My favorite type of hero stories are the tales of origin. I like watching an individual rise to greatness. It's fascinating to learn what made that person become who they are.The best origin stories tell us about someone who is broken. They give us a tortured person set apart from society by their struggles. They show us an individual hurting. Incapable of dealing with their reality, these people throw on a costume, create incredible gadgets, or develop powers to defend against the world. They walk, head held high, into battle with demons while we revere them for their strength and courage.
The irony is rich when we see our heroes in their human lives, stripped of their shields, and unable to cope with the things we face each day. These stories plant a seed of doubt. I begin to wonder: if heroes have such weaknesses, maybe we are stronger than we seem.
Those are my favorite too.
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