by Ben Howard
Two summers ago something spectacular happened. Something mind-blowing that changed my life
and the way I viewed the world. It made
food taste better, drinks more refreshing, and hugs felt like two hugs given at
the same time! Two summers ago I watched the entire series run of Buffy the Vampire
Slayer. Now it would be entirely
possible for me to write a book on the meaning of Buffy, and I know people who
have done just that, but I want to look at this wonderful show and especially
the amazing lead character in the light of creator Joss Whedon’s most recent
work, The Avengers, and my favorite character from that movie, Bruce Banner aka
the Incredible Hulk.
One of the running themes throughout Buffy the Vampire
Slayer is the weight of responsibility on the main characters shoulders. In show, Buffy is tasked with defending the
fictional town of California from all the demons and vampires which congregate
there. This is actually quite a large
population since the town, Sunnydale, is located directly above the entrance to
Hell. The most interesting aspect of the
series to me is the relationship between Buffy and her friends and family. Due to the dangers posed by the unruly lot of
supernatural creatures and her own belief that she is destined to die (as all
in her occupation eventually do), Buffy continually attempts to withdrawal from
those close to her. However, in spite of
the peril that if often places them in, her friends continue to support her and
do their best to protect her.
Occasionally, they are injured, and in a few cases, they die, but the
bonds of friendship and community are more than enough for them to confront not
only the vampires and demons of Sunnydale, but also to overcome the barriers
Buffy tries to throw in their paths.
Whedon has written a similar character in the form of Bruce
Banner. Due to his proclivity of turning
into a large green rage monster, Banner has isolated himself from the world of
those he loves and of those who desire to be close to him. Even when he is brought into the group of
Avengers, Banner feels as if he is an outcast of some kind and a danger to all
those around him. Much like Buffy, he
feels that his situation in life has made him a ticking time bomb, death and
destruction will follow in his wake. In
the movie, Banner is embraced by the witty, occasionally reckless playboy of
Tony Stark/Ironman. Stark appreciates
Banner’s intelligence and as the movie progresses their relationship
grows. Stark also finds redeeming
qualities in Banner’s inner-monster and their relationship allows Banner to alter
his curse into his strength as a superhero.
Instead of being a danger to all of those close to him, he can become
their champion and their salvation.
This idea of friendship and love is a powerful one. The idea that people will love us in spite of
the dangers and pain and suffering that our life brings along with it. And not only will they love us through this
suffering, but their love and support will chase us down when we try to flee
from them. There is an idea prevalent in
our society that we, as individuals, choose to be part of a community, but
perhaps it is the community that chooses us.
Perhaps it is the community that refuses to let us go, even though it
would protect them from the pain we may inflect upon them. Buffy’s friends love her and stay with her
even though monsters threaten them at every turn, and Stark stands by Banner
and helps him to harness the monster within.
One can only hope that our communities stand by us as we battle our own
demons and work with us to overcome them and turn them into strengths, and that
we in turn will refuse to let our friends fade away into their own
turmoil. Friends don’t let friends go
through it alone.
Peace,
Ben
P.S. Back to the Future! Tonight! 7 pm! St. B’s!
