From a foreign consumer perspective, specifically Thai perspective, Superhero genre is the icon and the definition of American comic culture. Little is known about comic in other genre produces in the States as the uniqueness of costumed hero was so striking that it overshadowed other genre, unless it is a television cartoon. I’ve seen many Superhero films but I hardly have any experience with classic Superhero comic. Part of the reason is because to me they seems difficult to sympathize. The impression I’ve had from reading classic Superman was that the emotion expressed through characters were quite stiff. It was already quite difficult to understand the mind of these super powered figures yet their cause of actions and life with special abilities doesn’t share many aspect that I can relate to.
I read Superman in Action Comics that titled ‘My Son is he Man or Beast?’ and found myself more appealed to the down to earth character like Gregor who suffered from having special abilities more than Superman who is completely at ease with his power, not to mention his costume. I’m not certain if spirituality is something to be expect from Superhero genre but I rather appreciate Superhero stories and films that expose hero’s weaknesses sincerely and those stories that contains worthy opponents which is significant to the hero’s growth. Overall I found stories about human more appealing that superhuman. That’s why I found Superhero films that filled with well composed tragic more enjoyable.
From what I understand, classic Superhero comic were written in the way in which every chapter is self contained and readers can start reading from any chapter. I think selling scenario ideas is a neat aspect that this genre did really well but I also think that it would be nice to have more psychology that tied deeply to these scenarios.
From my reading experience, Superhero comics that I read felt somewhat superficial. A good example would be the cover page itself where the character phrase were used as an advertisement intended title. It made me perceived the character as someone who doesn’t live their story but narrating their story. These opinions was of course came from my appreciation for depth in characters’ personalities.
Back then some comics, specifically super hero one didn't have much in terms of backstory or moment of downfall. They were more simplistic in nature and the narrative was basic at most. They didn't get into detail on these aspects till later in the century.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's because of the different origins but some saw the superheroes as things to look up to and be used as a playful experience. But I can see the superficiality of the way they marketed them.