Have you ever wanted to create the next Spiderman, Superman or Batman? Inventing a superhero can be a fun way to build a story and a character to write about. Even if you only have a few basic ideas at first, you can still make sure to turn them into something great.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Outline the Main Traits
Step 1. Choose your superhero's powers
Since superheroes are often identified by their powers, it makes sense to think about those first and then model the character accordingly. A lot of superpowers have already been attributed to fictional characters, so try to come up with something original.
- You can decide to give your superhero more power, such as the ability to fly and superhuman strength. A mix of powers can make your new hero different from existing ones.
- Some superheroes lack supernatural powers and instead use gadgets and their skills honed with training (e.g. Batman and Black Widow). Others specialize in a single weapon or a specific fighting style; the dedication of these heroes arouses great respect, but exposes them more to certain types of attacks. Consequently it makes them more vulnerable, but more interesting.
Step 2. You attribute an obvious flaw or weakness to your superhero
A "fatal" flaw is a personality trait or quality that regularly puts your hero in trouble. An invincible character becomes boring in a short time. If your hero has a fatal weakness, his encounters will be more interesting and readers will feel more involved in his adventures.
For example, Superman's weak point is kryptonite, while Batman's big flaw is his obsession with the pursuit of justice, which has been with him ever since he saw his parents murdered. Defects and weaknesses can be emotional, psychological or physical
Step 3. Develop his personality
Your superhero may have two separate identities: one in everyday life and one as a hero. His personality and characteristics can change from one identity to another. Consider what the character traits are in both forms.
Clark Kent, Superman's ordinary identity, is a quiet, responsible and clumsy boy who wears glasses. As we know, however, he can transform into Superman and has superpowers that allow him to defeat very dangerous enemies. Superman's personality is very different from Clark Kent's. If you want your hero to have a secret identity or to be a common person to people, you can make his character deeper and more interesting by creating a separation between the two sides of his personality
Step 4. Avoid copying other existing characters
You probably won't be able to come up with a completely original idea, so be sure to add some details that make your personal experience unique.
For example, if you want your hero to have Superman powers, give him a different name and story. This way, your character will be unique and original
Step 5. Try to make him different from other superheroes
If you want to create your own superhero, you probably know the characteristics and qualities of the audience's favorites quite well. Instead of following stereotypes, try to take an original approach. Give your hero a unique combination of powers and personality traits.
- You can be original in all stages of creating a superhero. Maybe your character's powers put him at a disadvantage instead of making him stronger. Your hero may find that he has powers, but be too scared or nervous to use them.
- Use the best-known superheroes as your reference points. When you think of a traditional hero, what comes to your mind? How can you make your character different from clichés?
Part 2 of 3: Creating the Story
Step 1. Make up a story for your hero
In the world of superheroes, the stories of the protagonists' lives before the start of the narrative are often referred to as origin stories. They offer an overview of the hero's life before he became a hero and tell how he found his calling. These descriptions allow you to observe the more "human" side of the character, making it more accessible and interesting for the public.
- Many superheroes have experienced tragedies in their past, which have led them to stand as champions of justice. Bruce Wayne saw his parents murdered and Peter Parker lost his uncle. These dramatic episodes served as a motivation for the heroes to use their powers (supernatural or not).
- A superhero's inner conflicts can help you shape his character and story. When you come up with your protagonist's origin story, think about the problems and difficulties he may have faced that made him the hero he has become today.
Step 2. Think about how his powers have evolved
When you established the character's origin story, you decided whether he was born with his own powers or acquired them over the course of his life. Choosing how he discovered or gained his powers is fundamental to the story and the hero's personality.
- Consider a few questions: What was the character's initial reaction to his powers? How long did it take before I had second thoughts? Have his powers become necessary for his survival? Do you try to use your powers as little as possible? Do you feel proud or ashamed of your special abilities?
- The hero should have a dynamic relationship with his powers. A character who has a static relationship with their abilities isn't very interesting. The protagonist of your story should gradually learn the limits of his potential with failed attempts or even experience an inner conflict about how to use his special abilities.
Step 3. Establish the character's relationship with the community in which he lives
Some superheroes are not liked by their fellow citizens or are even feared. For example, Batman and Spiderman were considered a threat, before ordinary people learned to respect them. Decide what kind of relationship you want to create between the hero and his community.
Antiheroes like Deadpool and the Suicide Squad are enjoyed by many comic and movie lovers, even if they are feared or despised by their respective communities. Taking this approach for your superhero can be a fun narrative experiment
Step 4. Create an antagonist or enemy for your hero
Every self-respecting superhero has to fight against some "villain". Develop the enemy characters as you did for the protagonist. However, avoid revealing too much information about them right away. By revealing details about their origin stories, their true nature and their motivations at the right time, you will make them more mysterious and compelling.
- The story of the main antagonist can intertwine with that of your superhero, perhaps without the latter's knowledge. The protagonist may discover the connection that exists between himself and his nemesis as the story progresses. This adds further depth to the characters and plot of the tale. For example, Luke Skywalker discovered that his worst enemy was his father and this greatly complicated their conflict.
- People appreciate successful villains. There are those who love to have someone to blame and those who have an interest in the motives that lead people to do evil deeds; for these reasons many readers follow the villains of superhero stories with great interest. Developing an antagonist is therefore a very important part of the process of creating a hero.
- When creating your story villain, consider developing him as the opposite of your hero. For example, his special power may be in direct opposition to that of the protagonist. This detail would immediately make them antagonists.
Part 3 of 3: Developing your Image
Step 1. Choose a gender and body type for your superhero
There are heroes of shape, size and gender. Some are not even human. Decide the physical characteristics of your protagonist. Consider the superpowers at his disposal when choosing his appearance.
Ask yourself a few questions: Does your character have to take a lot of hits? Would a slim and light body be more appropriate for him? Does his power have a correlation with his gender?
Step 2. Design a costume for your superhero
Make sure the colors, style and accessories reflect her powers and personality. Consider the primary weapon he will rely on, perhaps a unique tool he has created himself.
Consider colors when thinking about her costume. Think of the most common associations that recall certain tones. For example, white often suggests purity or a state of divinity, while black is frequently associated with darkness and evil characters
Step 3. Give your superhero a signature sign
A symbol or logo can make these characters memorable and help complete their costumes. Think of the big "S" on Superman's chest and the skull painted on Punisher's shirt. A characteristic phrase can also be useful, but try to avoid those that are too long or trivial.
If your hero's powers allow, you might even come up with a signature pose for him. Also, don't forget the most important items, such as weapons, vehicles and useful tools. Make sure you name these objects and reserve a special part of the story for them
Step 4. Name your superhero
The name is very important, because it is the first thing that will attract readers. Of course, it will be the story and characteristics of your character that will make fans fall in love, but an easy to remember name is his calling card.
- Try a few different techniques for naming it. There is the name + name technique, in which you take two names and create a compound word, as for Spiderman. Or, you can try combining a noun and an adjective, such as Superman and Black Widow.
- A superhero's name can have to do with his powers, his personality, or his identity. Since you've already thought about your character's origin story and special abilities, use that information to find the best name.
Step 5. Decide if you want your hero to have a shoulder
Alternatively, you could create a team of heroes. Think of the most famous hero associations, like the X-Men, the Justice League and the Avengers. Often you will find the characters that are part of it on the battlefield together, but each of them must have its own story separate from that of the others.
