History of Comic Book Superheroes
Throughout human history, the need for more-than-human heroes has dominated popular imagination, from Achilles and Beowulf to Roland and Odysseus. Comic book characters are twentieth century reincarnations of those mythological heroes, but they are also reflections of twentieth century fears and hopes. Understanding the history and evolution of comic book heroes puts this modern mythology into perspective.
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The Invincible Warrior
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Superman debuted in Action Comics #1 in 1938. He was initially completely invulnerable as well as inhumanly strong and able to fly. Like his classic predecessor Achilles, Superman has an obscure weakness and encapsulates the values of his society: truth, justice, and "the American way."
Justice Meted Out
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Batman debuted in Detective Comics #27 in 1939. He is dark and brooding, and he overcomes his problems and adversaries by applying a keen mind and a warrior's physique. Like Odysseus, Batman metes out justice while in disguise, and he is not above exploiting his enemies' weaknesses or slipping away while they are distracted.
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A Timely Warrior
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Captain America was born for war; he was born mortal but became something more than human to overcome a seemingly unstoppable enemy. Like Beowulf, Captain America uses his sheer brawn and fierce devotion to a warrior ethic to defeat the unspeakable horror confronting his people.
Difficult Times
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The 1930s and 1940s are considered the Golden Age of comic books, when some of the most iconic and recognizable heroes were created. By the 1960s, the so-called Silver Age of comics dawned, bringing more complex and human heroes.
Spiders and Hormones
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Spider-Man first debuted in 1962. The hero is more human because is a high-school kid who must deal with mundane problems almost as often as heroic ones.
The Monster Within
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Inspired by "Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde" and "Frankenstein's Monster," the Hulk debuted in 1962. Epitomizing the growing frustration of society and the desire to lash out as well as control those feelings, Dr. Banner and his alter ego encapsulate a society in turmoil.
The Youth Today
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Debuting in 1963, the X-Men are a team of super-human teenagers. In a nod to the baby boomer generation's growing power, as well as their "alien-ness," the X-Men tackle increasingly strange and powerful enemies, many of which are a legacy of the previous generations' sins (e.g., Magneto).
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Comments
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aquaeyedgirl
Apr 15, 2009
Your article took me back to when I was a kid. I loved reading but especially comic books. Tips for parents with kids who don't want to read: purchase some used comic books, it works and develops an interest in reading. -
aquaeyedgirl
Apr 15, 2009
Your article took me back to when I was a kid. I loved reading but especially comic books. Tips for parents with kids who don't want to read: purchase some used comic books, it works and develops an interest in reading.
