Fun fact: the world's first true superhero is a Japanese character called The Golden Bat
Known as Ōgon Bat in Japan. Also in some countries, he's known as Phantaman or Fantomas.
He first premiered in a kamishibai (paper theater) in 1930. Yes, predating Superman in 1938, predating The Phantom in 1936 and even predating Mandrake the Magician in 1934. His powers include flight, superhuman strength and invincibility (among others, depending on the adaptation). But I think my favorite thing about him is how he never has any actual dialogue and only ever verbalizes a sinister laugh. Check this scene from the 1967 anime made about him:
Most heroes have a catchphrase or will taunt their opponents. Golden Bat, he'll just hurtle a whole building at you, then be like:
I can't decide if it's unnerving or hilarious.
Anyway, there was truly no other character like him before he debuted. By all rights, he is the first superhero as we know them today. About the only argument one can make against him is he didn't first premiere in a comic.
He first premiered in a kamishibai (paper theater) in 1930. Yes, predating Superman in 1938, predating The Phantom in 1936 and even predating Mandrake the Magician in 1934. His powers include flight, superhuman strength and invincibility (among others, depending on the adaptation). But I think my favorite thing about him is how he never has any actual dialogue and only ever verbalizes a sinister laugh. Check this scene from the 1967 anime made about him:
[media=https://youtu.be/o0mE_n8HgPA]
Most heroes have a catchphrase or will taunt their opponents. Golden Bat, he'll just hurtle a whole building at you, then be like:
[media=https://youtu.be/wUmi0PX5oss]
I can't decide if it's unnerving or hilarious.
Anyway, there was truly no other character like him before he debuted. By all rights, he is the first superhero as we know them today. About the only argument one can make against him is he didn't first premiere in a comic.
