In the
twenty-first century, in which notions of good versus evil have thrived, the
word "hero" has taken on a striking resonance. As a consequence, the
decades-old superhero of comic books (as established in the guise of Superman
in 1938) has been thrust to the forefront of mainstream popular culture,
present across multiple media and the character's signature emblems now among
the most recognisable in the world, functioning as powerful, pervasive and
vastly profitable brands.
Most notably, this domination is no more apparent than the realms of blockbuster cinema. With Superman: The Movie (1978) having provided an epic, special effects-fuelled spectacle finally worthy of the superhero's stature, and the vast cultural and commercial impact of Batman (1989), the superhero movie made a popular return to prominence with X-Men (2000), leading to billion-dollar earning and critically-lauded films such as The Dark Knight (2008) and The Avengers (2012) - and with more than thirty further films set to be released by 2020.
Meanwhile, real individuals are being elevated to the status of superhero - literally and metaphorically. The "First Responders" of the 9/11 attacks were labelled as super-heroic, new military technologies enable personnel to surpass their natural physical potential in combat, while the 2013 "Soldiers of Steel" media campaign directly equates US National Guard soldiers to the titular "Man of Steel", Superman.
After seventy-seven years of comic book existence, the superhero remains regarded as an inspirational figure, but also a divisive one, perceived in some quarters as a promoter of violence and vigilantism. Superheroes position themselves as purveyors of a specific set of moral values, sometimes above the law, but always striving for the greater good. Superheroes are typically depicted in a constant struggle with notions of personal responsibility, and questions of identity and destiny, in line with Joseph Campbell's "Monomyth".
Perceived as a modern form of mythology or folklore, the superhero currently occupies a diverse and expansive space in modern popular culture. Yet, while still largely American in focus, the superhero has become increasingly international, capable of reflecting specific issues and operating as a powerful messenger of them - a power they have possessed since their inception. As more and more people wear the symbols of superheroes (via t-shirts at al) as an expression of values as well as fandom, the superhero is becoming us.
Most notably, this domination is no more apparent than the realms of blockbuster cinema. With Superman: The Movie (1978) having provided an epic, special effects-fuelled spectacle finally worthy of the superhero's stature, and the vast cultural and commercial impact of Batman (1989), the superhero movie made a popular return to prominence with X-Men (2000), leading to billion-dollar earning and critically-lauded films such as The Dark Knight (2008) and The Avengers (2012) - and with more than thirty further films set to be released by 2020.
Meanwhile, real individuals are being elevated to the status of superhero - literally and metaphorically. The "First Responders" of the 9/11 attacks were labelled as super-heroic, new military technologies enable personnel to surpass their natural physical potential in combat, while the 2013 "Soldiers of Steel" media campaign directly equates US National Guard soldiers to the titular "Man of Steel", Superman.
After seventy-seven years of comic book existence, the superhero remains regarded as an inspirational figure, but also a divisive one, perceived in some quarters as a promoter of violence and vigilantism. Superheroes position themselves as purveyors of a specific set of moral values, sometimes above the law, but always striving for the greater good. Superheroes are typically depicted in a constant struggle with notions of personal responsibility, and questions of identity and destiny, in line with Joseph Campbell's "Monomyth".
Perceived as a modern form of mythology or folklore, the superhero currently occupies a diverse and expansive space in modern popular culture. Yet, while still largely American in focus, the superhero has become increasingly international, capable of reflecting specific issues and operating as a powerful messenger of them - a power they have possessed since their inception. As more and more people wear the symbols of superheroes (via t-shirts at al) as an expression of values as well as fandom, the superhero is becoming us.
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