Let’s face it: superheroes have both entertained and inspired us from the time we were little kids. We have been left in shock whenever Spider-Man swung from rooftop to rooftop, and we have felt a sense of relief whenever Superman successfully rescued Lois Lane. We have felt their pain and shared their victories and they, in turn, have helped us tackle just some of the major social issues facing our society today.

Of all the superheroes that have come and gone, there have been a few who have managed to not only capture my imagination, but inspire major changes in my everyday life. Green Arrow (whose real name is Oliver Queen) has taught me that there was more to life than making the “big bucks” with his decision to throw away his riches and spend his life helping those less fortunate than himself. Batman (who some would argue is not a superhero) has taught me that you don’t need superpowers, but intelligence and determination, to do the right thing and be a hero. And Captain Planet (created for television by network mogul Ted Turner) has taught me the importance of conservation, and has inspired me to work on protecting our planet and its natural resources.

So, my question to you is this: who is your favorite superhero, and how have they impacted your life? Leave your thoughts and insights in the comments below.