How To Become… The Superhero | March 2014

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]elcome to this second edition of How To Become, the one and only Hit The Floor Film feature where you, the reader can learn how to become your favourite film characters. Last time we started of with a bang (on the chest) with The Wolf Of Wall Street himself, Jordan Belfort. This time however, we’re going to be doing things a little differently. When it comes to film, superheroes are everywhere. From The Dark Knight, to The Man of Steel, to The First Avenger and any other biographical re-imaging of a beloved heroes original name. Superheroes come in all shapes and sizes; to sum up just one within this feature would be like combining Superman and Batman into one action packed explosion of epic-ness, I mean that’s just crazy right?…

In this ‘episode’ we focus on what it takes not to become an individual superhero, but what it takes to become ‘the’ superhero of your own life. Hopefully the rest of this feature won’t sound like as much of a self-help guide as that did, so before that happens, let’s begin.

An Origin Story

Source: Batman Begins

Every superhero needs an origin story, Batman’s parents died, Superman’s parents died, Captain America’s parents… probably died, although of natural causes I’m sure. However it’s not all parental fatalities, many a superhero find their status forced upon themselves. For example, the mutants that can be found within X-Men. Each and every power possessing personality within are born with the genetic mutation inside their DNA. They do not choose to be what they are, they have to adapt.

Others find themselves in sticky situations, much like the genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist himself, Iron Man. After being taken hostage and held at ransom, Tony Stark was forced to create his iron suit in order to free his oppressors. If you’re going to take the first step on the long path to becoming a superhero, you’re going to need an origin like experience, preferably one where your parents suffer little to non death.

A Special Skill

Source: The Amazing Spider-Man

Whether it’s web-slinging or just having good balance, big or small a special skill is a must on your journey of becoming a superhero. The discovery of this skill is your first task. Some are born with some an ability that is evident from the beginning, some are also born with their skills, however lack the knowledge of them until a point where it is required. Other heroes like Spiderman or Daredevil develop their powers after unintentional accidents. A radio-active spider bite, a skateboard accident, anything that causes what at first appears to be a hinderance; later to become the birth of your very own super power.

Of course super-heroism does not require powers; Batman, Iron Man and Nite Owl all harness the power of technology to better their superhero halves. Combined with a level prowess in hand to hand combat and you yourself can become the shining light within a city of darkness.

A ‘Kick-Ass’ Name

Source: Kick-Ass

Your superhero name seals your identity, it is your title and should bring fear into the hearts of all villain kind. In almost every instance, superheroes are simply named after their most recognisable trait. Batman symbolises a bat, Spider-Man has the powers of a spider and Kick-Ass (above) who fails to kick anyone’s ass throughout the majority of his respective film, certainly his most recognisable trait.

Need some assistance in creating your own superhero title, origin story and super power? Head to http://superhero.namegeneratorfun.com/ for all the help you could possibly need.

Here’s my results:

The Onyx Shroud

You were a humble criminal, trying to make a living – until a twist of fate resulted in the death of both you and your family. However, strange forces have brought you back to life, and gifted you with unusual powers so that you can fight back against the evil that killed your loved ones!

The Stare of Death – Your mental powers give you the ability to kill anyone you see, merely by looking at them! Now, you protect Centerville from the Mafia, while also battling the evil plans of The Diamond Devil!

A Fatal Flaw

Source: Iron Man 2

So far you’ve got your origin, you’ve hopefully got some special skills prepared and you should also have your superhero business cards ready and waiting with your title on them. Unfortunately, now it’s time to admit your fatal flaw.

Every superhero has at least one flaw that brings them back down to the realms of mortality. Kryptonite, loved ones or even, in the case of Bruce Willis in Unbreakable, water. As hard as it may be, you must focus your attention onto your flaws and once you find yours, you’ll be ready for the final step on the treacherous path to becoming a superhero.

An Arch-Enemy

Source: Unbreakable

You’re almost complete, however a superhero simply cannot be without their Arch-Enemy. Lex Luthor to Superman, The Joker to Batman, every hero has his villain and as Mr Glass (Samuel L Jackson) said in Unbreakable, “In a comic, you know how you can tell who the arch-villain’s going to be? He’s the exact opposite of the hero. And most times they’re friends, like you and me!” The same can be seen within Spider-Man with Peter and Harry, Iron Man with Tony and Obadiah and X-Men with Charles and Eric.

So if I were you, I’d be watching my friends awfully closely right about now.