Tommy Walling
WRIT 3030
1/18/2005

 Powerless #1 – Marvel Comics

            Dr. William Watts awakens from a coma to find himself in a hospital with dreams from what seem to him as from another world clouding his head.  The world he lives in is one like our own, without the gifts and curses of super powers.  The world he dreams of is the Marvel world which is full of super powers.  This issue begins the narrative of  Dr. Watts’ life as he interacts with three men: Peter Parker, Matt Murdock and an assassin named Logan.  These men, known in the Marvel world as Spiderman, Daredevil, and Wolverine respectively, prepare to deal with surprisingly familiar (to the reader) situations, but without the benefits of their other world powers.  Other characters from many Marvel series including the Punisher, the X-men and the Fantastic Four make appearances.

            This comic leads the reader to a classic question; are heroes born into herodom or are heroes made in the forge of their own experiences?  Are there really a select few of “chosen” individuals who have the gifts to step up and fight for what is right, or can any person stand up and fight against oppression in the name of justice, morality or whatever particular value they hold dear?  “Powerless” issue number 1, and the five following issues, seeks to answer that question by using four interlocking stories that involve well known heroes of comic fame.  By taking away the gifts that make these men “super,” they must prove their heroism on their own, just as any average Joe has to on a daily basis, thus proving you don’t have to be super to be a hero.