The Polish Superheroes Have Arrived!: On the Popularity of Superhero Stories and Adaptations

Abstract

The superhero genre is thriving, as can be seen by the success of the DC Extended Universe and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, among others. Although essentially a product of the American comic book industry of the twentieth century, superhero characters continue to have a universal appeal and, as Alex S. Romagnoli and ‎Gian S. Pagnucci write, “have become entrenched in the collective consciousness” (2). Oftentimes simple and predictable to contemporary readers and moviegoers, superhero stories attract new generations of fans both in the United States and internationally. They have also inspired non-American creators to produce their own costumed characters with superpowers. This article discusses the popularity of superhero narratives and their adaptations, including Maciej and Adam Kmioleks’ Polski Superbohater Bialy Orzel (PSBO). The Kmiolek brothers borrow from and adapt the conventions of the American superhero genre, while simultaneously infusing their stories with Polish cultural elements, which makes PSBO one of the first contemporary affirmative Polish superhero comic book series.