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Definition of a Superhero ?

Discussion in 'Other Off Topic Forum' started by WILLIAM H, May 2, 2008.

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  1. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #1 WILLIAM H, May 2, 2008
    Ok, so what does a character have to possess to be a superhero ?

    Do you have to be a God or demi God ? This would include Thor, Hercules, Wonder Woman, Silver Surfer

    Do you have to come by your superpowers by genetic disorder, mutation, or by some nuclear accident ? This would include
    Spiderman, the Hulk, X Men, Fantastic 4

    Is possesion of some esoteric super technology or being a super athlete, martial artist enough ? Like IronMan, Batman, Capt Kirk, James Bond, Zorro

    I mean by any of these definitions Superman is NOT a superhero, he's just a foreigner

    So what is THE definition of a Superhero ?
     
  2. amenasce

    amenasce Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #2 amenasce, May 2, 2008
    Someone who can cheat taxes and women and not get caught.
     
  3. Ferrari0324

    Ferrari0324 F1 Rookie

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    #3 Ferrari0324, May 2, 2008
    Super Woman is considered a Demi God? What is her background story anyway.

    Why isn't Superman not considered a Super Hero? He only has his powers because of the yellow sun.
     
  4. lesterm

    lesterm Formula Junior

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    #4 lesterm, May 2, 2008
    I do not think it's an either/or distinction, as the domain of all superheroes encompasses multifarious types of powers, abilities, genetic makeups, origins, etc. Of course, there are certain characteristics that would exclude one from being a superhero. First and foremost, the person (or entity) must exhibit the traits of a hero, or someone who we idealize for their courage, achievements, and similar feats that extend past the realm of "ordinary" human behavior. Second, the superhero must possess abilities that exceed (I remain agnostic as to the degree) that of the average human. For instance, under this rubric, we could count Batman and Iron Man as superheroes, as well as the Silver Surfer, Superman, etc. Typically, the Marvel Universe, or any other universes where traditional "superheroes" exist, use Earth and human beings as a reference class, so we should probably use the human being as the standard of comparison. Actually, now that I think about it, it is sufficient, but maybe not necessary to restrict the reference class to human beings, since we could just say that a superhero is anyone with extraordinary abilities, and, furthermore, someone who uses these abilities in a super-ordinary way, but always in the service of good. Presumably, this definition might still be valid in the absence of human beings as a point of comparison.

    Oh, and no, I was not beat-up or ostracized as a child, nor was I in the AV club ;)
     
  5. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #5 WILLIAM H, May 2, 2008
    According to Wikipedia Wonder Woman :

    " Princess Diana is a member of a fictional tribe of Amazons, based on the Amazons of Greek mythology. Her name is reflective of the mythological character, Diana or Artemis. Her mother is Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons. When Diana leaves the Amazons to travel to the world outside, she is known as both Wonder Woman, and as Princess Diana. As Wonder Woman, she was awarded several gifts by the Olympian gods, including the Lasso of Truth created from the Golden Girdle of Gaea and indestructible bracelets formed from the shield Aegis. For several years she was described in the splash page of each story, as "beautiful as Aphrodite, wise as Athena, swifter than Hermes, and stronger than Hercules."
     
  6. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #6 WILLIAM H, May 2, 2008
    it depends on how strict you define Superheros

    On Krypton he is not super anything but on Earth he is :

    1) a foreigner

    2) an ET

    3) compared to humans he has superpowers
     
  7. ferraridude615

    ferraridude615 F1 Veteran

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    #7 ferraridude615, May 2, 2008
    Batman is a superhero. So I define it as someone who has extraordinary powers or abilities and uses them for good.
     
  8. Remy Zero

    Remy Zero Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #8 Remy Zero, May 2, 2008
    Batman is a loser who only comes out in the night :D :D :D :p

    Superman is the real deal :D
     
  9. DrStranglove

    DrStranglove FChat Assassin
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    #9 DrStranglove, May 2, 2008
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    In my book, you just have to have earned one of these.....
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  10. wax

    wax Five Time F1 World Champ
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    #10 wax, May 2, 2008
    While wearing a fancy costume of questionable origin, you must be able to defy laws of physics, while protecting and enforcing laws of man; to the extent you are a law unto yourself.
     
  11. mksu19

    mksu19 Formula 3

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    #11 mksu19, May 3, 2008
    Sounds like "Vigilante" to me!!!

    ***Please dont ban me! :D
     
  12. mksu19

    mksu19 Formula 3

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    #12 mksu19, May 3, 2008
    So "Dog" the bounty hunter can be considered a superhero!? His mullet is questionable! :D
     
  13. Ferrari0324

    Ferrari0324 F1 Rookie

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    #13 Ferrari0324, May 3, 2008
    From what I can remember, he does wear a badas$ belt too.
     
  14. Pantera

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    #14 Pantera, May 3, 2008
    10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000+
    Thank you.
     

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