Heroes Among Us Part II

All too often it takes a tragedy to remind us of our blessings. We get lost in our day to day and forget how amazing all of this really is. Aurora Rises reminds us of how fragile and important we all are.

This past weekend brought about a massive outpouring of nobility and fellowship in a community that too often draws lines in the sand over fictional allegiances. Aurora Rises was an opportunity for everyone affected by the theatre shootings to come together and provide comfort and support for those we may have only known through tragedy. The event was built around the community, for the community, as we may not have been at the Aurora theatre in person, we all went out that night with the same intentions and eagerness.

It was a defining moment for comics that saw a rise in support and awareness of those directly affected by the violent tragedy, by a community whose medium has been accused of glorifying violence. We read about the heroics of our favorite Superheroes because they inspire us, by instilling morals and convictions in us as we are constantly bombarded by the evils around us that are focused on by other mediums. The news can’t help but depress us, as story after story informs us of tragedy and loss.

For myself, and many other fans, comics and superheroes set the standard for how we can surpass this heartache to move forward by lending ourselves to those in need. Aurora Rises was filled with people who personified this ideal of using what power and resources they did have, to inspire others through presence and support.

While many creators and individuals involved in the industry tweeted their support, and helped raise awareness even though they couldn’t be there, others took a different route over the weekend. I found myself extremely disappointed in the actions others chose to make over the weekend. As classless, ignorant, and hateful tweets were spewed, it distracted and took away from the sincerity and sorrow that anyone who saw DKR or even reads comics books should have been aware of.

Instead of a moment of silence we got a rampage that lured in far too many. Over the weekend there was more coverage of the twitter fights than there was of Aurora Rises. These people, by drawing attention to themselves and their egos, firmly let us know that instead of standing in solidarity, they stood alone, challenging the merits of their peers in the most pathetic way possible.

It’s rather baffling to me that if you check the twitter feeds of DC, Marvel, Warner Brothers, not a single mention of Aurora Rises comes up.

Is it because they are trying to distance themselves from the tragedy by simply not acknowledging any of the aftermath? Or is this just inconsiderate? I realize that this is certainly a sensitive subject and no words can adequately express the support or feelings of a single person, let alone a company, but by not saying anything it seemed as though they couldn’t be bothered to support, even in the smallest way.

While the Twitter fights and resignations will be a topic of conversation for a time to come, I hope that the event of Aurora Rises and what it represented will remain a stronger presence in people’s minds. We came together as community to enact the ideals and compassion that we so often read about. Superheroes may be fictional, but Superheroics are far from it.