Superhero comics, whether from Marvel, DC Comics, or other publishers, possess a shared hallmark: their timelessness. While the narratives themselves may seem ageless, it is the characters that truly embody this attribute. These iconic figures can inhabit stories that appear perpetually relevant, primarily because they defy the natural progression of time.
In a recent episode of the Women of Marvel podcast, hosts Preeti Chhibber and Ellie Pyle engaged in a discussion surrounding the character of Rogue. They welcomed guests including author Cass Morris, clinical psychologist Orna Guralnik, and writer Kelly Thompson of Rogue & Gambit (2018). Throughout the episode, they explored the fascinating notion of why superhero characters maintain their youth and vibrancy, seemingly unaffected by the passing decades.
Interestingly, the podcast concluded that the stagnation in the aging of characters within the Marvel universe has both advantages and disadvantages. This attribute guarantees that their stories retain a timeless quality, yet it also stunts character development, leaving little room for personal evolution.
The Uniqueness of Non-Aging in Superhero Comics
The Double-Edged Sword of Eternal Youth
As detailed in the Marvel podcast, the phenomenon of comic book characters remaining ageless presents a complex array of pros and cons. The conversation revealed that characters often remain in their “ambiguous 30s or 20s,”a timeless portrayal that spans decades. Kelly Thompson addressed the challenge of refreshing the romance between Rogue and Gambit while maintaining their long-standing relationship}, highlighting the inherent difficulties in reconciling nostalgia with the need for growth:
I think it’s really, really difficult. That’s the game. Like, when you’re talking about that, part of me—the nostalgic fan in me, the reader in me—is like, “well, I just want to read Rogue and Gambit forever. And I just want to read them sort of circling each other and being that.”
But that’s also diminishing returns because that’s not real growth. I think comics, for good or ill, took exactly what you said, Ellie. Like, they have this superpower where their characters don’t have to age. And they were like, great, and they just ran with it. And I get why it’s very appealing. But it’s probably one of our biggest problems that all of us have with comics at some point or another, right, is that an amazing story ends, and the character really grew and changed, and it’s such an important, powerful story to you. And then now, somebody has to come in and do what’s next. And what’s next maybe doesn’t– go back.
Nostalgia influences all forms of media, but it occupies a particularly prominent role in superhero comics. Unlike literary characters, such as those in the Harry Potter series, who evolve and age, our beloved superheroes typically remain frozen in time, affording fans a unique sense of continuity.
The Revolving Doors of Superhero Lives
Consistency vs. Change in Superhero Narratives
Superheroes benefit from youthfulness, allowing them to relive grand adventures perpetually. Thompson refers to this ability as a unique superpower, noting its appeal. However, this aspect also denies superheroes the opportunity for meaningful narrative progression. The same supporting characters and villains can linger indefinitely, often without the necessary consequences that define impactful storytelling. Thompson elaborates:
But how do you go back? If you go through huge, legitimate change, it’s hard to just go back. What’s the old adage, right? Your greatest strength is your greatest weakness. And I definitely feel that for comics. This is a thing that is comics’ greatest strength, and also its greatest weakness.
It’s a beautiful, storytelling thing to be able to reinvent these characters over and over and over again for decades. But it’s also a thorn in our side. Some of the best, most powerful stories have very clear cut endings. People die and don’t come back. All of these things that we’ve broken for comics. And I’m a part of it. I do it, too.
Superheroes frequently undergo re-examinations, reimaginings, and even reanimations. Not only do these characters rarely evolve, but they also often escape permanent death. While this condition strays from reality, it enhances the persistent allure of nostalgia surrounding comic book heroes. Rogue, for instance, is notable for her numerous comic book fatalities, reflecting the absence of lasting consequences that permeates this genre, which comes with both benefits and drawbacks.
Benefits of Ageless Superheroes
Marvel’s Approach to Timelessness
The lack of aging in superheroes implies limitless storytelling opportunities. Comic books are not constrained by the same temporal challenges encountered in film or literature, where actors visibly age and authors eventually pass away. In the comic book realm, narratives can theoretically continue indefinitely as new writers and artists breathe life into beloved characters. This collaborative dynamic exemplifies the beauty of comic storytelling.
Many characters originating from the Golden Age of comics have endured for nearly a century, maintaining their popularity and relevance. These characters have remained consistent in appearance, tone, and essence, captivating audiences just as they did generations ago. This serves as a nostalgic reminder of the enduring nature of these beloved heroes.
Drawbacks of Ageless Superheroes
Marvel’s Challenges with Inertia
While the enduring nature of superheroes provides many benefits, their lack of progression raises significant challenges. Comics are rich in history and narrative, but many stories risk being rendered ineffective due to an absence of substantial change. When stories are endless, heroes seldom find closure; the struggle continues indefinitely, leaving characters trapped in cycles of despair.
The core inquiry remains: can superhero comics overcome their intrinsic limitations? Thompson does not propose a definitive answer, suggesting that perhaps there is no solution. The concept itself is deeply embedded within the genre; as long as financial success continues, it becomes increasingly challenging for characters to evolve. Marvel, like many others, has eroded foundational storytelling elements—such as consequences and finality—resulting in a broader industry trend rather than an isolated issue.
You can catch Thompson’s Rogue & Gambit series, illustrated by Pere Pérez, available now from Marvel Comics.
Source: Marvel
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