The Worst Superheroes: Inclusions Gone Awry and Retrospective of Missed Opportunities
The spotlight often lands on the most popular and successful superheroes. However, the canon of comic books and manga is replete with flawed and misguided attempts, which serve as cautionary tales in the annals of superhero lore. From a Japanese school teacher turned rapist to characters with morally reprehensible yet well-intended intentions, these superheroes stand out for the very reasons that many initially opposed them. In this article, we will explore some of the worst superheroes ever written, examining their inclusion attempts and the impact they had on the genre.
Flawed Superhero Concepts in Manga
One particularly egregious example of a poorly written superhero is a character from a Japanese manga series. This character is a muscular school teacher who dons a mask and cape by night to fight for “justice” as a rapist. The concept itself is reprehensible, but it serves as a representative case of how misguided inclusions can backfire. The premise of a character who commits crimes under the guise of “justice” is not only ethically dubious but also disrespectful to the concept of justice and the victims of such crimes.
Disappointing Attempts at Inclusion
Other superheroes who failed to incorporate diversity and inclusion in a meaningful way can be found in Snowflake and Safespace. These characters have been described as the most ill-conceived and failed attempts at including underrepresented groups within modern comic history. The details behind their creation may suggest that they were the brainchild of middle-aged straight white men who clearly missed the mark. These misguided representations underscore the importance of thoughtful and conscientious inclusion in superhero storytelling.
Despicable Heroes and Villains
While the above examples serve as cautionary tales of poorly conceived inclusions, there are also instances where superheroes and villains inappropriately aligned with odious ideals. For example, there is a character known as The Aryan from GURPS Supers, a settings-based supplement. This superhuman is a white supremacist who engages in hate speech and uses his heroic actions to prove his superiority. Such a premise is deeply problematic, and it fails to contribute positively to discussions of social justice. Similarly, there is the character Bliss from the comic series withd DV-8. Although aspiring to be a hero, Bliss's powers and actions flirt with moral wrongs, bordering on exploitation and abuse.
The Ineffectiveness of Two-Legged Villains
The inclusion of traumatic elements within superhero narratives can often fail to serve the story's intended purpose. For example, homeless characters in comic books often serve as gatekeepers for secret passages or malevolent entities. This trope reduces these characters to two-dimensional tools rather than fully realized personas. Realistic and complex character development is crucial, and the misuse of such archetypes dilutes the narrative's impact.
The Fan Reception and Criticisms
Many fans and critics have pointed out the inaccuracies and misrepresentations within these characters. The character "Bliss" from the comic series with DV-8 is perhaps the most glaring example, as her inclusion was meant to add depth and complexity but instead created a deeply problematic and insensitive storyline. The portrayal of heroes bonding while Bliss sexually murders someone is not only inappropriate but also unsettling. This storyline serves as a testament to the potential danger of apathy towards such ideologies in character development.
Lessons from These Examples
These worst superheroes represent missed opportunities for meaningful inclusion and responsible storytelling. Their cases underscore the importance of thoughtful and nuanced character development. Comic book and manga creators must be mindful of the impact their work can have and strive to create characters that contribute positively to discussions of social justice and equality. Moving forward, it is crucial to learn from these examples to ensure that future inclusions are respectful, accurate, and insightful.
In conclusion, the worst superheroes in the annals of comic books and manga offer valuable lessons. They remind us of the critical importance of ethical storytelling and the consequences of misrepresentations and unexamined premises. As fans and creators, we must uphold high standards and strive to create stories that reflect a diverse and inclusive world.