Thor
By ALLIE VUGRINCIC
JFK High School
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Unlike most superheroes, the mighty Thor, god of thunder, got his start not on the pages of a comic book but in Norse Mythology, where he was not only associated with storms but also oak trees, strength, and fertility. Thor's introduction into the world of superheroes began with his debut in a Marvel Comic "Journey into Mystery," in 1962.
Thor's back story, though differing depending on where it is found, always includes his exile from his native home where other demi-gods reside. In the Marvel comic series Thor is placed into the body of a partially disabled human medical student, Donald Blake, and only resumes his identity as the god of thunder when he is in possession of the fabled hammer Mjolnir, which is a mythological legend all of its own. Thor then takes on a series of evil villains, most notably his adopted brother Loki, while maintaining his alter ego.
The 2011 Marvel Movie "Thor" kept most of the original plot including Thor's banishment, Loki's continued jealousy, and the love interest of Jane Foster. However, in the movie Thor, who is played by actor Chris Hemsworth, simply remains Thor and is only referenced once as Donald Blake when escaping from a failed attempt to retrieve his hammer. The Movie grossed nearly $450 million, which paled to Thor's second appearance in the 2012 "Avengers," which made $207.4 million opening weekend alone and is estimated to have gained a $1.3 trillion profit so far.
Thor's history as an Avenger goes back to their founding, were in the 1963 comic Thor joined with Ant-man, Iron Man, the Wasp, and the Hulk to once again battle Loki. Just as the movie "Thor," changed a few details from its original comic book standing, "The Avengers," substituted Hawkeye and the Black Widow for the original Ant-man and Wasp, as well as including Captain America who didn't appear as part of the Avengers team until a later issue of the comic.
Thor remained a long-standing member of the Avengers team and continues to appear in comic books today. A "Thor 2" movie is set for release sometime in late 2013.
Spiderman
By MICHELLE?COLLINS
Ursuline High School
You don't have to be a comic book expert to have heard of one of the most down to earth super heroes of all, Spider Man. Spider Man, also known as Peter Parker, is one of Marvel's greatest successes.
After being bitten by a single spider, Peter Parker's life takes a dramatic turn. He gained the ability to shoot webs, climb walls by simply using his fingers, and swing from building to building with ease. He uses his abilities for the good of the society, not just to better his own personal life.
With all of these great qualities, it's hard to determine what makes him better than the rest. I believe that what makes Spider Man different from the average super hero is how relatable he really is. He was the first teen hero. He leads his life as an orphaned teen boy trying to get an education, support what he has left of his family, and win over the girl of dreams all at once until one spider bite changes his life. He serves as an inspiration to nerds and geeks alike.
The main point is that he isn't some farfetched made up being. He's a teenage boy trying to make the best out of his life. It could've happened to anyone and that's what draws the audience in.
Hawkeye
By ANGIE?PHIFER
JFK?High School
Hawkeye is a bow and arrow wielding superhero that is often overlooked. Hawkeye is Clint Barton, who was an orphan and grew up in a circus. One day, he saw Iron Man saving people at a circus and decided to become a crime-fighter too. Soon he met Black Widow, a villain, who was able to convince him to defeat Iron Man. After a failed attempt, he realized that she was using him and he joined Iron Man's team of Avengers. He stayed with the Avengers for a long time and honed his skills.
Despite the fact that he does not actually have a super power, he showed his worth with his various skills. He is a fencer and an acrobat and his bow and arrow skills are remarkable. He has a quiver of "trick arrows" that can do various things like turn into bombs, act as suction cups or become boomerangs. Hawkeye made a brief cameo in the film Thor and was featured in the Avengers. Jeremy Renner played Hawkeye in both movies.