DC Comics has its Trinity of icons in Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. But who would or should be considered Marvel's Trinity?
DC Comics presents Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman as their preeminent “Trinity” of icons. Not surprising, as the three are among the earliest, longest running, and most recognizable characters in comics and pop culture. Naturally, although Marvel Comics has defined itself as being unlike DC, there is discussion over who would be, or should be, considered the “Trinity” of Marvel…were there to be one. However, the nature of Marvel and their characters tend to complicate who would be those special three icons..
What is the Nature of the Trinity?
One of the causes of divide over which characters would comprise Marvel’s Trinity is question over what exactly any triad of characters should represent. In a classical and archetypical sense, the Trinity should be the defining and iconic Hero, Anti-Hero, and Heroine who best represent Marvel as a whole. However, some would argue that Marvel’s Trinity should be comprised of the characters who are regarded as the leaders of heroes within the context..
DC has the advantage of having their Trinity be both. Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, in addition to being the defining icons, are also looked upon as the standard other characters look up to. But Marvel, unlike DC, has always defined itself by having less idealized characters. Their defining icons are flawed, troubled, and often angst-ridden..
So, who are the defining icons in Marvel?
In a more classical and iconic sense, a Trinity of a franchise or fictional universe revolves around a core Hero, Anti-Hero, and Heroine. These three characters act as the central protagonists and defining soul of the story..
In Marvel’s case, its Hero would undoubtedly be Spider-Man. Arguably the print’s most famous and recognized character, Spider-Man has been the flagship character of Marvel for decades. While not the strongest of heroes, nor regarded as the great leader, his everyman persona, vulnerabilities, and troubles have come to define, not only what sets Marvel apart from DC, but Marvel as a whole..
If Spider-Man is the Hero, the Anti-Hero would likely be Wolverine. Breaking out into his own, he’s become a flagship character in his own right. Where there’s a purity and humor to Spider-Man, Wolverine has darkness and attitude. Haunted by his animalistic tendencies, and not afraid to do whatever is necessary, he’s not only emerged as arguably Marvel’s most popular and recognized Anti-Hero, he set a new standard for anti-heroes in general..
But who would be the third corner of Marvel’s Trinity? In terms of recognizability, one could make a case for a character like the Hulk, or perhaps Iron Man, who is now enjoying a whole new level of recognition thanks to his recent movies. But following the traditional Trinity format, the third character should be the definingHeroine..So what is the Nature of a Heroine?
Wonder Woman is the perfect reflection of the word. Its not about her powers but her character in general. She has the compassion of a woman, the regality of a queen and the heart of a warrior. That is what defines a heroine. She must embody the strength of femininity both in grace and beauty, as well as independence and pro-activeness..
Ultimately, when discussing who would comprise Marvel’s equivalent of a Trinity, exactly what kind must first be considered. In terms of importance within the context, it would be Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor. But in the more iconic, definitive sense, Spider-Man and Wolverine make up two of the three. However the third pillar, who traditionally would be the Heroine, is debatable..
So now comes the debate.
Who embodies the word heroine in its definition and worthy to be placed in the ranks of the Marvel Trinity?
all comments are welcome..
Log in to comment