by Michelle Strozykowski

Created on: April 15, 2008

The choice of most memorable fantasy heroes is necessarily a personal one, as in order to be remembered the character will need to have impressed upon the psyche in a positive fashion. Nevertheless, in refining and narrowing down an ever growing list of favorites, certain characteristics push forward the elite. These final choices represent intrinsically universal values such as strength, bravery, kindness, and kick ass fighting skills. As such, they are more than just personal choices, they are heroes for everyone.

Superman
The caped crusader, as portrayed in the blockbuster movies by the inimitable Christopher Reeve, has everything a superhero needs in abundance. He fights for justice, protects the innocent, beats the baddies...and he can fly. Superman also has the most convincing alter ego, Clark Kent, whose bumbling ineptitude contrasts strikingly with what we, the audience, know Superman is capable of. Because it's our secret, the sense of identification with Superman/Clark is only further heightened.

Aragorn
In Peter Jackson's exceptional Lord Of The Rings trilogy, Viggo Mortenson's Aragorn is definitely the sort of hero you'd want on your side. Strong, brave and committed to overcoming the ultimate evil that is Sauron, Aragorn displays all the characteristics a true hero requires. He's also kind, loving and altruistic, but still full of doubts. These are noble, humanistic qualities that endear him to the love of his life, Arwen, as well as to the audience.

Han Solo
Star Wars has a superlative collection of goodies and baddies, but it is Han Solo who injects humor and more than a little sexual chemistry into proceedings. He gives the impression of being a reluctant hero, but he always comes through in the end. Without Han, the Empire would surely have crushed the rebel alliance. That's why he knows Princess Leia loves him before she even says it.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer
The 1992 film may have been dire, but the crux of the plot was much too good to ignore. When it re-launched on the small screen, Buffy took on a new persona, becoming a slayer with feelings, fears and problems that transformed her into a much more rounded, likable character. She could still kick ass though.

Edward Scissorhands
Edward Scissorhands might be an unlikely hero, but he's a hero all the same. Tim Burton's movie made him one. Stranded all alone in a dilapidated mansion, his father never completed him, and he was left with scissors for hands. Despite their potentially lethal uses, Edward

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