pm #
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who likes Batman better than Superman…And for the same reason’s that you mentioned Susie. And again I agree with you on Gambit….YUM! And I’ve gotta say after the movie Iceman is definitely is tied with Gambit, and I was very dissappointed that they didn’t include the Gambit and Rogue story…:sigh: Hollywood. And I also have a thing for Flash…love a man with a quick wit…
Karen Hawkins on 01 Apr 2007 at 9:05 pm #
Ladies, just back away from Wolverine. He’s mine and I’ll kill if I have to . . . Well, not LITERALLY kill. But I would kick someone really hard. Ok, not KICK, but I’d throw myself on the floor and drum my heels until my mother came and THEN you’d be in trouble. So just BACK OFF.
I love all superheroes. And yes, I like Batman better than Superman who was always too goody two shoes for me. I like ‘em a bit bad … heh!
Suzanne Enoch on 01 Apr 2007 at 9:20 pm #
Ah yes, Batman. You’ve got to love a guy known as “The Dark Knight”. Though I like Christian Bale a lot, I have a hard time feeling…romantically inclined toward him. I guess that’s because the first time I saw him, he was playing the boy separated from his parents in “Empire of the Sun”. He certainly has grown up nicely, though. *g*
And yes, Karen, I’ll give you Wolverine for today………April Fools!!! He’s mine, baby! Mine!
stonemom on 01 Apr 2007 at 10:04 pm #
As far as super heroes go for me I’ve always been a Wolverine Girl, But Batman begins peeked my interest in the dark night.
But my first “hero” was and is Robin Hood ,sans the tights of course
Karen Hawkins on 01 Apr 2007 at 10:09 pm #
AHHHHH! Stonemom, Robin Hood is delish! I hadn’t thought of him, but oohhhh yes. Very intriguing, good v evil, rowdy band of men in the woods with spectacular thighs and really big staffs (they fought with ‘em, remember? Even the priest!) and oh my, those little pointy beards. Loved ‘em! Two snaps and a circle!
Suzanne Enoch, that’s just cruel. CRUEL, I tell you. Don’t make me post the pics your mom sent me of you in your “Farrah Stage.” Just … don’t.
FilmPhan on 01 Apr 2007 at 10:23 pm #
Are we talking about people with just super powers or just comic book heros in general? I used to read a comic called “Ruse” that I loved. I was so mad when they stopped printing without an ending. I thought it could have gone far and I really miss it. Great mystery and romance. The main hero in it was Simon and he was a detective. No special powers or anything. His assistant (woman and potential love interest) had powers he didn’t know about. Simon was and still is my ultimate superhero
Sabrina Jeffries on 01 Apr 2007 at 10:38 pm #
Ooh, ooh, Zorro and Vincent from Beauty and the Beast and the new Robin Hood. Love all three (loved Zorro as a child and then later when Antonio Banderas played him in the movies). But I don’t guess technically these guys are superheros, since they have no superpowers. Still . . .
dbrown3400 on 01 Apr 2007 at 11:59 pm #
Sabrina, Banderas is 46yo. You don’t think it took super powers getting into those pants? Maybe he’s a painter? I would have helped him paint them on. I like Clooney as Batman, but not many do. That’s good, so I can have him all to myself. db
Susan K on 02 Apr 2007 at 3:08 pm #
I love the Xmen! Especially Wolverine! Yummy!
Beth C. on 02 Apr 2007 at 5:12 pm #
Currently I like Marvel characters better than DC even though I grew up watching Justice League cartoons.
Out of the men, I was always partial to Iceman and Johnny Storm (Flame On). But my favorites are the females. I love Storm. Who wouldn’t want to be able to call lightening from the heavens (as I’m sure all you goddesses know). But, I also like the Invisible Woman, Black Cat, Scarlet Witch and the White Queen (Emma Frost, yes I know she was bad, but she was also good.)
Pamela on 04 Apr 2007 at 4:10 pm #
I LOVE Batman!! I always have – in every form they made – because he is the “Dark Knight” and I love the vulnerability that goes with that and his ability to overcome it. Also, he has really neat toys! But I think this newest one with Christian Bale is about my favorite. It was great!
Secondly, I love Superman! True, he is invincible but he cares so much and he has such wonderful superpowers. This latest with Brandon Routh is my favorite now. It was excellent!
I enjoy the others but just not as much.