“Heroes, Villains, and Me” is a weekly article on Geeky KOOL about the world of comic books and my reaction to it. “Heroes, Villains, and Me” is not a comic book review article. I will write about current events, speculation and rumors, or my own wacky thoughts about the world of comic books.
I had another article planned for this week’s edition. The tragic shooting at The Dark Knight Rises premiere changed my article.
The psychopath in the movie theatre in Colorado took the lives of 12 individuals. He injured around 50 other people. The psychological damage to the individuals in movie theatre and their loves ones will be long lasting. I will not minimize any of that damage. It is horrific and wrong. Our hearts and prayers are with these victims and families.
The rest of this article is about the rest of us that were not directly affected by this. I am not trying to be insensitive but honestly examine my thoughts and feelings. Again, this is nothing in comparison to horrid experience of the victims and families.
This shooting has affected the psyche of comic and movie fans alike. I found myself distracted and melancholy on Saturday when I viewed The Dark Knight Rises. I was not worried about a gunman but I did check the crowd for suspicious characters. I was affected by sorrow and heaviness of the shooting. It appeared most of the crowd was docile for the same reason.
Comic books have always been a safe escape for me. When I had few friends as a child, I often slipped into a comic book world with heroes that cared for others. Peter Parker had a rough life outside of his hero alter ego and I related with him. It was a safe place for me.
Comic book movies provided a similar experience. I could enjoy a great movie with a crowd of people with whom I could relate. Watching a superhero movie was a safe place. I am not sure if comic book movies will ever be a true safe place again after this tragedy.
My eleven year old daughter saw the coverage of the dreadful shooting. The look on her face was of shock and fear. She could not comprehend how someone could do this. Previous to the news, my daughter wanted to attend an opening day presentation of the movie. On Friday morning, she lost a bit of her innocence. We discussed the situation. She agreed to wait to view the movie until I could view it first and determine if it would be appropriate for her.
The fun and excitement of being a comic book fan has been attenuated. I am sure this will pass but there will always be a piece of safe haven that will be missing.
