Byrne Robotics: Cyclops in "Messiah Complex"

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Larry Morris
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Joined: 15 July 2007
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Posted: 11 November 2007 at 11:27pm \| IP Logged \| 1

<<Even when not used as a pejorative, there is a connotation of naivete associated with the term "boy scout", and that definitely does not fit Captain America (or Superman, who often gets saddled with that term.)>>

You've never seen Captain America or Superman chided or rode for having ridiculously unrealistic values and ideals? What is that but an accusation of naivete? How many times have I seen Reed Richards accused of being too trusting?

The more cycnical or pragmatic characters are going to sometimes feel that way about the more idealistic ones. I suppose it depends on what you're looking for from your superhero comics. My favorite characters tend to be more idealistic with strong moral centers.
I detest stories that impugn that.

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Michael Roberts
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Posted: 12 November 2007 at 12:38am \| IP Logged \| 2

My favorite characters tend to be more idealistic with strong moral centers.
I detest stories that impugn that.

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Which is why it is confusing that you referred to Cap as a boy scout. There is a difference between idealism and naivete.

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Michael Huber
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Joined: 27 August 2007
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Posted: 12 November 2007 at 8:07pm \| IP Logged \| 3

"Are they mostly doing heat or kinetic damage?"

It has been stated in the books, FF specifically, that Scott's beams do not impart heat. The issue with skrulls impersonating X-men against Gladiator I think. Flying by ancient memory.

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Larry Morris
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Posted: 12 November 2007 at 11:12pm \| IP Logged \| 4

<,Which is why it is confusing that you referred to Cap as a boy scout. There is a difference between idealism and naivete.>>

I don't get it. You first used the word naivete in association with the term boyscout. Whether he has directly been accused of being one or not, he has been accused of being naive in the principles and ideals that he lives by. That they're not practical or applicable in the modern world. That they'll get you taken advantage of or killed.

What I'm saying is that I don't think what he's been accused of is that dissimilar from being called a boyscout. Superman, forget it. He's been called the big blue boyscout for years now. Often in not a very respectful tone. Okay, maybe the character saying that thinks that way. I would hope it doesn't mean that the individual reading Superman is supposed
to share the feeling of that character.

Edited by Larry Morris on 12 November 2007 at 11:15pm

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Michael Roberts
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Posted: 12 November 2007 at 11:27pm \| IP Logged \| 5

Superman and Captain America are accused of having high ideals because they are out of touch with the modern world and "regular people." That would fit the boy scout description. What I'm saying is that accusation is inaccurate. Captain America is a soldier, while Clark Kent is an investigative reporter. They'd know better than a lot of people how the world works and the depths people can sink to. They choose to hold high ideals despite that, not in ignorance of that.

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