If Harry was a Super Hero

July 31st sees J. K. Rowling launch v.50.0. Happy Birthday to the creator of the legend of Harry Potter. Like or loathe these books, I think it is safe to say that she's done more to drive young adult engagement in literature than anybody else on the planet. We're celebrating her birthday by promoting her work and that of some of her most well-respected peers.

But in the pantheon of great fantasy heroes, does Harry measure up? Can he hold his own against other heroes in this genre? How would he fare in a straight up contest between him and the lovable Bilbo Baggins?

I hear some scoff at the notion that this is even a match, but let's briefly see how they stack up against each other. First, their similarities.

They're both pitted against mega-evil, but they both have some pretty nifty accessories, particularly in the "let's disappear" line. They have pretty handy weapons, although Sting (the sword, not singer your mom listens to) isn't as magic and versatile as Harry's wand. You might also say that they both have to rely on some pretty sketchy characters that are sometimes friend, sometimes foe. Professor Snape doesn't do Harry many favors early on and Gollum certainly has it in for Bilbo. Balancing that, they are both surrounded by trusted friends and some pretty powerful allies.

How are they different? Harry almost lost it all before it began, both parents getting snuffed out and then getting dumped in the foster home from hell. For Bilbo? We don't have a lot of detail of his upbringing but the Shire looks pretty ideal vs. Privet Drive.

This is where the scales start tipping towards Bilbo for me. Bilbo has no magical powers and no school in which to hone them, but still manages to triumph over some pretty extraordinary odds.

If that's "advantage Bilbo" then the game goes to him because he also behaves differently from Harry when the weight of his world is on his shoulders. Harry gets mean and tests the friendships that are dearest to him. Bilbo feels the dark power of the ring but doesn't really take it out on anyone.

So what do you think? Do you agree, or do you think that I'm giving Harry a hard time?

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