Superhero
Costumed heroes with superhuman abilities who fight evil and protect society.
A superhero or superheroine is a character who typically possesses superpowers or abilities beyond those of ordinary people; is frequently costumed, concealing their identity; and fits the role of the hero, typically using their powers to help the world become a better place, or dedicating themselves to protecting the public and fighting crime. Superhero fiction is the genre of fiction centered on such characters, especially since the 1930s in American comic books and later in Hollywood films, television, and video games, as well as in Japanese media including kamishibai, tokusatsu, manga, anime, and video games. Superheroes come from a wide array of backgrounds and origins, from non-human or superhuman biology to advanced technology, mystical objects, or magic.
- Genre origin
- 1930s American comic books
- Key antecedent
- Mythological figures like Heracles and Hanuman
- Common traits
- Superpowers, costume, secret identity, fighting crime
Lore & Background
The superhero archetype has antecedents in mythological characters such as Hanuman, Gilgamesh, Odysseus, and demigods like Heracles and Perseus, all blessed with extraordinary abilities. English folklore figures like Robin Hood and Spring-Heeled Jack, with their distinct clothing and costumes, also inspired the archetype.
Reader's Guide
The superhero has become a central figure in global popular culture, originating in American comic books of the 1930s and expanding into film, television, and video games. The archetype's roots in mythology, folklore, and real-world vigilantes gave it a deep cultural resonance. The genre also developed in Japan through kamishibai, manga, and anime, with early examples like Ōgon Bat. Superheroes typically fight supervillains, their criminal counterparts, and often have archenemies. The Dictionary.com definition describes a superhero as 'a figure, especially in a comic strip or cartoon, endowed with superhuman powers and usually portrayed as fighting evil or crime.' The genre's significance lies in its ability to explore themes of justice, identity, and power through costumed characters who protect the public and fight crime.
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