They remain in rude health, and the bread and butter of sites such as our own.
As has been noted elsewhere, superhero films are often action films dressed up in costume.
So, where better to start then Hong Kong?
Looks a bit like Kato.
When I say a bit, I mean exactly the same.
Of particular note is the classic Monkey story, made famous in the West by a ropey TV show.
Moving across the water to Japan, there is an abundance of heroes.
Manga and anime are justly world-renowned and, in fact, worthy of a column of their own.
Astro Boy, which in no way isScience Wonder Boybased on), there are thousands to be discovered.
Film-wise, I am a particular fan ofCasshern, a 2004 film based on the anime series.
And it has robots in it too.
Yep, thats right, his adopted son.
Monsters using their atomic rays on a giant spider?
Breaking this mould ,however, is Brazils Vigilante Rodoviario.
That may sound cool, but hes actually just a road watchman designed to give out safety messages.
He did have a canine sidekick, though, which is more than I have.
Finally, arriving in Europe, there is, once more, evidence of a tradition of filmed heroes.
Also worth mentioning from Sweden, is the incredibly named Kenny Starfighter.
El Coyote is a masked swordsmen fighting against injustice and corruption in Baja California in the latter 19th century.
Last, but not least, is France.
As ever, the French did things a little differently with their most famous character.
Created in 1911, Fantomas is not so much a superhero as a murdering, sociopathic king of crime.
Without condoning the character and his actions, the iconography is extremely enduring and, frankly, cool.
He also was an influence on the Surrealist movement, Donald Duck and Faith No Mores Mike Patton.
How many other characters can claim that?
Forgive me if youve already read this!
Even if the director did believe it would be his least successful film!
Here is a perfect example.
Work out the details for yourself.
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