'Why Superheroes?' Explaining a Pop Cultural Phenomenon

Abstract

This working paper considers the popularity of the superhero theme in contemporary film and argues that it is a function of the superhero story's particular usefulness to makers of science-fiction action-adventure spectacles because of

1. Its presenting such spectacle while minimizing the "intellection" and "alienation effects" to which the audience is subject in the process (as against science fiction where exploration of an intellectual "What if?" is important, or more elaborate world-building is involved);

2. The flexibility of the superhero format where the relevant material is concerned, permitting it to easily accommodate virtually the full range of "sci-fi spectacle" (disasters, outer-space adventures, etc.), enabling great variety and the maximum of scale in the presentation of the adventure, and a convenient narrative bases for sequels; and

3. The way the DC and Marvel universes afford vast collections of loosely linked characters and narratives which individually and collectively have a relatively large built-in audience, yet again permitting great flexibility in franchise-building (films about single heroes who can then be grouped together in the manner of the Avengers, etc.).

The paper also acknowledges the possible appeal of the superhero as an image of power and transcendence, particularly within the cultural context created by neoliberalism.

Keywords: Superheroes, Superhero Fiction, Film, Film Industry, Film History, Popular Culture, Neoliberalism