Buzz
From ancient legends like Prometheus, Hercules, and Thor to modern icons such as Robin Hood and Superman, humanity has always been fascinated by tales of extraordinary individuals who used their extraordinary abilities to protect the vulnerable. Today, superheroes have become a cornerstone of our culture, permeating mass media and global entertainment, captivating audiences worldwide.
However, much like in other areas, many intriguing details about these legendary figures often go unnoticed. The origins and rise of superheroes are as captivating as the adventures they embark on. This list delves into those lesser-known aspects, shedding light on the history, evolution, and future of superhero mythology.
10. Where Did Superheroes Originate From?
For thousands of years, tales of superheroes have captivated audiences. The ancient Greeks, for instance, shared stories of individuals gifted with extraordinary powers due to their divine connections, capable of shaping humanity's fate through their deeds.
These ancient myths served to interpret natural phenomena during an era when scientific understanding was scarce. But how do modern superheroes fit into this narrative? Surprisingly, today’s superhuman characters share a deep connection with their ancient counterparts, drawing inspiration from similar roots.
The Flash, introduced in 1940, drew inspiration from the Roman deity Mercury, known for his unmatched speed. Similarly, Wonder Woman finds her origins in the legendary Greek Amazons, a tribe of fierce warrior women.
Characters like DC’s Aquaman and Marvel’s Namor trace their origins to the mythical Atlantis, a civilization first described by the Greek philosopher Plato. Thor, on the other hand, is directly inspired by the Norse god of the same name. It’s fascinating to see how many early superheroes were rooted in mythological figures and ancient cultures.
Superman, brought to life by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, stands as one of the most intricate characters in terms of the inspirations behind his creation. Elements of his character draw from other contemporary stories, such as “John Carter of Mars,” while also reflecting deeper cultural influences.
As the children of Jewish immigrants, Siegel and Shuster are thought to have infused Superman with themes from Jewish mythology, particularly the tale of the golem. Much like the golem, a powerful entity created to liberate the oppressed, Superman emerges as an invincible protector, dedicated to saving the innocent in a harsh and unforgiving world.
In essence, the superheroes of today are a contemporary adaptation of the legendary figures our ancestors once revered as real. This connection, however, is far from accidental.
These ancient myths often followed a similar narrative framework, centering on a chosen individual destined to rise as a hero and combat evil. This timeless storytelling formula has proven so compelling that it continues to thrive, shaping everything from comic books to blockbuster films, with superheroes being a prime example.
9. Superheroes Have Served as Symbols of War
Research indicates that modern superheroes wield significant psychological influence over individuals of all ages and backgrounds. As symbols of hope and optimism, they embody core values that resonate deeply within our culture, making them powerful cultural icons.
However, as societal conditions shift, so too does the role of superheroes. Recognizing their ability to inspire, governments have leveraged these characters to rally citizens, encouraging them to take up arms and defend their nation during times of conflict.
A prime example of this phenomenon is Captain America. His debut comic was released in March 1941, just months before the United States joined World War II at its most pivotal stage. The image of a superhero clad in the American flag, triumphing over Nazis with sheer strength, provided the morale boost the nation desperately needed.
This explains why Captain America’s comics became Timely’s (later Marvel Comics) best-selling series during the war, with monthly sales reaching a million copies. Even soldiers on the front lines found solace and inspiration in the adventures of this iconic hero.
Captain America’s comics often featured patriotic imagery and scenes where the hero urged readers to invest in war bonds. Similarly, Superman was utilized to promote the sale of war bonds, further solidifying the connection between superheroes and national morale.
In 1969, responding to soldiers’ requests, DC released a comic depicting Superman’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Decades later, in 2005, Marvel partnered with the Pentagon to distribute complimentary comics to a million troops as part of the “America Supports You” campaign.
In 2011, Legendary Comics introduced Holy Terror, a graphic novel featuring a Batman-like vigilante battling Islamic terrorists. This demonstrates how superheroes are naturally suited to serve as tools of war propaganda, resonating deeply with audiences during times of conflict.
8. Real-Life Individuals Have Also Inspired Superheroes
Publishers don’t always turn to mythological figures or legends for superhero inspiration. Often, real people serve as the foundation for these characters. Sometimes, creators view a well-known individual as the perfect archetype for a new hero. In other cases, extraordinary real-life stories naturally lend themselves to being reimagined with superhuman traits in comic form.
For the latter reason, Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man, was created in 1963, drawing inspiration from the wealthy American entrepreneur Howard Hughes. Similarly, DC artists aimed to craft a character embodying the rebellious, carefree persona of the iconic musician Sting. This vision led to the birth of the supernatural antihero John Constantine in 1985.
Professor X, the leader of Marvel’s X-Men, is widely recognized for being inspired by the activist and preacher Martin Luther King Jr. in terms of personality. However, his physical appearance is modeled after the Academy Award-winning actor Yul Brynner.
Similarly, actor Samuel L. Jackson served as the blueprint for the modern portrayal of Nick Fury, the founder of the Avengers and director of S.H.I.E.L.D. Initially unaware of Marvel’s use of his likeness, Jackson later embraced the role, playing Fury in the cinematic adaptations.
Real-life figures aren’t limited to inspiring heroes alone. Darkseid, one of DC’s most formidable villains, embodies the tyrannical traits of Adolf Hitler, one of history’s most infamous dictators.
7. Superhero Studies Have Become an Academic Discipline
Some argue that superheroes are solely for children, while others view them as mere entertainment not to be taken seriously. However, this perception is evolving.
Given the immense popularity of the superhero genre, numerous academic institutions are now incorporating these characters into their curricula. Superhero narratives, blending art, literature, and science, offer more than just amusement—they provide valuable insights and lessons.
Since 2015, the Smithsonian Institution has provided an online course titled “The Rise of Superheroes and Their Impact On Pop Culture” via EdX, a platform established by MIT and Harvard. This course explores the genre’s evolution from its inception in 1938 to its current cultural significance.
The course is co-taught by Stan Lee, the legendary Marvel Comics creator, and Michael Uslan, the producer behind the Batman films since 1989. Although Lee passed away in November 2018, his legacy lives on, with his signature still gracing the course completion certificates.
The University of Oregon offers a program titled “Comic Studies,” focusing on the artistic and narrative techniques of comic creation. Meanwhile, the University of Minnesota features a course on “the physics of superheroes,” examining the scientific principles writers use to justify the extraordinary abilities of these characters.
While some may question the practicality of these courses in securing employment compared to traditional career paths, completing them earns you the title of a “superhero scholar,” which undoubtedly carries a unique and impressive appeal.
6. The Time Superheroes Confronted a Real-World Threat
In their early days during the late 1930s, superhero comics featured straightforward tales of hope, where good invariably defeated evil, and characters lacked intricate backstories. However, by the late 1940s, they began addressing contentious topics like gender and racial diversity, alongside incorporating elements of horror and gore. This shift led to growing public disapproval.
Many parents argued that comics were detrimental to their children, while others claimed a link between comic book content and rising juvenile delinquency. This backlash even sparked public comic book burnings in various U.S. cities.
During this period, psychiatrist Fredric Wertham began delivering lectures and publishing studies that fueled the growing public fear. His claims eventually reached the US government, prompting Congress to hold hearings to evaluate his arguments. Although no further action was taken, the proceedings were broadcast nationwide, amplifying the controversy.
The sharp decline in sales forced many publishers to shut down. In response, the remaining major comic book companies took steps to safeguard the industry. In 1954, they established the Comics Code Authority (CCA), an organization that set strict guidelines on what content was permissible in comics.
Under the CCA’s rules, comics were prohibited from featuring vampires, werewolves, or sexual content. Heroes were required to always triumph, and villains had to be portrayed in a way that prevented reader sympathy. Comics adhering to these and other stipulations received the CCA’s seal of approval, which became a necessity for distribution.
While these restrictions helped the industry survive, sales continued to plummet. In the early 1970s, Marvel defied the Code by publishing comics featuring morally ambiguous villains and politically charged themes.
In 1971, Marvel’s editor Stan Lee released a series of Spider-Man issues addressing topics like drug abuse, a move later mirrored by DC. These bold changes resonated with a shifting cultural landscape in the US, where many societal taboos were beginning to fade.
Over the following years, the Comics Code underwent multiple revisions. However, its influence waned as publishers increasingly distributed comics without the Code’s approval seal.
By 2011, the CCA ceased operations entirely. The superhero industry had faced a real-world adversary: a coalition of authorities and individuals driven by unfounded fears, who scapegoated comics for societal issues.
5. Superheroes Dominate as the Most Lucrative Genre
It’s no shock that superhero films are a financial powerhouse. While the average horror movie earns around $20 million domestically, a typical superhero movie can generate up to eight times that amount in the same market.
The superhero genre is undeniably thriving like never before. What’s less widely known is that this cinematic powerhouse generates more revenue than nearly any other entertainment conglomerate globally.
In 2017, superhero films dominated the box office, raking in $4.8 billion across eight major releases from Marvel, DC, and Saban. The trend continued in 2018, with even higher earnings.
By the end of 2018, the eight superhero films released that year had collectively earned between $7.5 billion and $8 billion, accounting for 25.5 percent of total US box office sales.
Superheroes aren’t just dominating the film industry. By 2018, the Marvel Cinematic Universe had eclipsed all other franchises in revenue. When combining earnings from all Marvel character films, the brand became the highest-grossing media franchise worldwide, surpassing even Pokemon, which had earned $59 billion.
With seven major superhero releases in 2019, industry experts predict the genre’s success will only continue to grow.
4. North Korea’s Take on Superheroes
For a nation often shrouded in darkness, one might assume North Korea remains untouched by the global superhero phenomenon. After all, such fictional figures are typically associated with Western culture, which North Korea vehemently opposes.
However, even North Koreans have embraced the concept of superhuman idols. Staying true to their “anti-imperialist” stance, they’ve chosen to craft their own heroes rather than adopt foreign ones.
Centuries ago, Korea introduced a legendary hero named Hong Gildong, often likened to Robin Hood. In 1986, North Korea produced its own film adaptation, set in feudal Korea. The story follows Hong Gildong, an outcast who transforms into a vigilante, defending the innocent and liberating his city from oppressors.
In 2014, leaked images from an alleged North Korean film project surfaced, depicting an original superhero clad in military attire, riding a winged horse, and wielding a torch as a weapon. This character, reminiscent of a North Korean Superman, battles “villains” representing Americans, symbolically defeating capitalism by tossing their gold into the sea.
Another example is the 2001 North Korean comic Blizzard in the Jungle. The story follows Dr. Kim Yeong-hwan, who, guided by the wisdom of leader Kim and aided by a unique Korean-grown plant, assists survivors of a plane crash.
However, the ultimate superhero in North Korea is none other than their leader, Kim Jong Un. Local media portrays him as possessing extraordinary abilities, from controlling the weather to curing illnesses and even discovering unicorns.
3. What Makes Superhero Films So Popular?
Superheroes have been a part of movies for nearly a century, though their reception hasn’t always been positive. Just as comic book popularity has fluctuated, superhero films have also seen periods of both high and low demand.
As mentioned earlier, superheroes are currently enjoying unprecedented success in cinema. But what sparked this surge in popularity? Why are audiences now embracing superhuman characters more than ever before?
Several factors contribute to this trend. Firstly, modern superheroes are far more relatable than their earlier counterparts. This is largely due to the more humanized portrayal of characters in today’s films. Audiences are drawn to heroes who, despite their extraordinary abilities, grapple with everyday struggles, making them easier to connect with.
Secondly, many contemporary superhero films exist within a “shared universe.” Franchises like Marvel weave interconnected stories where characters interact across multiple movies, creating a sense of continuity that keeps fans invested in the next installment.
Additionally, advancements in visual effects have played a crucial role. For instance, director James Cameron delayed the release of Avatar for 15 years, waiting for technology to catch up to his vision, highlighting the importance of cutting-edge effects in modern filmmaking.
Since real-life doesn’t feature people flying or shooting energy beams from their hands, special effects are essential for superhero stories. In the past, this meant filmmakers had to stick to simpler plots that didn’t demand large budgets to maintain a sense of realism.
However, advancements in technology now allow directors to fully unleash their creativity, crafting superhero films with fantastical narratives that captivate audiences.
2. Superheroes Might Not Be Ideal Role Models for Children
The impact of superhero culture on children has long been debated. A 2007 study revealed that exposure to superheroes can normalize risky behaviors for kids, sometimes resulting in severe physical injuries.
In June 2007, a study revealed that children who admired superheroes reported being more sociable. However, a 2017 study contradicted this, suggesting that exposure to superhero content led to increased aggression and reduced sociability in kids.
Concerned by these findings, some adults took action to protect children. In May 2013, a Pennsylvania preschool issued pamphlets informing parents that superhero play was banned at the school due to incidents of children injuring one another.
In 2016, Australian childcare centers requested parents to avoid sending children dressed as superheroes, citing concerns over self-harming behaviors. While well-intentioned, such measures may have been excessive.
Similarly, in 2013, an elementary school banned superhero costumes on Halloween, deeming them potentially “frightening” for some students. Two years later, another school prohibited a girl from bringing her Wonder Woman lunchbox, labeling superheroes as “violent characters” unsuitable for school environments.
Whether one agrees or disagrees with these measures, it’s evident that further research is necessary to understand the true impact of superheroes on young children’s developing minds.
1. Superheroes Are Ubiquitous
Over the past few decades, the superhero industry has dominated a significant portion of global media. Today, staying updated on the latest releases in the genre is effortless, with promotional campaigns ranging from TV commercials to massive building-sized billboards.
However, the influence of superheroes extends far beyond entertainment and advertising. They have become deeply embedded in our culture, appearing in unexpected places. Here are a few notable examples.
Two of Superman’s earliest comics, one of which fetched $175,000 at auction, were discovered hidden within the walls of an old house. Similarly, in 2017, a Power Rangers action figure was found clogging sewer pipes in England, requiring removal.
In another instance, actors dressed as Ultraman’s family traveled to a volcano in Hawaii to film a promotional video. On a different note, Marvel and DC superhero-themed games are among the few video games permitted for Guantanamo detainees to play.
Interestingly, superheroes have even made their way into space. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) enjoy a selection of Marvel and DC films during their downtime. In 2017, mission patches featuring Groot and Rocket Raccoon from Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy were also sent to the ISS.
If Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story is considered a superhero, he too ventured into space in 2008. In a more bizarre turn of events, a Buzz Lightyear toy was discovered in a patient’s rectum—an unsettling yet undeniable testament to the omnipresence of superheroes.
