Bam Smack Pow
Fansided

10 male comic book characters who broke negative stereotypes

By Mark Lynch

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: A Superman costume from the 2013 Man of Steel film worn by Henry Cavill and designed by Michael Wilkinson and James Acheson is on display at the DC Comics Exhibition: Dawn Of Super Heroes at the O2 Arena on February 22, 2018 in London, England. The exhibition, which opens on February 23rd, features 45 original costumes, models and props used in DC Comics productions including the Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman films. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: A Superman costume from the 2013 Man of Steel film worn by Henry Cavill and designed by Michael Wilkinson and James Acheson is on display at the DC Comics Exhibition: Dawn Of Super Heroes at the O2 Arena on February 22, 2018 in London, England. The exhibition, which opens on February 23rd, features 45 original costumes, models and props used in DC Comics productions including the Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman films. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 11
Next
Cable, comic book
dp2_stills_pull01_rec709_020218.086241 – Josh Brolin as Cable in Twentieth Century Fox’s DEADPOOL 2. Photo Credit: Courtesy Twentieth Century Fox. /

These 10 comic book men broke negative male stereotypes.

One of the many things that comic book storylines are known for is their abundance of rich male superheroes. The guys who fly around the world, bend metal with their bare hands, and save the world on a regular basis. It’s what we’re used to seeing.

However, comic book superheroes didn’t truly come into their own until they started going against the norm – you know, when they started doing things that the everyday man wasn’t allowed to do…. or at least allowed to be perceived as doing. Among those things was the ability to have feelings.

Male characters no longer had to be excessively macho. They could be vulnerable. The first time Logan cried was a big moment: He’s Wolverine, he isn’t known for shedding tears and yet, it was a huge moment for his growth. It gave him layers and made him a more well-rounded character. It’s also one of the earliest moments of breaking male stereotypes in comic books.

This trend has thankfully continued. Characters have become heroes for more than just punching the villain or saving cats from trees. They’ve shown that the old ways of thinking should be retired.

To prove this, a list of 10 comic book characters has been compiled to show how certain male superheroes pushed back against the old ways and broke the stereotypes.

Home/Comics