Help! Help! Someone catch him!” shouts a terrified lady as a man runs away clutching a purse close to his chest. Out of the blue, a well-draped man appears out of nowhere and demands the miscreant return the lady’s purse. However, the thief brushes him aside and continues his run. But the “hero” somehow manages to catch the thief by the collar and delivers an infernal punch. The man of the hour then proceeds to hand over the purse to the grateful dame. The day is saved.

Doesn’t this incident remind you of your comic-book superheroes? Of the men who risk their

lives to do us justice?

Fighting the dangerous criminals who are ten times their size, these heroes beat incredible odds to safeguard people’s lives.

These men have captured our imagination and have been a part of our lives. Many have made the jump from the world of comics to television and theatres. Flying at breakneck

speeds, superheroes like Superman and Spiderman manage to leap over huge skyscrapers with consummate ease and cover great distances in a trice. As most superheroes are gifted with super-human powers like the ability to see through objects and breathe fire, they are widely acclaimed. Their colourful masks and trendy outfits only add to their personalities.

I have vivid memories of watching my favourite superheroes in action on television and being awed by their gallantry during my childhood. I was interested in comics from as far back as I can remember. Some of my favourites were The Power Puff Girls and Batman. I put pressure on my parents to buy me comic books that I read time and again. I infuriated them as I used to read of the exploits of my favourite heroes at the time I should have been busy on my homework.

I am thrilled no end when I picture myself in the shoes of my superheroes. Uncanny creations of the image-rich cartoonists and directors, these superdudes are now an integral part of the entertainment industry. Comic books based on superheroes like Batman and The Fantastic Four sell out soon after hitting the market, while movies like X Men and Spiderman bag millions from movie houses. So what’s going to be next for you: the comic stand or the multiplex?