What Is A Superhero?

[aco175]

Another similar example is Sherlock Holmes - his deductive prowess is beyond normal human capability and he fights crime. Is he a superhero?

In a loosely defined term for superhero, I would say yes. A bit like John McClane from Die Hard, who can certainly take an unimaginable beating and keep coming. Not like Superman who has powers kids pretend to have, but can never attain, like being able to fly.

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

I'm going to pipe in with my opinion. I can't really say I read the whole thread.

They have some super power and they use it for good. Probably a fancy costume and a secret identity.

I'm not a fan of "anti-heroes" like Punisher or, especially, Deadpool. Sure, Deadpool is fun and I enjoy it but he's not a superhero.

 

[Reynard]

In a loosely defined term for superhero, I would say yes. A bit like John McClane from Die Hard, who can certainly take an unimaginable beating and keep coming. Not like Superman who has powers kids pretend to have, but can never attain, like being able to fly.

John McClane doesn't have a super power. That's just the genre he is in.

I think a costume is an important element of the superhero, also. It doesn't have to be a literal costume, but a distinctive look that speaks to their identity: uniform, inhuman appearance, power effects, etc. While superhero stories can certainly work in prose, it is an inherently visual genre and "costumes" are fundamental to it.

 

[aco175]

John McClane doesn't have a super power. That's just the genre he is in.

I think a costume is an important element of the superhero, also. It doesn't have to be a literal costume, but a distinctive look that speaks to their identity: uniform, inhuman appearance, power effects, etc. While superhero stories can certainly work in prose, it is an inherently visual genre and "costumes" are fundamental to it.

Are you saying that a blood-soaked, white t-shirt is not a costume!

 

[Tonguez]

John McClane doesn't have a super power. That's just the genre he is in.

I think a costume is an important element of the superhero, also. It doesn't have to be a literal costume, but a distinctive look that speaks to their identity: uniform, inhuman appearance, power effects, etc. While superhero stories can certainly work in prose, it is an inherently visual genre and "costumes" are fundamental to it.

not all superheroes wear costumes - Luke Cage

 

[Ryujin]

not all superheroes wear costumes - Luke Cage

I'm laughing in 1970s

Think Wonder Woman's tiara and the chain for a cruise ship as a belt.

 

[Tonguez]

I'm laughing in 1970s

Think Wonder Woman's tiara and the chain for a cruise ship as a belt.

yeah but that was the 70s, even normal people were wearing costumes!
- I've seen my fathers pictures

 

[Ryujin]

yeah but that was the 70s, even normal people were wearing costumes!
- I've seen my fathers pictures

The '80s would like to have a word with you.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

I’d say Sherlock Holmes and John McClane have more in common with pulp heroes than true superheroes.

(I also acknowledge that some superheroes are very close to the genre’s pulp roots.)

 

[Mad_Jack]

not all superheroes wear costumes - Luke Cage

Just playing devil's advocate, but he does have a signature color scheme which is sort of functionally equivalent to a uniform. Of course, one can argue whether that's an "in-game" choice of the character or simply how the artists choose to depict him...