Origin+of+Superhero+Comics

Ashley Peretin

By definition, a Superhero is a type of fictional, costumed character dedicated to protecting the public and in possession of unusual or superhuman abilities. The word itself can be traced back to 1916. Ever since the debut of Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes have dominated American comic books and have made successful leaps into other media. Superhero comics have always been appealing to mainstream audiences and a welcome distraction from their mundaine routine to immerse themselves in a story about exciting characters with exciting abilities living exciting lives. The first superhero comics often centered around brightly colored heros who wore their underwear over their tights, fought and defeated unquestionably villainous villains, and taught onlooking children important life lessons about morrality and safety. Early comics, especially those created in the late 40's, also featured a child sidekick who would work with the superhero to bring the villain to justice.

Despite the obvious defenition of the term, not all superheroes are in possesion of super powers. The term could also apply to characters who perform the same functions but are devoid of special powers or abilities (e.g. Batman and Green Arrow). Such characters were often referred to as "costumed crime fighters" or "mystery men". However, the basic or common traits shared by all superheroes include.... ~ Special powers, skills, or equipment. Powers greatly vary from super strength, flight, or often a projectile energy weapon of some sort. Others, such as Batman and Iron Man, have special weapons or technology that aid in their fight against crime. Others have objects that are embedded with special or magical powers that grant the holder with super abilities as with Wonder woman's lasso and Green Lantern's power ring. ~ A secret identity that would protect the hero's friends and family from villainous retaliation. A heros secret identity is a secret to the general public and the family although many superheroes have a confidant who are sworn to secrecy ( usually a close friend or relative). ~ A strong moral code, including a willingness to risk one's safety for the greater good without the expectation or a reward. Such a code is often accompanied by a strong reluctance or refusal to wield a deadly weapon or take a life. ~ A distinctive costume and motif that affects the hero's name or other character aspects. Batman's Batmobile and the spider web pattern on Spider-Man's costume are prime examples. ~ A number of recurring villains and supporting cast. Most hero's begin their life of crime fighting by defeating run of the mill criminals like members of the mob or punks who attempt to steal a womans purse. Once established, a hero will develop a rogues gallery of frequently recurring villains. In many cases, the hero is actually responsible for the appearance of these super villains in one way or another. Other recurring characters include the hero's friends, love interest, and co-workers. ~ An archenemy or nemesis. This is a staple for all superheros and an essential element in comic books. An archenemy pertains to a villain who is more troubling than the others, occours the most often, and employs a particularly dangerous modus operandi such as Lex Luthor against Superman. A nemesis serves as the hero's doppelganger or opposite. This character represents the negative aspects in contrast to the hero and are able to affect the hero on a personal level (e.g. Batman and the Joker).

Over the years, however, the simple superhero guidelines evolved into numerous sub-sections. Today, the line between good and evil is often blurred and the villainous villains are more often than not average people who were handed one eviction notice too many. Comics such as the Watchmen solidified the concept of villainous hero's and a story in which the hero is not victorious. Plots are no longer simple or straight forward and the heros began to show their flaws. Villains were given sympathetic back stories in an attempt to humanize and make sense of their actions (e.g. the Joker in "The Killing Joke"). The ever present sidekick became far more rare in the 60's and has almost dissapeared in todays comics. In a sad way, superhuman heroes are becoming less "super" and more "human"