Difference between Superhero and Sidekick
Superheroes are of course largely responsible for the huge popularity of comic books and their resulting movies, but sidekicks do have essential roles to play as well. Over the years, many have grown beyond their roles as mere second fiddles into full-fledged heroes in their own rights. In this comparison article, we take a look at the characteristics of each.
Definition
A superhero is a character that usually possesses extraordinary or superhuman powers. They are commonly tasked with the responsibility of protecting the general public, and are the protagonists in anything and everything from brief episodic adventures to continuing sagas that span several years.
Sidekicks typically serve as assistants to superheroes. In most cases, sidekicks are used as foils to the hero, providing complementary skills or performing tasks that superhero are unable to perform.
Characteristics
Among the most familiar characteristics of superheroes are extraordinary powers and skills. In most cases, superheroes also employ highly specialized equipment. As for the powers that they possess, they include strength, flying ability, superhuman senses, and the ability to send off bolts of energy. Most superheroes also have a secret identity that helps protect them and their friends and family from attacks by enemies. A costume is often employed to protect this identity, although costumes may themselves serve other purposes such as added protection or enhanced capabilities.
Sidekicks generally serve as counterpoint to the superhero in a literal sense. They often provide a different point of view or added knowledge or skills, and basically provide abilities that the superhero does not possess. In some cases, they may also serve a comic relief role, and they are often used as a vehicle for exposition, by giving the superhero a person with which to share plans or divulge information.
Counterparts
Most superheroes generally help police in combating crime, although they are just as likely to target super villains, which are criminals that have superpowers or unique abilities as well. In fact, most superheroes have one or more super villains that serve as their archenemies.
Many super villains have sidekicks of their own as well, although they are often referred to as henchmen or minions. This is thought to be reflective of the supposition that villains are unwilling or unable to form lasting relationships based on friendship or loyalty. Most super villain sidekicks also tend to be disposable, and few play roles as essential as those played by sidekicks to superheroes.
Summary
Superhero
- A character that usually possesses extraordinary or superhuman powers
- Commonly tasked with the responsibility of protecting the general public
- Most have a secret identity and a costume
- Costumes may serve other purposes such as added protection or enhanced capabilities
- Many employ highly specialized equipment
- Can be seen as the equivalent of the part of ourself that is in touch will the One Source Most Divine.
Sidekick
- Serve as assistants to superheroes
- Provides complementary skills or performs tasks that superheroes are unable to perform
- Generally serve as counterpoint to the superhero in a literal sense
- May also serve a comic relief role
- Can be seen as the equivalent of the human in us that is trying to the help the best part of our soul achieve miracles on Earth.
