Where else could the idea of a man, or woman, dressing up in a silly costume to fight evil be taken seriously - except in the pages of a comic book? The costumed superhero is the comic book's gift to the world and has come to symbolise the medium to fans and critics alike.
It was no coincidence that the first generation of superheroes was born in America. During World War II, characters like Superman and Captain America perfectly embodied the power, confidence and energy of the United States. |
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Australians didn't get their first taste of American superheroes until after the war, when titles such as Batman and Captain Marvel were reprinted locally and quickly became bestsellers. |
The idea of an Australian superhero took a while to catch on. No doubt many local publishers and cartoonists thought no one would take it seriously. An Australian superhero - who would buy that idea?
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Their solution was to create Australian-made characters that resembled their American counterparts. We don't know if the kids who read them were fooled by this ploy, but it might explain why Captain Atom and The Crimson Comet were so successful - they looked just like American superheroes. |
Australian superheroes of the 1980s and 1990s were a different breed. Some, like Niteside and The Rock, could destroy entire worlds. Then there was the Southern Squadron, who spent more time arguing among themselves than battling super-villains. While created by fans raised on American comics, these characters weren't afraid to act and sound like they came from the land 'down under'.
Illustrations
Top Arthur MATHER (cover artist, born 1926), Captain Atom No 8, Clifton Hill VIC, Atlas Publications, 1948
Middle Damien SHANAHAN (cover artist, born 1975), Pizza Man No 1, Wangaratta VIC, Shanamation Publishing, 1994
Bottom Sydney MILLER (cover artist, 1901–1983), The Coming of Molo The Mighty, Sydney, Syd Miller, 1943
Right Karl KESSEL (cover artist), The Southern Squadron: The Freedom of Information Act No 1, California USA, Eternity Comics, 1992 (detail)
