This throwback post is the result of a cruel twist of fate.

I spent the past four days at an epic writers conference known as Realm Makers. I wanted to do a post about that today, but the evil overlord computer has refused to let me upload my photos from my phone…nasty computerses, preciousss.

Thus, I cannot finish said post. Because what’s a post like that without lots of cool pictures?

I hope to solve the problem in time for Thursday, or perhaps for my post over at SpecFaith tomorrow. In the meantime, I scrambled to come up with an alternative, bringing us back to the throwback post and the topic of being a hero. This is from last May, with a few minor changes.

Enjoy! 🙂

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Today’s hero marketplace is crowded. You can’t travel ten feet through Entertainment City without bumping into a hero you recognize or admire.

From Harry Potter to Katniss Everdeen, heroes have become as ingrained in everyday life as watching TV and doing chores.

It’s strange, really, this abundance of heroes. A few moments of analysis show that despite the picture-perfect hero’s life we draw in our minds, being a hero is a risky business.

• The villain is always after you
• Explosions, spells, and snipers are unavoidable
• Things always seem to get worse at the worst moment
• Family and friend fatalities are a distinct possibility
• Everything will have to be as terrible as possible before it gets better

With the mountain of perils involved, heroes need a benefits package to make the job more appealing. Sort of like your company providing health insurance.

A Hero’s Benefits

Inherent dangers aside, being a hero comes with plenty of perks.

There’s almost always a romantic love interest involved.

You get to train with cool weapons and magic systems.

Saving the day is part of the job description.

You meet awesome people:

• Gandalf
• Phil Coulson
• Lucius Fox

If you’re ordinary, you’re usually good at something that makes you cool.

It’s basically impossible for you to die—or if you do, S.H.I.E.L.D will solve that inconvenience.

No matter what the villain does, you always manage to one-up him or her.

You get unlimited access to some seriously awesome tech toys—Iron Man suit, anyone?

The acquisition of superpowers isn’t out of the question. In some cases, it’s mandatory

You get to leave the farm behind, travel the world, and see amazing places, all on someone else’s tab.

Heck, you might even end up in another world.

You’ll meet unique characters, such as talking animals.

People will make movies about your daring endeavors:

• And posters
• And calendars
• And fan sites

If you go to a comic con, you might see yourself.

Although the pay is terrible, no one will charge you for anything, so you’re financially set for life.

Despite the difficulties, you always defeat the villain.

If you were a hero, what would your favorite benefits be? I’d love to hear your thoughts.