Are Superheroes Losing Their Edge in Modern Storytelling?

By Zoe Jackson | May 8, 2025

Are Superheroes Losing Their Edge in Modern Storytelling?

Hey, fellow comic book nerds! Let’s talk about something that’s been on my mind lately: the state of superheroes in modern storytelling. As someone who’s been following the genre for years, I’ve noticed a shift in how our favorite heroes are being portrayed on screen and page. Now, I’m not here to trash the current crop of superhero shows and movies – far from it! However, I do think that the genre is facing some challenges, and I want to break them down with you.

First off, let’s talk about what makes superheroes so compelling in the first place. At their core, they’re all about empowerment: ordinary people becoming extraordinary heroes who use their unique gifts to save the day. Sounds like a pretty straightforward concept, right? But as we’ve seen over the years, that simplicity can be both a strength and a weakness.

One of the biggest issues facing modern superheroes is the lack of stakes. Think back to some of our favorite comic book storylines – the whole “worlds colliding” thing with Doomsday or Darkseid’s invasion of Apokolips? Those were epic, high-stakes battles that really made us feel like our heroes were fighting for something meaningful. Nowadays, it feels like a lot of superhero shows and movies are playing it safe, focusing on more personal, character-driven stories rather than grand, universe-spanning threats.

Take, for example, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Don’t get me wrong – I love the MCU as much as the next fan, but some of their recent films have felt a little… light. I mean, how many times can we watch Thor’s hammer fly through the air before it gets old? (Not to mention the whole “Thor’s dad is okay with him being king” thing – come on, Erik!) The MCU has always been about big, bold stories, but lately, it feels like they’re trying to tone things down a bit.

On the other hand, some shows and movies are tackling much darker, more mature themes than we’ve seen before. Take, for instance, the DC Extended Universe’s (DCEU) Wonder Woman 1984. Now, I know some fans were disappointed by that film’s villainous plot, but I think it was a bold choice on the part of the filmmakers. It showed us that even in a superhero story, there can be real-world consequences and moral gray areas.

Of course, not all shows and movies are getting it right. Take, for example, the recent Netflix series Titans. I love Jason Todd as much as anyone (he’s my go-to Robin), but the show’s focus on personal drama and character development felt like a missed opportunity. Where was the epic villain? The larger-than-life battle? It just didn’t feel like your typical superhero fare.

But here’s the thing: superheroes aren’t just about action and adventure – they’re also about people, with flaws and vulnerabilities that make them relatable. When we see our heroes struggling to balance their personal lives with their duties as a hero, it makes us more invested in their stories. Take, for instance, the Netflix series Daredevil. That show was all about Matt Murdock’s internal conflict between his life as a lawyer and his life as a vigilante. It made him feel like a real person, not just some superhero icon.

So what does this mean for the future of superheroes? Well, I think it’s time for us to see more of the human side of our heroes. We need stories that explore the complexities of their characters, the personal stakes they face, and the world around them. We need villains who are more than just one-dimensional bad guys – we need characters with depth, motivation, and a compelling backstory.

Ultimately, superheroes are about empowerment, but also about responsibility. When our heroes fail to meet expectations or make mistakes, it makes us feel like real people too (i.e., flawed and fallible). It’s okay if they’re not perfect; in fact, that’s what makes them relatable.

So, fellow fans, I hope this conversation has been enlightening for you as much as it was for me. What do you think is missing from modern superhero storytelling? Let me know in the comments!