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Narrative
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And they say that a hero could save us I'm not gonna stand here and wait... — Nickelback, "Hero"
A series where the main character has powers and/or abilities that set him aside from other people. Usually (unless he's Not Wearing Tights) he is a costumed do-gooder with a colourful outfit (which likely sports a Chest Insignia), a Secret Identity and often unusual and useful superpowers or equipment. Sometimes he's a loner trying to deal with the hand that fate dealt him. Usually his reason for existence is to defeat his nemesis or arch-enemy the Supervillain.
Sometimes the show focuses on a team or other grouping of powered individuals.
The original Super Hero is arguably The Shadow (first published April 1, 1931 in The Shadow Magazine, seven years before Action Comics #1 introduced Superman). Though he did not initially have have super powers other than being a master hypnotist, he gains psychic abilities beginning in 1937 that let him induce psychological invisibility in the radio series. He was inspired by previous fictional adventurers and crime fighters, such as Zorro. In turn, he has inspired many future superheroes, most notably Batman who was practically an Expy at first before being differentiated into how he's currently recognized.
The first comic strip superhero would have been Mandrake The Magician (June 11, 1934) and the first spandex-type costumed Super Hero is arguably The Phantom (first published Feb. 17, 1936), who wore a skin-tight purple outfit with a mask.
Note that not all Super Heroes are super-powered; Batman is often considered a Super Hero despite having nothing but training, intelligence, willpower, and minor gadgetry on his side; Phantom was in peak physical fitness, had excellent reflexes and was a sharpshooter. They are generally considered superheroes, partly because of the costume.
Sooner or later, all Super Heroes have an origin story.
See also Sentai, Magic Warrior. Not to mention Super Robot, which is the Super Hero writ very large (and armored).
See also the Stock Superpowers and, of course, the Most Common Super Power.
If you feel you have a handle on the elements of a Super Hero comic book, hop on over to So You Want To Write A Superhero Comic and see what you can contribute.
Examples of TV Shows:
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