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Okay, gentlefolk, it's been a long time since I've delved into my own brain and pulled something completely random from it. So, I guess I should do it now.

Here is my topic: what is the difference between a pulp hero and a super hero?

What line separates a pulp hero from a superhero? What about where the lines are blurred?

Dick Tracy is definitely a pulp hero, as is the Rocketeer, and the Phantom. Sky Captain falls into this category as well. They can pretty well fall well into the purview of pulp hero.

Superman, wolverine, Thor- those definitely fit into the mold of superhero, however...

What about those who toe the line?

Green Arrow/Hawkeye - Considered a Superhero, but doesn't contain anything superhuman
Batman/Iron man - master gadgeteers, but are definitely considered superheroes.
The Shadow- Regarded as a pulp hero, but his ability to manipulate the human mind might be construed as a super power.

Where is the line drawn? What makes a superhero a superhero and a pulp hero a pulp hero?

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"So, are you a fan of the Fett?"

"Nah, I'm more of a Star Wars guy."

What is the general definition of each that one would need to subscribe to in order to discuss this? I'm vaguely familiar with the term "pulp" but I've never heard it used to differentiate types of heroes like this.

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"To create something great, you need the means to make a lot of really bad crap." - Kevin Kelly

Why aren't you shopping AmaCoN?

Valid question-

what they both have in common is their similarities in adventuring. Generally, a villain tries to enact some nefarious scheme and the hero tries to stop them.

Generally, a pulp hero uses some sort of pseudoscience and engineering to achieve their means, or their "powers" are very much based on a strong talent as opposed to powerful attributes. for instance, Dick Tracy would often use his talent for deductive reasoning to solve his crimes, while the rocketeer contained no superpowers of his own, and his rocket pack doesn't grant him any other capabilities other than the ability to fly.

Super heroes tend to have abilities based on attributes or talents that are much grander, such as psychic ability (jean grey, professor x), or superhuman strength (so many to count), or abilities such as a sonic scream (banshee, black canary).

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"So, are you a fan of the Fett?"

"Nah, I'm more of a Star Wars guy."