Well, originally, he was just a man who could jump really high.
Times, they are a changing
Times, they are a changing
Hard Star Trek
- Thread starter Autistoid
- Start date
Starborn Dragon
Captain
I qualify superheroes as science fiction too.
I really don't see how they could not be science fiction.
I really don't see how they could not be science fiction.
Given some of the definitions for science fiction that I have read, they could qualify as fantasy as well. Given how the women in most comics are dressed or shaped, there is evidence for the fantasy part
Also, I have come to appreciate the term "speculative fiction" rather than science fiction/fantasy as a genre. It allows for more speculation about scientific advancements, alien cultures, or fantasy realms as well as superheros. It feels more inclusive.
Starborn Dragon
Captain
Well, generally speaking, they primarily are science fiction. Superman comes from another planet, and was sent here in a rocket ship as a baby, that's pretty much science fiction.
But superheros encompass all genres. Iron Man is basically a knight and has been a knight in king Arthur's time even though he uses electronics technology while Merlin used sorcery.
But things do tend to get blurred when you consider Arthur C Clarke's famous quote;
And sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
So things do tend to get blurred.
But overall and generally speaking, super heroes tend to be science fiction.
But superheros encompass all genres. Iron Man is basically a knight and has been a knight in king Arthur's time even though he uses electronics technology while Merlin used sorcery.
But things do tend to get blurred when you consider Arthur C Clarke's famous quote;
And sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
So things do tend to get blurred.
But overall and generally speaking, super heroes tend to be science fiction.
I think its a mixed bag, but I generally agree.
I also was generally making a joke regarding comics as science fiction versus fantasy. I do that sometimes
I also was generally making a joke regarding comics as science fiction versus fantasy. I do that sometimes
I came across a comment that,in Red Dwarf, GELFs (Genetically Engineered Life Forms) generally filled the role that aliens
do in space opera.
Those who do wouldn't be SF. Case by case basis.
Superman- Alien. So science fiction
Captain Marvel- Powers from the gods via a wizard. Not science fiction.
Iron Man- High tech armor and weapons. Science fiction
Doctor Strange- Master of the Mystic Arts. Not science fiction.
X-Men- Powers from genetic mutation. Science Fiction
Iron Fist- Wielder of a mystical force known as the Iron Fist, Not science fiction.
Green Lantern- Uses high tech alien weapon as a space cop. Science fiction.
And so on
Except they all have canon crossovers with each-other.
So?
Well there is a school of thought to support that. Waaaay back in the 70s I read a novel called The Great Gold Steal published in 1968 and starring Captain America. In it magical characters like Thor were presented as aliens with magic as advanced science. The Marvel movies also take this approach.
Well there is a school of thought to support that. Waaaay back in the 70s I read a novel called The Great Gold Steal published in 1968 and starring Captain America. In it magical characters like Thor were presented as aliens with magic as advanced science. The Marvel movies also take this approach.
I can't speak for anyone else, but I've always seen superheroes as science fiction. What makes someone like Thor any different than Q? Episodes like "Errand of Mercy" (TOS) and "Transfigurations" (TNG) show us that becoming godlike is just an evolutionary process in the Star Trek universe. Last I heard, evolution is science.
Like Clarke said, "any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic".
Nothing, really.
So basically any kind of fiction is science fictionWell there is a school of thought to support that. Waaaay back in the 70s I read a novel called The Great Gold Steal published in 1968 and starring Captain America. In it magical characters like Thor were presented as aliens with magic as advanced science. The Marvel movies also take this approach.That makes them all science-fiction.
I can't speak for anyone else, but I've always seen superheroes as science fiction. What makes someone like Thor any different than Q? Episodes like "Errand of Mercy" (TOS) and "Transfigurations" (TNG) show us that becoming godlike is just an evolutionary process in the Star Trek universe. Last I heard, evolution is science.
Like Clarke said, "any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic".
If that's all you got out of the exchange, then sure. Whatever floats your boat.
The term evolution can be used in different ways, evolution of thought would be one.
Radiating heat is also known as evolution
Starborn Dragon
Captain
Many of those characters have been in outer space and on space ships. So it is a mixed genre at best,
Going into outer space doesn't make Dr. Strange a science fiction character. Going to Hell doesn't make Superman a fantasy character. As you say the genre draws from different sources. It's tropes are what separates from the other genres The costumes, codenames and other things associated with, but not necessarily unique to superheroes. A superhero can be a skilled human fighter, an alien, a god or magician.
