It is true that most comic book superheroes are freelancers when it comes to the recognition of governmental authority at best, and vigilantes at worse. This is not always the case. During World War II members of the Justice Society of America joined the Armed Forces and served their country under proper military authority. We do have examples of superheroes as policemen. The Green Lanterns Crops is a cosmic police force. The Green Lanterns are under the authority (or have been) of the Guardians of the Universe. They are responsible for their actions to a higher authority. The Hawkman of the 1960s was a policeman from another planet whose activities were sanctioned by an earth police commissioner (Brave and Bold #34).  In mid 1960s Tower Comics' flagship title was T.H.U.N.D.E.R. (The Higher United Nations Defense Enforcement Reserves) Agents. The Thunder Agents were super-powerful operatives of a United Nations agency. Again they were responsible to a higher authority. The Justice League International was also under the authority of the United Nations. Even the power-happy Image Comics has one hero (Dragon) who is a member of the Chicago police department.

The question here is: Is the military or police only about “power”? On one level—yes. The power of the military or police is there. But the power is for a specific purpose. It is to maintain order and restrain evil. This use of power is not only compatible with but is approved by Biblical texts (Romans 13:1-7). If superheroes were under a duly constituted governmental authority their existence would be compatible with Biblical mandates.

In conclusion I would agree that in many cases, especially in the current comic book scene, superheroes are about “breaking things with their fists” and “trivializing problems.” However, is there something inherently wrong with superheroes, conceptually, that would make them incompatible with Biblical mandates? No, superheroes differ from normal people in matters of degree, not kind. Superheroes are born, live, marry, display emotions, intellect and will and die. They have heightened abilities (or powerful weapons) that are not found in the rest of the population, however this does not make them more or less human than the rest of humanity. They have a responsibility to use these abilities or weapons to help mankind. Superman is ultimately a rescuer. Is a rescuer (a fireman, paramedic or policeman) a person who often risks his own life to save another just about “breaking things with fist” or “trivializing problems”. No, it has more to do with compassion and a sense of duty in helping one’s fellow man.

In a story portraying superheroes as heroes -- as rescuers, as governmentally sanctioned military or police agents -- surely this does not cheapen or trivialize the Gospel that may also be shared in the story.

From Alpha-Omega #49, 1993

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