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8/15/2021 7:23 am  #1


Superhero "Rules"

I thought it might be fun to come up with rules that tend to be followed in superhero fiction. It's okay to narrow down the rules a bit (e.g. comics,  Marvel Comics, 20th century, etc.) but don't make rules so specific that they only apply to one character or team.

1. Shrug Off the Lie Rule: In 20th century superhero fiction (much less so in the 21st century), upon learning the secret, characters will not be overly bothered by the fact that their superhero friend/family member has been lying them for years.

2. Much Said Fight Panels Rule: In comics, characters fighting can say as much as they feel like saying, even if the panel shouldn't allow that much time to pass.

3. Must... Recap! Rule: At the start of a story or issue (and probably some TV episodes), if the character is already in danger, a character must pause to reflect on what led to this point, be it a recap of a previous issue or new information that the reader/viewer doesn't already know.

4. Reminiscing About Recent Events Rule: In a comic or episode by way of recap, a character will discuss with another character things from within the last day or so that the other character would already know because both were there.

I'll stop here but this should give a start.


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8/15/2021 7:46 am  #2


Re: Superhero "Rules"

Andy E. Nystrom wrote:

4. Reminiscing About Recent Events Rule: In a comic or episode by way of recap, a character will discuss with another character things from within the last day or so that the other character would already know because both were there.

 

8/15/2021 7:56 am  #3


Re: Superhero "Rules"

That was cute. IIRC there was also a case in the JLA/JSA/Fawcett heroes team-up where someone did a recap and the person he was talking to asked him why he was telling him about things he was there for.

5. Selective Tightness Rule: Costumes will accentuate the chest (though except in cheesecake comics not the nipples) and often the buttocks but not the crotch.

6. The No-Rip Zone Rule: Transformations and attacks that completely destroy a shirt (or for womaen the back of a dress) will leave the pants/lower dress intact, except below the waist.

7. The Super-Understanding Boss Rule: Employers will rarely be bothered by a hero's frequent sudden departures/leaves of absenses.


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8/15/2021 8:16 am  #4


Re: Superhero "Rules"

8. The Sad Chokehold Rule: Particularly in titles edited by Mort Weisinger, you'd know from the dialogue that Silver Age DC superhero comic characters were sad from the dialogue due to them going "Choke!"

9. The Reminiscing Reprint Rule: Particularly in Marvel's 1970s comics, if a bookis running late and inventory material wasn't a possibly, a superhero, usually in civilian identity must reminisce on an old adventure, the reprint of which will fill most of the remaining pages of the issue.


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11/14/2022 6:58 pm  #5


Re: Superhero "Rules"

10. The Limited Engagement Guest Star Rule: When the story requires it, a guest star or guest stars will leave a mission mid-way even if they would see it through to the end if it was their own title. Most common in comics but Cloak and Dagger did this in the Runaways TV series.


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