Flying British Superheroes of World War Two and beyond: The historical turn in Britain’s aviation war in popular culture

Flying British Superheroes of World War Two and Beyond examines the historical context and ideological narratives that shaped the development of British superheroes, with particular emphasis on aviation-related heroes from World War Two onwards. The authors argue that unlike their American counterparts, British superheroes have historically been deeply intertwined with Britain’s own wartime experiences, colonial legacy, class structures, and socio-political history. Beginning with iconic characters such as Biggles, a pilot hero representing British colonial ideals, the research highlights how British superheroes served as reflections of the nation's aspirations and anxieties—particularly around masculinity, empire, and declining global influence. World War Two, especially the Battle of Britain, provided an important cultural and symbolic backdrop for these heroes, embedding figures like RAF pilots into the popular imagination as real-world "superheroes" who symbolised bravery and national pride. The research discusses significant British superheroes across several decades, including Dan Dare, whose narratives embodied post-war optimism, scientific progress, and anxieties about national decline; Marvelman (later Miracleman), who mirrored American superheroes yet carried distinct British sensibilities; and the Steel Claw, who blended espionage and action with critiques of governmental power. The authors also consider Doctor Who, positioning the character as a uniquely British superhero who embodies Britishness, national anxieties, and the decline of empire through a narrative of moral authority and regeneration. This work contrasts British superheroes with American superheroes, noting key distinctions: British superheroes are historically grounded, class-conscious, often satirical, and closely tied to actual historical events and figures. In contrast, American superheroes typically represent abstract ideals such as justice and patriotism, often disconnected from real historical contexts. Despite these differences, both traditions share a cultural role as symbolic figures addressing social and political inadequacies, embodying wish-fulfilment, and reflecting national anxieties.

Parts of this project can be found in the forthcoming The Routledge Companion to Superhero Studies, Edited By Lorna Piatti-Farnell & Carl Wilson