Traditional Hero Vs a Wildcard: Who Is the More Effective Hero?

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makes him an effective superhero, but only under certain conditions.

Coming from a completely different background, Captain America started as propaganda during World War II, and has been depicted punching Adolf Hitler in his on multiple occasions (Hudson, 2017). Since his creation in 1941, Captain America has become the embodiment of nobility, loyalty, and self-sacrifice in the middle of corrupt, damaged, and selfish “heroes.” Captain America is often described as a true hero. His main concern is standing between innocent citizens and danger, fighting against evil for no personal gain. In Whedon’s The Avengers, Captain America is the Avenger that helps the NYPD and helps get people to safety (Hudson, 2017). While his powers are not as spectacular as those of Ghost Rider, he still finds a way to get the job done, defeating the Nazi threat Red Skull. His powers include heightened strength, speed, endurance, as well as a shield made from Vibranium, a fictional material stronger than the claws of wolverine (Marvel Database). Despite having these impressive qualities and powers, the lack of a true “power” causes Captain America to often come short of the mark. Before defeating Red Skull and the Nazi menace, Red Skull was able to brainwash Captain America, convincing him that he was a part of their Nazi group, Hydra (Hudson, 2017). Captain America is susceptible to almost as much injury as the average human is, which causes concern about his effectiveness without the other avengers.

Captain America and Ghost Rider come from drastically different backgrounds. They have different powers, and fight different enemies. Despite Captain America being the embodiment of everything American, and coming from a more “heroic” background, Ghost Rider is the more effective super hero due to his stronger powers, practical invulnerability, and success over more dangerous villains.

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