Quote:
Originally Posted by eschwartz
I think you can often tell the difference between Urban Fantasy and Superhero fiction, based on the way the characters behave.
It might really just be a matter of authorial fiat. If it is all in the characters' behavior 
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Still hard to classify though

Steven Strange must count so why not Harry Dresden?
Quote:
Originally Posted by eschwartz
It is a superhero story if characters are expected to live up to the characteristics of the superhero archetype.
It is a superhero story if people gain their powers through radiation, strange Takisian/other viruses, "breakthroughs", etc
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Hey, you discounted Shadowops.
Quote:
Originally Posted by eschwartz
it is not a superhero story if people are born to a generic segment of the populace that have xxx hereditary powers.
As for the genetically modified, that in and of itself doesn't seem to be strong proof for or against.
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And there are a ton of existing superheroes who wouldn't count

No Powers - Green Arrow, Hawkeye, Batman, Black Canary, Black Widow, Green Hornet - Maybe we can count anyone who calls themselves
The Primary Colour Thingy or
Animal Name Thingy 
, we can discount The Punisher as just being a gun-nut.
Magical/Demonic - Steven Strange, Constantine, Vandal Savage, Ghost Rider, The Shadow, Hellboy, Spawn
Hi Tech - Iron Man, The Atom, Ant Man
And where do James Bond, Judge Dredd and Danger Mouse stand
If you can find the 2 Mel Odom books, well worth a superhero type read.
If you haven't read the Grimnoir stuff I'd give it a go, very superhero feel to it.
Cheers for the recommends