Superman
Superman of superheroes!
By CAMILLE SMITH
Article Photos
Illustration by Allie Vugrincic / JFK
McDonald High School graduate
In my mind, a superhero is someone with superhuman powers.
So when it comes to my ideal superhero, I don't want someone that is a pro at shooting arrows, or is extremely brave.
Fact Box
What better way to start the summer than with a super heap of superheroes? With Superhero movies on the rise and an onslaught of different powers and backstories, it's good to know your heroes.
Superheroes will be a reoccurring column.
Those things are great, but if that's all they've got going for them, I wouldn't actually call them a superhero.
Words like talented, morals, and character come to mind, but definitely not superhero.
I prefer the hero from another galaxy with superhuman strength and flying abilities, such as Green Lantern. Or the hero that is a science experiment gone wrong, like the very popular Spiderman.
These superheroes are usually destined to be a superhero, and for me, the ideal superhero is chosen to be great. They do not decide to be great, like many villains. Superheroes are also bound to have a weakness of some kind.
I believe that they should have a weakness, because without a strong weakness, there would be nothing for them to continually overcome. Yes, they'll have an occasional villain or two, but with a weakness, there is always a constant battle and will to survive.
With all of these characteristics in mind, I believe that my ideal superhero has already been created. Superman is from Krypton, he can fly, and his weakness is kryptonite. He fights against many villains, from Lex Luthor to Brainiac. All of these qualities make him a classic superhuman, and he will always be my ideal superhero.
Ant-Man
The Forgotten Avenger
By TAYLOR AINSLEY
TCTC
Ant-Man receives his power by an Ant-Communicating helmet and enlargement and reducing gasses held in containers on his belt . These were invented by the first Ant-Man, Dr. Henry Pym who was a member of the founding Avengers.
The most recognized Ant-Man was Scott Lang, a former criminal that actually stole the helmet from it's creator. When he returned it, the doctor allowed him to carry on the legacy. Many people have followed as Ant-Man, including Lang's very own daughter.
His powers are to shrink down to ant-size or extremely large, and to be able to communicate with the ant population. This forgotten Avenger may not be the most powerful, but it sure is the nuttiest. So, of course, Ant-Man has to be my favorite Avenger.
Booster Gold
By TYLER WARREN
Bristol High School
There are plenty of superheroes centered around the idea of being selfless defenders of humanity. But not Booster Gold. His basis is this: he's a washed up football star who became a security guard at a museum, and then stole past heroes equipment and traveled back in time to the 20th century, in hopes of becoming rich and famous.
He grew up as poor boy named Michael Carter in Gotham City (home of Batman), with his twin sister, Michelle. They never knew their father as he was a gambling addict who left them.
During his college football career, he reunites with his dad; who then convinced him to gamble on games and then throw them. Eventually, Booster's gambling is exposed and his reputation is ruined.
He then starts his job as a museum guard, and then, a superhero. When he goes back in time Booster ends up saving Ronald Reagan, who is currently the President in the time Booster Gold went back to, from an assassin named Chiller, who has the power of shapeshifting.
After his rescue of the President, Booster Gold signs a number of sponsorship deals. His character developed over several comic series, becoming a fan favorite, appearing in DC's "New 52", a reboot of the DC Universe. His powers are based around the technology he stole from the museum and includes forcefields, the ability to shoot energy, and fly.
What's interesting about him is he's one of those heroes who break the usual tropes of what makes a hero. He's a selfish thief with a tragic life story, but even with his flaws, he truly wants what's best for people, and fights for the good of Earth.
He's a small time hero compared to DC giants like Batman and Superman, but he's getting some attention now. In November of 2011, ScyFy announced they were developing a Booster Gold TV series, after a well-received appearance in the TV series Smallville. Hopefully the series can do him justice.