What is a Superhero - THE HERO DEFINES THE GENRE THE GENRE...

THE HERO DEFINES THE GENRE, THE GENRE DEFINES THE HERO by Peter Coogan
- Original superhero was Superman bc he embodied
o Mission
o Powers
o Identity
- Superhero: a heroic character with a
o Universal, selfless, prosocial mission (ACTIVELY SEEK to fight evil and protect innocent)
 Fits in with existing mores of society
 Not intended to benefit or further the superhero
o Types of powers - Abilities and qualities that raise a person’s performance above the ordinary
 Inherent (X-Men)
 Advance technologies (Iron Man)
 Alien (Superman)
 Supernatural (Doctor Strange)
 Highly developed physical/mental skills (Arrow)
o Has identity embodied in a code name and iconic costume
 Identity shows missions and powers
 Code name conveys aspect of character such as mission/power/personality
 Costume conveys his/her place within the community
 Often have dual identities, the ordinary kept secret
 Expresses transformation from ordinary person to superhero