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Comic book superhero is the most stale and rehashed sub-genre of science-fiction from the last century Superheroes go all the way back to Ancient Greek stories
by gaius 8y ago
Comic book superhero is the most stale and rehashed sub-genre of science-fiction from the last century
Superheroes go all the way back to Ancient Greek stories of gods and demigods, or even some of the Old Testament prophets, the stories are still read today and are clearly structurally similar. The idea that superheroes are a modern American invention is just ludicrous.
- arunix 8y agoThe ancient Greek/Old Testament stories are not science-fiction though.
- gaius 8y agoYes and no. Swap planets for uncharted islands and Star Trek (TOS at least) would be instantly recognisable to any Ancient Greek.
- fosco 8y agoin the original star trek they find Apollo [0] and determine how ancient greeks may have been inspired by aliens. really enjoyable episode to think over:-) [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_Mourns_for_Adonais%3F https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_Mourns_for_Adonais%3F
- coldtea 8y ago>Superheroes go all the way back to Ancient Greek stories of gods and demigods (...) The idea that superheroes are a modern American invention is just ludicrous.* No, they don't. Heroes and gods/creatures with special powers indeed are ancient. Superheroes are a specific thing, within a specific culture. It's not only that ancient gods didn't were spandex, it's a whole lot of cultural preconceptions and genre characteristics that define the superhero stories (not to mention the way those are produced and consumed).
- dTal 8y agoIf we accept your premise that superheroism is a continuation and extension of ancient fables, wouldn't that make it even more stale and rehashed?
- gaius 8y agoIt would, but my point is really, that this isn’t a “purely American product”