So, this past Saturday, I decided to go see what all the buzz was about.

I went to see Black Panther.

The recently remodeled Davis was probably three quarters full for their first show of the day.  There were ten and twelve year-old boys, unchaperoned but under strict instructions from their parents on where to meet them after the feature.

I saw gal pals of various stripes, chatting continually as they found their way to assigned seats, careful not to spill their popcorn and Diet Coke.  And there were young couples who, after a Friday night date, decided to keep the party going with a little fantasy entertainment on Saturday afternoon.

I smiled when, as the credits rolled, I overheard one young woman emphatically trying to make the point to her partner, “None of the female characters were sexualized.”

True enough, the female characters were smart and fierce, great with spears or hi-tech weaponry, even more adept with psychology.  They weren’t scantily-clad or acted as helpless damsels needing protection.  They held positions of respect and managed pretty equal relationships with the princes and warriors with whom they co-inhabited Wacanda.

The movie seemed to have something for everyone. Most of the characters had some qualities to admire.

T’Chalia, the Black Panther, took on challenges from all comers as befit his lineage, always guided by the desire to do the “right thing.” His love interest, Nakia, was committed to the social welfare of her people. His sister, Shuri, was an accomplished inventor and teacher. M’Baku, tribal leader and giant of a man, was strongly principled, saving the life of a former rival who saved his.  Even Erik, while blinded by a desire for revenge, was concerned with justice and relief for people who suffered under traditional social orders.

I had to wonder What is a hero?  What makes a person or character a hero?

Well, as evidenced by the movie, Black Panther, and the tradition of comics that inspired it,  certain attributes are often considered HEROIC.

Bravery, strength, compassion, intellect, discernment.

People also are apt to identify people from their lives as heroic.  Generally, these are people that did incredible things to meet the circumstances they found themselves in.  Often fathers or mothers, are labeled as heroes for raising families after losing their partner or job.  People in all walks of life stand out for efforts to overcome injuries or illnesses and manage activities so many of us take for granted.

Soldiers become heroes for selfless acts, their ability to keep their focus on their comrades or their mission despite personal peril.

People often reach status of cultural heroes for being the first at something.  Neil Armstrong was the first man on the moon. Dr. Christian Barnard was the first surgeon to perform a heart transplant. Rosa Parks was a hero to many for her special act of resistance. Her heart and dignity helped bring our society forward.

Larry Page and Sergey Brin are heroes to many (and many others worship them for giving birth to Google even though they don’t know their names).

People often become objects of admiration for their success in certain fields.

We have heroes in business like Richard Branson and Elon Musk – for doing things their way; sports heroes like Wayne Gretsky or Tom Brady — for being incomparable at their sport during their generation; and heroes in various performing arts like Meryl Strep or Beyonce – who can fill the seats and make each audience member feel that they’re getting something intimate and heartfelt from them.

As I lingered in my seat at the Davis, I realized I wanted to see the full list of credits.

When I saw Ryan Coogler — Writer, Director, I thought that’s it.  He’s my hero of the movie.

I am not interested in posterizing his image for displaying on my wall, but, while some people might leave the theater thinking about how brave the Black Panther was or how Nakia and Okeye made great role models for young black girls, I was struck by how none of this would exist – the incredible land of Wacanda and examples of characters overcoming challenges  — if it weren’t for the storyteller.

I want to be a storyteller.  I want to take my observations and experiences and shape them in a way that they might engage and have value for others.

There are heroes all around us. There are heroes inside of us.

Knowing what you value, what you admire in others, and what you want to develop in yourself is no small thing.