Line #34 Main/SuperheroesInSpace


1	[[quoteright:306:[[ComicBook/{{Annihilation}} https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/cosmichero_-_edited_1_5646.jpg]] ]]
2	[[caption-width-right:306:Keeping the galaxy safe from evil-doers.]]
3
4	->'''James Rhodes:''' And if you don't mind me asking, where the hell have you been all this time?\
5	'''Carol Danvers:''' There are a lot of planets in the universe, and unfortunately, they didn't have you guys.
6	-->-- ''Film/AvengersEndgame''
7
8	While most superheroes are earthbound, there are those who travel the spaceways, fighting evil and protecting the innocent. These characters have many of the defining traits of any other SuperHero: costumes, codenames, powers, rogues galleries, secret identities, etc. The difference is that their adventures take place away from Earth and involve SpaceOpera elements: aliens, spaceships, strange worlds, sci-fi weaponry, etc. Keep in mind, an Earth-based hero who ventures to space from time to time is not an example because Earth is still their primary base of operations. At the same time, while superheroes who fit this trope sometimes venture to Earth, their primary base of operations is outside Earth's orbit, so they are still examples.
9
10	The reason behind why these heroes decide to fight evil in space can vary. Some of these heroes are aliens who simply don't live on Earth, some are a part of the SpacePolice, and others are from the future where space travel is much more common. The important thing to remember is that these heroes are not earthbound. In short, they are superheroes in space.
11
12	Compare with CaptainSpaceDefenderOfEarth
13
14	----
15	!!Examples:
16
17	[[foldercontrol]]
18
19	[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
20	* ''Anime/BattleOfThePlanets'' ([[{{Macekre}} not so much the original]] ''Anime/ScienceNinjaTeamGatchaman)'' features a team of superheroes in [[AnimalThemedSuperbeing bird-themed]] suits of PowerArmor and ships, fighting evil across the spaceways.
21	* ''Franchise/DragonBall'':
22	** ''Anime/DragonBallSuper'' features a team hailing from [[TheMultiverse Universe 11]] called the '''Pride Troopers''' participating in the Tournament of Power. They're basically a {{Sentai}} team with members drawn from all over their native universe.
23	** Earlier in the series, Frieza's spacefaring flunkies, the Ginyu Force, were a parody of Sentai teams, despite being villains. They were big on striking dramatic poses.
24	[[/folder]]
25
26	[[folder:Asian Animation]]
27	* The Supermen from ''Animation/HappyHeroes'', by their very nature as having been born on Planet Xing. They've taken their adventures to other planets too, such as Stone Age-themed Planet Guling.
28	[[/folder]]
29
30	[[folder:Comic Books]]
31	* ''ComicBook/{{Captain Marvel\|MarvelComics}}'': Captain Marvel spent a large part of his time in space, and was in fact a HumanAlien. He was a superhero from the Kree race who loved Earth enough to fight against his own people to protect it.
32	* ''ComicBook/{{Darkhawk}}'': Darkhawk is a space-based superhero complete with a secret identity and powers who has PowerArmor built by SpacePirates. After ''ComicBook/WarOfKings'', he began adventuring completely in space.
33	* ''Franchise/TheDCU'': Obscure DCU hero Ultra the Multi-Alien defends the spaceways in some future era.
34	* ''ComicBook/GreenLantern'': Once the Silver Age rolled around, Hal Jordan became the new Green Lantern and the was revamped as a group of SpacePolice (the Golden Age version was more magic-based). Hal was given a costume, power ring, and used his new identity to patrol his sector of space, fighting evil.
35	* ''ComicBook/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy'': The Guardians of the Galaxy are a team of super heroes based in space, many of which are aliens or at least non-human. There have been two versions: one set in the future where space travel is common, and another set in the current 616 Creator/MarvelComics universe that used to operate in the far reaches of the galaxy, far away from Earth. Nowadays they stay close to earth to protect it from the horrors of outer space (and have some adventures on Earth too).
36	* ''ComicBook/InfinityWatch'': The Infinity Watch was a team of space-trotting superheroes that spun-off from the ''ComicBook/TheInfinityGauntlet'' story arc. They were led by [[ComicBook/Warlock1967 Adam Warlock]] and had many members who would later join the Guardians of the Galaxy.
37	* ''ComicBook/TheInhumans'': The Inhumans are a race of superbeings that either live on the Moon or in deep space, depending on the era, and often fight evil alien races or help the superheroes of Earth when they go off-world. What's interesting is that wearing masks, capes, and elaborate costumes and giving themselves superhero-like names such as ''Black Bolt'' is common to their people. Their tradition of adopting a new name and career after gaining abilities from their ''MutagenicGoo'', the Terrigen Mists, parallels the superhero tendency of adopting a new identity after gaining powers. In-universe, it also predates the era of superheroes by tens of thousands of years.
38	* ''ComicBook/LegionOfSuperHeroes'': The Legion of Super-Heroes is probably the first superhero team that fits this trope. They are a futuristic team of teen super heroes who operate in space. They are deliberately invoking this trope on themselves, as well. Their costumes and code names are chosen based on their admiration for Earth's 20th-century "Age of Heroes."
39	** The Legion had a [[MediaNotes/TheIronAgeOfComicBooks 1990's]] spin-off prequel series called ''[[ComicBook/LEGIONDCComics L.E.G.I.O.N.]]'' set in the present day. Distinct from their very idealistic latter-day counterparts in that their leader is a deeply cynical and mercenary AntiHero.
40	* ''ComicBook/NewGods'': The New Gods are a race of superbeings who live on their own planet and have many adventures in space. Like the Inhumans, it's common for them to wear superhero-like costumes and give themselves superhero-like names such as ''Mr. Miracle''. Both the New Gods and Inhumans were created by ''Creator/JackKirby'' who liked to mix alien races with superheroes.
41	* ''ComicBook/{{Nexus}}'': Nexus is a human who was TouchedByVorlons in the far future.
42	* ''ComicBook/{{Nova}}'': Nova is a member of the Xandarian SpacePolice, which gives him certain powers and a nifty costume. His membership with ''ComicBook/NewWarriors'' ended when his duties as a space-based hero took him away from Earth.
43	* ''ComicBook/OmegaMen'': The Omega Men are, for the most part, a much darker take on this than usual as most of them are quite far from heroic by the end.
44	* ''ComicBook/{{Quasar}}'': Quasar, like Captain Mar-Vell before him, was the Protector of the Universe and spent a great deal of time literally protecting the universe.
45	* ''ComicBook/SilverSurfer'': The Silver Surfer is an alien superhero who lives in space since he no longer even has a planet. He was given powers and a new identity by ''ComicBook/{{Galactus}}'' in order to find worlds to devourer and has been atoning for his crimes by fighting evil ever since.
46	* ''ComicBook/{{Starman\|DCComics}}'': The [[MediaNotes/TheBronzeAgeOfComicBooks Bronze Age]] Starman, Prince Gavyn, was similarly the greatest hero of his alien world. His series received a FullyAbsorbedFinale in the pages of ''ComicBook/DCComicsPresents'', Superman's team-up title.
47	* ''ComicBook/{{Superman}}'': Superman's [[MediaNotes/TheBronzeAgeOfComicBooks Bronze Age]] [[FriendlyRival friendly rival]] [[Characters/SupermanSupportingCast Vartox]] was the defender of the planet Valeron -- at least until it was destroyed.
48	* ''ComicBook/XMen'': The space-based super teams ComicBook/{{Starjammers}} and Imperial Guard (based on Legion of Superheroes) have been frequent allies [[AntiHero and enemies when they were in bad moods]].
49	[[/folder]]
50
51	[[folder:Fan Works]]
52	* The Valkyries from ''Fanfic/StandAndDeliverDrIndigo'' are a quintet of heroines who hail from different parts of the universe that right wrongs throughout the universe.
53	* In ''Fanfic/KaraOfRokyn'', ComicBook/{{Supergirl}} begins operating in planet Rokyn permanently.
54	* In ''Fanfic/APrizeForThreeEmpires'', [[Characters/MarvelComicsCarolDanvers Carol Danvers]] spends several years operating in space after joining the ComicBook/{{Starjammers}}.
55	* The entire setting of ''Fanfic/TheUnfantasticAdventuresOfBizarroNo1'' is a weirdly-shaped planet known as Thrae, where Bizarro lives and operates.
56	[[/folder]]
57
58	[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]
59	* Although the Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse is mostly known for its heroes on Earth, quite a few heroes are based in the cosmos.
60	** Thor and his race comes from a place far from Earth called Asgard, which is devoted to keeping the peace to the Nine Realms they watch/rule over. Although Thor is a frequent visitor of Midgard, he also has gone on several adventures to other planets both by himself, and with his friends, the Warriors Three.
61	** The Guardians of the Galaxy are a RagtagBunchOfMisfits from different parts of the universe who have been active in the depths of space since 2014. Their hijinks in that year alone included [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy2014 stopping a genocidal warlord from destroying an entire planet using an Infinity Stone]], and [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol2 stopping Ego the Living Planet from terraforming all the planets in the universe and remaking them in his image]]. Unlike with Thor however, the Guardians very rarely get involved with Earth matters, not only because the universe is a huge place, but because de facto leader Peter Quill / Star-Lord has a traumatic history with his home planet, and avoids going there at all costs.
62	** Carol Danvers, aka Captain Marvel, is an interesting example. Although she's also a native of Earth like Star-Lord, she also spends most of her time helping out other places in the galaxy, since most of them don't have the likes of the Avengers to rely on. There's also the fact that most of her memories of Earth were wiped by the Kree, and she has since spent most of her new life going on space missions, so it's likely that Carol's home planet doesn't hold as much meaning to her anymore.
63	* ''Film/PrinceOfSpace:'' "Your weapons are useless against me!"
64	* Space Chief from ''Film/InvasionOfTheNeptuneMen'' is another alien hero very similar to Prince of Space.
65	* The Jedi from ''Franchise/StarWars'' are a SpacePolice organization consisting of {{Warrior Monk}}s armed with {{Laser Sword}}s and PsychicPowers; with their mission being to fight and defeat their archenemies [[EvilCounterpart the Sith]], along with battling various other warlords and criminals across the Galaxy.
66	[[/folder]]
67
68	[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
69	* ''Franchise/PowerRangers:''
70	** ''Series/PowerRangersInSpace'' qualifies. They still technically have lives and identities linked to Earth, but they spend a copious amount of time searching the galaxy for their mentor.
71	** And its sequel series, ''Series/PowerRangersLostGalaxy'', is entirely set on a space colony in search of a new inhabitable planet, with Earth only appearing in the first two episodes.
72	* ''Series/DoctorWho'' could be considered a NotWearingTights version of this. The Doctor is a monster-fighting alien genius with a machine that can go anywhere in time and space, although Earth tends to feature heavily.
73	[[/folder]]
74
75	[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
76	* The ''Galactic TabletopGame/{{Champions}}'' sourcebook brings this trope into the Champions Universe setting.
77	* A handful of the characters in ''TabletopGame/SentinelsOfTheMultiverse'' are spacefarers.
78	** In one timeline, KNYFE, after stealing a ship to pursue the retreating head of a marauding alien monster, enjoys the extraterrestrial lifestyle so much she makes it a full-time job.
79	** While the prime wardens are earth based, they spend most of their time in space, only on earth when space stuff comes to them or there's magic stuff. Captain Cosmic, however, is the only member who hangs out in space on the regular in his solo series. Parse did this for a time, too.
80	[[/folder]]
81
82	[[folder:Toys]]
83	* ''ComicBook/RomSpaceKnight'' and ''Toys/{{Micronauts}}'' were toy lines that were superheroes in space, complete with special powers and weapons used to fight a wide array of supervillains. Creator/MarvelComics did comic series of both of these lines and incorporated them into their own superhero universe.
84	[[/folder]]
85
86	[[folder:Video Games]]
87	* ''VideoGame/{{Extrapower}}'' Sharkungo and Forcestar and the rest of the Star Lore Superstars, operating out of the Shakun Star and primarily operate in space against the likes of galactic conqueror Dark Force or the meteor-manipulating Astro Gather.
88	[[/folder]]
89
90	[[folder:Webcomics]]
91	* ''Webcomic/StarPower'' is a more traditional SpaceOpera universe than most examples. It's the distant future and humanity has spread to several planets, and the heroine is empowered by an ancient being as the newest (and last) of the Star Powered Sentinels who wield stellar energy to defend the galaxy from evildoers.
92	[[/folder]]
93
94	[[folder:Western Animation]]
95	* ''WesternAnimation/SpaceGhost'':
96	** The original Space Ghost was this before he moved to Creator/AdultSwim. He was a superhero who fought crime in outer space and had a pair of teen sidekicks.
97	** When ''Space Ghost'' was revived in the 1980s as part of the anthology series ''WesternAnimation/SpaceStars'', he often joined a trio of super-powered teens called Teen Force, consisting of super-fast Kid Comet, shapeshifting Moleculad, and psychic Elektra.
98	* ''WesternAnimation/TheGalaxyTrio'' was another Hanna Barbara superhero show about a [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin trio]] of heroes who patrolled the galaxy in their spaceship and fought whatever criminals they found. The team consisted of Vapor Man (who could turn his body into any sort of gas), Meteor Man (who could enlarge his fists or other body parts) and Gravity Girl (a GravityMaster).
99	* ''WesternAnimation/BuzzLightyearOfStarCommand'' (TV cartoon spinoff of ''Franchise/ToyStory'') is him kicking baddies in their asses across planets as a member of the SpacePolice.
100	* The 1986 cartoon ''WesternAnimation/{{Silverhawks}}'' had a team of "[[{{Cyborg}} partly metal, partly real]]" superheroes protecting the Limbo galaxy from the villainous Mon*Star.
101	* Another 1986 Space Police cartoon is ''WesternAnimation/AdventuresOfTheGalaxyRangers''. The Rangers have brain implants that enhance their abilities, and they protect their galaxy from an entire RoguesGallery of villains.
102	* Creator/{{Filmation}}'s version of ''WesternAnimation/MightyMouse'' made him this for its "Mighty Mouse and the Great Space Race" episodes.
103	* The Brown Hornet, eponymous hero of the ShowWithinAShow from ''WesternAnimation/FatAlbertAndTheCosbyKids.''
104	* ''WesternAnimation/PJMasks'': Downplayed with Newton Star, a KidHero that debutes in season 4. He still lives on Earth, but all his powers are related to space (mostly manipulating asteroids), and he likes to spend most of his time there because of the sollitude.
105	[[/folder]]

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