Millionaires: Heroes or Villains

Now the title of this blog entry is not meant to be a criticism of the wealthy. In actuality it is a criticism of the world of comics. It seems in comic books there are no millionaires simply content with making a profit. They are always either costumed vigilantes or criminal masterminds. Are those the only options for the economically prosperous in the world of comics?

I’m sure many who read this think I am putting too much thought into the subject and you’re probably right. Comic books are escapist fantasy so of course anyone who inhabits the fantasy would not be ordinary. In a world full of super heroes and villains, people are going to drift towards a side.

So maybe a better question is what makes a character of wealth choose to be either a good guy or bad guy? What makes a Bruce Wayne as opposed to a Lex Luthor? As established in the original continuity, both Lex Luthor and Bruce Wayne suffered traumas at a young age. Bruce Wayne, as everyone should know by now, saw his parents violently gunned down in front of him. Not quite as traumatic, but still a trauma, Lex Luthor was caught in an explosion that resulted in the permanent loss of his hair. This accident drove him mad and he devoted his life to trying to destroy the person he felt responsible, Superboy (later Superman).

More so than some deep-seeded tragedy it seems like millionaires become super heroes and villains out of a sense of boredom. Being a member of the idle rich can be tedious and while existing in a world of costumed individuals these socialites and debutantes must at some point think “If he/she can do it, why can’t I?” Such notable individuals are Ted Kord (Blue Beetle), Daniel Dreiberg (Nite Owl), Oliver Queen (Green Arrow), Adrian Veidt (Ozymandias), Wilson Fisk (Kingpin), the list goes on.

Perhaps the most famous wealthy super hero who is a hero almost out of boredom is Tony Stark, aka Iron Man. Initially in the comics, Tony Stark creates the Iron Man suit as a way to stay alive after being struck by pieces of shrapnel dangerously close to his heart. He also uses the armor as a means to escape his captors. But beyond that there really is nothing to further motivate Tony Stark to continue his heroic crusade. His true motivation is that the Iron Man armor is basically the coolest toy on the block. It is the ultimate one man weapons system. Who wouldn’t want a toy like that?

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The motivation for being a super villain is much less interesting. For the most part it is greed, plain and simple. Greed and power, which is usually just a means to gain more greed and power, an endless self perpetuating cycle. Doctor Doom, Norman Osborn (Green Goblin), The Penguin, and countless others are constantly seeking ways to expand their own wealth and influence on the world.

It seems as if it is human nature to seek out adventure and excitement beyond our own boring lives. To seek the spotlight and be a leader of men. In our world that leads to the wealthy becoming politicians (and actually Lex Luthor did run and win the Presidency in the comics). In the world of comics, they become heroes and villians.