Hodge I completely agree, an article on this would be very interesting, and my niece Evie (batgirl) is a great writer when she wants to be. I think it would be an excellent project for her, given her knowledge and love of comics. It sounds like you have quite an interesting job as well hodge, knowing how to do research. Very interesting indeed!

Regarding citing an actual comics example, I'm afraid I am like Marlene in that I grew up in the era where superhero comics were for boys only. I read Richie Rich, Little Audrey and Archie & Jughead. Not much trauma in any of those, unless Archie getting told to bugger off by Veronica's dad counts as trauma.

Ugh another article for me to write.. why do you guys think I'm a good writer?? I never really noticed that I was. Anyways, not sure about the article yet, it sounds very interesting yes, but I think I'd rather illustrate it than write it. Currently I'm making a list of all the comic book characters with trauma... it's taking a while obviously. Once I'm finished I'll post it here as an attachment for anyone who's interested. I'm concentrating on comics from the Big Three (Marvel, DC and Image), as well as Dark Horse. Keep any suggestions coming though, if you have any. Thanks all! :)

Hi batgirl,

I like your post on Superheroes and Villains with PTSD. There's a DC superhero type that might have PTSD. His name is Deadshot.

**Possible Triggers in this Post.**

There is a good artile on him on wikipedia.org. Deadshot looks like a Dirty Harry/Clint Eastwood type anti-hero who "doesn't mind putting his life on the line" and "will risk dying to get the job done". Probably therapists will tell me that Dirty Harry or characters like him aren't good for me to have as heroes. They aren't may heroes. don't worry.

But I remember buying the 4 part Deadshot miniseries in 1988 as a teenager. I was really impressed by how DC comics took a really grim story and a superhero guy and took a risk with it.

******[There are possible triggers in the wikipedia article.............

Such as..........In the story Deadshot's son is attacked in horrible ways + is killed]. But I liked the Deadshot miniseries, because the story took on really gripping adult problems-so the Deadshot miniseries had a plot that was more like Lethal Weapon [the movie] and not like a tame story like a 1970s "superman and aquaman coloring book". Regardless, I like Deadshot's character because he has real problems and is a BIG departure from a lot of DC's comic heroes and other comic heroes that are as innocent as Adam West's Batman.
Have A Good Day, Rob

I can recognize good writing (or potential good writing) when I see it (I am a professional editor), thus, batgirl, that means I can see that you are capable of good writing. What do I think makes you a good writer? Well, to be honest, I can't give a full answer without seeing extensive writing samples from you (which I am not asking for:-)), but I do see, from your posts that I have read, that you have a command of the language and that you are thoughful, intelligent and have insight, and that you are able to communicate your insights and feelings effectively.

That said, follow your gut. I'm sorry; I truly didn't mean to try to goad you into doing something you didn't want to do. I was just trying to encourage you if that was what you wanted to do. (Personal note: I was really encouraged by someone when I was probably your age or younger -- i.e., about 16 -- and that probably saved my life, so I guess I feel that when a similar opportunity comes into my purview, I want to do the same.) It's also that you already provided some of the outline for such an article, and I thought it would be really interesting and useful.

Anyway, batgirl, I'll be around for any advice you may want to request if you decide at some point that you would want to pursue such a project. And please keep us posted on your work (in which I have absolutely no expertise! :-)), if you like; it sounds really great.

All the best to you,

hodge

Hi Kathy,

Most of my experience of comics is with the old Archie ones, too. I've been a reference book writer and editor for the last 18 years, my whole professional career. I've always liked it because I could keep learning and then share what I've learned in my books. Unfortunately, the publishing industry has been changing. Libraries are buying online material instead of books, and small companies like the one I work for can't keep up. It's tough, and it's the reason I'm going to be laid off this summer, along with half my other colleagues. It kind of adds to the other stuff I'm dealing with. I always thought I would have the same job for life. But the world is changing so fast these days...who could have imagined it ten, twenty years ago? I sure didn't.

Thanks hodge. I appreciate your saying I have some potential as a writer. And I'm sorry. To clarify, I wasn't referring to anything you said when I was complaining about people wanting me to write. The remark was directed at my family members (Kathy and Jim) because they are always wanting me to write articles. Sorry for the confusion.

Thanks for the offer of advice, that is very kind of you. I may just take you up on it, once everything's settled down. We are moving on the 10th and then my job begins on the 15th, so things will be hectic for a while. Anyways, thanks again, I appreciate it! :)

Hi, batgirl,

I'm glad you just took what I meant. Good luck with the move and your new job. Like I said, I'll be around. Take care, hodge

Thanks hodge. Oh and thanks to you too Rob, I hadn't heard of Deadshot, so I'll be interested to read up on him, sounds like a complex character.

When I was growing up I was a die hard Ironman fan. Probably 90% of my comic collection was Ironman (I grew up to be an Engineer... go figure).

Tony Stark was visiting a war and was ambushed. He had a piece of shrapnel lodged in his heart and became a POW. He built his suit to keep his heart going and escape from the war.

He might have PTSD, however the only symptoms I remember were alcoholism. He also had a degenerating nervous system, but I don't remember it being trauma related.

Another comic book charactor with possible PTSD

Feral from the X-men series. Heh, at times she feels like me. If you do a search of Feral marvel you'll see what I mean.

Lets just say she has anger issues, trust issues etc.

Heh, is there a happy superhero? I mean, one that doesn't have some sort of trauma in their back ground?