In recent years, superhero films based on comic books have dominated the box office, marking a significant shift in the film industry. Over the past two decades, Marvel and DC have consistently produced movie after movie and TV series after TV series, each achieving substantial success. Superhero movies are almost guaranteed to be hits, with 64 major American superhero films released in the last decade alone—more than in the previous 25 years combined.
These films boast some of the highest-grossing numbers, supported by gigantic budgets and star-studded casts. It seems almost every acclaimed actor or actress is now attached to a Marvel or DC franchise. In stark contrast, superhero movies in the 80s and 90s were not as popular as they are today. During that time, only a few superhero films were produced, and they rarely achieved significant financial success or became part of mainstream culture. While comic books and their characters have always been a significant form of artistic expression and entertainment, their current cinematic boom seemed unlikely back then.
So, why have these movies become so famous in the last two decades, much like how comic books gained immense popularity during World War II? More generally, why are we, as humans, so obsessed with superheroes? To answer this, we need to look at several factors:
The Enduring Need for Heroes
In our times, we need shining
examples of good deeds, sacrifice, and hope—figures who can stand tall in the
darkest hours, battle evil with unwavering courage, and speak out when others
remain silent. Heroes are those who sacrifice for the greater good, fight for
the oppressed, and uplift society. Throughout history, oppressed people have
always looked to heroes to champion their cause. We need heroes, like Moses, to
lead us against oppressive authorities. Simply put, we need champions of the
oppressed, embodiments of positive liberty.
In the early decades of comics,
heroes epitomized the best aspects of Carlyle's great men. Their powers allowed
them to break free from societal conventions and act as revolutionaries against
the status quo and evil forces. Superheroes were beacons of hope in dark times,
just as our culture's myths always mirror our deepest hopes and fears.
During World War II, icons like
Captain America, Batman, and Wolverine took on Hitler. After Pearl Harbor,
superheroes in comics fought against Japanese soldiers. These stories reflected
real-world battles and provided people with much-needed hope and inspiration.
But why do we still crave heroes
when we've had real-life figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Abraham Lincoln? The
answer is simple: we always need heroes. We need perfect, contemporary, and
relatable heroes for our own times. We need individuals who can mirror our
current struggles and aspirations, giving us the courage and hope to face
today's challenges.
Heroes are timeless symbols of
positive liberty, justice, and resilience. They remind us of our potential for
greatness and our ability to overcome adversity. In every era, especially our
own, we need heroes to inspire us and lead us toward a brighter future.
Social Injustice and the Rise of Comic Popularity
Social injustice in our society
often leads us to find solace and inspiration in comics and superhero movies.
The resurgence of superhero films can be attributed to the idea that we live in
a world in need of saving, where our current systems seem inadequate.
Characters like Batman, Spider-Man, and Superman embody heroes who take action
to protect the vulnerable and fight against injustice, often operating outside
of established norms and systems.
Superman, famously known for his
motto "Truth, Justice, and the American Way," first highlighted these
values in the 1950s "Adventures of Superman" TV series starring
George Reeves. Batman, patrolling the crime-ridden streets of Gotham City,
symbolizes the struggle against criminal elements.
The X-Men, born with diverse
abilities, face discrimination from society, which perceives them as dangerous
outsiders. Their struggle against this discrimination resonates deeply with
individuals marginalized due to factors such as race, sexual orientation,
nationality, religion, or socioeconomic status.
The X-Men's narrative parallels real-world experiences of discrimination and prejudice. As mutants, they embody the fear and misunderstanding faced by marginalized groups. Professor Xavier's dream of peaceful coexistence between mutants and humans mirrors aspirations for equality and acceptance in our own society.This theme of inclusivity and battling prejudice has made the X-Men saga a powerful allegory for social justice.
The appeal of these superheroes, who
emerged during the Great Depression, resonates strongly during times of
economic hardship. Today, in the midst of deep and slow-recovering recessions,
their message of resilience, justice, and empowerment becomes even more compelling.
These characters offer narratives of hope and courage in the face of adversity,
reflecting our collective desire for heroes who can confront societal
challenges that seem insurmountable.
In essence, comics and superhero
movies serve not only as entertainment but also as modern-day mythology—a
mirror that reflects our societal struggles and aspirations. They remind us of
the importance of standing up against injustice, protecting the vulnerable, and
striving for a better world. As long as social injustice persists, these iconic
characters will continue to resonate, offering us inspiration and a sense of
possibility for a brighter future.
Technology and Visual Effects
We want superhero movies or even real story-based movies to be believable. If a character is endowed with the power to fly, swing from building to building, or become a giant from a normal human, sure, why not, but it should not look fake. Have you ever watched Batman and Superman movies from the 70s? Most just look silly and fake. One of the main reasons that we have not seen so many superhero movies before the nineties is the technological limitation of portraying a character.
Superhero movies have become popular due to advancements in technology, particularly in computer graphics, which allow for the creation of believable and visually stunning worlds and superpowers. In the twenty-first century, computer graphics have progressed to the point where the most outlandish concepts of comic-book art can be depicted believably. The ability to create these fantastical worlds and characters in a visually appealing manner has made superhero movies a popular genre in contemporary cinema. I think it's because we can finally create these worlds properly that has enabled filmmakers to bring comic book characters to life in a way that was previously impossible. Superhero movies have shifted movie making to the studios, where most of the movie is pictured in front of a green screen. Modern technology makes scenes visually fantastic and every action possible.
The Desire to Overcome Human Limitations
We all have our biological, social,
and physical limitations that define our lives. Yet, deep down, we fantasize
about a world where we can live longer, heal faster, possess super strength,
and wield magical abilities. While this reality may be out of reach, we find
solace and excitement in our favorite comic book characters who transcend these
human limitations.
Consider Wolverine and Deadpool,
whose rapid healing abilities allow them to recover from almost any injury.
Superman can fly, lift trains, and is impervious to bullets and rockets. These
characters embody our hidden desires, showcasing the extraordinary feats we
dream of achieving. Seeing their incredible strength and abilities gives us a
deep sense of satisfaction and wonder.
Despite their powers, superheroes
and supervillains alike face their own set of problems, mirroring our own
struggles. For instance, Spider-Man grapples with the balance between his
heroic duties and personal life, while Iron Man battles inner demons and the
responsibilities of his genius and wealth. These characters remind us that,
even with superhuman abilities, one cannot escape life's complexities and
challenges.
The worlds these characters inhabit
are far from utopian. They are arenas where super strength and courage are
essential to save the world from more powerful threats. In the X-Men series,
mutants like Professor X and Magneto face prejudice and discrimination,
reflecting real-world social issues. Similarly, in "Black Panther,"
T'Challa navigates the responsibilities of leadership and the legacy of his
people, all while combating external threats to Wakanda.
These narratives highlight that every
world, even one born from imagination and desires, has its limitations. Yet,
within these imperfect worlds, we find characters who inspire us to believe in
the possibility of overcoming our own limitations. The appeal of comic book
worlds lies in their reflection of our desire for a life free from constraints,
where extraordinary abilities can make a difference.
In essence, the enduring popularity
of superhero stories stems from our yearning for perfection and transcendence,
combined with the relatability of their personal struggles. These tales offer a
blend of escapism and reality, allowing us to explore the boundaries of human
potential while acknowledging that every world, no matter how fantastical, has
its challenges. This blend of aspiration and relatability makes the world of
comics a cherished refuge and a source of inspiration.
The world where every storyline works
As I discussed earlier, we are
limited by our biology, society, and the physical world, so our stories may
have different flavors and characters but are bound to the logic of our real
world. Any story will not make any sense if it's not consistent with real-world
logic. For example, we cannot digest a normal young man who is not bestowed
with special powers beating 20 trained gangsters, as often seen in Bollywood
movies. By adding powers, we can create different storylines where our
characters can fight monsters, supervillains, dangerous drug mafias, and even
gods, anywhere, anytime.
Any storyline can be corrected with
these additions, and history can be rewritten, as seen in the case of X-Men.
With these characters, anything imaginable can be presented as a believable
story. Further, the characters in comics are developed through series issues of
comics or movies from their origins. So, in every new story, we know the
characters well, allowing the main focus to be on plot development.
The villains superheroes face
provide a welcome escape from the complexities of real-world issues. The
journey to defeat them is exciting and straightforward, unlike the challenges
we encounter in our daily lives. Fighting a villain allows heroes to focus on
one major problem at a time, making it easier to navigate. Heroes are
universally supported and admired, unlike regular individuals dealing with
personal struggles. Superheroes are seen as either good or evil, simplifying the moral complexities that real people face.
The Allure of Superhero Action Scenes
One of the main reasons comic-based
movies are so popular is due to their action-packed scenes, colorful costumes,
and unbelievable creatures that stretch our imagination. Sometimes, when we
watch a movie, we want to experience something different and amazing. Comic
books and their movie adaptations deliver just that, offering scenes where
Spider-Man swings from building to building, characters like the Green Goblin
float in mid-air, and gods engage in epic battles.
With the development of technology
and CGI, the action and fight scenes in these movies look more believable and
thrilling. For instance, the breathtaking visuals in "Avengers:
Endgame," where heroes like Iron Man and Captain Marvel face off against
Thanos, showcase the power of modern CGI to create stunning, immersive
experiences.
Furthermore, comics are a vivid
expression of art, so in that respect, superhero movies are visually fantastic.
The vibrant and detailed costumes, the imaginative settings, and the dynamic
action sequences make these films a feast for the eyes. Take, for example, the
rich, colorful world of "Black Panther" with its stunning portrayal
of Wakanda, or the intricate designs of Doctor Strange's magical battles.
These elements combine to create a
unique viewing experience that is both engaging and exhilarating, drawing us
into worlds where the impossible becomes possible.