Metropolis: a Future Dream or Nightmare

The elaborate construction of Metropolis Township in the world of comic literature gives rise to myriad
speculations and interpretations even today. It is firmly believed that this imaginary city is modeled after
New York which is one of the nucleus cities of America. Although, New York has inspired the invention of
this revolutionary conceptualization, the city seems entrenched in a super reality not only with respect
to its architecture but also in terms of social, political, technological and cultural ambiance. It is the not
only the home town of Superman, one of the pioneers from the metro hero brigade but also a futuristic
model heralding an age of super advanced civilization way ahead of its time.
In fact at times the creation of metropolis comics genre makes us wonder whether these comic stories
were meant to offer us an escape route from the harsh and strained ambiance of immediate reality or
was primarily intended to confront the social afflictions with courage and fearlessness. Some also
apprehends that Metropolis is a visionary city which anticipates and resembles the modern global
cityscapes featuring skyscrapers, capitalistic environment, astounding technological advancement and
finally the juxtaposition of the affluent and ritzy lifestyle against staggering poverty of the working class.
The reign of power in this illusory city was wielded by chosen few who were saddled at the helm of
social and political affairs and unfortunately the same situations are prevalent even today in the salient
metropolitan cities of the world.
Amidst the several inequities and contradictions of this wonder city offers silver lining within an
imaginary super messiah known as Superman. This symbolic hero is the epitome of all the virtues which
are requisites for warding off the evils that cloud the potential of this marvelous city. This sublime and
cogent leader is also the need of the present hour which is evident from the roaring success of
Superman movies even in this millennium. He accentuates the comic fantasy presented by the city of
Metropolis represents the symbolical hope of retrieving justice by eradicating corruption and sinister
intentions and bridging the untoward gap between the rich and the poor.