# Best super-hero role model **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [October 12, 2011, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461 "2011-10-12T20:45:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2011, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461/61 "2011-10-13T23:39:52Z")
Never read **Captain America** because I thought the character concept was too hokey and I couldn’t relate to **Superman** at all. I stopped reading **Spiderman** well before he got married and all the rest, but \*_Spiderman_ it is. Of the superheroes of the 1970’s and 1980’s he seemed the most emotionally real and down to earth. > [@Intergalactic\_Gladiator](#): > > Spider-Man, on the other hand, I think really _strives_ to do what’s right. Even to the detriment of his own alter ego’s personal life. Exactly. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Scud](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f08c70/32.png) [@Tom\_Scud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Scud)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2011, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461/62 "2011-10-14T05:17:00Z")
> [@Don\_Draper](#): > > It’s a very well established fact that Superman is a dick. > > My vote goes to **Professor X** : > > 1. Overcame physical disabilities. > 2. Established a school / safe haven to help other people in need (mutants.) > 3. Instilled his students with rigorous discipline and a strong drive to succeed (in the Danger Room.) > 4. Was way ahead of the curve in inclusiveness ( the “new” X-Men were multi-cultural & race / gender blind way when most teams usually had a token black and a cheesecake female member.) > [@Tengu](#): > > He’s also a creepy mind-controlling ephebophile lecher. And a total player: [The history of Professor X, Explained](http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/06/02/comics-everybody-history-professor-x-explained/) ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2011, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461/63 "2011-10-14T06:21:43Z")
Iron Man - specifically Movie Iron Man, I’m not sure if comics Iron Man is still an alcoholic which would kind of disqualify him, I guess, unless he was dealing with it. And Civil War Iron Man was just a dick. But movie Iron Man? Sure, he inherited his wealth, but he’s no business slouch, he has fun and…this is the clincher for me…he’s out of the closet. No secret identity. IIRC, of the big players, you can only say that of the Fantastic Four, and I hate them, so that leaves Iron Man. Either him or Ozymandias. Now _there’s_ a hero. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2011, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461/64 "2011-10-14T16:03:44Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > Either him or Ozymandias. Now _there’s_ a hero. You’re okay with him murdering millions of people? ---
**Author:** ![G0sp3l](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c68b51/32.png) [@G0sp3l](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/G0sp3l)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2011, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461/65 "2011-10-14T16:44:11Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > You’re okay with him murdering millions of people? bah, statistics can be used to prove anything. He was preventing a nuclear holocaust. Most of these ‘heroes’ don’t do anything to prevent repeat offenders. The Punisher is a real role model. And no super powers. FrankenCastle/Angel dude don’t exist ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2011, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461/66 "2011-10-14T16:50:33Z")
> [@G0sp3l](#): > > bah, statistics can be used to prove anything. Prove, using statistics, that statistcs are meaningless in allcircumstances. Anyway, I was more surprised that _MrDibble_ found Ozy a good role model. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2011, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461/67 "2011-10-14T16:53:51Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > You’re okay with him murdering millions of people? [Adrian Veidt]“To save billions.”[/Adrian Veidt] ---
**Author:** ![G0sp3l](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c68b51/32.png) [@G0sp3l](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/G0sp3l)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2011, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461/68 "2011-10-14T17:04:01Z")
I was being silly. I don’t truly think Punisher is a good role model. But he is more efficient. 43% of all statistics are worthless ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2011, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461/69 "2011-10-14T18:17:54Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > You’re okay with him murdering millions of people? But, but..he made himself _feeeeel_ every one of those deaths, **Skald**! I was being less than serious about Ozy. But not about Tony. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Rieux](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@Dr.Rieux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Rieux)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2011, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461/70 "2011-10-14T18:39:41Z")
Ben Grimm. Sure, he gets depressed sometimes, but he’s always there for his friends, family, and anyone else who needs help. He only beats up on those who are his size or bigger, and only when they’ve been making trouble for someone else. He’s a real _mensch_. ---
**Author:** ![Dread\_Pirate\_Jimbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dread_pirate_jimbo/32/3897_2.png) [@Dread\_Pirate\_Jimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dread_Pirate_Jimbo)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2011, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461/71 "2011-10-14T19:22:38Z")
Superman is the ultimate boy scout, even if he regularly has very dickish moments. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2011, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461/72 "2011-10-14T19:30:49Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > You’re okay with him murdering millions of people? > [@G0sp3l](#): > > bah, statistics can be used to prove anything. He was preventing a nuclear holocaust… > [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](#): > > [Adrian Veidt]“To save billions.”[/Adrian Veidt] Please, let’s not argue and bicker about who killed whom… or how many. > [@G0sp3l](#): > > …43% of all statistics are worthless 37.2% of all statistics are just made up. ---
**Author:** ![Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/intergalactic_gladiator/32/112_2.png) [@Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Intergalactic_Gladiator)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2011, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461/73 "2011-10-14T19:51:08Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > Please, let’s not argue and bicker about who killed whom… or how many. > > 37.2% of all statistics are just made up. Anyone can use statistics to prove a point. 12% of the people already know that. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2011, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461/74 "2011-10-14T19:54:58Z")
> [@Intergalactic\_Gladiator](#): > > Anyone can use statistics to prove a point. 12% of the people already know that. Hmm. My figures show that 14.2% do. ---
**Author:** ![G0sp3l](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c68b51/32.png) [@G0sp3l](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/G0sp3l)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2011, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461/75 "2011-10-14T20:08:23Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > Hmm. My figures show that 14.2% do. Did you remember to carry the two? That’s what always gets me, well that and divide by zero. ---
**Author:** ![TV\_time](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f17d59/32.png) [@TV\_time](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TV_time)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2011, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461/76 "2011-10-14T21:22:16Z")
I went with Cap, but I think I would have preferred Daredevil. Talk about overcoming obstacles…and doing the right thing 24/7 as both a super hero and a visually impaired attorney… Granted the movie kind of harmed his reputation, the old DD was a good role model. Also on my list were Green Arrow and the Tick…Mothman is good too. ---
**Author:** ![Oredigger77](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oredigger77/32/3181_2.png) [@Oredigger77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oredigger77)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2011, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461/77 "2011-10-15T02:33:40Z")
> [@Dr.Rieux](#): > > Ben Grimm. > Sure, he gets depressed sometimes, but he’s always there for his friends, family, and anyone else who needs help. > He only beats up on those who are his size or bigger, and only when they’ve been making trouble for someone else. > He’s a real _mensch_. This was pretty much my thought. Ben is the best friend you could want he is absolutly loyal but sill thinks on his own. He has no fear despite being wildly underpowered against many of his opponents, like the Hulk, and is capable of real and deep love. What more could you want? ---
**Author:** ![Alan\_Smithee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/2acd7d/32.png) [@Alan\_Smithee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alan_Smithee)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2011, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461/78 "2011-10-15T04:00:33Z")
What, you turn evil and murder thousands of your friends _one time_ and you’re not a role model anymore? I have neither great power nor great responsibilities. I don’t need a role model to teach me to be loyal to my friends or to help me decide whether to kill evil doers as a last resort. I seldom need help deciding whether to establish a fascist dictatorship for peoples’ own good or whether to lobotomize criminals with my heat vision. But I sometimes–ok, often–need to be reminded that my greatest enemy is fear, and that even the greatest fear can be overcome with willpower. And that’s Hal Jordan’s whole shtick. ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2011, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461/79 "2011-10-15T13:13:36Z")
> [@TV\_time](#): > > … > > Also on my list were Green Arrow… The boxing glove arrow _is_ inspiring. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2011, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461/80 "2011-10-15T14:23:49Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > It’s that vote for Batman that worries me. Check again. They voted for [Baman](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7-TQdN40Dk). > [@DrFidelius](#): > > (and ho is “Baman”?) Naw, he’s more stupid than sexual. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461.md?page=5)