Superheroes wear capes to signal the direction of where they are moving. Superheroes don’t wear capes as much anymore as capes can be dangerous, catch onto objects in different environments, and can become a safety hazard. Besides Superman and Batman it is rare to find superhero with a cape. Villains are more likely than superheroes to wear capes as they strive to show that they are powerful and prepared.

The first modern superhero is Mandrake the Magician who debuted in 1934. He debuted 4 years before Superman who is considered the first popular superhero. Mandrake was able to make people believe anything by hypnotizing them. He was the first comic strip character to use his special superpowers to fight crime. Gilgamesh may be considered the first superhero in recorded history as he is demigod who defended his people from threats in 2500 BCE.

Famous examples of antiheroes in popular culture include Walter White from "Breaking Bad," who transforms from a high school teacher into a drug kingpin. Tony Soprano from "The Sopranos" portrays a mob boss with complex moral dilemmas. Other notable antiheroes are Don Draper from "Mad Men," Dexter Morgan from "Dexter," and Marvel's Deadpool, known for his unconventional heroism and humor.

Antiheroes influence genre conventions by introducing moral complexity and depth into narratives traditionally dominated by clear-cut notions of good and evil. Their presence challenges the archetypal hero-villain dichotomy, often blurring the lines between the two. This leads to more nuanced storytelling, where outcomes are unpredictable and characters' motivations are multifaceted. Such dynamics enrich genres like drama, thriller, and noir, offering a more layered and realistic portrayal of conflicts and resolutions.

Spies are often collecting valuable information for the nation’s decision makers as well as risking their lives in the process. The life of a spy is much different than what is depicted in the movies. Much of what spies do is psychology-based and includes acting. Spies are able to read people, sell people an idea, establish strong human relationships, figure out what motivates people, and manipulate people to get the information they want.

The qualities of a spy include being low-key, being able to blend with the general public very well, observational skills, and interpersonal skills. Other qualities are self-reliance, bravery, intelligence, and creativity, integrity, honor, courage, flexibility, confidence, and humility. Amiability, being subjective, and having sense of humor are also important qualities that a spy should possess.

The typical conventions of action movies include a hero, victim, and villain, a goal to stop the villain force and save the victim, and a power divide between the hero and the villain. Other typical conventions include a speech in praise of the villain. The men in action movies are generally portrayed as strong and brave, the women as vulnerable and beautiful, while the villains are seen as evil, devious, and nasty.

An action thriller can be defined as a genre that blends both anticipation and suspense. Action thrillers aim to keep audiences alert and looking at the screen at all times. The protagonist in the films are placed against a problem and have a mission that will showcase the danger that the protagonist faces. Tension is tied to the main problem and continues to build throughout the film, leading to a provocative movie climax.

Common characteristics of an adventure story include fast-paced plot lines, brave protagonists in dangerous situations, and a specific period of time to accomplish a goal or mission. Sometimes adventure stories have dark moods because of what the protagonist has to face and evil enemies that readers or viewers want the protagonist to beat. Adventure stories are also often set in unusual locations.

A choose your own adventure story is a series of children’s gamebooks in which each story is written from a second-person point of view. The reader takes on the role of the protagonist and makes choices that determine actions of the main character as well as the outcome of the story. The concept was created by Edward Packard. The Choose Your Own Adventure stories were created for 7 to 14-year old children.

The difference between a film and a movie is that a film is a term used by individuals that work within the motion picture industry while the term movie is usually used by the general public. Both terms refer to the series of images that give the illusion of motion.

A green screen is the backdrop that a subject is filmed on to later be superimposed with other background footage in a process that is known as chrome keying. Green screens are often used in motion pictures, tv newscasts, video games, as well as music video production.

Comic books are typically better than movies due to a variety of reasons that include cost and time, the personal vision of the author and artists, as well as their experimental and bold nature. Comics also deeply care about their viewers as well as create an engaging and active process.

Adults read comics because they are often fun to read and provide a nostalgic element. Comics also were initially created to be read by adult readers. Adults read comics because they often provoke deep thinking. Through the graphic nature of comics, they can also transcend language as well as cultural barriers.

A film franchise consists of a collection of films that are related in themes or stories released in a succession and share the same fictional universe and are marketed as a series. Film franchises often captivate large audiences and are sometimes adaptations of written stories. Film Franchises are created over multiple years.

The difference between a sequel and a spinoff is that a sequel is created to carry on with the original story with similar characters and universe as opposed to a spin-off where the show is inspired by the original show but can have any narrative.

In cultural narratives, the struggles of soldiers beyond the battlefield are often depicted through themes of reintegration into civilian life, coping with trauma and loss, and navigating personal relationships. Stories may delve into the challenges of adjusting to everyday life after the intense realities of war, dealing with physical injuries or psychological impacts like PTSD, and struggling to find a sense of identity and purpose outside the military. These portrayals highlight the often overlooked, long-term consequences of being a soldier.

Common stereotypes of soldiers in media include portraying them as stoic, disciplined, and tough, often to the exclusion of other traits. They are frequently depicted as unquestioningly patriotic and brave, with an unswerving dedication to duty. However, these stereotypes are increasingly being challenged by more nuanced portrayals. Contemporary narratives often show soldiers as complex individuals with a range of emotions and vulnerabilities. They explore the psychological impact of combat, the moral dilemmas soldiers face, and their struggles with reintegration into civilian life. These depictions provide a more balanced view, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of soldiers’ experiences and the realities of military life.