Super Heroes
Editorial Article Written by Lesley Lorenz
Nanaimo Magazine August, 2008
At five I was sure that I could fly if only I could get my hands on a cape like Mighty Mouse had. By far my favourite fantasy hero, Mighty Mouse seemed strong and handsome while skirting the whole issue of men in tights. Superman and Aquaman didn’t hold the same appeal, due to the serious looks on their faces and too much dialogue in general.
I didn’t want to be Wonder Woman or Supergirl or even Batgirl. Unbound by gender appropriate character identification, Mighty Mouse seemed perfect and I could easily remember his tuneful motto “Here I come to save the day!” Donning a bath towel and shorts over jammies, I would save Barbies and stuffed teddies from the evil grips of our Siamese cat.
A topic of conversation that comes up often at the dinner table or on longer car rides is what kind of superpower you would choose if any were possible. While flight, mind control and x-ray vision are bandied about, it is “morphing” or the ability to turn in to any animal or person that generally gets the most votes. We then discuss the outcomes of spending the day as a cockroach, another family member or the Queen of England, and play out various scenarios of humorous ways to damage the reputation of said person or end up a millionaire.
With all this wishful thinking, the line from a song my brother wrote comes to mind, “If you could be anything you want, would it be something you’re not?” A truly cool superpower would be to treasure who you are and what you’ve got. Yes, I’m standing in a very long line, but my youngest son still holds my hand, and we live in peace and comfort. Who needs saving from that?
While the call of Mighty Mouse still impresses the little girl in me, the real superheroes are played out by my parents who are tirelessly still offering help and advice, friends who laugh with you until your sides ache and the kids who thoughtfully remind you that although you are ancient and totally uncool, they love you anyways. Just try to pretend you’re not with them which you pick them up from school.