Flip the coin, and superheroes can easily become super-villains. The hero can become the scapegoat, and the temptation of putting the blame on the obvious rather than the inexplicable is a popular modern symptom.
Take Batman. Take the July 20 shooting in Colorado during the showing of The Dark Knight Rises, and Bruce Wayne _ hand in hand with the Joker _ are running the risk of becoming losers.
After the tragic massacre that left 12 people dead, some historians and critics have observed that the event might forever tarnish the legend of Batman (see side story). It is hardly a surprise that some insist the story of Batman has had a significant influence on James Holmes _ the alleged murderer now on trial _ who had his hair dyed flaming orange.
It doesn't help that when captured, it's believed that Holmes told the police that he was the Joker.
But everywhere, Bat-fans are clamouring to dispute that association. Somchay Nitimongcolchai is Thailand's biggest Batman fan for the past 10 years _ actually, he claims to be one of the most loyal Bat-fans in all of Asia.
Two months ago Somchay, 39, opened Batcat Museum & Toys in Bang Kapi, a homemade gallery featuring 5,000 items of superhero memorabilia, with Batman a prominent character.
Asked how he felt when he first heard of the tragedy in Colorado, Somchay's answer was "shocked", echoing what's been said around world. But when asked how Batman's reputation and image could be damaged because of the event, he says confidently that the two things have nothing to do with each other.
"It's a two-sided issue. If you want it to relate, then it will. But you can also see things the other way and it's up to what people want to think," says Somchai.
"That guy [Holmes] is obviously a madman. Normal people know it's wrong to carry a gun and shoot up dozens of [innocent] people. Batman shouldn't be blamed for this. It's all a matter of coincidence. Holmes might have lost his mind or it just snapped, and it happened to coincide with the release of the new Batman movie.
"What if a different movie was coming out and the criminal had chosen a villain from that film? It would probably get the blame as well.
"Movies and popular culture shouldn't be taking the blame for crimes committed by mentally ill people."
The reason Somchay personally believes that Batman has become such a big deal in the debate is because the Joker has assumed legendary status in pop culture after Heath Ledger's astounding performance in the previous installment, The Dark Knight.
"This character is so exposed because Ledger did a spectacular job playing him," says Somchay. "And it was also his last role before he died, which is material for a myth. If the criminal had cited the name of a less famous and celebrated villain, maybe the media wouldn't have blown it up this much."
Comic book characters are in a universe of their own. They certainly have the ability to inspire devotion and following that crosses over into the real world. Somchay's Batcat Toys & Museum is an example of how comic book characters have such a global reach. From his own estimate, the collector has spent several million baht to purchase all the toys and vintage paraphernalia from other collectors and websites.
Even though his museum will greatly appeal to young people, Somchay feels that the real gist of Batman is something for adults. He believes that children are less likely to appreciate the deeper messages that explore the psyche of the characters, and probably go for more action-packed thrills like The Avengers.
''Little kids should watch the Batman cartoons. There's an appropriate media for everyone and parents should filter what their children are taking in,'' he says. ''If you want to let them watch it, fine, but educate them too about what's right or wrong.'' Somchay has little doubt about the future of Batman.
''I can guarantee you a new Batman movie will come out in the future. A newer version that will reflect popular culture and issues of the time.
''There is no way this event could completely affect it. Sure, people have not gone to see the movie for a week or so out of respect. But that won't last forever. The movie overshadowed the event.''
As of now, The Dark Knight Rises has grossed around $750 million worldwide. The highest-grossing film of the year so far is The Avengers, at $1.4 billion.
''I don't even think Batman is as violent as the lakorn we see on Thai TV,'' says Somchay. ''I find that much more aggressive, and people watch it passively every day and I'm sure that has more of effect. If you think Batman is dangerous, what about Dr Hannibal? That movie is much, much more violent. It's gory, bloodied, and chilling to watch.
''If you think popular culture can have a bad effect on people, the world might as well stop making any movies about murder, rape and anything gruesome. Those offer so much more specific examples for people to follow.''
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