Because bullying — and fighting it — is all the rage now, Marvel Entertainment’s Captain America is introducing a new enemy: suicide. In Captain America: A Little Help, written by psychologist Tim Ursiny, the all-American crusader finds himself saved by a young boy who’s contemplating killing himself. In the comic, you see past due bills, report cards, and a text message (from a girl) breaking it off with our troubled young boy Zach. But when Zach steps to the ledge to throw himself off the top of his building, he spies Captain America facing off against a crew of bad guys, and decides not to jump — and instead helps our superhero escape danger. The final strip: Him dialing the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and saying, “I need help.” It’s available for free this week online.
superheroes
Captain America Now Saving Troubled Kids From Death. Or Is It The Other Way Around?
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divkid
somethings are worse than death…
— like being a comicbook nerd.
I DONT MEAN IT!
(much)
Kev C
Captain America kills a bunch of people and a robot for no reason. Random violence masquerading as a plot.
McMike
Yup, there’s a real problem with straight boys killing themselves after a girl breaks up with them via a text message. Give me a f’n break.
DR
Not the first time Marvel has addressed suicide. Check out, if you can find it, New Mutants, Volume 1, Issue 45. Amazing issue and still relevant despite being about 20 years old. And when you read it, substitute “gay” for “mutant”…
Comixbear
@divkid: As a comic book nerd, I thank you for your kind comments.
I DONT MEAN IT!
(much)
Comixbear
@McMike: Actually, the story showed more than just a girl breaking up with him for the reason the boy was contemplating suicide….including his father dying amongst others. But if someone has depression, then the smallest thing can set off a deadly train of thoughts that need to be addressed.