Comic Book Archetypes

This is a thread for discussion of common comic book archetypes. Basically name an archetype, list some characters who would fall into the archetype and describe the characteristics of the archetype.

Archetype: The Boyscout

Characters: Cyclops, Superman

Description: Good moral character. Often given leadership roles. Very honorable. Can be a bit stiff and sometimes too serious. Often has conflict with the 'rebel' class.

Archetype: Rebel/Loner

Characters: Wolverine, Batman

Description: Often has dark and tragic history/background. Mistrust of others and has issues with authority figures. Often grumpy and rarely ever in cheerful mood. Does not get along with others easily.

One of the most classic archetypes of comics is quintessential identified in the character of "The Shadow." The mysterious, dark loner with a tortured past... everyone from Batman to Rorschach to the Question to Daredevil draws on that history in their origins and adventures.

Originally posted by Starscream M
Archetype: The Boyscout

Characters: Cyclops, Superman

Description: Good moral character. Often given leadership roles. Very honorable. Can be a bit stiff and sometimes too serious. Often has conflict with the 'rebel' class.

Originally posted by Badabing
I think Steve Rogers would be a boyscout.

Archetype: Anti-hero

Characters: Punisher, Venom

Description: This character draws the line between hero and villain. While they often intend to do good (protect the innocent), they have no moral qualms that heroes usually face (such as killing). This class acts very ruthlessly and are effective in what they do.

Originally posted by Starscream M
Archetype: Rebel/Loner

Characters: Wolverine, Batman

Description: Often has dark and tragic history/background. Mistrust of others and has issues with authority figures. Often grumpy and rarely ever in cheerful mood. Does not get along with others easily.

Just to add to that these archetypes normally feel a need for acceptance so they can be part of a family, group unit, so for the cases you suggested, the X-men and the Bat family.

Archetype-Seducer and rake
Character-Gambit, Hawkeye,Tony Stark, Matt Murdock (his a bit in his persona)...She Hulk

Superman is the Superhero Archetype.

Many years ago I jokingly created a character called Basic-Man, because he had your basic superpowers (basically, superphysical abilities plus flight).

Needless to say, Basic-Man has really been with us since 1938.

Archetype- arrogant nobility

-Thor
-Surfer

Where would Ghost Rider fall under?

includes both Blaze and Ketch.

Originally posted by Kazenji
Where would Ghost Rider fall under?

includes both Blaze and Ketch.

Archetype: Hero Reborn

Characters: Ghost Rider, Spawn

Description: Characters who've died or faced near death situations and were reborn with superpowers. They often pay a heavy price for their powers by making deal with evil. In the end, they fight the evil.

Originally posted by ultimatethor
Archetype- arrogant nobility

-Thor
-Surfer

Spiderman, Loser Archetype. There's actually allot of them now but Peter Parker was the first to start the trend.