The Best And Worst Comic Cliches
Comic books have their own set of rules, and let’s be honest—sometimes those rules make absolutely no sense! However, there are certain tropes that, no matter how many times they pop up, never fail to spark a reaction. Of course, what we consider a bad trope or what truly enhances a story is all a matter of personal opinion. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the comic book clichés that just don’t add up.
1. Impractical Secret Identities
Masks, glasses, and a change in posture somehow fool everyone. For instance, Superman's mild-mannered disguise as Clark Kent remains the biggest offender. Realistically, facial recognition or common sense should expose these heroes in an instant, yet the trope persists for dramatic tension.
All-Star Superman - Clark Confesses His Identity to Lois | Super Scenes | DC by DC
2. Frequent Resurrection Of Characters
Death in comics is meaningless. Jean Grey, Jason Todd, and Bucky Barnes all returned after supposedly definitive deaths. Each revival chips away at stakes and tension. If heroes and villains never truly die, then where’s the weight behind sacrifice? It’s narrative inflation at its worst.
Jason Todd. by Implicitly Pretentious
3. Destruction And Instant Rebuilding Of Headquarters
Superhero bases get demolished constantly, yet they’re back in perfect condition with no financial strain. The X-Mansion and the Batcave all magically reappear after catastrophic damage. Who funds these reconstructions? Readers rarely get a satisfying answer, making this a frustratingly unrealistic staple.
4. Overcomplicated Time Travel Plots
Time travel can be thrilling, but comic books turn it into a tangled mess. The X-Men’s timeline is so chaotic that even Marvel writers joke about it. Every time the Flash tampers with the past, a new paradox emerges. If time travel were real, comic book logic would collapse instantly.
Watching The X-Men Franchise For The First Time by Shane Eyhorn
5. Villains With Easily Escapable Prisons
Supervillains break out of maximum-security prisons like they’re checking out of a hotel. Arkham Asylum might as well have revolving doors. If Lex Luthor, Joker, or Magneto are always escaping, what’s the point of imprisonment? It makes legal systems and heroism feel ineffective.
All-Star Superman - Clark Kent Helps Lex Luthor | Super Scenes | DC by DC
6. Heroes Misunderstanding And Fighting Each Other
Superheroes are supposed to be intelligent, yet minor miscommunications always lead to full-scale brawls. Whether it’s Wolverine versus Cyclops or Batman versus Superman, a simple conversation would solve the issue. Writers milk this trope for action, but it’s frustratingly forced.
Batman: The Brave and the Bold | Batman Vs Superman | @dckids by DC Kids
7. Love Interests As Damsels In Distress
Lois Lane, Mary Jane Watson, and Wonder Woman have been used as plot devices rather than fully realized characters. Despite being intelligent and capable, they constantly need rescuing. Thankfully, modern comics are evolving, giving love interests more agency beyond being kidnapped.
8. Overuse Of Alternate Universes
When in doubt, blame the multiverse! DC and Marvel have both leaned on this trope to explain inconsistencies or reboot characters. While stories like Spider-Verse and Flashpoint are exciting, excessive multiverses make continuity nearly impossible to follow.
Into The Spider-Verse: Not Ready For Responsibility (HD Clip) by Scene City
9. Heroes Taking The Blame For Villains' Actions
Why do superheroes constantly apologize for saving the world? If a villain destroys half a city, the blame somehow lands on the hero, stopping them. Spider-Man, the X-Men, and Superman endure relentless public scrutiny despite their sacrifices. This trope thrives on forced conflict.
10. Unrealistic Depictions Of Science And Technology
Comic books love their pseudoscience. Radiation grants superpowers instead of lethal cancer, hacking takes seconds with a few keystrokes, and alien technology is instantly understood. If real-world science worked this way, we'd have flying cars by now.
Now, let’s explore the comic book clichés we love to see again and again!
1. The Hero's Journey
From Peter Parker’s tragic beginnings to Batman’s dark past, the hero’s journey never gets old. Audiences love watching ordinary people rise to greatness. Joseph Campbell’s monomyth structure continues to be the foundation of storytelling, ensuring that hero arcs remain inspiring and emotionally gripping.
Emo Pete Parker | Spider-Man 3 (2007) | Now Playing by NOW PLAYING
2. Witty Banter During Battles
Spider-Man’s quips and Deadpool’s fourth-wall-breaking humor make fights more entertaining. These heroes fight with their fists and their mouths, keeping audiences hooked. A well-timed joke can defuse tension and make a battle scene iconic. Silence is great, but who doesn’t enjoy sharp one-liners?
https://www.flickr.com/people/49347467@N05/ on Wikimedia
3. Iconic Costumes
Superhero fashion is instantly recognizable. Batman’s cape, Superman’s “S,” and Spider-Man’s webbed suit define them. These designs become symbols of heroism. Whether practical or not, they’re important to the genre’s visual storytelling. Superheroes without capes and masks? That’s just not right.
4. Mentor-Apprentice Relationships
Batman and Robin. Wolverine and Kitty Pryde. Professor X and the X-Men. The mentor-student dynamic builds character depth and adds layers to storytelling. Watching young heroes learn from seasoned veterans creates compelling drama. It’s a trope that keeps evolving, making it endlessly fresh.
#ClassicCartoon Super Friends | Batman & Robin Get Shrunk! | @dckids by DC Kids
5. Team-Ups And Crossovers
Seeing heroes interact across different franchises is pure magic. The Avengers, Justice League, and X-Men thrive on team dynamics. Even unlikely alliances like Spider-Man and Deadpool create unforgettable moments. Readers love the “what if” scenarios that come with hero collaborations.
6. Redemption Arcs For Villains
When villains seek redemption, it adds depth to storytelling. Magneto, Loki, and Venom show that morality isn’t always black and white. A well-written redemption arc can be more compelling than any hero’s journey. Watching a villain struggle toward the light is storytelling gold.
7. Secret Lairs And Hideouts
The Batcave, the Fortress of Solitude, and the X-Mansion aren’t just headquarters—they’re extensions of the hero’s identity. These sanctuaries give characters a place to regroup and strategize. Plus, secret lairs fuel childhood imagination. Who wouldn’t want their own high-tech hideout?
Batcave Fun Facts | Batman 101 | @dckids by DC Kids
8. Epic Monologues
Villains love to monologue, and frankly, it’s entertaining. A great speech can define a character. The Joker’s philosophical rants, Lex Luthor’s arrogance, and Doctor Doom’s declarations turn them into legends. Over-the-top? Sure. But a well-delivered monologue is pure comic book poetry.
9. Unexpected Plot Twists
Nothing hooks readers like a shocking twist. Captain America hailing Hydra, Batman’s back-breaking showdown with Bane, or The Winter Soldier’s reveal as Bucky Barnes—each one left fans stunned. When executed well, twists redefine stories and keep audiences coming back for more.
10. Legacy Heroes
Seeing new characters inherit classic mantles keeps comics fresh. Miles Morales as Spider-Man, Kamala Khan as Ms. Marvel, and Grayson as Batman show that superhero legacies matter. Passing the torch bridges generations, ensuring these stories remain relevant and impactful for years to come.
Ms. Marvel - All Scenes Powers | Ms. Marvel by Explore Wh!te
