Superhero
Costumed heroes with superhuman powers fighting evil and crime.
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 manga, anime, and video games.
- common_origins
- Non-human biology, advanced technology, mystical objects, or magic
- associated_media
- American comic books, Hollywood films, Japanese manga and anime
- notable_antecedents
- Mythological figures (Heracles, Hanuman), folklore (Robin Hood), pulp characters (Zorro, The Shadow)
Lore & Background
Superheroes come from a wide array of backgrounds. Most, like Superman and Spider-Man, possess non-human or superhuman biology, while others, such as Batman and Iron Man, derive their status from advanced technology. Some use objects with superhuman, mystical, or alien powers, like Green Lantern and He-Man, or study magic, like Doctor Fate and Doctor Strange. Terms such as masked crime fighters or costumed adventurers are sometimes used for characters like the Spirit who share similar traits but are not explicitly called superheroes.
Reader's Guide
The superhero archetype has antecedents in mythological characters such as Hanuman, Gilgamesh, and Heracles, as well as English folklore figures like Robin Hood and Spring-Heeled Jack. The vigilantes of the American Old West, who hid their identities with masks, also influenced the concept. Superman's success spawned a new archetype of characters with secret identities and superhuman powers. The superhero genre remains significant as a global cultural phenomenon, influencing comics, film, television, and video games.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a superhero as a narrative character?
A superhero is a typically costumed figure who wields abilities far beyond ordinary human limits and commits to protecting the public, fighting crime, or improving the world. They usually conceal their civilian identity beneath a distinctive outfit.
What are common in-story origins for a superhero's powers?
Writers typically attribute a hero's abilities to non-human biology, advanced technology, mystical objects, or magic. These varied sources allow creators to build very different backstories around the same basic premise.
What narrative figures preceded the modern superhero?
Mythological heroes such as Heracles and Hanuman, folklore figures like Robin Hood, and pulp-era characters including Zorro and The Shadow all laid groundwork for the genre. They established the idea of an extraordinary individual battling evil long before the costumed archetype took shape.
What media are most associated with superhero stories?
American comic books and Hollywood films are the genre's most prominent homes, but superheroes also appear extensively in television series, video games, and Japanese media such as manga and anime.
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