Superhero Shows: Saving Us From Reality
Arrow, The Flash, Gotham, Constantine, Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD, Agent Carter, and Daredevil, all of these shows are superhero shows also known as comic book TV shows. Superhero shows are live action television shows based on Marvel or DC comics. These shows include a superhero fighting against a villain, which usually changes per season. The advent of superhero shows came during the 1960s with shows such as ABC’s “Batman”, receiving some attention. However, recently, superhero shows are recognized with acclaim as they are rising in popularity.
Regularly, these shows have about two to four million US viewers. During season premieres and pilot episodes, the number of US viewers can skyrocket up to 12 million. Obviously, superhero shows aren’t only watched in the US. For example, the pilot episode of “Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD” had a grand total of 22.1 viewers with millions of people all over the world watching through live TV, DVR, and online sites. Superhero shows are also popular within the SIS 8th grade community. Approximately one fifth of 8th graders watch at least one superhero show: the most popular shows being CW’s “The Flash”, “Arrow”, and Netflix’s “Daredevil”. It is clear that many people watch the superhero genre of TV shows. However, the intriguing question is why do people enjoy watching these shows? In order to understand why people enjoy superhero shows, we need to know why people love superheroes. Just like an ordinary person, superheroes face many problems, sometimes traumatic. While dealing with their problems, these superheroes discover their strengths and resolve to use them for selfless purposes. Superheroes inspire us and become role models who help cope with our adversities. Where do superhero shows fit into all of this? Well, when we start a new episode of a superhero show, we enter this new world. We experience a break from reality as we tend to forget our problems temporarily. We see our super hero, a person we can relate to, using powers for altruism instead of selfish desires. The viewers, inspired by the figure in their big screen, are motivated to use their strengths to cope with their problems and lend a hand to other helpless individuals. If you’re struggling, it is advised that you just enjoy an episode of any superhero show. In fact, it might be the superhero show that saves you from reality. |
STORY :: MINSUNG KIM
EDITOR :: YEJUNE PARK DESIGN :: SEAN JS LEE This promotional poster features Charlie Cox, playing the superhero from Netflix’s “Daredevil” dressed up in a red vigilante costume. Photograph by Stephanie Maslansky
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