From 'Batman' to 'Arrow': The evolution of the TV superhero

Once upon a time, TV superheroes were doughy, kind of dorky. The sets were cardboard. The villains were campy. The plots were contrived. It was kid stuff. <BR><BR> Now? TV superheroes have taken a darker turn. Witness "Arrow," the new show from the CW. Critics are calling it one of the best new shows of the season. It's stylish, tight, well written ... and ab-tastic. <BR><BR> How'd we get here? Follow the TV superhero from the primordial ooze of Superman to the current state or the art with our TV Superhero primer.

( ABC/The CW )

Once upon a time, TV superheroes were doughy, kind of dorky. The sets were cardboard. The villains were campy. The plots were contrived. It was kid stuff.

Now? TV superheroes have taken a darker turn. Witness "Arrow," the new show from the CW. Critics are calling it one of the best new shows of the season. It's stylish, tight, well written ... and ab-tastic.

How'd we get here? Follow the TV superhero from the primordial ooze of Superman to the current state or the art with our TV Superhero primer.

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