Ever wanted to create the next Spider-Man, Superman, or Batman? Creating a superhero can be a fun way to craft a story and character. Even if you only have a few ideas at first, you can take those little ideas and turn them into something great.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing Your Superhero Traits
Step 1. Choose your superhero's powers
Since superheroes are generally identified by their powers, it makes sense to think about the powers first and then make the character suit them. A large number of superpowers have already been attributed to other superheroes, so try to come up with something new.
- You can also consider giving the hero various powers, such as the ability to fly and super strength. Creating a mix of powers can help differentiate your new hero from existing ones.
- Some superheroes do not have supernatural powers and instead rely on gadgets and their training (for example, Batman and Black Widow). Others specialize in a single weapon or fighting style. The dedication of these heroes inspires respect. Additionally, it makes them more susceptible to other attack styles, which in turn makes them more vulnerable (and possibly more interesting).
Step 2. Give your superhero a tragic weakness or flaw
A tragic or "fatal" flaw is essentially a trait or quality that the character struggles with on a regular basis. An invulnerable hero can easily become boring. But by giving him a fatal weakness, you will make the battles more interesting and the fans more involved with the character.
Batman's tragic flaw is his obsession with seeking justice after witnessing the murder of his parents. Flaws or weaknesses can be emotional or psychological, or they can be physical
Step 3. Delve into your character's personalities
Your superhero can have two separate identities: his everyday identity and his identity as a hero. These two lives can involve independent personalities and traits. Work on the traits your hero possesses in each form.
Clark Kent, Superman's everyday identity, is a quiet, cautious and nerdy boy who wears glasses. However, as you already know, he transforms into Superman and has super powers with which he can fight terrifying villains. Superman's personality differs from Clark Kent's personality. If you want your hero to have a secret identity or to be an "average person" to the general public, considering these two aspects of the character can add depth to the character and make it more interesting to readers
Step 4. Avoid copying existing characters
It is unlikely that you will be able to find something that someone else has not already done somewhere, so make sure you make the necessary modifications so you do not make a direct copy of another character.
For example, if you want to give your hero the powers of Superman, give him a different name and background. In this way, your hero will be different and original
Step 5. Try to make your superhero different from other superheroes
If you are creating your own superhero, you are likely familiar with the standard traits and qualities of popular superheroes. Instead of making your superhero like the characters that already exist, break the mold and try to be original. Give your hero a unique combination of powers or traits.
- You can be original in all aspects of superhero creation. Perhaps your hero's power puts him at a disadvantage rather than an advantage. Maybe your hero finds out that he has these powers, but ends up getting very nervous or afraid to use them for good.
- Use popular superheroes for reference. When you think of a traditional hero, what comes to mind? How can you make your hero stand out from the rest?
Part 2 of 3: Crafting Your Superhero's Background
Step 1. Create a background for your hero
In the world of superheroes, backgrounds are generally known origin stories. This story offers a glimpse into the life the character had before he became a hero and even how he became one. This story will give the reader a look at the more "human" side of your hero and make him a more friendly and familiar character.
- Many superheroes suffered some tragedy in the past that led to a need to serve justice and enforce it. Bruce Wayne saw the murder of his parents and Peter Parker lost his uncle. These tragedies served as motivation to exercise his powers (whether supernatural or not).
- Conflict and internal crisis can help shape the character and his story. When you create his background, think about the conflicts or problems he may have faced that have shaped the hero he is now.
Step 2. Think about the evolution of the superhero's powers
Once you have determined the background of your hero, you will have a more precise idea as to whether he was born with the powers that he has or if he obtained them later. Deciding how you discovered your powers or how you obtained them is an important part of your story and your identity.
- Consider some questions: What was the character's initial reaction to his abilities? How long did it take for the character to change his mind? Did his powers become necessary to survive? Does your superhero try to use those powers as little as possible? Are you proud or ashamed of these skills?
- Make superpowers a kind of journey in and of themselves. A character who has a static relationship with his own abilities will not generate much interest. Some experimentation or even some internal conflicts regarding how to use the powers are good options.
Step 3. Determine the relationship of the society with the character
Some superheroes produce dislike or fear in the societies in which they exist. For example, Batman and Spider-Man were considered threats initially, before society saw them as beneficial beings. Decide what kind of relationship you want your hero to have with society.
Many comic book readers and moviegoers enjoy antiheroes (such as Deadpool and the Suicide Squad), despite their dislike or fear of society. Taking this approach with your superhero can be a fun experiment in storytelling and character evolution
Step 4. Create rivals or enemies for your hero
Any good superhero needs a villain or two that he can battle with. Craft the enemies the same way you did the superhero. However, don't immediately answer a lot of questions from the villains. Taking the time to reveal their backgrounds, their real natures, and their motivations will make them more interesting and mysterious.
- The central background of the villain can possibly be intertwined with that of the superhero, even if the hero does not know it. The hero can finally discover the connection as the story unfolds. This adds new layers to the story and the characters. For example, Luke Skywalker eventually found out that the villain was his father (this made the plot a bit more complex).
- People love a good villain. Whether it's to blame the wrongdoer or to better understand their own innate fascination with the motivations of people who do bad things, people are generally very interested in the villains of superhero stories. In this way, creating one can be a big step in crafting your hero.
- When creating your villain, consider making a "counterpoint," or the opposite of a hero. For example, perhaps his particular superpower is in direct conflict with your hero's powers. This will immediately give both of you a reason to disagree.
Part 3 of 3: Design Your Superhero's Image
Step 1. Choose a gender and a body type for your superhero
Superheroes come in all sizes, shapes, and genders. Some are not even human. Determine the physical traits of your superhero. The superpowers you've chosen can even help you determine your character's build.
Consider some questions: is your character a tank? Would a slimmer and more flexible frame be more appropriate? Is power gender-appropriate?
Step 2. Design a costume for your superhero
Make sure the colors, style, and accessories are appropriate for the character's powers and personality. Consider the main weapons your hero depends on. Also, consider whether your hero uses a signature weapon that he created himself.
Consider color when designing a costume for your hero. Think about what certain colors imply. For example, white sometimes implies innocence or divinity, while black can be more associated with darkness or evil
Step 3. Give your hero a badge
For example, a symbol or logo makes superheroes more memorable and helps complement their outfits. Think of the big "S" on Superman's chest and the skull drawn on the Punisher shirt. A tagline can be effective too, but don't forget to make it catchy, not long or cheesy.
If it suits the power of the character, you can also give him a distinctive pose. Of course, the most important badges are weapons, vehicles, and other useful tools. Be sure to name these items and give them a special place in the story arc
Step 4. Give your superhero a name
Your superhero's name will essentially be the "hook" to keep people interested. Of course, it is the story and character traits that make people like superheroes, but it is the name that makes the character memorable and interested in the reader at first.
- Consider trying a few different naming techniques. There is the noun + noun technique, in which two nouns are used to form a compound word, as in the case of Spider-Man. Also, you can try the adjective + noun technique, as in the case of Superman and the Black Widow.
- A noun can be related to the hero's powers or even his personality and identity. Since you have already thought about the origin story and what powers it has, you can use this to make up a good name.
Step 5. Decide if you want to give your hero a partner
Also, you can consider the idea of your hero being part of a team. Think of familiar teams and groups, such as the X-men, the Justice League, and the Avengers. These characters often appear as a team, but they also have independent stories.