A lot of superheroes today are a little self-righteous, and

"A lot of superheroes today are a little self-righteous, and what's cool about 'Deadpool' is that he seems like a guy that you could meet at the 7-Eleven down the street." These words, spoken by Brianna Hildebrand, touch upon a truth about the modern-day hero: they are often cast in the light of perfection, so lofty and distant that they can seem unreachable. In this reflection, Hildebrand contrasts the traditional superhero, typically defined by virtue, moral clarity, and an unwavering sense of justice, with Deadpool, a character who is flawed, irreverent, and above all, relatable. Deadpool’s appeal lies not in his perfection but in his human imperfections, his humor, and his ability to exist in a world that is not black and white.

In ancient times, heroes were not always paragons of virtue. Consider the Greek heroes of myth, who were often complex figures, full of contradictions. Hercules, one of the greatest heroes of Greek mythology, was renowned for his strength and bravery, yet he was also prone to fits of rage, suffering from deep flaws that made him more human than divine. His famous Labors were not merely feats of strength but also expressions of his inner turmoil and quest for redemption. These qualities made him relatable to the people of his time. He was a hero, but not one without struggle—a perfect blend of heroism and flaws that gave him depth and humanity.

Deadpool, much like Hercules, embodies this duality. He is far from the idealized figure of a traditional hero. His actions are often driven by personal motives, and his sense of humor often comes at the expense of others. He does not embody self-righteousness or unwavering moral conviction. Instead, he walks a fine line between right and wrong, often choosing actions based on his own whims rather than a strict moral code. In this sense, Deadpool is not a distant ideal but a character who feels real, even in his absurdity. His relatability is what sets him apart from the likes of Superman or Captain America, who often represent the embodiment of what is “right” and “good,” detached from the messy realities of human life.

Throughout history, the relatable hero has always had an enduring appeal. In the Middle Ages, the figure of the knight was not only about valor and chivalry but also about personal struggle. King Arthur, though revered as a great leader, was also deeply conflicted. His struggles with his knights, his love for Guinevere, and his inability to unify his kingdom speak to the human side of leadership. The very essence of Arthurian legend lies in the tension between personal flaws and heroic deeds. This duality is what has kept the legend of King Arthur alive for centuries—he is a hero not because of his perfection, but because of the very human struggles he faced.

Deadpool’s charm is rooted in a similar understanding: the imperfection of the hero makes him both more relatable and more grounded. His flaws make him human, his humor makes him approachable, and his struggles make his victories all the more meaningful. Unlike the self-righteous heroes of yore, Deadpool’s narrative is built upon the idea that we all carry flaws, imperfections, and contradictions—and that it is precisely these qualities that make us human. Deadpool’s rebellion against the superhero archetype invites us to embrace our own imperfections, teaching us that we do not need to be perfect to be valuable or capable of making a difference.

The lesson here is clear: embrace your flaws and understand that being human is not about perfection. Heroes are not defined by their inability to fail, but by their ability to keep moving forward despite their imperfections. Whether it is in Deadpool’s humor or Hercules’ flaws, history and fiction alike remind us that it is not the flawless hero who wins our hearts but the one who is willing to struggle, to laugh at their own flaws, and to push forward in the face of adversity. We are all, in our own ways, heroes in our own stories—imperfect, yet striving for something greater.

So, let us take this lesson to heart. Do not be afraid of your flaws or your imperfections; embrace them, for they are what make you relatable and real. Just as Deadpool makes his own imperfections a source of power, so too can we turn our struggles and challenges into sources of strength and resilience. We do not need to be self-righteous or perfect to make an impact; we simply need to be true to who we are, flaws and all. And in doing so, we create a hero that others can truly see themselves in.