The Origin of Origins
An “origin story” traditionally explains how a superhero got his or her powers. Superman got his powers by being sent to earth from another world (earth’s sun made him powerful and Krypton’s gravity was more dense). Tarzan was raised by monkeys in the jungle after his parents were killed. And many heroes are the children of the gods (Hercules was powerful because he was the son of Zeus, king of the gods, and, similarly, Jesus has powers like the abilities to heal and walk on water, because he is the son of the Christian God).
In Chapter 8 of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, we learn the origin of the Escapist: “He calls Big Al, Omar, and Miss Blossom to gather around him, then raises the key high in the air and swears a sacred oath to devote himself to secretly fighting the evil forces of the Iron Chain, in Germany or wherever they raise their ugly heads, and to working for the liberation of all who toil in chains–as the Escapist” (p. 134).
Your Task
Origin Story Elements
With a partner, or two, first create a list of the key elements of a superhero origin.
New Origin Story
Next, as a group, write an origin story for a modern superhero. You can invent any hero you like. Give your hero a name, powers, and a story for how he/she became a superhero.
Online Posting
Post your story elements discussion and story origin online. Then link it to your team members’ home pages.