Deadpool and Wolverine have been in the cinemas for a while, and with the recent announcement of two more Avengers films this decade – Doomsday and Secret Wars – we’ve decided to take a look back through our photo archive at superheroes in Cumbria, meanwhile looking into their history.

The history of superheroes is a rich tapestry that spans nearly a century, first emerging in the late 1930s, with the debut of characters like Superman in Action Comics #1 in 1938.

This period, known as the Golden Age of Comics, introduced iconic figures like Batman, Wonder Woman, and Captain America, who embodied ideals of justice, bravery, and moral integrity.

These characters provided hope and escapism during the Great Depression and World War II, becoming symbols of resilience and righteousness.

As the decades progressed, the Silver Age of Comics (1956-1970) brought more complex and flawed heroes, such as Spider-Man and the X-Men.

These characters dealt with personal struggles and societal issues, reflecting the changing attitudes of the time, including civil rights and the complexities of the Cold War.

The Bronze Age (1970-1985) and Modern Age (1985-present) of comics saw superheroes become darker and more morally ambiguous, with anti-heroes like Wolverine and Deadpool challenging traditional notions of heroism.

Wolverine, introduced in 1974, epitomises the evolution of the superhero archetype.

A member of the X-Men, Wolverine is known for his brooding personality, regenerative healing powers, and retractable claws.

Unlike the near-invincible heroes of earlier decades, Wolverine is a tortured soul with a violent past, grappling with his identity and the animalistic rage within him.

His popularity reflects a shift towards more complex, relatable characters who struggle with their own demons, resonating with audiences who see themselves in these flawed heroes.

Deadpool, first appearing in 1991, further pushed the boundaries of the superhero genre.

Known as the Merc with a Mouth’, Deadpool is a wisecracking, fourth-wall-breaking anti-hero who blurs the lines between hero and villain.

His irreverent humour, combined with his self-awareness as a fictional character, satirises the superhero genre itself, appealing to a generation that grew up with these stories and now seeks a more subversive take on the genre.