What is a Superhero?
A superhero is a character with extraordinary powers that performs heroic actions. Unlike police, firefighters or doctors, all of whom are heroes in their own right, superheroes are defined by their unique capabilities, such flight, strength, speed or invincibility (to name a few). Superheroes are also expected to act on a strict moral code. They are always categorized as “good” and rarely, if ever, stray from this path. Finally, a superhero needs to be sympathetic. If the audience cannot identify with the character, then the superhero isn’t much of a hero at all.
Types of Superheroes:
God/Goddess: These are supremely powerful beings that are born with numerous powers (Superman, Wonder Woman and Thor).
Gadget User: These characters usually lack superpowers, but make up for it with skill, cunning and technology (Batman, Iron Man and Black Widow).
Speedster: These heroes rely on super speed to overwhelm the bad guys and solve their problems (The Flash and Quicksilver).
Magic User: With a reliance on magic and spells, these characters' powers are often only limited by their imaginations and will power (Dr. Strange and Green Lantern).
Power House: These heroes use unbridled strength and endurance to smash the opposition (The Hulk and the Tick).
Shapeshifter: Able to change their size and form at will, giving them unparalleled adaptability (Plastic Man and Ant-Man).
Supernatural: Their powers come from a world beyond the mortal plane (Ghost Rider and Spawn).
What is a superhero without a villain?
As Vision once said, “Our very strength incites challenge. Challenge incites conflict. And conflict...breeds catastrophe.” Compelling heroes need compelling villains. Common thugs and mobsters only go so far. If a superhero is to be truly tested, both in power and morality, they need to fight a villain who is as strong or stronger than they are. In storytelling, we refer to this relationship as the battle between the protagonist and the antagonist.
The greatest supervillains are more than just the “bad guy of the week.” They are either the antithesis of superheroes, or a corrupted version of them. Superman is a peacekeeper and protector of humanity. Lex Luthor believes Superman is the greatest threat to humanity. So, he has taken it upon himself to destroy Superman by any means necessary.
Both Professor X and Magneto want to build a better world for mutants. However, one wants to do so through peace, while the other wants a violent uprising. Whatever a supervillain’s motivation is, it needs to bring them into direct conflict with a superhero.
A great hero can only be truly tested by a great nemesis. In this breakdown of Avengers Infinity War, we look at how Thanos was more than just a villain. In fact, he is actually the protagonist of that particular story, with goals, motivations, and a substantial character arc.
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