SUPERHERO ARCHETYPE IN CURRENT MEDIA PRODUCTION
SUPERHERO ARCHETYPE IN CURRENT MEDIA PRODUCTION

Summary/Abstract: Myths and legends about heroes could be considered obvious determinants of the formation of a superhero archetype that has naturally established itself in consciousness of individuals. Gradually, however, the superhero archetype has transformed itself into media production where it has become an ostensible element in production of narrative contents. Massive popularity of this phenomenon has thus led to it being constantly used in creation of media products, especially cinematographic works. By recycling the conventional archetypal patterns, the producers of superhero audiovisual pictures started to contribute permanently to various adaptations of the aforementioned concept. Although the majority of films with this topic are based on an almost identical premise, we are able to define some different typological characteristics of individual protagonists. Therefore, the main objective of the submitted study is to identify the forms of expression specific for media superheroes of the 21st century. For deeper comprehension of the issue in question, we have used significant publications by renowned authors, such as R. J. Gray, B. Kaklamanidou, E. C. Arenas, N. Wolf, J. Radošinská, and A. Plencner or various other relevant journal and digital sources. Our ambition is not only to generalize the forms of expression representing contemporary superheroes, but also to present topical theoretical ground related to the discussed issue. The basic aim of the paper is simply to clarify the nature of superhero archetype in current media, or audiovisual production influenced by the current situation closely related to the spread of coronavirus. For the purposes of reaching the set objective, we are using the methods of logical analysis of text in combination with qualitative content analysis.

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