Origins of Comics- Where does the word "superhero" come from?

Iron Man (2008)

When mentioning the word superhero in this blockbuster movie era, images of brightly-colored, costumed individuals come to mind. Superhero pertains to an all-encompassing name given any number of heroic characters in comic books, films and other media. Over the decades though the image of a superhero took on different guises and the public’s view of what a superhero truly encapsulates evolved as well.

Definition

     The word superhero itself derives obviously from the root “hero.” First used in 1387, the Greek word hero means literally "protector" or "defender." The word superhero defines as “a fictional hero having extraordinary or superhuman powers.” Superheroes also traditionally defend the standard Superman values of truth, justice and the American way. That definition classically describes any number of fictional comic heroes who exist in print today.

Origins of Myths

     The public revered superheroes in spirit and folk tales long before the twentieth century. Heroic fiction existed for as long as man first began communicating and telling stories. Superheroes (or classic hero) came from these older ancient stories and myths and act as predecessors to the comics today.  Beowulf’s battles with Grendel and monsters and Samson’s biblical stories predate but paved the way for modern tales and imaginative battles like Marvel’s Fantastic Four or Spider-Man in comic books. Classic tales of great heroes and villains transcend the time. “Hamlet and Lear are certainly inspiration for Marvel Comics’ Thor and Odin characters,” states author Randy Duncan in The Power of Comics . The new heroes evolved from the older heroes of the older tales.

Captain America Comics #1 (1941)

     The twentieth century unveiled the golden age of modern superheroes fighting for causes of the age.  Superman #1 hit the newsstands in 1938 and unveiled a hero dressed head to toes in a brightly colored costume and the axiom of fighting for truth, justice and the American way! Captain America made his debut as well to support the American war effort during WWII.  The superhero comics supported the war bond effort through stories showing the good that can come from buying them. Though regarded as propaganda, wartime comics showcased many superheroes who endure even to this day. 

     By the 1950s, these superheroes feature what became the standards for costumed superheroes: a fantastical, amazing superhuman power, a shrouded, dark past, a single, great weakness, and an antithesis or arch-enemy to do battle with.  These ingredients give birth to the classic superheroes of comic fame.  Batman watched his parents murdered before his eyes. Iron Man flies around in a futuristic suit of armor. Wonder Woman uses a lasso that makes people tell the truth! These heroes jumped from the pages of comic books to the film screen years ago and even now make up some of the highest grossing films of all time incorporate these superhero themes within them. 

Burt Ward and Adam West as Batman and Robin

     In the idealistic time of the 1950s, the superheroes reflected an idealistic and simplistic outlook in their fight of good vs. evil. This "Adam West Batman" feel of superheroes would last for decades. Campy versions of superheroes appeared on prime time television and serials.  As the decade advanced, this youthful version of superheroes evolved and grew up for the times yet to come.