“Is there any difference between the modern pantheon of superheroes and the myths of the Greeks or the Vikings? The sheer richness and resonance we find in these fabulous beings – the darkness of Batman, the sensitivity of Spiderman, the purity of Superman – resembles the richness of interpretation and portrayal that has made the Greek myths survive into modern times. You can even draw direct parallels between the comic book heroes and the ancient heroes and gods. Superman is Apollo and, in moments of extreme action, Hercules. Batman is Achilles. Spiderman is Mercury.”