Have you ever wanted to create a superhero like Spider-Man, Superman, or Batman? Creating superheroes is a fun way to build stories and characters to write about. Even if you only have a few ideas, you can turn them into something stunning.
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Part 1 of 3: Choosing Super Hero Traits
Step 1. Choose your superhero powers
Superheroes are usually identified by their strengths, so it's only natural that you start with their strengths and then build your character accordingly. Many superpowers have been created, so try to find something unique.
- You might also consider giving your superhero more than one power, such as the ability to fly and superpowers. Combining multiple powers will help differentiate your character from other heroes that have been created.
- Some superheroes don't even have supernatural powers and rely on a variety of equipment and training (such as Batman and Black Widow). Other heroes specialize in one weapon or fighting style. The dedication of this type of hero invites respect, but they are prone to more attack styles making them more vulnerable and attractive.
Step 2. Give your superhero a tragic flaw or weakness
Tragic or “fatal” flaws are critical to the character traits or qualities your hero builds on a daily basis. People get bored quickly with undefeated heroes. If you have weaknesses, the battles you create will be more interesting and readers will like the characters more.
For example, Superman's weakness is kryptonite, while Batman's tragic weakness is his obsession with upholding justice after his parents were killed. Lack or weakness can affect emotional, psychological, or physical
Step 3. Develop your character's personality
Your superhero may have two separate identities: an everyday identity, and a hero identity. The life of the two may necessitate separate personalities and traits. Develop the traits your heroes have in each of their identities.
Clark Kent, Superman's colloquial identity, is a quiet, cautious, and bespectacled nerd. However, as we know, he is Superman who has super powers to fight scary villains. Superman's personality is different from that of Clark Kent. If you want to create a secret identity for a superhero, or become a “common person” in the public eye, matching these two sides of a character can add depth and make it more appealing to the reader
Step 4. Avoid imitating existing characters
It's hard to find a trait or power that other people haven't picked up, so make sure you outsmart it so you don't actually copy other characters.
For example, if you want to give your character Superman powers, give it a different name and backstory. Thus, your hero is still unique and original
Step 5. Try to create a different hero from other superheroes
If you create your own superhero, chances are you are already familiar with the characteristics and standard qualities of famous superheroes. Instead of creating a character that already exists, try to create something original. Give your superhero a unique combination of powers or traits.
- You can create an original character in all aspects. Perhaps, your superhero powers are actually harming him. Perhaps your hero is aware of his superpowers, but is either afraid or reluctant to use them for good.
- Use popular superhero characters as reference points. When you think of traditional superheroes, who comes up? How can you make your heroes different from them?
Part 2 of 3: Building a Super Hero Backstory
Step 1. Create a background story for your hero
In the world of superheroes, backstory is often referred to as an origin story. This story provides insight into the character's life before and the cause of being a superhero. This story showcases the “human” side of the hero, and makes him a more sympathetic and relatable character for the reader.
- Many superheroes have experienced tragedies in the past and are driven to uphold justice. Bruce Wayne witnessed the death of his parents, and Peter Parker lost his uncle. This tragedy triggers the motivation to pursue character strengths (whether supernatural powers or not).
- Conflicts and inner turmoil can help shape the characters and the story. When creating a backstory, think about the conflicts or problems they faced that made them the heroes they are today.
Step 2. Think about how the character's superpowers evolve
If you've defined a character's backstory, it means that you've determined whether the hero's superpowers are born or acquired sometime in the future. Determining when superpowers are acquired is an important part of the story and the hero's self.
- Consider a few questions: what is the character's initial reaction when he sees his power? How long before the character hesitates and rethinks? Will his powers be important to the character's survival? Is the hero trying to use his power to a minimum? Was he proud or ashamed of his strength?
- Make superpowers as a character's journey in navigating himself. Characters that have a static relationship with their abilities will not attract the reader's interest. Consider using some trial and error, and part internal conflict over how to use your character's powers.
Step 3. Determine the community's relationship to the character
Some superheroes dislike or frighten the communities they belong to. For example, Batman and Spider-Man were first seen as threats, before society realized they were up against the bad guys. Determine how the hero's relationship with the community.
Anti-heroes (heroes who don't want to be called heroes) such as Deadpool and Suicide Squad are also loved by many comic readers and movie buffs, even though people hate and scare them. Taking this approach can be a fun experiment in storytelling and character evolution
Step 4. Create rivals or enemies of your hero
All superheroes need villains to fight. Develop villains in the same way you make superheroes. However, don't immediately answer too many criminal-related questions. Taking the time to reveal the backstory, true nature, and motivations of the villain will make it more interesting and mysterious.
- The main villain's backstory can relate to the superhero's story, even if the superhero doesn't know it. As the story progresses, your superheroes will discover their relationship. This adds depth to the story and character. For example, Luke Skywalker eventually finds out that the main villain is (beberran) his father which makes the story more complicated.
- Readers love a good villain. People are usually interested in the story of a criminal, either as a place to blame the crimes he commits, or to understand the motivations behind the people who commit crimes. Therefore, creating a good villain story is a big step in creating your superhero.
- When creating a villain, try to make him the opposite of your superhero. for example, maybe his superpowers are in direct opposition to your hero. Thus, the two of them had a reason to confront each other.
Part 3 of 3: Designing the Image of a Super Hero
Step 1. Choose the gender and body type of your superhero
Superheroes can come in all shapes and sizes as well as gender. Some are not even human. Define the physical traits of your superhero. The chosen super power might even help you determine his physical form..
Consider the following questions: Is your character strong and great? Are flexible and thin body shapes more appropriate? Are her super powers gender specific?
Step 2. Design your superhero costume
Make sure the superhero's colors, styles, and accessories are appropriate for the character's strengths and traits. Consider your hero's main weapon, and whether it's unique because it's handcrafted.
Consider color when designing your superhero costume. Think about certain colors that are often implied. For example, white sometimes symbolizes purity, or piety, while black is often associated with darkness or evil people
Step 3. Give your superhero a distinctive emblem
For example, provide a memorable symbol or logo to complete the superhero costume. Imagine the letter "S" on Superman's chest, and the skull on the Punisher's chest. You can also provide a slogan, but make sure the sentences are interesting, not too long and tacky.
If it matches your character's strength, please provide your character's signature pose. Of course, the most important characteristics are weapons, vehicles, and other equipment. Make sure you name all these characteristics and special places in the story.
Step 4. Name your superhero
The name of your superhero will be an attraction to get readers. Of course, what attracts readers the most is the story and the nature of the characters created. However, people are attracted at first because of the super hero's name which is easy to stick to.
- Consider trying some naming techniques. The noun + noun technique is done by using two nouns and making a compound word as a name, for example Spider-Man. Or, try using the adjective + noun technique, such as Superman and Black Widow.
- Names can come from strengths, or even personality and character traits. Since you've already thought about the origin story and the character's powers, they can both help you decide on the name of your superhero.
Step 5. Decide if you want to provide an assistant for the superhero
Also, consider making superheroes part of a team. Think of a team or pair of famous superheroes, such as the X-Men, Justice League, and the Avengers. They often fight together as a team, but also have their own stories.
- Develop assistants/teams in the same way you develop your superheroes, then create stories of how they met and worked together.
- Consider the following questions: Are the assistants very useful or make frequent mistakes? Were they enemies before? Were they hurt by the same incident? Is the assistant a friend or relative? Do superheroes meet assistants/teams by bringing them to life (or vice versa)?
Tips
- Superheroes who have the same problems as ordinary people are easier to relate to and write about.
- Try to avoid making superheroes too perfect or corny. If you can do it, great. However, if not, the character will easily become Mary Sue/Gary Stu.
