This summer's superhero films, particularly Fantastic Four: First Steps and Superman, signify a shift in the genre away from dark, gritty narratives. These films emphasize simple heroism characterized by self-sacrifice and the protection of the innocent. Directors James Gunn and Matt Shankman utilize bright visuals and present protagonists free of inner turmoil, contrasting with traditional angsty heroes. These narratives skip typical origin stories, showcasing heroes already established in their roles and set against an alternate Earth backdrop reminiscent of the Silver Age of Comics.
The two films embody a retreat from the dark, gritty, real-world templates that ran amok once the genre really took off over the last couple of decades. They offer a vision of heroism that includes self-sacrifice and protection of the innocent.
Director Matt Shankman foregrounds a bright, primary color visual scheme and protagonists who are refreshingly free of angst. They're just trying to do good, befitting characters created in simpler times.
Both films forgo the usual origin story narratives, opening with the heroes already established as public figures and using devices like retrospective TV interviews to ground viewers.
The Fantastic Four's Marvel Cinematic Universe debut takes place on an alternate Earth that feels very much like a sci-fi version of 1961, ushering in reminiscent tones of the Silver Age of Comics.
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