Often considered the quintessential comics genre, superhero comics have represented the hero in a modern shape and developed a specific set of genre terms and conventions. Their particular publication and production conditions led to the special case of company-owned, serially published characters, such as Superman, Batman or Spider-Man. These superhero characters have been constantly rewritten and reinvented by different authors over the last seven decades.
Definition and Genre Features
The narratives of superhero comics revolve around a central hero figure who is traditionally defined by his or her double identity, superpowers and special costume. As a hero, the main character has a mission to protect his or her …