Iconography
Different objects, images, characters etc. that are strongly associated with a particular genre are part of Iconography. They can have a hidden meaning and they can almost, instinctively, help us identify a genre.
Iconography in superhero films is not as established as it is in western films - a Stetson hat, is almost always associated with cowboys and the western film genre - therefor, it's not as clear.
It could be many different things. Such as: Places/Settings/Locations, Objects, Gadgets/Weapons/Vehicles, Imagery, Characters and even Music.
The skyline of Manhattan. Iconic for it's famous city of New York and home to the greatest Spider-Man
Batman's Batcave. Iconic for all Batman fans
The iconic dark alley you see in the films
​Places/Settings/Locations
Iconic places, like New York City - seen in Spider-Man - are used so the audience can recognise where the Film is being set - realism - and associate it with real life situations. It also shows importance to the Hero because they need to look after all these people that are living within these big, famous settings - This is their values.
Think about the dark allies you see in these big superhero films. What do you see? Dumpsters, Thugs, Smoke seeping through from the drains and some sort of small, stray animal. You think of these things because they are becoming iconic to the films. It's a place where it's likely for the heroes to have a fight or a battle. Usually, with thugs to warn them, or even a short fight scene with the enemy.
Batman's upgraded Batmobile. Seen in the more recent Dark Knight films
With it's iconic red, white and blue colours, it's America's prized weapon
The vehicle seen and used in the famous Fantastic 4 films
Gadgets/Weapons/Vehicles
These things can also be iconic as well. They can be unique to the hero, but are usually very important to the character.
Main examples would be: Batman's Batmobile, Thor's Hammer, Green Lantern's Lantern and Captain America's Shield. Of course, there are many more, but these are some of the obvious.
Vehicles are normally always utilised in superhero films and are some of the most iconic out of the three. They are included as it allows the opportunity for more action and they're bound to appear in trailers to try and attract the audiences.
The famous spider logo seen worn upon Spider-Man's chest
The iconic bat symbol seen high in the skies when help is needed
One of the most iconic and easily recognised logos of all.
Is dark and serious pose here is relative to his character in the Dark Knight films
Instantly recognised by all as Superman's famous pose
Occasionally scene swinging from building to building. This is one of his well known poses
Imagery/Characters/Symbols
These three things are what everyone starts to thing about when the think of iconic things in superhero films: the characters poses and their logos.
Each character has their very own, different, symbol and pose that is very recognise able by everyone. They are seen throughout the films and trailers and on the posters and magazines - they're everywhere.
They are normally always simple and easy to understand and that makes them as iconic as the audience can understand the characters and everything that is made of them.
Music
Music probably wasn't the first think that came into your head when you thought of iconography, but it's definitely one thing that's iconic to a superhero.
Many heroes have their own theme songs: Spider-Man and Batman do and so do others, but one of the most known and recognised has to be Superman's theme music. Composed by Mr John Williams in 1978, it was first heard in the opening-credits to the films and has been re-used many times. It's made up of your classical orchestra fanfare and it truly is a very iconic piece of wonderful music.
​Superman's Theme Song.
Composed by John Williams
1978​
© 2012 by SAMANTA JONES
Disclaimer - None of the images and videos you see on are are actually mine. All credit goes to their creators and to Marvel and DC
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Superheroes