Superhero genre

The superhero genre features one or more characters with superpowers, typically gained through mystical or scientific fashion. The genre has classically been most popular in comic book format, but many films, TV series, and books have also been dedicated to the superhero genre.

The superhero genre has classically engaged with questions of duty and responsibility (Spiderman, "with great powers comes great responsibility"); what it means to be human; feelings of alienation and separation (Buffy, who just wants to be a normal girl); social consequences of difference (X-Men); etc.

Gender issues in the superhero genre include:

• highly sexualized drawn portrayals of female characters, including sexualized and unrealistic proportions for characters; silly costumes (even sillier); sexualized angles and poses
• sexism in treatment of character superpowers: women given more passive, defensive, or "softer" superpowers; or shown to be unable to handle (ethically) very powerful or aggressive superpowers; or given allegedly powerful superpowers that are then massively underutilized in an unrealistic way
• similar issues with supervillains