Superhero shows 2018: Why superhero shows are more relevant than ever before

Superhero shows have offered voices to anyone who feels disenfranchised or unimportant, and because of this have become more relevant now than ever before.

Television has often been a way for viewers to get lost within a compelling story and characters they can relate to. Weirdly enough, superhero shows have become some of the most engaging dramas to watch. Embodying “outsiders” of society, heroes have surpassed the days of merely standing for justice and now give a voice to anyone who feels silenced. Now, they represent a different generation of people who were once overlooked but are now beginning to be embraced.

The stigma surrounding mental health has been prevalent throughout history with many people misunderstanding disorders like depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, schizophrenia, and addiction. Shows like Legion, Jessica Jones, and even The Gifted have championed their lead characters with realistic portrayals of mental illness.

David Haller’s defining characteristic his entire life is how his schizophrenia has affected the people around him. He lives his life unsure of what is and isn’t real, which means he’s actively treated with kid gloves by his only surviving family.

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It’s a narrative that many others relate to, include Polaris on The Gifted. One of the most infamous characters dealing with bipolar disorder, whenever she offers a dissenting opinion than those around her, she’s accused of having an episode. It showcases how many people with the same disorder are treated by family and friends whose knowledge of their illness only includes mood swings.

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Jessica Jones takes a more internal look at the titular character who is dealing with a myriad of problems. She’s been diagnosed with PTSD after suffering continuous trauma through her abuse by Kilgrave and the loss of her entire family in a car accident. She’s the heart of this story, but there haven’t been enough people in her life to see how her mental illness has affected them.

Instead, the series focuses on her coping mechanisms up until the point where she’s forced to face her abuser. The series is sadly one of the most relatable stories of trauma on television since many victims of sexual assault never get the teary, yet triumphant court battles that most shows have, but have to just continue living through the pain. However, she isn’t the only character to find destructive ways to deal with her past. Foster sister Trish is a recovering addict who turned to drugs due to the childhood abuse she dealt with from her mother, while Jessica’s neighbor, Malcolm, spends the first season trying to kick his heroin addiction.

Photo Credit: The CW

Constantly compared to Jessica Jones because it’s the only other superhero series with a female lead, Supergirl has long been overlooked as too optimistic unlike the gritty realism of the former series. However, don’t mistake the hopeful energy for weakness, because the titular lead is anything.

As a superhero and reporter, Kara Danvers is often underestimated because of her more famous cousin or her gender. The series consistently attempts to shine a light on sexism and has become a show which focuses on empowering women. Over the past two years, it has expanded its themes to tackle hot social issues in current society, namely immigration and LGBTQ representation.

Using literal aliens has a metaphor for real life immigrants and refugees, Supergirl has made many arguments as to why these people need a voice. As Kara is quick to point out, if the people of Earth landed on a different planet with no choice, then they would hope to be embraced by local citizens rather than ostracized as outsiders.

Photo Credit: FOX

The Gifted specifically deals with normal people “rejecting” anything different. Since their creation, the X-Men have always been considered a representation for anyone who was considered unnatural by society’s standards. Whether it’s LGBTQ, racism, sexism, or mental disorders, The Gifted has quickly become a champion for representation on television.

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The series explores how hatred grows and how people are quick to target anyone they view as a threat to their own beliefs. Sentinel Services, a government agency, happily straps on shock collars to two teenagers who have run away because they’re mutants and allowed them to be experimented on. While they escape before the real damage can be done, it’s shown that the agency also gets mutants addicted to a dangerous drug so that they can be used as weapons.

While these disgusting acts are happening, most average people are more than happy to remain ignorant because it doesn’t affect their everyday lives. Sadly, this is an all too common excuse nowadays as certain people become victims of burgeoning discrimination while others ignore their pleas because it’s easier that way.

However, Black Lightning is diving headfirst into what happens when the system fails the oppressed. Jefferson Pierce is a retired vigilante, who dedicates his time to keeping the students at his high school safe. Despite being the epitome of a morally upstanding citizen, he’s still pulled over by two police officers as a “suspect” in a robbery just because of his skin color. This, coupled with the growing gang violence that begins to threaten his kids, lead him to put back on the mask.

Netflix has also explored the growing gang violence and the victims caught in its wake with Luke Cage. In the comics, he became famous as the first African-American superhero to lead his own storyline, making him one of the most important modern-day adaptations.

Next: 25 Superheroes That Deserve Their Own Television Show

Photo Credit: Netflix

As superhero shows continue to expand their representation with a wide variety of ethnicities on their series, Netflix is the first to focus on someone with a physical disability. Daredevil is the Marvel series that kicked off five more successful series, but it remains one of the more important shows for anyone struggling with a disability. Matt Murdock has been blind since he was a young boy but relies on his other senses to become one of the most respected vigilantes in New York City. He’s one of the few characters in comic book history who has to deal with such a notable physical impairment.

With new superhero shows debuting every year, it’s likely that this trend of tackling important themes will continue for some time. Times are changing, and viewers want to see heroes that reflect how they feel rather than just the stereotypical protagonist. With mental health and social issues taking the forefront in modern-day dilemmas, it’s important that television continues to allow their superhero shows to highlight significant causes to inspire viewers.

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