Japanese Anime and American Fictional Heroes

¶ … men and Hamatora are very similar in the way that society treats minority groups they do not completely understand. In the case of the X-men, society is fearful of their abilities to cause harm, but often neglect their ability to do well. Much like in society the bad deeds of a few characters in the series, negates the over good behavior exhibited by the X-men. No matter how many lives are saved by the deeds of the X-men, they are often overshadowed by the deeds of other, more destructive mutants. In the case of Hamatora, Nice has established a private investigation unit, with the purpose of doing well for the world, but he often does this in secret. As a result, both groups must continue to innovate and rise above misplaced anger. In the case of the X-men, they must overcome negative public sentiment, anti-mutant legislation, and overall societal fear. In the case of Hamatora, the agency must overcome the general lack of public knowledge, secret mafia connections, and public perceptions. Both parties must overcome these negative aspects and challenges to grow and develop as individuals (Beckerman, 2006).

Also, in both instances, the characters are given elite abilities, and therefore held to a higher standard. For example, due to the sheer force and power that the X-men possess, they could easily cause severe destruction in the world. This problem is exacerbated by the hatred that many in society feel towards their god-like abilities. Because they are so hated, it would be easy and seamless to simply give in to the negative publicity and destroy society. In the case of the X-men, it would provide an instant gratification for all that the world has put them through. However, due to these powers, they must be held to higher standard, and show restraint. This restraint, it can be argued, is the strength of the X-men. In Hamatora, those who possess the minor miracle are bestowed gifts and benefits. These individuals are provided better schooling, better training, and more privilege then the ordinary citizen. Many characters in the X-men are also bestowed many of these same gifts from society, albeit out of fear. In both instances, these characters must exhibit a greater duty to society due to their privileged status (O'Neill, 1993).

In the real world, society also expects those of privileged to be held to a higher standard. They are often expected to provide for the less fortunate, donate to charity, or organize philanthropy to better society. Much like the X-men, society requires the rich to show restraint. They must not cheat the system even if they are aware of loopholes. Instead, they are expected to help make the system better for all. A very recent example of this concept has occurred with tax incentives in America. As the tax system stands today, the rich appear to benefit over the rest of society through lower taxes. A person, in a high tax bracket, who obtains a majority of his income in capital gains and dividends, enjoys a lower tax rate than the ordinary individual. The rich individual is expected to pay more taxes due to his privilege wealth than is the ordinary person. This parallels perfectly with the expectations placed on mutants and those who posses the minor miracle.

Those who use their privileged status for society often, help to provide benefits to all. Bill Gates through his foundation, for example, has helped to literally eradicate polio from the earth. Large individuals, with their privileged status are doing wonderful things in society that improve the quality of life for everyone. Google, and the ability to obtain any form of information needed is benefit for the world. Likewise, mutants who are able to help save lives from destructive forces benefited society in their fictional universe. The X-men in some instances, through the privileged position have helped to save the entire universe. Nice, and eventually Murasaki also exhibit similar traits. Nice is the best student to ever attend Falcutas. He uses this status to help solve crimes that harm society overall.

Batman is unique within the super hero universe primarily due primarily to his lack of super powers. His ability manifests itself primarily from his thoughts, actions, dedication, background, and heart. These abilities allow him to compete with and even defeat those with supernatural abilities (Daniels, 1999). His intellect also allows him to better foresee possible scenarios that will be adverse to him or his party. Consumers and society resonates with this "under dog" character particular because he exhibits all the qualities society holds dear. Particularly in America, society clings to the notion that anyone, through hard work and determination can make in life. Americas believe that consistent, honest, and dedicated work will provide a future not only for the individual, but his descendants. Batman represents many of these ideals, as he was not born into privilege like his mutant counterparts in X-men. In fact, although he is wealthy, he has experienced adversity through the loss of many of his loved ones. He uses this adversity to become one of the best superheros in the DC comic universe (Pearson, 1991). Society resonates with those who have overcome severe hardship to become successful. In real life, people admire Elon Musk, Henry Ford, Steve Jobs and others for their ability to overcome adversity and achieve a level of success that was previously thought impossible. Batman inspires people to do extraordinary things, because he has done them without the aid of superpowers or god-like abilities. Many in society are born poor. In fact 20% of the American population lives at or below the poverty line. However, it is through this poverty that new ideas, abilities, thoughts, and notions arise. Just like Batman used his ability to become the best, individuals like Steve Jobs, and Bill Gates used their ability to become the best in their respective fields. This same concept applies to Hei as well. Although his powers are borrowed from his sister, Hei is not a typical "contractor," instead he often assassinates contractors with his human ability. Both Hei and Batman heavily rely heavily on a very tight circle of friends. Hei for instances relies heavily on Yin in the later part of the series. Batman relies heavily on Robin and his butler to help him. These traits are also them to go beyond the limits of their ordinary body. By relying on others they trust, more can be accomplished through synergy and cooperation.