Response Paper

”Flag-Raising Heroes, 1945/2001” (A), “Superheroes Decoded,” Mereka Lahir dari Rasa
Takut (B), and “Bringing Back Local Superheroes”(C) all discuss the similar topic of
superheroes. “Flag-Raising Heroes” discuss real superheroes, while “Superheroes Decoded” and
“Bringing Back Local Superheroes” discuss comic-book superheroes. Article A converse about
How marines and firemen raising the American flag during hard times is called heroes of the
USA and even produced as postage stamps. Article B decodes superhero from the US while
article C discuss the planning and the remaking of Indonesian Heroes.
Article A presents the concept of how Americans see heroes at that time. “Different times,
different enemy, same flag, same feeling ...” During WW2, there was a photograph of 5 marines
raising the flag on Mount Suribachi and was described as the most reproduced photograph. That
photograph would later be produced as a postage stamp. Also, in 9/11 a photo surface that
includes 3 firemen raising the flag in the ruins of the World Trade Center. With that photo going
viral, those 3 firemen are now produced as a postage stamp and compared to the previous
“similar” action that those 5 marines did in WW2 and that action made them “heroes USA” After
reading article A and article B, there was something in common with comic book superheroes
and those “real” superheroes. During the WW2 and the 9/11, the United States of America was
against something and was under attack by someone which made people see patriotism and
defending the country is a “hero” act. That is why Superman, Captain America, and Wonder
Woman serves as a symbol of hope and patriotism. People like to see their country win the
problems they currently (at that time) face. “Behind their story of superheroes, lies their
country’s history and their biggest fear.”
When reading article C, I realized why Indonesian superheroes are often forgotten and
neglected. In contrast to how the US make their superheroes, Indonesian superheroes lack the
purpose of “why” they were made and similarities to “normal” human beings—the reader, that
made local superheroes a bit un-relatable. Indonesian comics were also overshadowed by comics
from Japan and the US. Indonesian superheroes were forgotten and it was not the readers’ fault.
In article B, it is stated that there were two phases of superhero generation—“American
Legends” and “American Rebels”— comic book writers in DC Comics and Marvel Comics
made their characters according to the problem they are facing at that time. American legends are
characters that fight for America, such as Superman, Captain America, Wonder Woman, etc.
That superheroes are symbols of patriotism from WW2, Vietnam War, and until the tragedy of
9/11. American rebels, on the other hand, discussed the new generation of superheroes that rebel
the justice system and defend what is right. They fight authority and fight for people. Characters
such as Spiderman, Black Panther, X-men, Ironman, Hulk and many more were created for
people of minority, African-American, people of disabilities, and teenagers so that people can
relate and buy it more. Compared to Indonesian superheroes that were created purely of
inspiration of local stories and superheroes from abroad such as Wonder Woman. There were no
factors that pushed the characters to “blow up”. But the remake by Bumi Langit took off because
of social media and the growth of the internet that enables more people to read the comic.
Although the reviews were mixed it is still better than no national superheroes for Indonesia.
All in all, superheroes serve an important role in society. They become a symbol and a
reminder of what could have been. They fight for today’s modern problem and constantly adapt
to “help” give a moral lesson to people. To be more patriotic, brave, and responsible. It is only a
matter of time before Indonesian comic book superheroes to be in the youth’s hand and not
American or Japanese comics.