During the next G-8 meeting, France was the hosting nation. Because he was the hosting nation, he had to present first. However, halfway through his power point he noticed that a certain American wasn't paying attention.
"Excusez-moi America, but what are you reading that is so important that you aren't listening to my gorgeous voice?" France said irritably.
"An old Super Man comic." America replied without even looking up.
"America, a meeting is no place to read comic books!" England said angrily as he tried to snatch to comic book away from him. However, before he could even get close to touching the comic America had caught his wrist in a painful grip.
"Sorry, but I'd rather you not touch this." America said with a strained smile. "This happens to be one of the first ever issues of Superman and I'd rather you not touch it as the paper is rather fragile from age." As he said this he let go of England's wrist.
"No need to be so rough." England grumbled as he rubbed his wrist.
"You know better than to mess with Al's comic books." Canada said. "His collection means more to him than all of the gold in Fort Knox."
"They are just children books. They can't be that important." Russia said with an unimpressed look.
"It's not the comic book that's important, it's the hero!" America said defensively. "It's because it's Superman that this means so much to me! That guy was one of my first ever Superhero's in my country."
"America, I don't mean to be rude but why are you and your citizens so obsessed with superheroes?" Japan asked.
For a moment, America went quite with a thoughtful look. Then, he glanced down at the comic book in his hands.
"There are many reasons why my citizens love superheroes." America said as he glanced up at Japan with a small smile. "Around the time of the Great Depression and the beginning of the Second World War, my people were desperate for something that could motivate them. Something larger than life and something that was unbeatable. So when the first comics came out, people started to find a source of inspiration. These heroes were figures who could always save the day, a person who would never lose, and a figure of hope. During this time, the most popular Superheroes were Superman, Batman, Wonder woman, and Captain America. Of course, they mostly fought the enemies on the battle field, the prime example being Captain America. But that was what the people wanted to see. Someone larger than life showing them that they could also be a hero if they fought hard and never gave up."
"Wow, that's really cool!" Italy said. "I didn't know that Superheroes were so important!"
"Yes, but those superheroes aren't popular today because they are fighting enemy soldiers due to a war in real life." England said. "Why are superheroes still so popular, and even growing in popularity today?"
"Well, they're still popular for the same basic reasons as they were fifty years ago. They stand for something great. Now, I'm not too sure if this applies to everyone, but the way I see it superheroes stand for what Americans want to be. Superheroes are always willing to do what is right, even if they have to get hurt along the way. They protect people without ever asking for anything in return, and they are always the first ones to step up to a challenge. They often struggle, but they always find a way to reach their goals. But most importantly, they are regular people. They are just like the rest of us, and they often have the same struggles that we face.
For example, Tony Stark, a.k.a Iron Man, was a alcoholic for a long time, even to the point where he couldn't get out of bed in the morning. At one point, he gave up being a super hero and let a friend become Iron man for a while. Captain America was a normal guy, and really compared to the rest of superheroes still is. Sure, he had super serum but that didn't change his ideas or how he saw the world. It only helped him achieve what he wanted to do. Help others. Batman lost his parents, and struggled to overcome that emotional obstacle. He could have turned against society, and he could have cut himself off from the world. But he didn't. These heroes, although they do have super powers, often show that although you can have something that can cripple you, if you just keep working hard, and keep pushing forwards, you can overcome anything."
As America finished his explanation he glanced around the room. He was surprised to see everyone was listening closely.
"I'm surprised that your citizens have found so much meaning and inspiration in something so unusual." Germany said. "That's actually pretty interesting."
"Plus, who wouldn't want to have super strength?" America said excitably.
"You idiot, you already have super strength!" England snapped as he smacked America over the head. "Need I remind you that you were swinging buffalo above your head before you could count? How about that time you dragged around MY CAR FOR AN HOUR just to ask for the keys?"
"What about that time you kept throwing baseballs into my face so fast that most major league baseball players would look like snails?" Canada grumbled.
"And the time you tore off my window on my bath house." Japan said.
"That's not a super power." America huffed. "I'm just naturally strong."
"This is all well and good but can we please get back to the meeting?" Germany said.
"Yes, I would like to talk again if you don't mind." France said with a huff.
"It's your fault, France." America said. "You were the one who stopped to argue with me."
"Because you were reading a comic book during my turn!" France retorted.
"Here we go again." Germany sighed as the whole room started arguing.
A/N: I'm back! Sorry for not updating for the last few weeks. College comes first I'm afraid. However, I haven't abandoned this story so don't worry. Superheroes are one of the most famous pieces of American culture. We grew up with them, wanted to be one, and often enjoy arguing about who is the best comic book company. My favorite superhero? Iron man. Why? Because I want a suit that fires repulsor rays and rockets and can fly. And the suit looks cool. Who's your favorite superhero?