From X-Men to Spider-Man: A Father-Son Bond Forged Through Superheroes

My journey of falling in love with comic book heroes outside of Batman is a tale that is deeply intertwined with my relationship with my stepdad, or as I affectionately call him, "Pops". Pops was not just a father figure to me, but a true dad in every sense. He treated me as if I was his biological son and always introduced me as such.

Our shared love for comic book heroes began when Pops took me to see the first X-Men movie. I was instantly captivated by the world of mutants and their struggle for acceptance, a theme that resonated with me personally. This began my love for comic book heroes, a love that would only grow stronger with time.

Our bond over comic book heroes was further cemented when we watched the first Spider-Man movie together. The story of Peter Parker, a regular guy who becomes a hero, deeply moved both of us. From then on, we started a tradition of watching a superhero movie on our birthday weekend, as our birthdays were just a day apart. This tradition became a cherished part of our relationship, a special time we looked forward to every year.

However, in 2021, Pops passed away. His absence left a void in my life that was painfully obvious every time I watched a superhero film. The joy and excitement that I used to feel were replaced with a deep sense of loss. This was particularly evident when I saw "Spider-Man: No Way Home". Seeing Tobey McGuire and William Defoe on the screen brought back a flood of memories of watching the first Spider-Man movie with Pops. It was a bittersweet experience, a reminder of the beautiful bond that we shared.

In conclusion, my love for comic book heroes outside of Batman was not just about the heroes themselves, but about the shared experiences and the bond that I had with Pops. Pops introduced me to this world and made it a part of our relationship. I am forever grateful to him for this gift.

So, here's to you, Pops. Thank you for the treasured experiences, the shared laughter, and the love for comic book heroes. You may not be here with me physically, but every time I watch a superhero movie, I feel your presence. You have left an indelible mark on my life, and for that, I am eternally grateful.