Superheroes have long been a major attraction for multiple movie and book franchises. Marvel and DC have taken full advantage of this market, introducing household names such as Superman, Batman and Spider-Man throughout the years.
Their dominance in the market, however, has also been challenged by many independent artists and authors in the market. If you want to join this band of new superhero developers, some of the things you should consider when writing your story include:
Origin Story
The most important element of any superhero is their origin story. This is the backstory of how a person developed into the character he currently portrays. A superhero’s origin story plays a significant role in developing his attributes, abilities and personality. It also sets the foundation for the rest of the story, as every good narrative must have a solid beginning.
An origin story doesn’t only involve how an individual got their powers but can include a detailed background of the main character and what initially put him on the path to becoming a hero. Batman offers an excellent example of an origin story, as it begins during his childhood and explains his disdain for criminals and decision to exemplify a bat. For more such inspiring stories, you can refer to Writix Samples, where professionally written samples serve as ready references.
Powers vs. Abilities and Learning to Control Them
Every superhero has something that sets them apart from ordinary people. Heroes are mostly given supernatural abilities that place them in a better position to fight the villains in their story.
Powers can be replaced by heightened abilities that aren’t supernatural but represent a higher level of prowess and capability compared to others. You should also make a point of illustrating how your hero developed their mastery or learned to control their powers.
A good example of this element can be found with Superman. He had to visit the Fortress of Solitude and receive training from his father’s avatar before finally fulfilling his destiny to become earth’s primary defender. It’s rare for anyone to suddenly become adept at skills or powers they developed recently.
Highlight their Motivation
The motivation of a superhero is the driving force behind the person’s decision to take up the mantle as a superhero. A hero’s motivation can be different from the origin story but will still be connected to this element in one way or another. The particular motivation behind a hero can also play a significant role in developing their character.
It highlights the main reason they chose to become a superhero. Superman and Captain America, for instance, have a strong sense of justice and want to serve the populace with their abilities – which portrays them as “good boys” in terms of their attributes. Batman, on the other hand, holds a personal vendetta against criminals, making him a scary prospect for the Gotham underworld.
Identify the Primary Antagonist
Every hero needs a main villain to battle against as their character continues to grow and develop. The hero might have multiple enemies in their fight against injustice, but there should always be that one antagonist that represents the biggest threat to them. A primary antagonist helps to define the limits of a hero without necessarily portraying those boundaries as a major weakness.
It should be noted that the main villain doesn’t always have to be as outwardly powerful as the hero but should possess an advantage that gives them an edge that no one else has. Superman has Lex Luthor, for example, and Batman has the Joker.
Develop a Secret Identity
A secret identity refers to who your hero is when they’re not out fighting crime. Two main reasons why most heroes choose to keep their real identity a secret are to ensure the safety of their loved ones and be able to lead a normal life. Their identity might also play a role in helping them fight crime.
The Flash, for example, uses his secret identity as a member of the Central City Police Department to gain access to information about various villains and criminals he is battling at the time. There are a few cases where a hero chooses not to have a secret identity, such as the case of Thor and Iron Man, but these are rare.
Conclusion
One of the main elements you should consider when developing a superhero story is the human side of the narrative. Humanizing your character is essential in helping the audience develop a connection with them. It gives them something to relate to, which can enhance the popularity of the character.
