Comics as Illustrated Publications
Comics are publications that employ images and other visual and linguistic information to illustrate ideas. "Comic books were originally centered on short stories in serial style, but now comic books feature long-arched narratives with complicated storylines," writes Paul Douglas Lopes in his book (Kukkonen, 2013). Comics come in a variety of genres, ranging from scientific to fanciful. In this paper, we will concentrate on superhero comics, specifically Batman and Superman. These superhero comics are from the golden age of comics, which began in 1938 and ended in 1950 (Russell), and were popular with the public, particularly during World War I. Superhero comics are currently a lucrative industry as they not only range from comic books but also blockbuster films.
Comparison of Batman and Superman Comics
Batman and Superman comics are among the most loved comics of all time. This is because of their similarities of illustrating heroism and justice. However, they slightly differ in their characters in that; Batman is a costumed vigilante who advocates for justice in the streets and does not have any superhuman powers but has skills and athletic abilities which help when fighting crime. Superman, however, is based on an alien from Krypton who has superhuman powers and who tries to blend in with society. The narration of both comics depicts the heroism in the characters as they fight crime to make the world a better place regardless of their backgrounds and family. The creativity and art used in both comics are essential in that it shows a new world of imagination that is fantastic and more of utopia of some sorts. It illustrates the world that is different and whereby anyone can achieve whatever they want.
Archetypes of Batman and Superman
Both comics have their archetypes. The superhero archetype is a field that has been studied by many scholars including Carl Jung where he described archetype as ancient or archaic images obtained from collective unconsciousness. The archetype of Superman is based on Kal-El a Kryptonite who fall into the earth and is taken in by Martha and Jonathan who raise him as their child. Kal-El late to be known as Kent discovers his superpowers and strives to blend in with society while saving the earth by fighting crime. His archetype is one of the noblest archetypes of all times in that he fights for earth even though he is a Kryptonite. Over time Superman has become an archetype where writers are using his character and appearance to create superheroes who resemble Superman. Batman's archetype comes from his name. As it is said, "Imitation is the best form of flattery." The archetype of Batman comes from the story of Bruce Wayne, a boy born to very wealthy parents who witnessed the murder of his parents while they were coming out of a theater. Bruce, after his parents' accident, vows to get revenge for their death and as such ventures into martial arts to gain the skill to fight crime. As he trains, he realizes he has to be covered so as not to be discovered and he requires a costume that will instill fear in criminals. As he is thinking of a costume, a bat suddenly passes through the window, and he decides to call himself "Batman."
Significant Contribution of Superhero Comics to Society
Research carried out by scholars such as Christian Russell, Karin Kukkonen, and P.L. Thomas all support the significant contribution of superhero comics to society. The research depicts superheroes as people of noble status who try to uphold the law at all costs. This is evident in the Batman and Superman comics where the superheroes fight crime at all costs to ensure the world is a better place. The characters portray nobility in that they put themselves in harm's way in the name of seeking justice even when it means their death. Traditionally, a hero is seen as someone who has powers and is strong in accordance with the public. The Batman and Superman comics have not only confirmed the traditional expectations of a hero according to the society but have also introduced a new and fresh definition to the term "hero." Both comics show that at times one does not need to fight villains to be a hero but being kind to villains is all one needs to be a hero. The superhero comics have gone beyond what was considered heroism traditionally by embracing technology as in the case of Batman and anonymity as in the case of both comics where the characters' identities are only known to a chosen few. The fact that the characters accept to be anonymous shows the humbleness of the characters and illustrates the best humanity the world has to offer.
Impacts of Superhero Genre
The superhero genre is very crucial in literature in that it not only entertains but educates people on heroism and justice matters. The genre has become part and parcel of the lives of many young people who are looking for role models as they grow up. The children look up to the characters in superhero genres to better themselves. To some kids, these characters offer comfort when times are hard, such as when they are being picked on in school. The children can mirror themselves to their superhero characters, and this gives them hope that there is a better tomorrow. This genre is also important as it entertains not only the young generation but also the adults. The public appreciates the genre and buys comics to pass the time and to have an opportunity to experience another dimension of the world, even if it is via reading. Furthermore, the genre stimulates people's minds as it demonstrates the creativity of the writers, hence playing a crucial role in literature. The importance of the superhero genre is that it documents reality into books in a simpler and humorous way. During World War 1, most families relied on comics to feel close to their loved ones who were fighting the war, as the comics illustrated acts of nobleness and heroism. Even during the 9-11 attacks in America, the comics illustrated how heroes fought terrorism, and as such, the readers still believed in humanity and the hope of a better tomorrow.
Moral Values in Batman and Superman Comics
The greatest lesson learned from the Batman and Superman comics is that justice should be practiced by all and for all in society. Both comics illustrate heroism, the need for justice, family, trust, and friendship. For lack of better words, both comics describe the moral values that should be instilled in everyone. Both comics appreciate friendship as in the case of Batman and his friend Robin. Both comics emphasize family values as in the case of Martha and Jonathan, who adopt Kent after he falls into the earth from Krypton and bring him up, and in the case of Batman, whereby he never forgets his parents and their death motivates him to fight crime. Moreover, a crucial lesson from both comics is the need for justice for all. As much as the comics illustrate the worst in humanity through the villains, it also demonstrates the best in humanity through the superhero characters who work, at times hand in hand with law enforcement, to fight crime.
Reference
Kukkonen K. (2013). Contemporary Comics Storytelling.University of Nebraska Press – Lincon.
Russell C. Heroic Moments: A Study of Comic Book Superheroes in Real – World Society. Greensboro College.
Thomas P. L. (2011). Adventures in genre: rethinking genre through comics/graphic novels. Journal of graphic novels and comics.Volume 2.Issue 2.
