Comments on: Common Problems with Powersuited Superheroes http://www.superheronation.com/2008/01/05/common-problems-with-powersuited-superheroes/ How to write a graphic novel, comic book or superhero novel and get it published Sat, 31 Jul 2010 08:19:34 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: ShardReaper http://www.superheronation.com/2008/01/05/common-problems-with-powersuited-superheroes/#comment-36705 ShardReaper Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:02:38 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/blog/2008/01/05/common-problem-with-powersuited-superheroes/#comment-36705 I got confused with Lucius's decision at the end of TDK, too. One other problem with powersuited heroes is that if they face the same villain who falls into the "ain't broke, don't fix it" method the hero will pretty much find a way to adapt to the villain's moves (for example, taking any technology used and studying it), therefore making the villain an idiot. It might be possible to avoid that if the villain has his equipment explode after it leaves his person or does what it's supposed to do. I got confused with Lucius’s decision at the end of TDK, too. One other problem with powersuited heroes is that if they face the same villain who falls into the “ain’t broke, don’t fix it” method the hero will pretty much find a way to adapt to the villain’s moves (for example, taking any technology used and studying it), therefore making the villain an idiot. It might be possible to avoid that if the villain has his equipment explode after it leaves his person or does what it’s supposed to do.

]]> By: JZ http://www.superheronation.com/2008/01/05/common-problems-with-powersuited-superheroes/#comment-36693 JZ Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:01:27 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/blog/2008/01/05/common-problem-with-powersuited-superheroes/#comment-36693 Huh. My main character in the online serial I'm writing uses a power suit and I think that I violated a few of these. Personally I'm of the opinion that it works anyway (but feel free to disagree). 1. My main character can't wear the armor in day to day life so he doesn't. If he wants to get into action immediately, he either has to skip it or wear what's referred to as the "stealth suit" which is little more than bulletproof and can be worn under clothes. 2. Looks don't apply because my serial's all done in text -- though it's something to keep in mind if I add art to the website. 3. I don't know if readers feel he's too dependent on the suit. He does have technical skills but also has trained in the martial arts fairly heavily. Hopefully, that's enough to make him feel fresh and not cliched. More importantly, the personality and origin of the character work. I'd say that that's what really makes the difference. 4. I have to ask myself if he's too powerful. I don't feel that way, largely because as things are set up, he has to run back to the lab to get his suit (and it takes a few minutes or so to put on). If he doesn't, he's got the stealth suit, which is vulnerable to armor piercing bullets at the least. 5. I haven't bothered to make suit maintenance interesting because I think readers only care about that sort of thing if it impacts the plot or if it's totally implausible i.e. a person without money can't afford to keep one of those things running. Anyway it's all stuff that's worth thinking about. One of these days I'll have to comment on the telepathy article... I've unknowingly violated some of those suggestions as well. Huh. My main character in the online serial I’m writing uses a power suit and I think that I violated a few of these. Personally I’m of the opinion that it works anyway (but feel free to disagree).

1. My main character can’t wear the armor in day to day life so he doesn’t. If he wants to get into action immediately, he either has to skip it or wear what’s referred to as the “stealth suit” which is little more than bulletproof and can be worn under clothes.

2. Looks don’t apply because my serial’s all done in text — though it’s something to keep in mind if I add art to the website.

3. I don’t know if readers feel he’s too dependent on the suit. He does have technical skills but also has trained in the martial arts fairly heavily. Hopefully, that’s enough to make him feel fresh and not cliched. More importantly, the personality and origin of the character work. I’d say that that’s what really makes the difference.

4. I have to ask myself if he’s too powerful. I don’t feel that way, largely because as things are set up, he has to run back to the lab to get his suit (and it takes a few minutes or so to put on). If he doesn’t, he’s got the stealth suit, which is vulnerable to armor piercing bullets at the least.

5. I haven’t bothered to make suit maintenance interesting because I think readers only care about that sort of thing if it impacts the plot or if it’s totally implausible i.e. a person without money can’t afford to keep one of those things running.

Anyway it’s all stuff that’s worth thinking about. One of these days I’ll have to comment on the telepathy article… I’ve unknowingly violated some of those suggestions as well.

]]> By: Eren Ramzi http://www.superheronation.com/2008/01/05/common-problems-with-powersuited-superheroes/#comment-33053 Eren Ramzi Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:47:19 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/blog/2008/01/05/common-problem-with-powersuited-superheroes/#comment-33053 Yeah a lot of people seemed to misinterpret Lucius as parting ways with Batman at the end of THE DARK KNIGHT even though it was quite clear he didn't. I'm kind of surprised. Not that I'm criticising you, B Mac - if you've only watched a film once or two - sometimes you can misinterpret and misunderstand things. It took me at least six viewings to understand and keep up with the confusing story of Mission Impossible 1 - though when I look back it's not that confusing or complicated of a plot but at the time it was. Anyways, great article by the way as always, B Mac. Powersuited heroes can have their disadvantages as characters and heroes. Yeah a lot of people seemed to misinterpret Lucius as parting ways with Batman at the end of THE DARK KNIGHT even though it was quite clear he didn’t. I’m kind of surprised. Not that I’m criticising you, B Mac – if you’ve only watched a film once or two – sometimes you can misinterpret and misunderstand things. It took me at least six viewings to understand and keep up with the confusing story of Mission Impossible 1 – though when I look back it’s not that confusing or complicated of a plot but at the time it was.

Anyways, great article by the way as always, B Mac. Powersuited heroes can have their disadvantages as characters and heroes.

]]> By: Brett http://www.superheronation.com/2008/01/05/common-problems-with-powersuited-superheroes/#comment-33048 Brett Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:59:20 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/blog/2008/01/05/common-problem-with-powersuited-superheroes/#comment-33048 Good call, anonymous. Good call, anonymous.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.superheronation.com/2008/01/05/common-problems-with-powersuited-superheroes/#comment-33044 Anonymous Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:06:42 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/blog/2008/01/05/common-problem-with-powersuited-superheroes/#comment-33044 Lucius Fox was going to part ways with Batman, but Fox said that he wouldn't work for Wayne Industries as long as the machine existed, then Batman said to type in his name when they were finished. When he typed "Lucius Fox," the computer shorted and essentially blew up. Therefore, Fox still works for Wayne. Lucius Fox was going to part ways with Batman, but Fox said that he wouldn’t work for Wayne Industries as long as the machine existed, then Batman said to type in his name when they were finished. When he typed “Lucius Fox,” the computer shorted and essentially blew up. Therefore, Fox still works for Wayne.

]]> By: B. Mac http://www.superheronation.com/2008/01/05/common-problems-with-powersuited-superheroes/#comment-22762 B. Mac Sun, 05 Apr 2009 17:51:31 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/blog/2008/01/05/common-problem-with-powersuited-superheroes/#comment-22762 Ah, good call. Thanks. <br /> In case anyone is interested, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucius_D._Clay" rel="nofollow">Lucius Clay was a US general</a> best known for his role in the Berlin Airlift. He was on Time's cover three times. Ah, good call. Thanks.

In case anyone is interested, Lucius Clay was a US general best known for his role in the Berlin Airlift. He was on Time’s cover three times.

]]> By: Power Man http://www.superheronation.com/2008/01/05/common-problems-with-powersuited-superheroes/#comment-22761 Power Man Sun, 05 Apr 2009 17:46:11 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/blog/2008/01/05/common-problem-with-powersuited-superheroes/#comment-22761 Good article. However, the character's name was Lucius Fox, not Lucius Clay. Good article. However, the character’s name was Lucius Fox, not Lucius Clay.

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