Which of These Characters is the Ultimate American Superhero?
It’s the 4th of July, and there are several heroes who rep the stars & stripes. Who do you think is the best American superhero of them all?
This 4th of July feels a little weird. The past few seasons of The America Show have gone off the rails. Independence Day might have people marking the holiday with a lot of different feelings.
What better way to cope than to air out our complicated feelings with a no-stakes fictional debate?! Grab a beer, light a sparkler, and stir up a harmless argument with your friends by helping us decide–who is the ultimate American superhero?
1. The Literal American Superhero – Captain America
I mean, it’s right there in the name. Cap is a little guy who gets big powers. He stands up to bullies and he’s altruistic to a fault. He’s the gold standard for an idealized American hero. And we’re not just talking about Steve anymore! Sam Wilson has been Captain America in the comics for a while now, having conversations about what a Black Captain America fights for with the same altruistic spirit.
2. The Alien from Smallville – Superman
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s the Boy Scout from another planet! It’s Superman, the story of a refugee who uses his incredible abilities to fight for “truth, justice, and the American way”. In 1939, Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel, the children of Jewish immigrants, told the story of a baby from another world crash landing in the middle of America. And since that day, the big red-and-gold “S” has been a symbol of American possibility.
You may be feeling especially keen on the Kryptonian-American since James Gunn announced that David Corenswet will be taking the helm.
When Superman supported refugees: pic.twitter.com/vljGQvh978
— Jeff Crisp (@JFCrisp) November 16, 2018
The Champion of Equality – Wonder Woman
Hey, it’s not a bad time to ruminate on the history of Wonder Woman. After all, the Amazonian Princess was born under the influence of famous feminists like Margaret Sanger. Her origin is steeped in the battles for birth control and equal rights. Though Diana wasn’t born in America, she dons the famous star-spangled shorts, red bodice, and golden eagle as a diplomatic gesture. And after the last few months, she feels like the hero we need right now. Wonder Woman for President!
The Unrepentant Asshole – Homelander
No judgment if you choose this guy as the ultimate American superhero. I mean… the commentary is there. He’s an incredibly privileged overly powerful man who was given superpowers by a major corporation. To say he’s problematic is an understatement–I mean, this American hero is a straight-up Nazi. If you’re feeling the cynicism this 4th of July, go to bat for this guy.
The Hopeful Hot Mess – Peacemaker
Of course, if you’re feeling the same vibes but you’re not entirely out of hope, you may be vibing with Peacemaker. He’s problematic, but he’s learning. James Gunn’s Suicide Squad spin-off was a breakout hit before the producer became half of the team leading DC Films. Gunn gave us a male lead trying to wrestle his way out of some pretty unhealthy American ideals. The guy’s story arc involved breaking a cycle of generational trauma and taking down a white supremacist leader. And that’s the kind of energy I’d like to see more of this Independence Day.
F*ck This, Let’s Go to Space–Captain Pike
Of course, if you’d like to spend the holiday waxing poetic about the mistakes of Earth-dwellers past, you might root for a post-American hero. Which is fair. Just be sure that in between all the disassociation of the Federation’s future, you don’t lose the urge to fight for a brighter future.
Who gets the title of Ultimate American Superhero this year?
