1. Media Studies <br />What are the conventions of the Superhero Genre? <br />By Arya Chopra <br />Superheroes are generally characters that have gained or been born with superhero powers, and they use them to fight crime and to protect people. They normally have enemies called super villains for example how Batman has the Joker, these are the typically binary oppositions. The typical conventions are that they have extraordinary power, skills and equipment, and also technology. For example how Iron Man has his suit, and how Spiderman has his web. They more often than not are there to stop and prevent crime, and are reluctant to kill people. They have a secret identity which is also shown by there costume, and the name that they have to prevent people knowing their secret identity so that their families and friends don’t get hurt. They also have someone that they rely on like Batman has his butler Alfred. Each Superhero should have a theme, which could be shown by their costume, colour, or their name. For example, how Batman has a black costume to resemble a bat and has a symbol of a bat, and how he has the bat-mobile. The stereotypical superhero almost always wears a mask to hide their identity. The hero’s ordinary world is also a typical convention, based on why they wanted to become a superhero in the first place. Most superhero movies show friends and families who may or may not know about their identity. The characters could also have a love interest, but can’t be with them because of their secret identity. This is the case in Batman and in Spiderman. <br />Most Superhero characters have many criminals that they fight before they meet the villain. The differences are shown between the hero and the villain. For example Batman has a grim personality, and is quiet, dark and mysterious; where as the Joker, his arch enemy is lively, loquacious, colourful and ostentatious. They normally are wealthy and have a less supervised job, such as Batman has Wayne Enterprises and how Superman is a typical reporter. Another thing they have is a hidden base or headquarters like Batman has the Bat cave, where he keeps his bat mobile, weapons and costume. They also by and large have a story which shows why they became a superhero and it is usually something tragic that has happened in their past or a freak accident. With every superhero they have a weakness. For example Superman’s weakness is Kryptonite; it can be psychological, external or internal. <br />Usually, superheroes have side-kick like Batman had Robin; their job is to help the main superhero out. The sidekick is generally younger than them and has less experience but has potential. Not all superheroes are independent; some are in groups such as the Fantastic Four and X-Men. Superheroes are originated from comic books, and they have then been made into TV shows, films and other media as well as merchandise. The main genres that they would be involved in would be fantasy, adventure, and science fiction. The story types that they normally have would be Circe, Achilles, Orpheus and Tristan/Romeo & Juliet. <br />