Superhero help (animal archetypes)

[Steel Accord 6,658]

So I'm a recent graduate with a BFA in creative writing for entertainment and I have this idea for a superhero character. He's an anthropomorphic animal in a world like ours who fights evil with martial arts training. Think like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Street Sharks, or the Mighty Ducks. Except dissimilar to the Turtles who mutated pretty early into their lives and the Ducks who are just that way because that's there species, my character is more similar to the Sharks in being transformed later in life when they have time to grapple with their new nature. Except that dynamic is in reverse.

 

My character was a simple beast living in the wild and was then uplifted to human level sentience, intelligence, and similar body shape. (Island of Dr. Moreau style) Who is then taken in by a kind master and taught inner discipline and control as well as ethics and humanity. His main struggle is that because he's spent most of his life with nothing but raw instinct to guide him, he has to actively suppress such instincts in order to live a life even approaching that of a human which he desperately wants to be like. Not that he hates himself but after experiencing the wonderful complexities and depth of thought and emotion that can be analyzed and understood only with sentience, he doesn't want to be the baser creature he once was. While I'm not adverse to getting a chuckle out of scenarios, I do wish that the character's instincts actually make human-like life difficult or even dangerous to himself and others.

 

Problem now is, I can't decide which animal I would like him to be. I'm thinking dog or perhaps wolf-dog to better express his dual nature but both those seem a tad played out. I was thinking maybe an elephant since it would make fighting evil and domestic life interesting since he'd be more akin to a full sized Autobot than the Ninja Turtles, problem with that is that it becomes increasingly difficult to up the ante until he's fighting kaiju. One of my friends suggested a sloth, which was probably a joke but it did get me thinking that rather than inner savagery he's trying to battle instinctive lethargy. I was maybe considering a tiger to better tie him to his kung fu but that seems both a tad predictable and there's not much I could do story wise aside from further martial arts tropes. Which while I'm a strong proponent that the genre can be used in more ways it's often thought of, I would nominally prefer more tools to work with rather than one.

 

What do you guys think? Do any of my stated ideas seem good or do you have suggestions for another animal he could be?

[Black Sabbath 2,484]

Why not a spider? Just imagine the kind of wacky martial arts he could perform with all those extra arms. 

Edited September 12, 2016 by Yamet

[Denim&Venöm 16,464]

How about a mouse or a rabbit, or some other prey animal that must fight it's instincts to run and hide. 

[Taialin 217]

Congratulations on your new degree! Of course, I engage in creative writing as well, albeit with a B.Sc. for some reason.

 

It's rare that I see a plotline so intriguing and well-developed, so I commend you on that. There's so much potential in that "man vs. himself" conflict line, and you're right to take some time deciding what species you'd like your protagonist to be. Lemme brainstorm up a few thoughts.

 

Your suggestions as they stand really aren't too bad, and I like the amount of thought you've put into them. Personally, I'm okay with going a overdone setup so long as you do something unique with it within the universe. Just about every love story in the world is overdone; it's how the story plays out that makes it engaging and not its initial plotline. Of course, I would say that; I'm writing a love story right now.

 

As for species suggestions . . . shark? I'm not pop-culture savvy enough to know whether or not that's a contrived or overdone setup or not, though the convergence of conventional human culture and aquatic life would be interesting. It delves into a universe not frequently seen, given that they're sort of biologically incompatible. But hey, you can do anything in fiction, right? There's plenty of opportunity for conflict as well, given a shark's tendency to see just about everything as prey. There's something to be said about a character who has to learn to discipline their power in a world where just about everything could be eaten without much worry.

 

Alternatively, you could convey this protagonist as something of an anti-hero if you're so inclined. The reason I say that is because sharks are afraid of cetaceans (dolphins). There are, in fact, quite vicious, and have been known to kill sharks on occasion, though they're generally connoted in a better light than sharks in our culture. You could very well cast one of those characters as an anti-villain (if your plot device for transforming beast to sapience is so flexible enough). I'm thinking Dr. Horrible​ right now. Of course, you could always go the redemption route and have your protagonist do something heroic in the end, akin to Mastermind​ and ​Despicable Me. And, of course, it's a pretty uncommon route to go, so I don't think anyone would criticize you for having a overdone setup with this arrangement.

 

If you're still looking for side-plots, note that many species of sharks are endangered as well. Go the "Sympathy Sue" route by having your character be especially uncommon and perhaps the "last of his species." Thinking ​How to Train Your Dragon​ right now. (Where am I getting all these references from? I don't watch movies all that often.) Perhaps a more traveled road than my previous suggestion, but I like emotional plotlines like these ones. And there's nothing saying that you couldn't merge those ideas together, either. It could very well be the plot point that redeems your character. Complicated plot is complicated.

 

Hmm. I was planning on giving you a couple suggestions on what species to use, but this shark setup is a whole lot more fruitful than I thought. Of course, if you want more suggestions or elaboration on this one, give me a yell.

 

~Tai

[Steel Accord 6,658]

Of course, if you want more suggestions or elaboration on this one, give me a yell

 

Yell.

 

First of all let me thank you for a very extensive and comprehensive suggestion. Always helps so much more if someone gives me more than a sentence or two. (No offense to the previous two.)

 

 

It's rare that I see a plotline so intriguing and well-developed, so I commend you on that.

 

Oh it's gotten better with time. Rex (working title for the character) was going to have his master seriously injured and he go and avenge him but that didn't really service the "man" vs. self aspect of the character. So instead his sifu gets into a minor car accident, the other driver goes off a rail of road rage, which causes Rex to snap and seriously injure the other driver. Horrified by what he did, especially in front of his teacher who had taught him restraint, he retreats into a self-imposed exile in the wild.

 

 

Personally, I'm okay with going a overdone setup so long as you do something unique with it within the universe. Just about every love story in the world is overdone; it's how the story plays out that makes it engaging and not its initial plotline. Of course, I would say that; I'm writing a love story right now.

 

Granted and I might just do the wolf-dog idea I'm leaning to, but I like to see if I can come up with something more entertainingly unconventional before I make a final decision.

 

 

As for species suggestions . . . shark? I'm not pop-culture savvy enough to know whether or not that's a contrived or overdone setup or not,

 

 

Well I did mention the Street Sharks but they kind of sit on the edge of obscurity and recognizability. There's also DC's King Shark, a super villain humanoid shark with more backstories than the Joker. In general though, sharks are more homaged in animal symbolism than directly represented.

 

 

 

though the convergence of conventional human culture and aquatic life would be interesting. It delves into a universe not frequently seen, given that they're sort of biologically incompatible. But hey, you can do anything in fiction, right?

 

I had thought of maybe using aquatic animals so a shark or dolphin is certainly not out of the question.

 

 

 

There's something to be said about a character who has to learn to discipline their power in a world where just about everything could be eaten without much worry.

 

You've hit upon the crux of my idea. I heard someone once say that in settings with guns, swords, and magic (depending on how it works in the story), a character who forgoes traditional or easy to use tools in favor of unarmed fighting systems is purposefully limiting themselves. They're showing restraint, they're showing self-discipline. Those limits though, actually end up making them stronger.

 

Rex, or at least what I'm going for right now with him, is a physically superior species to almost any human. Yet he pulls his punches, doesn't use his claws or teeth. He's holding back even in the intensity of a life or death brawl but that's what makes him better, what makes him more human.

 

 

 

Alternatively, you could convey this protagonist as something of an anti-hero if you're so inclined.

 

I am not inclined such but go on.

 

 

 

The reason I say that is because sharks are afraid of cetaceans (dolphins). There are, in fact, quite vicious,

 

Yes, I'm well aware that dolphins can be horrible to each other and to other animals. I'm not an expert but I have an above average knowledge of the animal kingdom. Why do you think I want to make a superhero out of one?

 

 

 

You could very well cast one of those characters as an anti-villain

 

Why not just a villain? I'm sure you know dolphins actually commit rape and slavery. So why give him scruples or end goals that make him more sympathetic?

 

 

 

(if your plot device for transforming beast to sapience is so flexible enough).

 

It does. It's rare and unknown to most of the world but it is repeatable. (Working theory is water from a stream of the melted snow of a mountain touched by the aurora borealis or some other astronomical/meteorological event.) Rex's early enemies will be human but eventually he'll face either one uplift to serve as a dark reflection of himself or multiple man-beasts that don't share his love for humanity . . . or non-uplifted animals for that matter. 

 

 

 

If you're still looking for side-plots, note that many species of sharks are endangered as well. Go the "Sympathy Sue" route by having your character be especially uncommon and perhaps the "last of his species."

 

A ) I love animals but the LAST thing I want to do is give more ammunition or attention to the PETA/Blackfish crowd.    B ) Grant Morrison already did that far better than I ever could in his run of Animal Man. C ) Rex probably wouldn't care. His whole thing is that he wants to be human. He sees his species as incidental. Sure he might feel a little sad at endangered animals but he doesn't see them as kin anymore or at least he doesn't want to.

 

I want people to see Rex and feel sympathetic for him because of his more human-like qualities not because he's a Kung Fu koala. (Never mind if he was a Crocodile or Condor because they're both ugly and therefore not really endangered as far as the average person cares.)

 

 

 

Hmm. I was planning on giving you a couple suggestions on what species to use, but this shark setup is a whole lot more fruitful than I thought. Of course, if you want more suggestions or elaboration on this one, give me a yell.

 

And it's considered but I would like some more suggestions in terms of different species particularly a non-aquatic one if it can be helped.

Edited September 14, 2016 by Steel Accord

[Taialin 217]

Hey, I'm sorry that I made the suggestion about the dolphins! I'm going on general consensus and public opinion here, and to my knowledge, people are a whole lot more afraid of being mangled by a shark than by a dolphin. And I suggested you cast such an anti-villain because I thought it would make them interesting and motivated. The best villains, in my opinion, are not those that have the fewest scruples, but those who have the strongest motivations.
 
Given what you've told me about your story ideas, you do limit options a fair bit. Wolf or dog is naturally the most appropriate choice, and if you pick something too fringe, you run the risk of appearing "too unique," as if you picked another species just because it sets you apart.
 
Jackals are pretty much wolves, insofar that their mannerisms are similar, but with a few idiosyncrasies. For one, they're only natively found in southern Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Asia. You could play up lineage if you wanted, given that I'm pretty sure you want to cast this story in a Westernized universe.
 
Bears would also fit into your paradigm quite smoothly, and I don't believe that they're as common as wolves. They lend themselves to a more "lumbering behemoth" sort of character than the "vicious assassin" type. As for why you'd choose bears over wolves . . . only if such a character would fit smoothly into the story you've already cast, I would say.
 
The ostrich lends itself to a few interesting applications (plus, we haven't discussed avians yet). Cranes are pretty played-out at this point in the context of combat, and they've already inspired martial arts in China. Ostriches, to my knowledge, don't have the same kind of baggage. Plus, something tells me an ostrich would lend itself quite well to some kick-based martial art, like capoeira. But they are traditionally not predatory, so this would either not work for your story ideas, else you'd have to adapt them.

[Steel Accord 6,658]

 

 

Hey, I'm sorry that I made the suggestion about the dolphins! I'm going on general consensus and public opinion here, and to my knowledge, people are a whole lot more afraid of being mangled by a shark than by a dolphin. And I suggested you cast such an anti-villain because I thought it would make them interesting and motivated. The best villains, in my opinion, are not those that have the fewest scruples, but those who have the strongest motivations.

 

Right but a villain character can still be a completely malevolent figure (and thus not anti-villain) and still be interesting. Nolan's Joker, Zaheer, Magneto depending on the version depicted.

 

 

 

Given what you've told me about your story ideas, you do limit options a fair bit. Wolf or dog is naturally the most appropriate choice, and if you pick something too fringe, you run the risk of appearing "too unique," as if you picked another species just because it sets you apart.

 

Sorry, I didn't mean to limit my options or your suggestions.    

 

 

 

Jackals are pretty much wolves, insofar that their mannerisms are similar, but with a few idiosyncrasies. For one, they're only natively found in southern Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Asia. You could play up lineage if you wanted, given that I'm pretty sure you want to cast this story in a Westernized universe.

 

Welll "Westernized" in the sense that it takes place in the U.S. but Rex's master, Ji, is meant to be an immigrant who brings his Chinese cultural perspective with him. I'm also thinking of setting it in either Alaska or around Yellowstone national park so Native American culture is also intended to be included.

 

Which . . . actually gives me an idea, maybe Rex could be a Bison? Powerful, can be short tempered and aggressive. Just something I thought while typing just now.

 

 

 

Bears would also fit into your paradigm quite smoothly, and I don't believe that they're as common as wolves. They lend themselves to a more "lumbering behemoth" sort of character than the "vicious assassin" type. As for why you'd choose bears over wolves . . . only if such a character would fit smoothly into the story you've already cast, I would say.

 

Actually considering the locales I just mentioned a bear would fit rather smoothly, either being a grizzly or polar bear. Also I was never picky on him being particularly agile or nimble of a fighter. If he is more of the heavy type, his fighting style could be more drawn from forms like Hung Gar Wing Chun or wrestling. Which fits nicely since bears already fight a lot of times by standing up right, heavy strikes with their paws, and grappling with their opponent if another bear.

 

 

 

The ostrich lends itself to a few interesting applications (plus, we haven't discussed avians yet). Cranes are pretty played-out at this point in the context of combat, and they've already inspired martial arts in China. Ostriches, to my knowledge, don't have the same kind of baggage.

 

Hmmm ostrich. A lot of good points there.

 

 

 

Plus, something tells me an ostrich would lend itself quite well to some kick-based martial art, like capoeira.

 

Or Tae Kwon Do. Except neither are Chinese in origin but I see what you're getting at. Northern style Kung Fu is also very kick heavy. 

 

 

 

But they are traditionally not predatory, so this would either not work for your story ideas, else you'd have to adapt them.

 

And adapt them I will. You know even if Rex doesn't end up an ostrich, one might show up as an ally or enemy just because of the possibilities that can be had. 

[Taialin 217]

I actually like the idea of exploring a culture that's not from Asia, given that most of the martial arts that have already been covered in popular media are based in Eastern Asia (kung fu, karate). And visualizing an acrobatic ostrich flipping about and practicing capoeira just puts a smile on my face, it does.  Still, this is your storyline, and you can do what you'd like with it. And for the record, a bison practicing wing chun sounds fascinating.

 

Sounds like you've got some good ideas! All I can recommend from this point is if you plan to include some Chinese perspective in your plotline, do your research, and do it thoroughly. Not just Chinese perspective as conveyed by popular media, but actual Chinese culture and martial arts philosophy. Eastern views through a Western perspective is fine, but Eastern views as filtered through Western media and mindset is not.

[Steel Accord 6,658]

 

 

I actually like the idea of exploring a culture that's not from Asia, given that most of the martial arts that have already been covered in popular media are based in Eastern Asia (kung fu, karate).

 

Well name me a philosophically rooted martial art that isn't from Asia. Capoeira fine but what else? British Bartitsu? Pankration? Boxing? Savate? Krav Maga? The whole point is that Rex isn't just a fighter, but a person learning what it means to be human through a passed down system of how one lives life.

 

 

 

And for the record, a bison practicing wing chun sounds fascinating.

 

Starting to think I might go with that.

 

 

 

Sounds like you've got some good ideas!

 

Thank you for the assistance in coming up with them.

 

 

 

All I can recommend from this point is if you plan to include some Chinese perspective in your plotline, do your research, and do it thoroughly. Not just Chinese perspective as conveyed by popular media, but actual Chinese culture and martial arts philosophy. Eastern views through a Western perspective is fine, but Eastern views as filtered through Western media and mindset is not.

 

I don't think you're giving me enough credit good sir as someone who practices both Kung Fu and Buddhism, who's teacher is actually from China, and who has a Chinese national as a pen pal; I'm more than acquainted with Chinese culture. Even if that weren't the case though, you'd have to be almost willfully ignorant to take everything seen in movies at face value these days. We live in an increasingly globalized world, I'm sure most people outside the States secretly know we're not all cowboys or superheroes even if that's the media they see us produce. Just as much I know not everyone in Spain is a steamy romantic bull fighter

 

So yeah, I know what I'm talking about AND will do my research it's only part of what they taught me to always do before writing anything.

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

Just a thought... a villain who appears cute at first, but is in fact completely psychotic. It has been done; think Lotso from Toy Story 3 or the rabbit from Monty Python And The Holy Grail.

[Wind Chaser 4,767]

If this is still live, I'd suggest any kind of big cat. I know it seems kind of cliche considering felines are some of the most commonly used species, but considering they're familiar animals and that people in general know a lot about their nature and instincts, we can form a connection with certain predatory and, for lack of a better term, animalistic tendencies that would make it hard for them to adjust to a human life if they were suddenly thrust into such a situation. They are also great fighting animals and a frequent motif for action-oriented cartoons (SWAT Kats, Thundercats, Samurai Pizza Cats to an extent) and especially more mature stories (Felidae, Warriors).

[Steel Accord 6,658]

If this is still live, I'd suggest any kind of big cat. I know it seems kind of cliche considering felines are some of the most commonly used species, but considering they're familiar animals and that people in general know a lot about their nature and instincts, we can form a connection with certain predatory and, for lack of a better term, animalistic tendencies that would make it hard for them to adjust to a human life if they were suddenly thrust into such a situation. They are also great fighting animals and a frequent motif for action-oriented cartoons (SWAT Kats, Thundercats, Samurai Pizza Cats to an extent) and especially more mature stories (Felidae, Warriors).

 

Still live but I already settled on a species and it's not cat.