Superhero Saturday: The Symbiote

Heroes are the light, all you have to do is step into it. We are your guides into the life you were supposed to have.

- The Symbiote

Yes, yes I know, this article is very late! But never fear, I intend to hit the deadline each week from now on.

This week I'm featuring a young man who goes by the superhero name of The Symbiote. He's 16 years old but seems far ahead of his age in his ideals and practices. I found The Symbiote to be very open to inquiry, and pleasant to talk to. I hope you enjoy reading the responses as much as I did.

Your superhero name is The Symbiote. How did you come up with this name?

My name comes from the Symbiote from the Spiderman universe, it means ultimately that as a Symbiote I attach to society to make it better such as in a symbiotic relationship.

Being 16 years old, you are the youngest superhero I've yet encountered. Most kids your age are more worried about the latest music, TV shows, movies, and games. Why is it you've risen above those preoccupations?

It's not really about how I began as such, 'cause that started in 5th grade, just I didn't actually begin to patrol until last Christmas Eve. I have a natural passion for helping others, it's kinda like my personal calling. It makes me feel good knowing that myself and others are there to shine as lights in this world for those people who actually need it. You're right, it's not often we see these kind of traits in a young kid, but as far as I am concerned there is no such thing as age among heroes.

Who would you describe as your major inspiration in the real life superhero community?

I look up to, and admire Cpt. America. Tothian [note: I will also be interviewing Tothian in this series, stay tuned!], Master Legend and Super Hero are my mentors or teachers of sorts. As for actual combat training, I just learned that growing up. My older brother used to beat up on us, so I learned at a young age how to fight.

Since a costume is basically a necessary part of being a superhero, you must have one, right?

Well we don't like the word costume we prefer gimmick or uniform. As for mine it's mainly just the muscle shirt you see with my logo and the hood. Other than that I have my utility belt. All other pieces shift depending on what kind of weather or feeling I am having that night.

My uniform is like a flashlight, it's dull when I am just normal, but when I am heroing people see it and it flashes and attracts them.

Do you wear your costume while out on patrol?

Yes, always, even at school and public functions. You can never know when things will heat up.

Do you carry any weaponry with you while you are on patrol? Any self defense gadgets?

My baton is my trademark item. I have 5 different types of baton. All for differnet occassions. I carry a flashlight and multi-tool. Occasionally a set of handcuffs. Texas handcuffs come with me too. I have a notepad and pen to write notes down, and I am developing a mini-grapple system.

Have you ever had to use any of the equipment to defend yourself, or others?

Yes, myself mainly. Only one time have I had to defend another.

Do your parents know about your alternative lifestyle?

Nope lol. My mom may think I am nuts but would support me, and my dad would just laugh unfortunately.

Everyone has a differing opinion of what is right and what is wrong. What or who would you say has shaped your moral framework the most?

I have always been able to shadow people well, and I learned from people how to be right or wrong along with my parents and their classic style of parenting. I have the manners of someone from the 1950's!

Superman has kryptonite, do you have a weakness?

I dont know of any actual weaknesses at this point but everyone has one, I just haven't found it yet. As for an arch-enemy there is actually a main group of drug dealers in a local school. They have been the basis of my operation for the most part.

In ten years time, do you see yourself being a superhero still?

In ten years I shall still be a hero; actually until I die I will be a hero. In ten years I hope to bring my town - and the areas around it - out of fear, out of despair. I want to get rid of the drugs and gang activity. The cult I have found I want to be eradicated if they are dangerous. I just want to clean up this town no matter how long it takes 10 years or 100.

Finally, if you could proclaim a single message for the entire world to hear, what would it be?

The world today is corrupt, and dark. People have lost sight of what is true justice and why we need to be in the light. Drugs, Alcohol, and Money rule our world which is the biggest crime today. It's easy to drop to the dark but it's not the right thing to do. We need to pull ourselves from ignorance and intollerance. People are begging for a light and we need one. That's why we do what we do. Heroes are the light, all you have to do is step into it. We are your guides into the life you were supposed to have. We may be "Different" but is that a bad thing? I dont think so, in fact I think its the best thing. Fear the day that the lights all go out and the dark takes over completely.