superhero comic

Illustrated vigilante adventures

A superhero comic is a comic book or graphic novel featuring characters with extraordinary powers or abilities who fight villains and protect the innocent.

The genre emerged in the late 1930s with Superman and has dominated American comics ever since: He has boxes of superhero comics in his basement.

The term distinguishes the genre from other comics like horror, romance, or indie work.

Related
  • capeShouldered sleeveless wrap
  • maskFace-worn concealment
  • villainWicked story antagonist
  • powersAbilities or authorities held
  • sidekickSubordinate adventure partner

origin · origin story · story arc · comic book · graphic novel · spandex · secret identity · alter ego · Gotham · mutant · shield · web · panels · speech bubbles · thought bubble · action · Marvel · DC

Categories
Opposites
genre/content type

superhero comichorror comic

Scary illustrated story publication

underground comix · Persepolis

medium/format

superhero comicnovel

New and unusual

prose fiction · film · stage play · audiobook · radio drama

cultural register/prestige

superhero comicliterary fiction

Prose emphasizing craft and depth

prestige drama · literary journal · fine art · art film · classic novel

Family

super, hero, comics, superheroes, superheroic, heroic, heroics, heroism, heroes

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G