Is this your king? What your favorite hero says about you…
- Montrez
- Nov 13
- 4 min read
Like so many other lines in the beloved film, Killmonger’s words resonate. Every generation has its crowned heroes, reflecting not just stories we love but aspects of ourselves, our values and aspirations, too.
So what does your favorite hero say about you? While we could talk about what we know and love about our favorite heroes all day long, let’s talk about three icons that take the crown in comics and heroism.
Superman taught us hope.
Superman flew into the comic scene during a time that’s oddly similar to many of the difficulties we face today. He made his debut in 1938 , when the world was going through economic crises, war, and turmoil.
His story stood out during that time (and remains relevant today), not because of his power, but because of his restraint and his willingness to what was right, even when no one was looking.
For many, the man of steel became a symbol of truth, justice and the American way. That “S” on his chest stood for more than just being “super”. It stood for hope, a message that still echoes even in the most recent film by James Gunn.
No matter which incarnation of the Kryptonian you prefer, if Superman is your comic book king, you have a strong moral compass and a hope that defies the odds and circumstances you face. You believe in doing what is right because it is right, and you always try to see the good in people and situations.
Black Panther taught us pride.
The Black Panther film debuted in 2018, leaving a lasting mark on our hearts and our sense of community and pride. While T’Challa was king of Wakanda, the crown he wore represented something even deeper. The film and the hero reminded us that we are more than background extras, sidekicks, and negative stereotypes. We could be kings and heroes.
Combining our heritage with innovation, brilliance and confidence, Black Panther and the world of Wakanda inspired a shift in media and storytelling . For the first time, in a long time, the Black community, the diaspora at large, was seen, honored, and celebrated in a meaningful and powerful way. Even after the death of Chadwick Boseman and the studio’s decision to not recast Black Panther, the legacy and movement the 2018 film started is only the beginning. The film, the character, and the world created in the comic serves as a reminder of how powerful true representation can be both in fiction and in everyday life.
If Black Panther is your comic book king, you carry yourself like royalty. You are a confident leader who doesn’t use power to serve your ego or your own personal agenda, but to serve your community and to honor those who came before you.
What Akolyte brings to the table.
What do you get when you mix hope with pride and super-powered heroics? Konkret Comics’ own icon for our generation. As son of a cosmic supreme entity, Akolyte’s power rode through generations, creating within him purpose much bigger than him. His greatness isn’t powered by some external force, but it’s part of his DNA. It isn’t something he becomes, but something he just needs to tap into.
Akolyte mirrors our own time and generation with a fresh lens and voice that sets him up to be a modern myth. He’s a Black man with power and purpose that’s inherited, it’s innate and he has to navigate a world that both fears and covets that power, all while balancing destiny, responsibility and defining what that means on his own terms.
Akolyte reminds us that we all have potential to do and become something greater than what we see. But we have to choose to seize it, own it and wield it intention and responsibility.
If Akolyte takes the crown for you, you are a pioneer and idealist who forges your own path with stubborn tenacity ,determination, and purpose. You realize that power without vision, intention, and integrity is meaningless, and that you are building something much larger than yourself.
Superman is a symbol of hope.
Black Panther is a symbol legacy.
Akolyte is a symbol of purpose.
Which hero takes the crown for you? Your choice reflects more than your entertainment preferences. It actually says a lot about who you are, what you value and who you’re becoming.
Who’s your comic book king? Add your favorite character to the roster of icons and greats.
Don’t forget to check out Konkret Comic’s legendary Akolyte. Today is the last day to support our iconic hero’s current kickstarter. Don’t miss out!
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About Montrez, Contributor
Montrez is a science fiction and fantasy author who writes for soft hearts and bold souls. When she's not penning her own stories, she's passionate about uplifting her fellow creators through her work as Editor-In-Chief at Konkret Comics and through her bookish platform, The Novel Creature Network.