Xander: I don’t like vampires. I’m gonna take a stand and say they’re not good.
Buffy: So, Giles! Got anything that can make this day any worse?
Giles: How about the end of the world?
Buffy: Knew I could count on you.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Season 1: Episode 2 – “The Harvest”
Recently I received a message from my fellow blogger/friend, Teanna (find her online here or here), and she had this to say:
You, honored Pirate Blogger, need to write a blog about why women swoon over Dark Heroes (Wolverine, Batman, Hawkeye, Sherlock, Thorin) and Tortured Villains (Loki, Loki, Loki, Bucky, Loki) and find Nice Golden Hero types (Cap, Coulson, Superman… OK, that’s a weird set right there, but…) boring.
As a guy, I don’t feel like I have the right to speculate over what women find attractive or the characters they’re interested in, and the last thing I want to do is say something that comes off as judgmental or sexist, so I thought I’d open this question up to you. If I get enough feedback, I’ll post some of the most interesting things I heard. If not, I might write my own article from the perspective of whether these types of characters are more popular in society on a more general level.
You can of course leave me a comment right here on my blog, or if you don’t want to post something publicly you can send me a message via my feedback page. You can tweet me @lovepirate77 or find me on tumblr or send me a message there.
So I’ll leave you with some possible questions, not intending to make any judgments about the question, but just to get the conversation flowing. Do women really prefer tortured heroes to boring villains? If not, why is there a perception that they do? If true, why is that? Is it simply a reflection of the popularity of these characters generally, regardless of the fan’s gender? Is it because of they types of actors who generally play tortured villains? Are those characters simply better written? Is the mere question offensive? Is there any danger in being attracted to villainous characters when it translates into real life relationships? Is it a reflection of living in a more forgiving or less black-and-white time period?
I look forward to hearing from you, as I’m sure there are a wide range of opinions about this topic.
As I’m sure you know, a good night’s sleep helps you perform well in school, and so if you are a student you should always get a good night’s sleep unless you have come to the good part of your book, and then you should stay up all night and let your schoolwork fall by the wayside, a phrase which means “flunk.”
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Austere Academy – Lemony Snicket
Odo: Actually, I believe Commander Dax has been treated for seven muscle pulls, two contusions and three cracked ribs. The only person who spent more time in the infirmary over the past few weeks is Commander Worf.
Benjamin Sisko: Isn’t there any way that… the two of you could, um… erm… you know…
Jadzia Dax: Make love?
Benjamin Sisko:…without injuring yourselves?
Jadzia Dax: Interspecies romance isn’t without its danger. That’s part of the fun.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Season 5: Episode 7 – “Let He Who Is Without Sin…”
His Shield Charm was so strong Snape was knocked off-balance and hit a desk. The whole class had looked around and now watched as Snape righted himself, scowling.
“Do you remember me telling you we are practicing nonverbal spells, Potter?
“Yes,” said Harry stiffly.“Yes, sir.”
“There’s no need to call me ‘sir,’ Professor.”
The words had escaped him before he knew what he was saying. Several people gasped, including Hermione. Behind Snape, however, Ron, Dean, and Seamus grinned appreciatively.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince – J.K. Rowling
The Love Pirate 