The Contemporary Crime Novel as a Variation on the Superhero Theme. Preliminary Thoughts

Abstract

In the article “The Contemporary Crime Novel as a Variation on the Superhero Theme. Preliminary Thoughts,” I draw attention to the detective as the key figure of stories narrating the fight against evil. The detective’s behavior, decisions, and mentality all make him a figure quite compatible with the comic book superhero. I attempt to lay out features common to the detective and superhero, placing emphasis on the symbolism of the mask and disguise donned either metaphorically or literally in the confrontation with evildoers. I also discuss the complex nature of ordinariness and weakness as defining features of the contemporary detective, for they allow us to view the crime novel hero as an antihero, a figure that simultaneously (and somewhat paradoxically) is embodied in the role of the superhero.