Flights of fantasy

From boys to men, the fascination with superheroes never fades

As children we all learned the Mother Goose nursery rhyme that set the parameters for the battle of the sexes: "What are little boys made of? Snips and snails and puppy dogs' tails. That's what little boys are made of."

The message is simple - boys are unseemly and their preoccupations are less than desirable. They play with action figures, speed round the house in towels doubling as capes and have eternal access to a sword, imaginary powers and indomitable strength.

Gender profiling is anathema. But the truth is, we grow up with certain ideals and idols. As we get older, no matter how mature our approach to our idols may become, the unfettered adulation is still very real deep down.

As girls become women, their fascination with princesses and queens persists; as men get older, their fascination with testosterone-pumped underdogs (Rocky), tough guys (Clint Eastwood) and superheroes (Superman, Batman… take your pick) remains just as strong.

Mason Drake, 20, a student from the UK, shares his opinions on the greatest action heroes that Hollywood has given audiences.

"My favourite is Rocky played by Sylvester Stallone. Rocky represents the classic underdog, and his fight to the top the hardship that we all face at some point in our lives.

"The loyalty and love he shows for his wife and friends proves he is honest and a man of integrity. He is a true hero in the ring and people relate to that.

"I like how it is put across in a sports format. He battles his troubles in the ring. Watching him 'go the distance' makes us the audience believe we can too," says Drake.

"No matter how many times he gets knocked down, he gets right back up! He never gives in," says Drake continuing, "that alone is an amazing comparison to life. Even if you think you have nothing left, try again. If you want something badly enough, you can achieve it," asserts Drake.

"I admire Rocky so much, I do believe I have some of his qualities. Obviously not the fighting skills but the ability to continue when you and everyone else thinks you can't. Nothing is more satisfying than to accomplish something you never thought was possible. I would love to be like Rocky, he is the champion of the world!"

From the champion of the world to a protector of the world, it seems Superman has quite a few fans. Douglas Dawson, a 21-year old, engineer from Canada, explains why he believes Superman can really fly.

"My favourite superhero is Superman, the Dean Cain version though, in The New Adventures of Superman. Superman is the only hero that springs to mind. He embodies the 'American dream.' He stands for truth and justice. His story is so layered, you believe that he really can