Ït’s summertime in America, and that means one thing: superhero movies. We love superheroes so much we even elected one as governor of Kah-lee-fawn-ya. Chances are, you’ve seen the comic book-based movies “Batman Begins” or “Fantastic Four” already, and possess the good sense to skip over “Catwoman” at the video store.

It’s tempting to view the sudden resurgence of comic-book movies these past few years as Hollywood’s response to the events of September 11. Perhaps there’s some truth in the notion that these movies reflect our culture’s need to view ourselves as triumphant do-gooders conquering evil with extraordinary virtue and powers, and characters like Superman embody all that is right with the American spirit. Many comic-book characters, such as Batman and Spiderman, become superheroes in the wake of violent trauma; one can see how such a genre might appeal to a country that suffered a tragedy such as September 11.

On the flip side, I suppose it’s possible to critique these movies as violent escapist trash, appealing to our culture’s most immature adolescent power fantasies.

Perhaps the truth lies along an entirely different path; many Hollywood insiders credit the recent popularity of comic-book movies to the surprise hit movie “Blade,” which was released in 1998. Inspired by the success of “Blade,” Fox made the movie “X-Men,” which took one of the top spots at the summer multiplexes in 2000 and paved the way for two sequels. So September 11 cannot be the sole reason for inspiring a superhero renaissance.

I think the reason these movies resonate so strongly with audiences is that the stories root from transformation and change. To some extent, every character in any good story travels some sort of arc, but comic-book heroes do it with fantastic powers while wearing spandex. The sort of journey they embark on is inherently dramatic, and their outfits and origins usually tap into common cultural motifs. I don’t believe it’s an accident that Superman’s tights have two out of the three colors of the American flag, or that he was an only son sent by a powerful father to save humanity. Characters like The Hulk and Daredevil, who received their powers from radioactive accidents, reflect the nuclear anxiety of the age in which their creators lived.

It’s important to note that trauma is not the only way comic-book heroes acquire their powers; many possess them from birth, or have abilities that manifest themselves at the onset of adulthood. Their stories are compelling because they are in the throes of a tremendous shift in how they see themselves, and how the world will see them in light of their talents.

In a sense, that’s what college is about; it’s a process of becoming, of exploring your gifts and learning to use them; it’s about finding out who you truly are, about finding an identity and growing into your full potential.

So what’s your super power? That’s what you’re here to figure out. And no, your amazing keg stand doesn’t count.

Columns reflect the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the Northern Star staff.