Watch Surge of Power: The Stuff of Heroes

Surge of Power: The Stuff of Heroes is a 2004 independent superhero comedy film directed by Mike Donahue. This film is a cult classic with a low budget, and it is the first feature film to feature an openly gay superhero character. It is set in a world where superheroes and supervillains are commonplace, and they have their own challenges and issues to deal with.

The film's protagonist is Gavin Lucas, a young man with latent superpowers he is unaware of, who works as a clerk for a comic book store. Gavin is a fan of superhero comics and idolizes the city's most popular superhero, Surge, as well as his alter-ego, the mild-mannered actor, Tony Chilton. But when an evil supervillain, the Metal Master, comes to town, Gavin discovers his superpowers, and he decides to become a superhero called Surge of Power.

Gavin teams up with some of the city's other superheroes, including a spider-powered vigilante called Spider-Woman, a martial artist called the Shadow Hunter, and a psychic called Ivory. Together, they take on the Metal Master and his army of minions, who threatens to destroy the city. Along the way, Gavin learns about the responsibilities of being a superhero and the importance of courage, integrity, and compassion.

Aside from the action scenes, the movie also delves into the personal lives of the characters. Gavin, for example, struggles to come out to his family and friends about his sexuality. He also learns about the challenges of balancing his superhero life with his day job and relationships. Spider-Woman's alter-ego, Wendy, is a librarian who dreams of finding love but struggles with her self-image. The Shadow Hunter is a martial arts master who is trying to balance his love for his family and city with his vow of vengeance. The psychic Ivory has to come to terms with the consequences of her powers and the darker side of humanity.

The film features a diverse cast of characters, including LGBT+ and people of color. Forrest J. Ackerman, known as the father of the science fiction genre, made his final appearance in a film as a comic book store clerk. Alison Arngrim, best known for her role as Nellie Oleson on Little House on the Prairie, portrays the evil, gender-shifting villain, Gail.

Surge of Power: The Stuff of Heroes is a funny, campy, feel-good movie that pays homage to classic superhero comics and movies. It has a low-budget, DIY aesthetic, but the filmmakers and cast put a lot of heart and passion into the project. There is a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor, silly puns, and comic book references that will delight fans of the genre. The filmmakers also inject some serious themes and messages into the story, such as the importance of diversity, acceptance, and standing up for what is right.

Overall, Surge of Power: The Stuff of Heroes is an entertaining superhero movie that will appeal to fans of the genre and anyone who wants to see a diverse cast of characters in a fun and uplifting story. The film has inspired a sequel, Surge of Power: Revenge of the Sequel, and a comic book series. It has also become a cult classic among superhero fans and LGBT+ communities.