Dates to come

THE MYTH OF SUPERHEROES

COMIC-CON MUSEUM San Diego

Exhibition Panel Texts

Intro

The Myth of Superheroes

A gradual process of evolution and reconstruction has transported the myths and legends of the past to the present day, transforming their outer shell but leaving their substance intact. Direct heirs of the gods and heroes of bygone eras, Superheroes today represent essential material for conveying simple and universal values, sentinels defending an increasingly fragile world in need of protection and comfort.

From Hercules to Superman, from the Amazons to Wonder Woman, from Mercury to the Flash, the legends change guise but keep faith with their prophetic mission to guide new generations towards a better future, where action and battle are the other side of a coin that demands morality and responsibility.

This exhibition is an invitation to explore an incredible world in which men and women can fly, read minds, control time and the magnetic field, climb walls and work magic. Everything is possible, and the only limit is the unfettered imagination of the artists – writers and illustrators – who over a period spanning more than eighty years have taken turns to create an increasingly vast and surprising world, one that was devised to entertain the youngest, and has gradually transformed into a unique form of art and expression that has gone beyond the confines of print media to influence television, film, music and all forms of art and entertainment.

Inspired by the poems, legends and aesthetics of the Greek and Roman past, these super-human creatures levitate in a perpetual cycle of myth regeneration to form an experience that transcends age, gender and culture, a rediscovery and rebirth of universal themes imbued with the “sense of wonder” that has fascinated humankind since the dawn of time.

Sect. 1 – The Hero

The Hero

What are a hero’s distinctive features? Strength, courage, determination, daring? Although historical iconography identifies the hero and heroine as individuals with a perfect physique, capable of standing up to entire armies while lifting enormous weights at the same time, it should not be thought, especially in an excessively hedonistic era like ours, that their worth is measured in relation to the size of their muscles. Instead, it is the desire for justice and fairness that distinguishes heroes from common people, a pursuit of glory that is measured by sacrifice and a journey of hardship that brooks no concessions. Heroes are not heroes unless they are driven by unassailable morals and, most importantly, total dedication to the common good. Aware of being role models, heroes advance in a straight line built, firmly, on their own integrity.

The message that heroes – and this exhibition itself – wish to convey to us is simple: you don’t need superpowers to be a hero, but we can all become one by changing the world around us with small everyday acts of solidarity, understanding and respect.

“We can be heroes, just for one day” – David Bowie

Section 2 – Myths in Time and Space

Origins of the Superheroes in the World

With the creation of Superman in 1938, the doors opened wide to a world of wonder and amazement, populated by creatures with semi-divine powers or, even more commendable, by simple brave men determined to do their best to uphold justice and peace.

Countries from all over the world have made their contribution to superheroes, offering different and contrasting visions, adding pieces to a mosaic that is now global and highlights a common need without borders. In addition to the mainstays of the American superheroes elite (Marvel and DC), less mainstream characters, whose origins can be traced back to the more or less ancient cultural, mythological and religious traditions in their countries, have emerged from practically every part of the world: from the mysteries and esotericism of ancient Egypt, to Northern European legends, where bearded and mighty deities come to live among humans generating storms and chaos, from the fascinating tales of the Middle Eastern world, to the mysticism and iconography of Hindu myths. And even from the anthropological and mystical influences of the Maya, Aztec and Incas civilisations, all the way through to the African animist tradition.

Within this global panorama, a conspicuous proportion of superheroes derive from Asian culture, an intensive forge of modern mythology that finds its ideal expression in manga and anime.

Section 2 – Myths in Time and Space

Origins of the Superheroes in the World

Within this global panorama, a conspicuous proportion of superheroes derive from Asian culture, an intensive forge of modern mythology that finds its ideal expression in manga and anime.

Section 3 – Mythological Metamorphoses

Mythological Metamorphoses

Initially circulated in the form of oral narratives and later translated into literary works, the figure of the hero represents one of the pillars of the universal structure of the myth. Stories of legendary deeds that elevate certain valiant men a step closer to the gods can be found in almost every culture, starting with the first hunters of great beasts portrayed on cave walls, when language had not yet taken on a precise form. The boundaries between legend and history become wafer-thin membranes, microscopic layers of reality and astonishment that modern reasoning reworks by separating what is “humanly possible” from the “impossible”, recognising in the hero that “unconventional” strength that resides more in willpower than in might.

An indispensable root of modern mythology, the epics and stories of ancient Greco-Roman gods and heroes are dismantled and reassembled piece by piece to build a modern shrine to strength and virtue. The Olympian gods rule the sky, the earth and the sea, reborn as men and women with extraordinary powers, which they use for the good of humanity. Religion becomes mythology, gods mingle with humans, and each story evolves over time, changing guise but keeping its spirit intact.

The sculptures on display represent some of the most famous ancient mythological characters, icons and iconographies reflected in their contemporary counterparts; forebears and heirs playing a leading role in a perpetual cycle of interdependence that provides a continuous source of inspiration for generations to come.

Hercules, the strongest of the strong / Superman

The son of Jupiter, lord of the gods, and of the human woman Alcmene, the burly Hercules is the strongest of men, and no one is equal to him when it comes to stubbornness and resolve. Having emerged victorious from the twelve labours reserved for him by Eurystheus, Hercules found redemption for his past sins and, abandoning his mortal remains, was welcomed onto Olympus by virtue of his divine heritage. His mighty legacy became the primary inspiration for the concept of the superhero and flowed, not surprisingly, into the forebear of this fantastic race, the alien Superman, the greatest of all modern heroes.

The Amazons, female warriors / Wonder Woman

A people of only women devoted to the arts of war, the Amazons were mentioned by Aeschylus in his tragedy Prometheus Unbound, placing their city Themyscira in the region of Anatolia. Tradition has it that they were ruled by two queens who separately administered the peace of the kingdom and conflicts with neighbouring peoples. It is said that to make better use of the bow, they themselves decided to mutilate their right breast, becoming perfect markswomen. Diana, daughter of Hippolyta, is the Amazon who visits our time to dispense justice and truth in the star-spangled guise of Wonder Woman.

Neptune, lord of the seas / Aquaman

He is the undisputed lord of the seas, brother of Zeus and Hades, ruler of the largest part of the world. Quiet and peaceful, he can change into storm and tidal waves. He created a horse for pure delight from the foam of the waters in which he swims with his beloved dolphins. The trident is his symbol and all sailors are devoted to him, venerating him because of his abundance when it comes to fishing and the generosity of the oceans. The amphibious Aquaman and Prince Namor, the Sub-Mariner, are the modern-day lords of Atlantis, devoted to the age-old cult of Poseidon.

Mercury, the messenger of the Gods / Flash

A favourite son of Zeus, Hermes is swift as the wind, bearer of messages between gods and humans, stealthy and lively, always elusive. As a psychopomp he accompanied the spirits of the dead to Hades, being the only one who could enter and leave there of his own free will. So swift as to be invisible to the naked eye, Hermes wears the winged petasos on his head and carries the caduceus, a staff with intertwined snakes. He is considered the protector of merchants, athletes, poets, travellers and even thieves. He inspired Flash in the 1940s, the comic book runner who was modernised into the scarlet speedster at the end of the following decade.

Section 4 – Proto-Superheroes

Proto-Superheroes

Before the appearance of Superman in 1938, the pages of 1930s comic books were teeming with brave and reckless men, who used technology and magic to maintain the peace; benevolent masked shadows with amazing devices who battled and prevailed over criminals and mad scientists bent on world conquest.

These characters who became legends were not yet known as superheroes but “Mystery Men”, a term that evoked all the glamour and exoticism of men who wore brightly coloured tights and used ray guns with an improbable design. Space travellers like Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers, rulers of pristine jungles like Tarzan and The Phantom, wizards in livery like Mandrake and ancient knights of Camelot like Prince Valiant – sons of a time when female heroism was not yet contemplated – made an entire generation of children dream, and today their comics are considered to be works of art identifying a fundamental period in the construction of the superhero legend.

Section 5 – Powers and Typologies

Powers and Typologies

“With great power comes great responsibility”. But what is the nature of this power?

Superheroes obtained their extraordinary abilities from technology, genetic mutations, scientific error, or divine or alien birthright.

These men, women, sometimes children and even animals, are distinguished from ordinary mortals by innate gifts that, transcending the laws of physics and biology, enable their bodies to lift mountains, fly like birds, make themselves invisible or ignite like torches. Their powers are often the result of a superior genetic make-up, pure divine or extraterrestrial DNA, but sometimes they burst forth as consequences of radioactivity and nuclear experiments, blessing or cursing the bearers for life. Indeed, these powers are not always looked upon favourably by those who do not possess them, who harbour fears and resentments because they are frightened of being dominated by them. For this reason, the primary responsibility of the superhero lies in the balanced and conscious use of his or her powers, deployed for the good of the community and never for self-interest. For this reason, men and women without extraordinary talents also walk proudly among the semi-divine beings, having earned a special place in the Pantheon of defenders of justice through hard physical training, study, preparation and sacrifice.

Statues

Superheroes embody the epic ideal of beauty and perfection, becoming the subjects of limited-edition statues for collectors celebrating their innate artistic and historical value. True works of art that even today testify to the timeless interest and fascination that the world of superheroes arouses, so much so that they echo the statuary that embellished the mansions and temples of Athens and Rome.

Section 6 – Cinema, TV & Music

Cinema, TV & Music

From their black-and-white cinematic beginnings to the blockbusters of the last decade, superheroes have gone beyond the two-dimensionality of print to conquer a global audience not accustomed to reading comics. Protagonists of a narrative strand that has taken Hollywood by storm, Marvel and DC characters (and more) have also starred in historic television serials and acclaimed cartoons, which have contributed decade after decade to consolidating their fame in the eyes of a largely intergenerational audience.

Spanning all media, superheroes could not fail to inspire even the rock and pop artists of the international music scene, who have dedicated songs of all genres to them, forming part of a vast range of recordings that also include soundtracks and children’s music.

Section 7 – Modern Superheroes

DC and Marvel Comics are the two American publishing houses that have created and developed the concept of modern superheroes since the 1930s, with the appearance in 1938 of Superman – the modern Hercules. Issue No. 1 of Action Comics, the album in which the orphan from the planet Krypton first appeared, is now considered a collector’s item worth close to six million dollars, reflecting the cultural and artistic interest that revolves around the boundless world of superheroes.

While it can be argued that DC Comics invented the protagonists of modern mythology, establishing their appearance (especially the tights and capes!) and code of conduct, Marvel revamped them in the 1960s, making them more fragile, human, close to the reader and the real world, incorporating themes such as racism, drugs and gender fluidity among them, decades before the priority of inclusion shifted from sensitivity to marketing. Although there are many publishing houses that have featured superheroes, the symbolic power of the two industry giants remains supreme. Having to manage an important legacy, they constantly renew their characters, adapting them to the passing of time, historical complexities and the changing tastes and needs of readers.

What makes these characters “modern classics” is the enduring nature of their image and the three-dimensionality of their characterisation, chiselled through adversity after adversity, crisis after crisis, author after author. Immortalised by contemporary artists, quoted by politicians, a source of inspiration for those who have to overcome a new challenge every day, superheroes accompany us from childhood to maturity: playmates in children’s dreams, perfect athletes to imitate in sport, motivational role models in work, objects to collect and fashion to wear. A common denominator for a positive and constructive community.

7.1 Artists & Authors

A comic book is the result of the work of several artists: a scriptwriter, an illustrator, an inker, a colourist. To these we must add the editor, as well as the graphic designer who inserts the dialogue and takes care of the layout. It is essentially an editorial creative process, closer to a film than to a book in terms of production complexity, which struggles to be recognised as an independent art form. Some of the industry’s artists have become veritable legends, celebrated for their visionary and innovative spirit, masters of pen and pencil who have opened up impossible worlds, changing the lives of entire generations of readers.

This section is dedicated to those who, through their creativity, imagination and extreme skill, have given rise to some of the characters that fuel and nurture the passions of millions of people. Names like Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, John Buscema, George Perez, Steve Ditko, Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster and Bob Kane are just some of the great artists who have accompanied us on this fantastic journey.

One of the most appreciated international artists of the last decade, the Italian Simone Bianchi, has been chosen as the protagonist of a focus on the art of superhero illustration, because of his personal graphic vision that blends classic comic book artists with elegant Art Nouveau atmospheres. A successful cultural exchange that fuses an American iconographic heritage with an artist born and raised in the cradle of the Renaissance.

7.2 Comics

Starting out as humorous strips following the news in newspapers, comics emancipated themselves from the 1930s onwards and became independent comic books mainly geared towards children. From mass product to sequential art, comics evolved into a narrative media with enormous potential. Some of the great moments and events of the superhero comics, in original American and Italian editions, are collected and displayed in this section, in an unmissable roundup of events in the narrative of a modern epic that is approaching one hundred years of life and showing no signs of fatigue.

Initially considered disposable publications, comic books have been elevated to collector’s items of staggering value and some albums are considered masterpieces of the genre, sought after because they contain unforgettable stories, first appearances of certain key characters and creative outbursts of artists who have become visual icons of pop culture. It is no coincidence that some of the most important exponents of Pop Art such as Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol drew heavily on the narrative and aesthetic archetypes of comics, blurring the boundaries that define what is art and what is not.

7.3 Dolls & Action Figures

For children in the 1970s, nothing was more exciting than having a fantasy adventure flying with Superman or climbing a skyscraper with Spider-Man. This was well understood by a small American toy company, the Mego Corporation, which acquired the rights to the Marvel and DC superheroes, transforming them – for the first time – into jointed plastic dolls with vinyl heads, dressed in fabric outfits. The “World’s Greatest Super Heroes!” conquered the world, selling millions between 1972 and 1983, and are now considered among the most sought-after items by collectors, so much so that they are regarded as vintage pop culture icons. Starting in the 1980s, when the Mego hyperbole came to an end, the superheroes returned in the form of action figures, at first with minimal joints before going on to become more and more detailed, demonstrating an intriguing evolutionary path that combines playful art, design and ever-advancing production technologies. Action figures become a very important vehicle for communicating the world of superheroes told through costume changes, different graphic guises, secret identities, friends and foes, dating and other information needed to understand a vast universe that has continued to change and update throughout more than eighty years of existence.

Conclusion

You Can Be a Superhero

After visiting this exhibition, you will probably want to fly, to climb buildings, to read your teachers’ minds, to make yourself invisible when a heel breaks, to make it stop raining on your birthday party… Unfortunately, these are just wonderful dreams, but there are certainly other ways to become a superhero: take care of yourself and others, defend those who are different from you, protect nature and animals, listen to those in distress. You may feel like you haven’t moved a mountain, but collectively, every small gesture we make can help make a positive difference to the world we will leave to the next generations.