When you hear the term “comic books,” some people think of superheroes like Batman or Ironman, who get their superhuman powers from technology and martial skill. Others think of Wonder Woman and Thor, who get their powers from a mythic ancestry and supernatural weapons. With elements of both science fiction and fantasy, some people may ask, “Are superhero comic books considered fantasy?”
Comic books – and superhero comic books in particular – tend to be a blend of multiple genres, but highlight fantasy, science fiction, and action. If the superhero in question gets their powers from a supernatural source, it tends to be considered fantasy. If they get it from technology or alien genetics, it tends to be considered science fiction. Overall, whether comic books are fantasy or not depends on how many fantasy elements are in the story, versus elements from other genres.
As such, a superhero comic book’s genre tends to be more of a question of where the story is on a spectrum, rather than a black and white answer.
In either case, many superhero comic books either have some sort of fantastical element in them or have so many fantasy elements that they’d solidly be classified as part of the fantasy genre. Keep on reading to find out what signals that a comic book is fantasy or not.
Are Comic Books Fantasy?
Comic books can definitely be considered a part of the fantasy genre. Many superhero comic books and other comic books, have one of the most defining features of urban fantasy in particular: They place fantastical characters and concepts in a real-world urban setting, often in the present day.
This might involve a secret world existing within our own, such as Atlantis’ portrayal in Aquaman. On the other hand, it might feature a supernatural parallel world, such as the land of Faerie (fairyland) in Scottish and Norse mythology, and Ta Lo from Shang-Chi.
What Is Considered Fantasy?
To be hoenst, what is considered ‘fantasy’ or not differs depending on whether the person asking is a reader, writer, or marketing professional.
For the sake of this post, I’m going to assume you’re a reader, and what makes something ‘fantasy’, ‘science fiction’, or ‘action’ to you is mostly an instinctive reaction based on how prominently a story favors elements from one genre or another.
Let’s get this out of the way: Just about every superhero comic book you see today is a combination of multiple genres, not a single genre. In fact, according to one of Hollywood and television’s most decorated storytelling coaches, “the main story strategy in Hollywood is to combine two, three or even four genres together.”
Assuming ahead of time that a superhero comic book is just one genre is an incorrect premise. But, that being said, what are common fantasy genre elements that might make a superhero comic book loudly and prominently declare itself ‘fantasy’ over all other genres?
Well, here are some tropes common in the fantasy genre:
- An urban fantasy setting
- A magic system the explains what the powers are and their limits
- A supernatural origin story for a hero’s powers
- Supernatural or mythic beings, creatures, phenomena, and more
- A supernatural parallel world or hidden secret community or location
- May involve some sort of quest around a mythical object or stopping a seemingly all-powerful villain
- Fictional inventions, artifacts, items, and the like are given supernatural or mythic explanations
- Themes such as “What is heroism?”, “What is good versus evil?” or “How do I reach my full potential?”
- Grand battles or fights that typically involve city, nation, or worldwide stakes
- The protagonist and villains are usually supernatural warrior, paranormal investigator, or the equivalent of a mage
A superhero comic book doesn’t have to have every single one of these elements to make it fantasy. It might feature enough of these, though, that it tips the scale in favor of fantasy rather than any other genre.
Alternatively, these are some elements that make a superhero comic book story fall more into the science fiction category:
- Superhuman abilities with a science fiction origin story, such as alien genetics, unique technology, genetic mutations, scientific experiments, accidents with chemicals possessing unique qualities, and other biological, chemical, or neurological phenomenon.
- Plot solutions are explained with technobabble rather than through supernatural means
- Villains may include technologically or biologically enhanced opponents or aliens
- Overall supernatural aspects of the story – superhuman abilities, gadgets, etc. – are given a scientific-sounding explanation rather than a supernatural one
- The protagonist and villains are usually a scientist, doctor, professor, military personnel, and the like.
- Fictional inventions, artifacts, and the like are given scientific explanations
In short: The more the source of a story’s fiction elements – whether the story’s world, character abilities, villains, and the like – come from supernatural and mythical explanations, the more it’s fantasy. The more these source of these fictional elements come from scientific and technological explanations, the more it’s science fiction.
How Are Superheroes Fantastical?
When you look at the list of qualities that written works and stories have that make it a certain genre, many comic books fall within the fantasy category. Many superhero comic books have these characteristics:
- A supernatural or mythical origin for superpowers
- Gaining new powers or gaining control of powers
- Themes such as “What is heroism?”, “What is good versus evil?” or “How do I reach my full potential?”
- A supernatural parallel world or hidden secret community or location
- The protagonist and villains are usually supernatural warrior, paranormal investigator, or the equivalent of a mage
You have some superheroes that have magical or mystical powers like Doctor Strange or the Red Witch. Many of the superhero comics have a sense of mythology within it and have unique creatures that are part of the fantasy genre. In fact, many superheroes were inspired by prominent characters in mythology.
Comic Books That Can Be Considered Fantasy
There are many traditional superheroes we all know and love that can be considered a part of the fantasy genre. Here are a few of those those comic books:
Thor
Thor’s character is based on the famous folklore in Norse mythology. There are many changes, but it still follows the traditional structure of fantasy. It doesn’t matter which Thor comic book you are reading, many fantasy elements are found in the world of Thor.
The Stuff Of Legend
The Stuff Of Legend is not one of the superheroes but a band of toys that fight in the Dark Realm. These toys must save their owner from the well-known Bogeyman. It builds a beautifully dark world where darkness meets your childhood memories.
Isola
A beautifully illustrated comic book, this follows a queen that was turned into a tiger and must travel with a Guard to help her return to normal. The artist and writer create a unique world of folklore and adventure.
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman’s origins are definitely one from the fantasy genre. You have a beautiful world where Diana grew up and Greek mythology as a key inspiration. Diana has wondrous powers that, although explained are from a god, is still not explained by science.
Aquaman
Not only does Aquaman’s story build a world under the ocean’s surface, but explores the amazing creatures that could be possible there. You see mermaids, sharks, and other mythological creatures that wouldn’t be found in a purely science fiction comic book.
Dr. Strange
Dr. Strange takes the Marvel Universe of science and technology and adds a little “magic” under the guise of yet to be discovered science. It brings illusionment and a whole new style of world building that captures the world building elements of fantasy.
Shang Chi
Shang Chi combines worlds and intertwines Chinese mythology into this superhero story. There are unexplainable creatures and use of a “magic system” to fight evil. This story claims more of the fantasy element than the science fiction genre, or even speculative fiction.
Summary
Most comic books have a sense of fantasy elements and characteristics. You will find many crossovers. Although one comic book may have heavier elements of one genre, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t check off many of the fantasy elements as well.
