Can Superheroes Ever Be Happy? | Dr Strange and the Multiverse of Madness EXPLAINED

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, WandaVision, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Loki--they're all superhero movies where the heroes have to ask themselves "Can I be happy?" Every superhero story explores some version of tis question, with heroes being pulled between their duty and their own humanity. In this video, we break down the sacrifices it takes to be a hero and attempt to answer the questions: "Can superheroes ever be happy?"
If you're new, Subscribe! → bit.ly/subscribe-screencrush
Go here → screencrush.com/
Like us → / screencrush
Follow us → / screencrushnews
Get our newsletter → screencrush.com/newsletter/
Written and Edited by Pavel Terehovsky (pavel8866.wixsite.com/pavelt) [e-mail]
Hosted by Ryan Arey ( / ryanarey )
#DrStrange #SpiderMan #Marvel

[@ScreenCrush]

Can heroes be happy?

[@TheAdventureTom]

Scott Lang. His life improved in pretty much every way BECAUSE he became a super hero.

[@petiteflower5259]

Pretty much nope, it seems.

[@CaptainPikeachu]

If you’re Steve Rogers, sure. Man got to live a happy life, while leaving everyone else behind to deal with the problems.

[@RegularRegs]

The reason these movies work is because they are relatable. And the whole superhero phenomenon is a way for normal people to feel powerful because they feel like the characters are just like us only super. So no heroes can't be happy because they have to fight to get to the happy part. Like the rest of us.

[@wilsonpatterson6729]

Your header says HAPPY but you end up confusing love and lust. Live is putting in the time. Lust is the desire to make someone yours. If anything McAdams shows that Stephen is incapable of love.

[@AlMoSiCe210]

Saw the thumbnail and instantly thought of Scott Lang's Ant-Man. Despite everything he's got going on, he largely has a positive/optimistic spin on things. Ant-Man deserves more love/credit for that alone.

[@RegularRegs]

I mean. Endgame? Paul Rudds subtle sadness and desperation when he re appears was honestly heartbreaking. Eclipsed by "I am Iron Man" by the end of course but yeah. That whole bit hit me. Him seeing his daughter grown up without him. And then grasping at time travel just to get Hope back even though he doesnt understand it. Idk he can't be jolly all the time.

[@edgbarra]

It's because he has Luis in his life

[@nickwyckoff7793]

Ant-man hasn’t really lost much. I mean he lost 5 years of his daughters life but he kinda threw away the first few years of her life by going to prison. So? And the 5 years felt like 5 hours to him. And he lost Hope for idk a month at best. Cap, Tony, Thor, Wanda , all of them lost everyone they loved Ant-mans gotten off easy

[@AlMoSiCe210]

@@RegularRegs very true. However, Endgame was essentially the cataclysmic event that affected everyone so everyone would understandably be a bit more melancholy. It also helped that he was able to see an albeit a 5 year older version Cassie. [I read that reunion as them both being overjoyed to see each other. Remember, they both thought the other was dead. Also a VERY necessary scene after seeing everyone in a depressed state in the beginning of Endgame] Also, throughout the process, Scott's, again, largely upbeat in the process of learning about the stones [smiling during Thor's unfocused rambling that's bewildering & frustrating everyone else] & prepping for & performing said time heist [Hot Tub Time Machine, coining America's Ass]. It's literally the same energy he's carried through his individual movies. Even when he's at risk of losing the chance to see his daughter [I miss little Cassie already], going back to prison, confined under house arrest, shrinking to a subatomic level. Maybe its due his stakes being smaller in comparison [but still not any less valid], maybe its due to the charms of Paul Rudd, maybe its because he's got Luis in his corner as @Edgbarra pointed out. Whatever the reasoning, he's mostly carried through the process with an air of levity that most heroes don't.

[@cloud_1216]

And Ant-Man has his own podcast as well. How cool is that

[@Deebosbikerepo]

When ScreenCrush works on and explains subtext is when ScreenCrush is at its best. Thanks for the hard work!

[@IsiahBradley]

ScreenCrush is my No. 1 for geek symbolic explanatory journalism, "rival" "GR" for industry geek explanatory journalism and "rival" "JC" for general commentary. Honorary mention to SC's brother/rival show, Heavy Spoilers!

[@GregDeocampoogle]

it's a unique offering. engrossing.

[@23SquareHead]

Videos like this will replace written reviews soon, there is so much to say about a movie that text isnt enough

[@vacapsfan]

I think Hawkeye was happy at the end of his series. However, he went through a lot of unhappiness along the way. And it can change by the Echo series (if he is in that.)

[@SeoulMan]

Since it's been announced that Daredevil and Kingpin will be appearing in Echo, it's not likely Clint will be back. He may have a hand in the Young or West Coast Avengers, whichever is in the pipe for the future.

[@thaIllYankee]

I needed this, Ryan: I'm very grateful for this 16min therapy session. "Vengeance won't change the past...Happiness is being fulfilled by the things you do, not...by what...you've lost...Holding on to the past only makes you more unhappy." May you and yours stay safe and well!

[@katearcher8514]

that's exactly the line I responded to as well. guess, there's more than just superheroes in there somewhere, heh?

[@JDog2656]

But neglecting the past doesn’t do it either. It’s what the present and future are built on

[@karlotty]

Ironic how the one who can alter reality can never really get what she wants... The perfect power to someone who lost everything. But it comes with a curse...

[@danielsun7815]

Guess she can’t really alter reality after all.

[@gameboyn64]

it's interesting that Wanda's fall to evil was spurred by two important factors. the first is that she never really wanted to be a hero. she doesn't feel the same catharsis and enjoyment the other heroes experience from doing the work. the second is that she is by far the loneliest avenger. unlike every avenger in the mcu, she has no family and no friends.

[@Charolette21]

I think Peter Parker’s biggest hurdle is that he feels responsible for literally everyone in New York, every minute of every day and that he never trusts actual law enforcement to stop the mundane criminals or to try and reform them to actually “serve and protect”. He never gives himself time for himself and that every life is his uncle all over again to the point he’s burned out and alone from neglecting his personal life. As Bilbo said, “I feel thin, Gandalf. Like butter scraped over too much bread”. He should reasonably put his energy into fighting the super criminals and any organized crime and spend the rest of his time with whoever’s in his life at that point.

[@Kal824]

You obviously don't understand Spider-Man then... Because it's not about not trusting law enforcement, it's about using his abilities to serve and protect, willingly. Cause let's be honest, being a police officer is still a career/profession, a job that cops are paid to do. And not one cop would do it for free. Peter serves the public FOR FREE... No handouts, no expecting payment, or praise in return. Sure... It'd be nice to get a little praise now and then, but that's not why Peter does what he does. Looking out for the little guy... For people who can't look out for themselves or don't have the means to properly. Cops can't be everywhere, and can't see everything... And for those times where they cannot, Peter (As Spider-Man) can. It's him, doing HIS part, as a good person, not just as a superhero. We all saw what being selfish and ignorant got him, the death of someone close to him. If you have the power to do something good, then you should. And disregarding that because you think Peter doesn't trust law enforcement makes you ignorant to the character, and what he represents... From the people who created him.

[@TheKuroSheep]

You are 100% right. I mean the first comment not the guy that answer u. The problem with a lot of fans of spiderman and a lot of superheroes us that they use their heroes to act like they are some kind of perfect example of how to act. The problem with spiderman "power=responsabiliy" is that you also have a responsability of taking care of yourself and the people you love. Spiderman is always sacrificing himself and the people near him to save random people because he's a "hero" but the problem is that he's not God. He can't save everyone, but he can save a lot of people but if he want to do that he first need to learn to take care of himself. What people call heroism and self sacrifice is something that easily can turn into a god complex, narcissim and ego. When u can't love yourself enough to sometimes stop this love will become a unhealthy control freak.

[@Charolette21]

@@TheKuroSheep Or that compulsive heroism could be driven by suicide through combat. It becomes preferable to run through by Norman's glider then get scolded by your girlfriend for missing their birthday party that you promised to be at.

[@TheKuroSheep]

@@Charolette21 Is a real thing that we can apply to real man. This reason I love spiderman, the idea of heroes/soldier/young men having to fight until their last breath is just a sad reality of a world were young men are treat as a assets. When see that many number in story of wars started by power hungry and rich narscicitic people is disgusting. Because of that I don't like when people use the "responsability=powers" to excuse toxic traits that peter have because of the ideals he have of the people he care and admire. Is one of the best things about him but we as audience should understand not excuse like some people like to do. With this stories we learn the lesson of the heroes without having to lose nothing. Bcs doesn't matter his power he still a teenager who have and should take space in his hero life to be that: a teenager. The Heroe journey leads to loneliness, depression, anger and even narcissim who finally ends in a villain. The motto ur die a hero or live enough to become the villain, is only true if the heroe don't accept his human half and just like a normal human, undertand that we do our best, maybe is not enough for others or not what we wished for. Only matter is we know we did what we could and didn't sacrifice ur life for it, because what kind of hero can save everyone but not himself?So excited to Peter future. is a good message

[@JDog2656]

I think it just requires more of a balance. One problem he has is constantly making too many social commitments. Too many people expect him to show up for them. I wouldn’t put that expectation on anyone. Also, he should start hanging out with more people like him. Super smart or super powered, so he doesn’t have to worry so much about their safety. Don’t tell me he would be in a much better place with Black Cat as his girlfriend

[@andrewshandle]

It's funny though, the heroes who seem happiest are the ones who have adult relationships with their love interests and family. Clint's wife knows what he does, supports him and trusts him, but also is an equal in their relationship and doesn't act like a fangirl. In so many cases where it goes poorly it's because the hero tries to make all the decisions for their entire family/friends/loved ones, and they do them thinking as protectors rather than equal participants. The Raimi Spider-man films are the worst for this where Pete makes the decisions for him in MJ, but other films do it too. They intentionally make themselves miserable rather than acting like an adult and finding a real solution for the perceived problem.

[@RaviTeja-rv8eg]

Steven rogers was a great friend whenever someones sad he would be there near and talk to them, And he himself had a very tragic life💔

[@gr8tbigtreehugger]

Steve Rogers grew old with Peggy Carter and found happiness.

[@CaptainPikeachu]

He also got his happy ending by leaving everyone else behind

[@ScreenCrush]

Can heroes ever be happy?

[@andersonhurt2424]

No they’re must always come sacrificed to being a hero even if you want to save everyone you can’t save everyone

[@jpeezy4209]

They can never be happy as long as they get screen time

[@SwashtikPatnaikSP]

*Yes & No, since life is not that easy* *Great powers comes with great responsibilities & sacrifices*

[@pinkrave2]

Not truly. Not on earth not with a full family and provide true safety is a pipe dream

[@SaintoftheHonest]

Yes, they can be. The problem is that a happy superhero isn’t as relatable as a struggling superhero, so those stories rarely succeed

[@thetotaldramaking5427]

I always contemplated this idea. Heroes are never happy, too much responsibility, image to keep, balancing personal lives. It would take a drastic toll on someone’s mentality.

[@sleinadb]

This is why I think The Boys is more like it would be in the real world if we had supes.

[@thetotaldramaking5427]

@@sleinadb I totally agree!!

[@sleinadb]

@@thetotaldramaking5427 Like...be careful what you wish for!

I think most versions of The Fantastic Four show them being happy, usually the only sticking point is Ben's state and Reed's constant failures to find a permanent fix but even that has been addressed multiple times in the comics and Ben has been able to move forward and not let his rocky self bring him down, so yeah, I would say The Fantastic Four are happy.

[@sleinadb]

Super hero stories show us that people who seem to be blessed still struggle...so when we wish for "superpowers" those are never going to solve all of our problems.

[@purplecat4977]

I think the mistake here is thinking of happy as something that someone is. Happiness is a thing that someone does. It's dynamic and impermanent, something that can be lost and found and lost again over moments, days, or years as a person's life and outlook change. What's telling to me is that the clips you were showing are almost without exception very human moments, and this video essay is equally true and interesting if you substitute 'a person' for 'a superhero' throughout.

[@PhatGirlLuvr68Comix]

Most superheroes are born from tragedy. Any occasional happiness usually leads to pain.

[@radjhidisenia8234]

That’s why Ryan’s breakdowns are Unique, they are real life grown up topics depictions of a down to earth characteristics out of a super natural persona’s. It’s nice to see how writers or film critics show or depict the regular man problems in fictitious characters!

[@aravindkulkarni7619]

This was the best motivational video I've ever watched applause to you man You took the pain and suffering of fictional characters and motivated us in a real way to keep hoping and keep looking for happiness awesome video I loved it ❤

[@mistaree8394]

The thing about happiness is that it is fleeting. It can rarely be attained for long, only striven for, like perfection. Contentment however is being at peace with the way things are. I think heroes can be content, maybe even occasionally happy. That would not make for an interesting story though so in the books and movues we pain, sorrow, and challenges.

[@idioticfun1901]

Some nights I make up my life story in my head complete with a loved one, kids, an awesome job and a caring family.... that's essentially what Wanda did. but the important distinction is that I don't go on a murder spree in the morning.

[@chaosworrier4468]

It is fitting to have a audio/video bite from Star Wars. Multitude of Madness was the OT Star Wars condensed down to a single movie - a protagonist loses the ones they love, turn to the "dark side" and finally find redemption..

[@Peavey311]

Ryan, seriously either write a book or do a channel for just philosophical/theme videos like this. Well done sir!

[@menecross]

2016 Doctor Strange is my favorite of the MCUs.

[@user-oc7dl9or8f]

Heroes can be happy But only at the end. In this cinematic universe it is different because there is another movie and another movie, the protagonist will be happy only the last time we see him, Captain America was happy after he decided to go back in time and live life with Peggy and that's it, we broke up with him. Wanda can not be happy as long as she is in another movie and another project but only the last time we see her and the same thing Peter Parker. Tony in the end was happy and won the good end, he did be happy for about five years with Pepper and also had a baby girl but he lived with guilt that he was responsible for Peter's death he could not rest, and after they managed to bring them all back, Tony would always find a reason to leave For another fight or build another suit, when Tony dies he can finally rest This is his happy ending.

[@tomroge]

I think you should watch the animated series Young Justice, it's such a great show! In the latest season, BeastBoy suffers from depression and it's depicted in a great way. The show also brings other questions and its just great overall! I super recomend!

[@balogungaa2301]

Young Justice has to be in my top 3 superhero shows ever. The nuance in the character writing and development is amazing e.g Vandal Savage

[@tomroge]

@@balogungaa2301 for me as well... it's such an incredible show! And like you said it, very well writen!

[@cutiegalore5376]

OK but why you make me cry??? Thanks for the reminder about living life with purpose. With great power comes great responsibility.

[@moviemikerod]

Basically it all comes down to this...." Love is the death of duty." When one chooses to be a hero of any type you choose to put aside your Love for whatever it is for your duty to help others. The moment you choose to have a love in your life your, Love for whoever it is, will override your duty. If not your resentment for that duty will grow because of the loss of your love. There's an easy recent example of this in uvalde Texas some of the officers went in and got their children out first long before securing the scene.

[@JDog2656]

The key is balance and support. Families tend to isolate themselves from others and as a result put a lot more pressure on themselves when they could have more help. In tribal communities, everyone looks out for each other more closely and everyone knows the roles they have to play in order to live. If you look at the FF, they not only have each other, but also many people they can look to support them, even a giant robot Dragon man. Also, they embrace what they are and what they do in its entirety. There is no division of identity, and as a result the are complete as both individuals and as a unit

[@CuriousTrotter]

You didn't have to hurt me like that with that quote from Vision

[@DUDE-dc6lv]

Yo, I read about happiness somewhere, the point was that the true happiness lies within yourself, happy person will be happy, no matter what, I think that would be great conclusion to the theme of happiness

[@jamesjimenez4368]

Pete always dealt with sorrow poor kid but it makes him a better person and super hero.

[@King_Douzer4]

Spider-man - you need to lose someone to remember ("with a great power comes great responsibility) Wanda - you can't be happy if Vision with you Dr. Strange - lose something to become sorcerer, lose your life if you become too powerful sorcerer Loki - "Gods of outcast" Iron-man - Death is near and it's your turn to choose: waist it and die or sacrifice your life for a greater good Kang - be proud of yourself and fear yourself

[@muskaan3711]

Name one hero who was happy. - The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller This quote makes me think of our MCU heroes/heroines.

[@Spidervenom23]

I'll like to think that Natasha was pretty happy after bringing everyone back.

[@emaxion]

I’d have to say I’m constantly impressed with the way ScreenCrush breaks down comicverse content into philosophical terms. This episode really touches on complex existentialist themes in a very compelling and easily digestible way. Another notable one you did was Loki: What’s the point. Makes me wonder how many Philosophy classes you’ve taken. Well done. And looking forward to future episodes.

[@cloudburstt]

THIS is the kind of content and exposition that I want maaan.

[@bryceneuberger3460]

Actually... I really needed this. I can't explain how much this pertains to me

[@abbyb8332]

My friend and I were taking about this topic not too long ago. I'm a writer and am no stranger to making my characters go through loss. But there has to be a time to cut it off. I mean, if you just make your heroes go through personal loss after personal loss, they no longer become fun. They're just sad and broken. Marvel has definatly overdone the sadness with a lot of its characters. Wanda to the point where she just feels hallow to me.

[@JDog2656]

I agree, that being said it’s important to note that as long as the story continues, there will always be problems. People want happily ever after, but it’s just not real. Stories are about solving the days problems and going to the next. Which is what life is all about. Not to say the stories should be depressing, but if you look at one’s like Star Wars or Dune it’s just like real life: you live till you die. Like a biopic basically

[@specterknight3023]

Bonus points for the Mask Of The Phantasm clip ♥️

[@specterknight3023]

Who's tears are these, someone must be cutting onions nearby. 😭 Damn it Ryan ♥️

[@itsporkroll3401]

In the immortal words of Chumbawamba "I get knocked down, but I get up again; You are never gonna keep me down"

[@itz_yeastic]

Now that Tony Stark is gone, I dont think we will get that same happiness once again, that man was carrying the whole fucking MCU istg it feels so sad without him.

[@jakeman025]

That’s not the aspect of happiness he was talking about.

[@itz_yeastic]

@@jakeman025 Nah I'm talking in general, man used to make us laugh in the hardest situations

[@jakeman025]

@@itz_yeastic yeah I know and that’s not what he’s talking about in the video at all.

[@Jennifer-mq4cb]

One of my fav videos by ScreenCrush, so philosophical but ultimately glass half full mentality. Love it

[@jodanielgutierrez253]

Happiness is something that is truly unattainable. Our founding fathers realized this with saying that we only have the right to pursue happiness. Not that we will or would ever achieve it. It's not a super hero thing....it's a human thing.

[@enicot]

That's western philosophy. Eastern philosophy has been meditating about the elusive nature of happiness for a lot longer and realized that the chase is in it of itself the illusion. They practice contemplation of one's place in the big picture, and contentment of being a small, almost insignificant part of it. So, inner peace is achieved, and that is the mature state of true happiness.

[@jodanielgutierrez253]

@@enicot I get that. Iay need to think in it more. I don't equate peace being happiness, but maybe it is.

[@JDog2656]

except the pursuit of happiness is a fallacy that was never entertained until the Greek era. Purpose was the ideal to strive towards. The foundation to build your life on. Everything else is temporary

[@zerokool2575]

You guys do a great job at coming up with these story lines that make you think. It’s really entertaining.

[@samurexatlas7373]

No, not until they retire. Because what joy is watching a happy hero?

[@travisyoders4309]

Thanks for the constant content. Keep up the great work!

[@slospop1125]

Heroes can be happy, but most times they have to be steady and give up the thing they want most even their dreams

[@deanospimoniful]

Happiness is finding satisfaction in what you do have, not having all your dreams fulfilled. Anyone can be happy in any circumstance if they choose to (might not be easy though).

[@lincoln7echo]

This is such a great take. Really. Heartbreak and failure are so prevalent...there has to be something happy.

[@have-an-ok8011]

This was actually a very inspiring video. Thanks

[@elenadirectorofmiiss7942]

This was my ONLY problem with "No Way Home"; the MCU seems to be falling into the comics trap of no hero can ever, EVER, be happy or they instantly become uninteresting... except content like "Superman and Lois" and Steve Roger's MCU end are well loved by fans BECAUSE they're happy. The only complaint I've heard about Cap's MCU ending was that he wouldn't be able to sit back and watch a lot of bad things happen without intervention. Otherwise, people were fine with giving him his happy ending and his dance with Peggy.

[@Kal824]

Who's to say that Cap sat back and watched? Who's to say that all of his knowledge, he didn't use to prevent things from happening, by being able to inform someone who could...? Maybe even give hints or point people in the right direction if he felt he couldn't quite say it directly. Steve had to go through a lot to find his happy. It wasn't instant, and it took a bit. Not only was he worthy of lifting "Mjollnir", but worthy of a happy life. His second chance to live it with the woman he loves. And FYI, NWH is NOT falling into a comic book trap, as that is the life of "Peter Parker" being "Spider-Man". His career as Spider-Man doesn't allow for him to have the happy he wants ALL the time. If you've read any Spider-Man comic, you would know that he's had happy moments. Marrying MJ, having kids with her, but, he has also suffered loss, that of course, isn't happy or a happy moment... But that's life. I think the point of this video, or the real question of this video is: "What IS Happiness?"... How would the heroes define "Happy", or "Being Happy"?

[@elenadirectorofmiiss7942]

@@Kal824 no, that is illusion of "Peter Parker being Spider-Man" created by Marvel editors over the years. Almost every tragic event over Spidey's career has been the result of Marvel editorial going: "Spidey sure is in a good place, huh? He has family, a girlfriend/wife, friends, and allies. You, writer, get rid of them."

[@sleinadb]

My theory is that he knew he had to let things happen as they did in order to get the correct outcome. Self serving some...yes...because it also meant he would eventually get to go back and be...him.

[@Kal824]

@@elenadirectorofmiiss7942 But that's the entire point of Peter's story. That's how "HE"S" been written, FOR YEARS! And that's how he'll always be written... This isn't new. You obviously haven't read a Spider-Man comic book.

[@Spidervenom23]

@@Kal824 Precisley, Maybe Old Man Cap was the one who Called Fury about Nat and save her from the Red Room. Keep in mind that Steve would know when and where exactly Nat was when she was saved by Clint and Coulson. Maybe Old Man Cap as Peggy Husband Called Fury on that day and explain to him about Nat's and her Situation. It's doesn't even need to just been about Natasha. Clint, Coulson, Even Maria Hill to a extent, Maybe it was old Man Cap who brought them into SHIELD.

[@petalstt45]

ScreenCrush this video deserves all the Likes!!❤

[@pupinoriega7088]

🖤 Greatest way to start the day! Thank you Ryan. We are happy with you. I want to hug Stephen Strange and Steven Grant all day.

[@danielkimoto1008]

One of the reasons I like Nightwing, besides that he wears blue, is the joy he has while being a hero, that he doesn’t have as much darkness as Batman.

[@chookiemunster]

Pursuing happiness is, for a lack of another word, "selfish". You can't look out for happiness for yourself, when you're saving the world.

[@DaLumpy1]

This is beautiful. Life is beautiful

[@jasongallagher5464]

Those Thor Ragnarok clips. Such a good movie

[@adamsouthfield9454]

Super Heroes can be happy. Reed Richards and Sue Storm prove that it is possible

[@SpaceTimeHell]

daamn, i've seen some deep videos you made, but this one really made me feel... and cry. thanks!

[@alankelley811]

This is arguably your best video. Great job! 👍

[@sambennet2666]

Great video Ryan, really needed a video on this topic and I think superheroes can be happy, they just need to move on. BTW homelander is happy 😅

[@lolmeidontlolmeidont9335]

This is the earliest iIve ever seen a screencrush video at 47 minutes since upload

[@naymyoaung2025]

Best video I’ve watched from this channel yet

[@pippy6677]

“ONE MUST IMAGINE SISYPHUS HAPPY” - Albert Camus

[@mackstark508]

Clint is then probably the most happiest superhero in the mcu so far. And when he retires, I feel Scott will take that spot

[@dennis20591]

this was the kind of motivation i needed today. thank you so much

[@seanFlashgordon]

This is really well done. Excellent job

[@scenebyscene7080]

Man who writes these scripts 👍 every line is just perfect , i don't regret watching any of your videos And that's what a perfect video should be , can you please make a video on how i write script please By the way great work

[@leonellisboa5900]

Thank you for this. I needed that reflection over my life and my challenges to be happy

[@kpb58]

Very, very good video, Ryan. Thoughtful and insightful.

[@joeldantes-castillo8463]

Holy Sh@#! best video so far, Loved it!!!

[@SaurianStudios1207]

I’m not a big fan of the statement *”As kids, we idolized the heroes. As adults, we understand the villains.”* Because it’s pretty overused and it oversimplifies a general statement of how we view characters in fictional media from a young age, either they be good or evil. Imo the more accurate statement would be something along the lines of this: *”As kids, we loved seeing the heroes and villains fighting. As adults, we better understood the heroes and villains.”* because it’s not like kids can’t also understand the villains and find them just as interesting and complex as the heroes while also acknowledging that their actions are inexcusable and their worldview, although it holds some truth, exposes their skewed understanding of human nature. By thinking most humans are like them.

[@KPlaysSports123]

These days it's more teenagers preferring the villains,

[@edward2815]

Well Heroes and Villains are almost the same they have similar painful backstory but the difference were how they cope with that pain on the effects of it on their personality like heroes doesn't want others to feel the pain he had felt and the villain wanting to destroy the world whom inflicted pain towards him.

[@SaurianStudios1207]

@@edward2815 very true, which is why I find both heroes and villains interesting and I don’t really like heroes and villains that are just “pure good” or “pure evil” because that’s just bland and uninteresting unless there is some complexity thrown in there or it’s executed very well.

[@KPlaysSports123]

@@edward2815 as an adult we can understand both, but we should be on the side of the hero as they have coped with their pain in a much better manner

[@amirreza2612]

Great video Ryan!

[@wilfredocapdeviellepaz4848]

What a lovely video. CON-GRA-TULATIONS! GREAT hugh from Mercedes, Uruguay.

[@TheDreMacShow]

This was amazing!!!

[@eduardarocha899]

Oh man your videos are the best. I loved this one

[@PLANETBUBU]

This video is way deeper than it appears

[@manueldecastro807]

This video is a masterpiece!! Well done

[@apoorvsingh4459]

Great video as always 👍

[@GSG02590]

This is your best video, excellent analysis.

[@Dolfan0118]

Another Great video Ryan,!!! Thank you

[@ragibshahriar187]

love you for these deep stuff

[@FelixArizmendi555]

I hope everyone has a happy ending, including Wanda, I hope she achieves her long-awaited happiness and if she doesn't, that at least the character has a heroic ending like Iron Man did.

[@tyroneraman6395]

Oh gosh, cry me a river dude. She's a menace and needs to pay for her crimes!

[@gustavosuarez3096]

Love this video. I know it's is discribing the difficulties of a superhero, but a lot of the words you said can be used to philosophically understand better our own life's. We can be the hero of our own lives, or just live long enough to be the villain. We need more heros today 😌

[@NYjays7]

Thank you Ryan.

[@janbreaux2545]

"Be Greater... Than what you Suffer." - Spider-Man

[@eltonarthur1233]

Fantastic video. My second favourite one yet. I've got a question Ryan. I wanted to ask in regard to the video essay what if the heroes were happy and were content with what they had, with the life they were living but were forced to change?

[@timoclark]

One of your best ever, and that's saying a lot.

[@IsaacThePanduh]

Such a great video essay.

[@idbuyanewbmx]

Wait, the director retweeted your video?! If that's not an endorsement of "See? He gets it!" Then I don't know what is! I already loved the film but after your video I reached it with an even bigger appreciation.

[@tyroneraman6395]

It's coz this guy never criticizes anything!

[@sleinadb]

There is enough criticism to go around. I appreciate that he practices if you don't have anything nice to say...

[@BlackHatCinephile]

Awesome story, man.

[@nickwyckoff7793]

You made me very sad to think about this. But great choice of topic. I enjoyed it.

[@lopirobinson1991]

No because the message is that doing the right thing is usually hard, sacrifice and stuff.

[@luigiscazzari4724]

Good dissertation

[@WolfofBende]

I remember Matt Murdock's burdens in the comics and how much he has to balance his law life, vigilante life and being a devote Catholic. Matt is never truly happy and the comic run, ShadoLand shows this better.

[@chimbloanimation9242]

What an great video

[@bflbflbfl]

Can anyone be truly happy?

[@jeffreycarman2185]

Would I have been happier if I had chosen a different path? I think we always face these types of questions when we reflect on the the decisions we have made. This is the human condition.

[@ssasser808]

The idea that death is what gives life meaning is, in itself, anti-life. The purpose of life is not to die, it’s to live.

[@sleinadb]

Correct but if people lived forever we would have a different approach to "living" and what that actually means.

[@christinecrawford4506]

I agree that supeheroes should be able to find happiness ans solice in their purpose. Love stories usually have unhappy endings. It was great that Steve Rogers was finally able to have the "simple life" that Stark mentioned at the end of ATAofU. However, none of us have a time machine that could allow us to revisit and fulfill lost opportunities. Superheroes have "live for the greater good" more so than for being happy with others.

[@kapilmahmud]

Sam Raimi's Spiderman 2 is another great example of a hero struggling to find fulfillment and happiness