This presentation was a Fantasticon in Copenhagen, Denmark, last fall, discussing what defines a superhero and how this impacts how we see superheroes around the world.

1. Superheroes around the World CarrieLynn D. Reinhard, PhD. Roskilde University

2. What is a superhero?

6. But what about these?

8. What makes some characters superheroes, and others not? Do they all have to be from the United States? What do people outside of the United States think about superheroes?

10. What defines a superhero?

12. American Superheroes Superhero Sanctioned Mission Super-power(s) Secret identity Code-name Costume motif Superman X X X X X Batman X X X X Wonder Woman X X X X X Green Lantern X X X X X The Flash X X X X X Green Arrow X X X X The Martian Manhunter X X X X Spider-Man X X X X X Iron Man X X X X X Wolverine X X X X X The Hulk X X X X Storm X X X X X Captain America X X X X Ghost Rider X X X X X Thor X X X Mr. Fantastic X X X X The Human Torch X X X X Punisher X X X X Hellboy X X X X The Shadow X X X X X Zorro X X X X

14. How well known are American superheroes?

15. Recognizing Superheroes: DC

16. Recognizing Superheroes: Marvel

17. Recognizing Superheroes: Other Comic Book

18. Recognizing Superheroes: And Others Still…

19. What is the reason for such patterns of recognition?

20. What other cultures’ heroes could be superheroes?

21. Would-Be, Could-Be Superheroes Superhero?? Sanctioned Mission Super-power(s) Secret identity Code-name Costume motif Ultraman X X X X X Kamen Rider 1 X X X X X Power Rangers X X X X X Gatchaman X X X X Sailor Moon X X X X X The Guyver X X X X NERV X X X Samurai Pizza Cats X X Mamoru Kusanagi X X X Pretty Girl Sammy X X X X X Witch Hunter Robin X X X X Card Capturer Sakura X X X The Knight Sabers X X X Vash the Stampede X X X X Voltron X X Astro Boy X X X Jesus X X X Hercules X X Robin Hood X X X Beowulf X James Bond X X X X

22. Recognizing Superheroes: Japanese

23. Do other cultures, countries have superheros?

24. North America Canada: Captain Canuck, Fleur de Lys, Nelvana Argentina: El Eternauta Mexico: El Santo, Kaliman, Blue Demon

25. Europe France: Fantômas Italy: Diabolik, Zagor Spain: El Guerro del Antifaz, El Capitán Trueno United Kingdom: Tank Girl, James Bond, V, Judge Dredd, MarvelMan, Promethea, Sherlock Holmes

26. Middle East Israel: Sabraman, Adiri Atchelet Kuwait: The 99

27. Asia Indonesia: Gundala, Gatotkaca, Garuda Putih China: The 108 Heroes of The Water Margin Japan: Volton, M.K.R., Akazukin Chacha, Saint Tail, Astro Boy, Godzilla, Saint Seiya, Biomen

28. Let’s Break It Down…

36. Appropriation versus Parody