Superhero Identity

Gauntlett’s theory of identity lies within the choices of modern western societies, in which texts and products must be somewhat relatable to the audience in terms of identity and lifestyle, even if the preferred options tend to be obvious and conventional. (Gauntlett, 2002)

Within the creation of Marvel superheroes, stood the growing fanbase of young boys of which saw the heroes of the Marvel comic franchise as a source of inspiration. From 1961 where the first comic was born from the company, the characters within the rival company ‘DC comics’ were portraying strong patriotic characters in an attempt to produce significant role models for the growing fans. Despite this attempt, the evolution and development of characters from the creators within Marvel comics made an attempt to create more relatable and inspiring characters to try and help fans find and discover their identity. The theory of an ‘identity crisis’ within younger people is a very common occurrence, and so to create characters having similar problems, creates an inspirational role model in which the audience can relate to.

Accessed: creativecommons.org; http://jey2dworld.deviantart.com/art/JUSTICE-LEAGUE-OF-AMERICA-and-THE-AVENGERS-WIP-358004513