By John Geddes, USA TODAY
Captain America has never been one to surrender or back down from a fight. In the latest Marvel tale involving the patriotic crime-fighter, the character finds himself testing his mettle against seemingly insurmountable odds, while unwittingly saving the life of a boy who is considering suicide.
"We have a storied history in addressing topical issues such as suicide, drug abuse and child abuse within our comics. It's one of the ways that the Marvel characters remain relevant," Brevoort contends.
Having a clinical expert (and a lifelong Captain America fan) come aboard as a contributing writer, provided the story with some real-life emotional resonance.
"This is a case where Tim's background comes to the forefront. This is his area of expertise," Brevoort says. "He understood how much a hero or heroic figure can positively influence a young person's life."
Ursiny knew that Captain America had to be the hero involved in this story. "That character represents tenacity and persistence. There's always an air of 'I'll find a way to beat this' when you see him in action. I needed this kid to see Cap fighting overwhelming odds — an unbelievable amount of foes. The message is even against the worst odds, there's always a way."
The story contains no dialogue, save the final panel. It's an intentional story device, designed to reflect how depression is all too often such a silent and lonely struggle. Artist Nick Dragotta handles the drawing duties with a nuanced grace, conveying the underlying message of the story with subtle expressions and body language.
That sense of subtlety was an important factor in presenting such a serious story. Ursiny was cognizant about not wanting to be preachy. "Given it's such an important message, the last thing you want is to have readers say that it's corny," he explains. "The goal is that it has to be a good story and that it could save a life."
Included as an integral part of the storyline is the actual phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. NSPL Director Dr. John Draper was pleased that Marvel reached out to the organization when developing the story.
"It's important for us to reach as many people as possible who are at risk of considering suicide," says Draper. "This medium visually illustrates to readers that there's a way out. It's all about action. It's about showing people the perils of life and showing them how to solve or overcome obstacles. This particular story is important because it shows readers how to get help."
For readers who have a friend, family member or co-worker who might be suffering from depression or considering harm to themselves, Draper urges conversation. "It's important to express your concern to that person. Be presumptive. If it's something that you've noticed — a change or something that's ongoing — open the door to a discussion. You might be told that nothing's wrong, but you at least have to let that person know that you're there if they want to talk and that you're concerned for them."
For Ursiny, the ultimate goal of the story is to make a difference. "For me, the worst-case scenario — my inner geek gets satisfied, and my kids think I'm cool. The best-case scenario — and the one that's much more important — is that we're able to save just one life. What more can you ask for?
"It's important for us to reach as many people as possible who are at risk of considering suicide," says Draper. "This medium visually illustrates to readers that there's a way out. It's all about action. It's about showing people the perils of life and showing them how to solve or overcome obstacles. This particular story is important because it shows readers how to get help."
For readers who have a friend, family member or co-worker who might be suffering from depression or considering harm to themselves, Draper urges conversation. "It's important to express your concern to that person. Be presumptive. If it's something that you've noticed — a change or something that's ongoing — open the door to a discussion. You might be told that nothing's wrong, but you at least have to let that person know that you're there if they want to talk and that you're concerned for them."
For Ursiny, the ultimate goal of the story is to make a difference. "For me, the worst-case scenario — my inner geek gets satisfied, and my kids think I'm cool. The best-case scenario — and the one that's much more important — is that we're able to save just one life. What more can you ask for?
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