Superman vs Captain America

words and images by Warren Wilson

Pittacus Lore is one. Karen Carpenter sang about him. REM declared they were one. Even Joey Scarbury was one for a while. I suppose we all strive to be more than who/what we are. But, being a superhero isn’t what it used to be. Sure, it sounds great to be able to “think” that burger over to where you’re sitting. Or, it would take a load off you if you could take care of the bully at school. But, it actually gets more complicated than that.

Being a superhero carries with it the weight of using your powers for the betterment of humankind. I think using the ability to fly over the morning’s rush hour traffic wouldn’t fall into the realm of making the world a better place. And, speaking for myself, I know I wouldn’t be able to cut the mustard (although I’ve been told that I’m the greatest). Alas, I am barely able to walk and chew gum at the same time. I probably could use some divine intervention. But, knowing that it probably won’t come my way anytime soon, I can always pretend that I’m a superhero. I can dress up as my favorite hero and, in my mind, conquer all the desperadoes in the world. King of the world!!

Once we are granted the power, we can use it in one of two ways: for the good or for the evil. It’s easy for us to say we’d be on the good side. But, with all that power……

The photo exhibited here is a play on what it would be like to act on the evil/dark side. It shows Superman putting a hex on Captain America. I know, I know…that’s so un-American!

I agree!

But, which force would you fight for?