THE SUPER HEROES IN COMICS

For children of every generation, the comic book super heroes have fueled the imagination and have mastered the art of the cliff hanger as throngs of those same children waited with great anticipation for the next comic book issue so they could finally discover what became of their favorite super hero or the dreaded super villain.

Superman was introduced in 1938 in Action Comics #1, but originally had been designed as a newspaper comic strip. Superman would continue to be shown in strips in the newspaper after its amazing success as a comic book, though much of the strips were taken from already published books.

Following the success of Superman, other superheroes were created and continue to be favorites over decades and generations. One of those superheroes is Batman who was first introduced in Detective Comics #21 in 1939. Superman later became a part of DC Comics. Batman originally was a more brooding, dark character than what has been portrayed in later television shows and movies but has been reinvented on the big screen with more recent movies such as the widely acclaimed "The Dark Knight." Unlike Superman, Batman does not possess any real super powers. He is what is often referred to as a "Costumed Hero" who uses his wits and various gadgets to fight crime.

Another popular superhero, first introduced in 1962 in the Amazing Fantasy comic book #15, is Spider-man. Spider-man is also a "Costumed Hero" who uses his prowess and advanced weapons to fight crime while wearing a unique costume that is unmistakeable. Spider-man is actually a teenage boy with many of the insecurities teens experience, making his teenage fans feel a certain connection by being able to relate to his very human problems. He has long been a part of Marvel Comics, starring in several different comic book series including his own, The Amazing Spider-man.

Throughout several decades there have been many more superheroes such as Wolverine of the X-Men, The Incredible Hulk, and the Green Lantern who continue to stir the imagination and inspire movies and merchandise for all ages. Not to be forgotten, too, are the female superheroines like Wonder Woman, Batgirl, and the Invisible Woman who have proven themselves in a world dominated by men and evil.

The superheroes are here to stay as they gain in popularity through other mediums such as motion pictures. There still is nothing like holding a comic book and reading each pane, flipping through the pages as the tension rises and the action reaches its climax. Then there is the subsequent relief as our favorite superhero once again saves the day.

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