The Origin of the Term 'Superhero': Dick Tracy's Super and the Birth of Superman

When discussing the history of comic book heroes and the term 'superhero', there is one fact that seems to be overshadowed in historical accounts - the term 'super' was actually used in relation to a character named 'Super' in a comic strip published by Dick Tracy in the 1930s. This unique piece of comic history often gets lost in the rush to discuss Superman and the other well-known early heroes. So, who was this 'Super' character, and why is his name significant in the story of comic heroes?

The Early Career of Dick Tracy

First and foremost, it is important to understand the context of the late 1920s and early 1930s. Dick Tracy, created by the cartoonist Chester Gould, made his debut in a newspaper comic strip in 1931. The early years of Dick Tracy's career were marked by a focus on crime-solving and the efforts of the titular character to bring criminals to justice. However, as time passed, the Dick Tracy strips began to incorporate aspects of the superhero motif without fully adopting the term 'superhero'.

The Emergence of 'Super'

It is in this context that 'Super' was introduced. In the 1930s, Dick Tracy began to interact with a series of villains, one of whom was given the name 'Super'. This 'Super' was neither as recognizable nor beloved as the duo of Batman and Robin, but his name lent a new development to the narrative of Dick Tracy comics. With his moniker, 'Super' signified something beyond the everyday, suggesting a character with potential superhuman abilities, albeit in a more straightforward, criminal manner.

Direct Link to Superman

Now, how does this relate to Superman and the term 'superhero'? Many believe that Superman, originally known as 'Superman' (with a different capitalization to avoid copyright issues), coined the term 'super' when he first appeared in Action Comics #1 in 1938. However, a closer look at the history shows that the term was actually used as early as the 1930s, albeit in its less glamorous context. This connection is crucial because it demonstrates that the term was there, albeit dormant, before it was fully utilized by the iconic character.

The Evolution of Comic Heroes

The use of 'Super' in relation to Dick Tracy 'Super' and its evolution to the term 'superhero' can be seen as a precursor to the more famous Superman. It exemplifies how early comic strips played a role in developing the language and imagery of the superhero genre. The evolution from the straightforward criminal figures like Dick Tracy 'Super' to the more mythic and heroic figures like Superman underscores the genre's growth and transformation.

Legacy and Importance

Though often overshadowed by the more famous heroes, Dick Tracy's 'Super' is significant because it marks the first recorded use of the term 'super' to describe a character in a comic context. This early usage provides an interesting point of origin for the term 'superhero', highlighting the roots of a genre that would later influence not just comics but also film, television, and culture at large.

Conclusion

The story of the term 'superhero' is a fascinating one, and its beginnings reveal a complex and dynamic evolution in the entertainment world. The term 'Super' in relation to Dick Tracy, though less famous, is a key piece in the puzzle, providing insight into the early development of a genre that would dominate popular culture for generations to come.

Keywords

Dick Tracy: A legendary detective comic character created by Chester Gould.

Superhero: A broad term used to describe comic book characters with extraordinary abilities, typically used in the 1930s and 1940s.

Superman: The iconic and earliest modern superhero, created in 1938 by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.