El origen del mito del superhéroe en TikTok. La evolución del personaje en su recorrido por los medios tradicionales y digitales

Rut Martínez Borda; Sara Infante Pineda; Alba García Vega; Iris Barrajón Lara

doi:10.31637/epsir-2024-1638

Authors

Rut Martínez Borda University of Alcalá https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3841-6402
Sara Infante Pineda University of Alcalá https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9642-8719
Alba García Vega University of Alcalá https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7193-0390
Iris Barrajón Lara University of Alcalá https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6166-3471

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2024-1638

Keywords:

superhero, myth, fiction, social networks, brand, industry, culture, Superman

Abstract

Introduction: This article revisits the superhero myth and focuses on its most iconic figure, Superman, to examine his evolution from early comics to his presence on social media. Methodology: The study uses a dual methodological approach, employing data from Analisa to interpret the phenomenon of Superman's modern digital presence. The latest DC Entertainment series, Superman & Lois, is analyzed as a case study where Superman’s dual hero-human identity acquires new traits that become content shared on social platforms. Results: Findings confirm that the "Superman brand" extends, reshapes, and recomposes itself on platforms like TikTok through follower interactions and comments. Discussion: These interactions reveal Superman as a cultural creation continually reconstructed through digital tools and the content produced by followers. Conclusion: Superman’s transformation on social media platforms like TikTok exemplifies the evolving nature of the superhero myth in response to follower engagement and digital culture.

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Author Biographies

Rut Martínez Borda, University of Alcalá

Professor of Audiovisual Communication and Advertising. She coordinates the research group “Images, Words and Ideas” and has been a member since 2000. Her main interest is focused on analyzing the place of communication tools, which are rapidly transforming society, in the lives of children and young people. From topics as diverse as education through art, programs for safe mobility, video games as cultural and educational objects or respect for creation from a field as complex as intellectual property, he tries to find answers that can help educators, parents and teachers to face the different challenges that society poses to us every day.

Sara Infante Pineda, University of Alcalá

PhD in Communication, Education and Society. Associate Professor at the University of Alcalá. She has more than 16 years of experience as Producer, Editor and Director of Radio programs (14 years in ABC Punto Radio, 4 years in Cibeles FM and 2 years in Onda Cero Radio). She received the Silver Antenna 2004 for the Direction and Presentation of special programs of Punto Radio. Among his publications is the book Vivir la Radio: empresa, tecnología y audiencia (2018). In addition to radio as a company and as a medium, he analyzes the phenomenon of audiences, media consumption habits and the phenomenon of Artificial Intelligence. He belongs to the research group “Images, Words and Ideas”.

Alba García Vega, University of Alcalá

Postdoctoral Fellow UAH. PhD in Communication, Information and Technology of the Network Society at the University of Alcalá. Member of the research group “Images, Words and Ideas”. Her lines of research focus on the study of the communicative projection of narratives in digital media, technological evolution and socio-cultural dynamics of interactive media. He has carried out projects and courses focused on the analysis of technologies and the development of digital content adapted to different cultural, creative and educational sectors, developing technological applications based on the inclusion of virtual and augmented reality. His research is also focused on interaction, immersion and narratives in social networks, new technologies and the socio-cultural dynamics of interactive media.

Iris Barrajón Lara, University of Alcalá

FPI-UAH Fellow. Student of the PhD program in Communication, Information and Technology of the Networked Society at the University of Alcalá. She is a member of the research group “Images, Words and Ideas”. Her lines of research focus on analyzing the place of communication technologies in the social, cultural and educational spheres. She tries to respond to the transformations that emerge in society to improve the use of these tools and promote their insertion in the lives of citizens. He has carried out projects and courses focused on the creation of educational and cultural digital content through the use and development of different tools and technological applications based on virtual and augmented reality.

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