Indianization of the Cape: Indian Superheroes as Harbingers of Cultural Reclamation in the Contemporary Superhero Scene

Abstract

Superman, through the efforts of Jerry Siegel, has founded the superstructure for the Superhero formula since 1938, which has gained prominence throughout world cultures. Owing to Superman’s origins, Superheroes have often been tagged as an American discovery that has been carried on since. The same also becomes responsible for overshadowing various Indian superheroes struggling to make a presence in contemporary Indian scenarios. This study, therefore, aims to focus on the Indian Superhero figure, contextualized within the Indian subcontinent, thereby contesting Western frameworks. Using the decolonial frameworks by Fanon, Bhabha, and Thiong’o, this study aims to use a tripartite structure to situate the evolutionary history --- from Colonial Shadows to Indian attempts in Superhero creation, mythical and folkloric interpretations as a means of Indian reclamation, and modern contemporary undertakings in various media forums signifying present and future implications.