Are the Characters from Street Fighter Truly Superheroes and Supervillains?

When considering the classification of characters from the iconic fighting game suite, Street Fighter, the term superhero or supervillain might come to mind. However, defining these characters through the lens of the traditional criteria for superheroes, such as secret identity and a clear moral dichotomy, might not be straightforward. Let's delve into the nuances of these characters and explore their alignment with superhero and supervillain archetypes.

Character Analysis: Superhero Archetypes in Street Fighter

The characters from Street Fighter indeed possess abilities that transcend the realm of human physics, aligning them with the realm of superhumans. However, when examining the traditional hallmarks of superheroes—secret identities, dedicated battles against criminal forces, and a clear-cut moral dichotomy—it becomes evident that these characters do not fully fit into this mold.

Martial Arts Specialists and Archetypes

Many of the fighters in Street Fighter are, at their core, highly skilled martial artists, drawing inspiration from real-life martial arts experts and stereotypes. For instance, Fei Long, originally portrayed as Chun-Liu, is a striking example of the archetypal martial artist, embodying the spirit and style of Bruce Lee. Similarly, Akuma, who later became a central figure in the Street Fighter series, possesses abilities like overwhelming strength and speed that transcend human capabilities, aligning more with the concept of a supervillain or something beyond human.

Secret Identities and Morality

A secret identity is a fundamental aspect of superhero lore, yet within the Street Fighter universe, this concept is often subverted. The characters in Street Fighter do not typically maintain a hidden persona to fight crime. Instead, their appearances and roles shift significantly, from a seemingly innocent fighter to a fierce competitor. This lack of a secret identity for most characters makes it challenging to classify them as superheroes definitively.

Morality and Black-and-White Dichotomy

While many superheroes and supervillains operate within a clear moral framework, the characters in Street Fighter often blur these lines. For example, Ryu and Ken, the protagonists of the early Street Fighter games, are initially portrayed as competitors rather than clear-cut heroes and villains. Their rivalry becomes a more complex narrative as the series progresses, with personal and ethical conflicts becoming more pronounced. This complexity makes it difficult to define their moral affiliations, similar to how many heroes and villains in other universes have evolved over time.

Real-Life Inspiration and Stereotypes

Further analysis reveals that many of the Street Fighter characters are based on real-life martial artists or archetypes, sometimes exaggerated and sometimes stereotyped. Here are some notable examples:

Fei Long (Chun-Liu)

Fei Long was initially portrayed as Fun-Li, reflecting the classic martial arts legend model. The character was heavily inspired by Bruce Lee, embodying the legendary martial artist's demeanor and fighting style. This well-known physical possibility suggests a level of hyper-reality, aligning the character more with a superhero than a traditional hero.

M. Bison (Mike)

M. Bison, or Mike for a time, is based on Mike Tyson, one of the most famous boxers of the era. The character is often depicted as a ruthless and powerful opponent, fitting the supervillain mold more closely. In the Marvel vs. Capcom series, M. Bison retains his villainous tendencies, suggesting a more supervillain-like persona rather than a hero.

Ken and Joe (Joe Lewis)

Ken and Joe in the original Street Fighter are based on Joseph Lewis, a renowned karate expert. Although these characters started as skilled fighters, their portrayal evolved to include a mix of traditional heroism and a darker, more brooding persona. This evolution suggests a blend of both hero and villain traits, further complicating their classification.

Conclusion

The characters from Street Fighter present a fascinating case study in the realm of superhero and supervillain archetypes. While they possess exceptional abilities far beyond the realm of reality, the lack of secret identities and the complexity of their moral alignments make a direct comparison challenging. The series often leans more towards the martial artist or archetypal fighter rather than the superhero or supervillain, although there are clear elements of both.

Given the trademarked nature of the term superhero held by Marvel and DC, it becomes evident that characters from Street Fighter, while possessing elements of superhero or supervillain traits, do not fit neatly into these categories. Their nuanced portrayal and adherence to different tropes provide a rich tapestry of character development, making them unique in the world of fighting games and beyond.