Deficits are not limits: The defective heroes of Guardians of the Galaxy
Leagues and legions of superheroes are usually effective as a direct result of the union of each member’s unique abilities, whether they include super-human strength, lightning-speed, telepathy, or other powers that individually define each of them as a deserved hero and collectively create an unstoppable force.
In Guardians of the Galaxy, we’re introduced to a band of outlaws, outsiders and outcasts. With the exception of some sweet dance moves and decent marksmanship, we don’t immediately get the traditional introduction to the colorful rainbow of superpowers we’re accustomed to with superhero teams. There’s no amazing, no fantastic, no spectacular. The Guardians themselves refer to themselves as “losers” and the “biggest idiots” in the galaxy. They underperform or fall below normative expectations. In fact, these space misfits offer something rarely seen in superhero films: the Guardians show emotional, neurological, developmental and communication deficits that 1) are not expected to be resolved or cured at the end of the film and 2) do not make them ineffective as heroes.
The following is a conceptualization of each character’s below-average functioning across some psychological dimensions and why these deficits do not create significant limits for them.
Read We Are Groot: Guardians of the Galaxy Celebrates Heroes With Authentic Psychological Deficits by Andrea Letamendi at Comics Alliance.
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August 19th, 2014 at 17:29
They are unique and authentic. I’ve got to love these characters because they don’t try to impress nor please other people. These guys only offer what they have. It’s not really about the attitude but it’s more of giving their all – they may be have psychological defects, but all the more – that’s what makes them endearing.