I don't think it's much of a cycle, there has been a constant undercurrent of "mature" cynical superhero comics and movies for decades now. In the '00s we had t

I don't think it's much of a cycle, there has been a constant undercurrent of "mature" cynical superhero comics and movies for decades now. In the '00s we had the Christian Bale Batman movies, and adaptations of V for Vendetta and Watchmen. In the '10s we had Deadpool and the Zack Snyder DC movies with their unprecedented cynical take on Superman. It all continues today with Venom and Batman spinoffs.