Whether they’re in the form of comic books, movies, TV shows, or video games, people can’t help but love superheroes. There are countless superheroes whose stories feature a myriad of genres including; horror, mystery, action, fantasy, and comedy. Whatever your preference, there is a genre for everyone.
Today, our Day Translations blog is centered on how various superheroes gained fame with localization. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term localization, it is simply the process of adappting various products, services, and content to specific local markets. Therefore, by taking a product or image and adjusting it to a specific culture, you have made it more relevant to that culture and widened your target audience.
Can you think of Superheroes who gained popularity through the use of localization? We can.
Marvel Comics’ Black Panther
Typically, when we think of superheroes, we think of white men. This is because they are traditionally portrayed this way in comic books and recent movie adaptations. However, there are quite a few exceptions that have broken the stereotype and created excitement among members of the black community.
One such exception is T’Challa, more popularly known as Black Panther. Black Panther is a fictional character created by Stan Lee who appears in several American comic books. He is depicted as the leader and protector of Wakanda, a fictional African nation.
But, how did Black Panther become so popular? Africans, members of the African Diaspora, and black folks worldwide embraced T’Challa and the nation of Wakanda as their own. Back in 2018, the casting and costuming of The Black Panther movie were truly emblematic of African culture.
This was Marvel’s first almost entirely black cast featuring powerful black actors, black women in leadership roles, and a fearless and devoted army. Black people worldwide were loving it! The visual brilliance of the show was highly representative of African culture as the Dora Milaje wore stacked neck rings similar to those worn by Ndebele women of South Africa. Their beaded uniforms also feature beading worn by the Maasai and Turkana traditions.
Black people globally felt connected to the Wakanda community. The ‘Wakanda Forever’ slogan became bigger than Black Panther itself and represented a symbol to celebrate black pride and excellence.
DC’s Wonder Woman
Leaving the Marvel Universe and heading over to DC, undoubtedly Wonder Woman is one of if not the most powerful female characters in the DC verse. Also known as Diana, Princess of the Amazons, her physical powers are strong enough to defeat Superman.
Wonder Woman rose to fame as an icon of the feminist movement and is seen as a symbol of female empowerment. It is not often that we see a female superhero breaking into a predominantly male superhero universe.
She is as fierce as she is powerful and is backed by her fellow Amazonians who are talented, capable, and an excellent showcase of female power and strength. No more are female superheroes taking a backseat to male superheroes.
Wonder Woman is a superhero who matters to girls and women, she is beautiful, confident, empathetic, and possesses a power like no other. She is a representation of how every female wants to feel and be identified.
Until 2017, female superheroes were limited in their roles and exposure. The 2017 film adaptation of Wonder Woman, saw more women in central roles and Wonder Woman at the front and center of all the action.
Her presence in the film has encouraged the conversation of why more women playing central roles in films, and more female superheroes should be embraced. Wonder Woman has inspired women worldwide, and for many, she carries the girl power mantle with her. One small step for women, one giant leap for womankind.
Let’s Wrap Up
Superheroes can gain popularity for a plethora of reasons. Setting aside their abilities, they have grown from gathering a small audience of children in a particular region, to gain the international attention of people of all genders, races, and ages.
Superheroes have become more relatable than one might think. A poor orphaned child may envision himself as Batman, a strong black African man who seeks to be a leader of his community can look to T’Challa for inspiration, and a confident, outspoken Greek woman can be given strength through her icon Wonder Woman.
It is through localization that some of our favorite superheroes gained fame, and found their way into our hearts. It is in the same respect that Day Translations would like to help you and your business inspire others around the globe.
We offer localization services that will make audiences worldwide feel as though your product and service were made for them. Allow us to help to make your business global and help capture the cultural nuances of your desired target audience.
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