The superhero is often called a unique American phenomenon. Inspired by comic books, particularly the Superman series in the early 1930s, superheroes with superhuman strength and a desire to save the world became the stuff of many a child’s, and also numerous adults’ dreams and fantasies. Yet Superman was not the first literary character to which the term superhero could have been applied. Certainly many of the heroes from earlier literature: Gilgamesh, Beowulf, Hercules, Zorro (appearing first in 1919) and Sir Lancelot.

What made the American take on the superhero unique, at least in its onset, was an attempt to scientifically explain why the superhero had special powers. In Superman’s case, he is actually an alien, and was born on the planet Krypton. He can fly, see through metal (except lead), has extraordinary strength and speed.

The superhero is usually someone who must live a dual existence, concealing his super powers from the world. This idea is not exactly new either; Zorro wears a mask to conceal his identity, and King Arthur spent time masquerading as the Black Knight. With early superheroes, the dual identity gave rise to a common feature — the awkward, frequently geeky character who never gets the girl. Clark Kent, Superman’s alter ego is fumbling and bumbling character.

Superman is a born superhero, as opposed to those who are made superheroes. Others are mere earthlings who derive their superpowers from exposure to toxic chemicals, poisonous bites from insects (Spiderman), or genetic mutations (X-Men). A few superheroes do not have special abilities, but instead their manipulation of science. Batman is considered a superhero, but relies mainly on fancy gadgets and superior understanding of science, as well as martial arts skills to fight crime.