In Search Of The Fat Superhero

3

2007-03-18

From playboy billionaires to newspaper photographers to even scientists, comic superheroes cover a broad spectrum of societies and social standings. Comics also spread out around various ethnic circles, although they can at times be stereotypical. Even sexual lines are broken with a long list of super heroines. Yet, through all of this wide array of superheroes and super heroines, there still exists a barrier that no comic company seems to want to touch--the fat superhero.

Where is he? Where is the hero that laughs in the face of danger while Twinkie cream dribbles down his chin? Where is that jolly and fat beacon of light to shine for all of the downtrodden 'weight-enhanced' members of society? Still a better question is why hasn't any comic company cashed in on this yet. Think of the marketing possibilities. Dunkin Donuts could finally have a new spokesperson to replace Fred the Donut Guy. Or maybe they could even dress the old Fred up, and he could become the champion of donut freedom. Comics could even see a resurgence of the Hostess fruit pie ads.

Is this Fred's costumed identity or his secret identity? I can't tell.

Also, scores of overweight comic geeks could now better associate with the new plump powerhouse of freedom and justice. So much hoopla is made over how Spider-man was a geeky high school kid with whom the readers could relate. Then, how better then to relate to the ever growing obesity of America than to strut out John Doe, 6 foot tall, 300 pounds, and hero to all.

The fat have been overlooked for too long. They have consistently been cast as the knee-breaker, the goon, the criminal mastermind, and even the psycho killer. Will we ever see a comic that gives the readers another fat man to cheer for other than Santa Claus? I and my gallon of Rocky Road ice cream hope so. Burp! Better make that a half gallon.

Fat? Check. Smart? Check again. Walking cane? 3 checks in a row. Heroic and good? We'll get back to you.