Quote Originally Posted by Olinser View Post
The 'doesn't want to rule but HAS to until they find somebody worthy' is a cliche so bad that it has its own trope https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.p.../RegentForLife
What? The description of Solomons problem here (one person clings to absolute power forever) is similar to RegentForLife, but the circumstances are so different that it should be a different trope.

First, Solomon's not regent, he is Emperor. By might, not right, but that's splitting hairs. None of the other four demiurges we learned about has been "the rightful heir". Solomon doesn't administrate in lieu of someone incapable. Better, he has literally conquered and built his dominion by himself. Also, there has not been a designated heir or crown prince so far, until Zaid came along. And it's rather obvious that the boy has no experience in administration, wisdom or combat. Compared to your average demiurge, Zaid might as well be a toddler.

Second, this "Regent for Life" is immortal. He can rule indefinitely, and is justified in thinking he has all time in the worlds to find the perfect heir. He has even laid out a pretty simple rule for the requirements. Once they are met, he has promised to step down. The trope "RulerForLife" would apply if Solomon broke his own promise, but he has yet to be shown dishonorable.

Third, there are other immortal rulers out there, who are not only willing and able to depose whoever Solomon appoints to take over his empire. Worse, these other rulers are so mad they will cheer while they destroy everything he has built up so far. Solomon would be quite right in thinking that if he handed his power to Zaid right now, he could as well feed his worlds into the big grinder himself.

Finally, he really doesn't want to rule. Why should he feign his unhappiness about it? But, he feels obligated to carry the burden, knowing the alternative.


So, if I may compare to another comic, Solomon is more like a mixture of Albia (Immortal empress) and Klaus Wulfenbach (built his empire from utter chaos; constantly tested his son to the limits to ensure capability in leadership) than like "RegentForLife".


Solomon IS really in a bind here, and I can feel sympathy with his problem. He really is a hero, in my opinion.
What he is not though: A ruler. He should want to inspire his people to greatness, critical thinking and independency. Instead, he micromanages and steps heavily down in order to be the good dictator that he really isn't.