Heroes

The title Heroes illustrates the importance of heroism in the novel. From the first page to the last, Frank and Stanley discuss what heroism means and what makes a person a hero. The idea of heroism evolves through the comic book references the boys share, the creation of their superhero Arsenal, and Frank’s character development.

The examination of heroism begins in the first chapter when the boys compare Superman and Captain America. Superman is thought to be too powerful, and therefore has an unfair advantage, while Captain America, with his singular ability, is more appealing and braver. Stanley prefers Captain America; this shows how he has more empathy for underdogs and those who are vulnerable. The novel implies that Captain America is braver because he did not know what effect the super serum would have on him when he took it, and because his singular ability puts him at more risk of injury and death than Superman. Because Superman has so many abilities as to be nearly invincible, he has less need of bravery and is therefore less heroic.

For Stanley, heroism is all about helping people. He argues that a “real hero steps in when they see people getting hurt, no matter what” (33).