Nomenclature
From Encyclopedia Superheroica -the Encyclopedia of Superheroes
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| - | They say that you don't get a second chance to make a first impression. This is not restricted simply to one's appearance or one's | + | They say that you don't get a second chance to make a first impression. This is not restricted simply to one's appearance or one's formal introduction. A superhero's name can precede them. People will begin to form opinions based on a name alone. Too often though, people are either misinformed or underwhelmed by superhero nomenclature. A superhero needs to seriously consider Shakespeare's warning "What's in a name?" before they make their final decision. Their reputations and careers may depend upon it. |
| - | Most superheroes' names are obvious and relatively complimentary | + | ==Examples== |
| - | "Superman" is a man of superior abilities. <br> | + | Most superheroes' names are obvious and at least relatively complimentary. Names of this sort are to be preferred.<br> |
| - | "Batman" is a man inspired by (and dressed like) bats. <br> | + | *"Superman" is a man of superior abilities. <br> |
| - | "Murcielaga" is a Hispanic woman inspired by (and dressed like) bats. <br> | + | *"Batman" is a man inspired by (and dressed like) bats. <br> |
| - | "Wolverine" is vicious like a wolverine. <br> | + | *"Murcielaga" is a Hispanic woman inspired by (and dressed like) bats. <br> |
| - | "Badger" is vicious like a badger. <br> | + | *"Wolverine" is vicious like a wolverine. <br> |
| - | "Storm" has meteorological powers. <br> | + | *"Badger" is vicious like a badger. <br> |
| + | *"Storm" has meteorological powers. <br> | ||
| + | *"Green Arrow" is a monochromatic archer. <br> | ||
| + | -Nuff said. | ||
| - | + | ==Bad Ideas | |
| - | + | There are those who insist upon being "mysterious". Most of those heroes end up sounding silly. This can result in morale problems for both the hero and the citizens under their oversight. | |
| - | + | One might get lucky [http://www.generatorland.com/generators/superhero_gl.php#|picking a name at random], but this kind of longshot is not advisable. | |
| + | |||
| + | An unfortunate few have come to inspire ridicule rather than respect. Perhaps name changes are in order for these heroes. Let them serve as reminders. | ||
[http://www.wired.com/gadgets/miscellaneous/commentary/alttext/2006/11/72191 Wired's nominations] | [http://www.wired.com/gadgets/miscellaneous/commentary/alttext/2006/11/72191 Wired's nominations] | ||
[http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/04/24/comicmix-six-the-worst-superhero-names-in-comics ComicMix' nominations] | [http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/04/24/comicmix-six-the-worst-superhero-names-in-comics ComicMix' nominations] | ||
| - | + | [[Category: definitions]] | |
| - | [[Category: | + | |
Revision as of 19:22, 29 March 2009
They say that you don't get a second chance to make a first impression. This is not restricted simply to one's appearance or one's formal introduction. A superhero's name can precede them. People will begin to form opinions based on a name alone. Too often though, people are either misinformed or underwhelmed by superhero nomenclature. A superhero needs to seriously consider Shakespeare's warning "What's in a name?" before they make their final decision. Their reputations and careers may depend upon it.
Examples
Most superheroes' names are obvious and at least relatively complimentary. Names of this sort are to be preferred.
- "Superman" is a man of superior abilities.
- "Batman" is a man inspired by (and dressed like) bats.
- "Murcielaga" is a Hispanic woman inspired by (and dressed like) bats.
- "Wolverine" is vicious like a wolverine.
- "Badger" is vicious like a badger.
- "Storm" has meteorological powers.
- "Green Arrow" is a monochromatic archer.
-Nuff said.
==Bad Ideas There are those who insist upon being "mysterious". Most of those heroes end up sounding silly. This can result in morale problems for both the hero and the citizens under their oversight.
One might get lucky a name at random, but this kind of longshot is not advisable.
An unfortunate few have come to inspire ridicule rather than respect. Perhaps name changes are in order for these heroes. Let them serve as reminders. Wired's nominations ComicMix' nominations
