Is there a historic reason in comics that invulnerable superheroes never use eastern martial arts.

by Nudelgerichte

Invulnerable superheroes like Superman, Thor, Colossus, and many others all seem to just throw punches, and never any other type, even when something like Ju-jitsu or even greco-roman wrestling would make logical sense for someone who's job is to fight other invulnerable people.

Is there a reason they are written this way? I know comics really started getting popular around WW2, so you wouldn't expect to see many "exotic" (for American audiences at the time) martial arts, but what about modern day?

answer-questions

As reference, some comic superheros (and some villains) who rely on martial arts (not an extensive list of course):

  • Iron Fist (Danny Rand) - First appearance in Marvel Premiere #15 (1974) - He's a hero of Hell's Kitchen and often seen with Daredevil when he isn't in his own comic.

  • Shang-Chi - First appearance in Special Marvel Edition #15 (1973) - He has the title of "Master of Kung Fu" in the Marvel universe and ranks among the highest in fighting skill. He's also seen in Hell's Kitchen most of the time.

  • Elektra - First Appearance: First appearance in Daredevil #168 (1981) - A villain, but same as the previous people resident of Hell's Kitchen mainly.

  • Daredevil (Matt Murdock) - First Appearance in Daredevil #1 (1964) - Martial artist who relies on the trope of a blind man who has other senses heightened in order to perceive.

  • Karnak (An Inhuman) - First Appearance in Fantastic Four #45 (1965) - His power involves knowing specific pressure points and striking them adeptly.

  • Wolverine - First Appearance in Incredible Hulk #180 (1974) - He spent many years in Japan training in martial arts, including swordplay.

  • Silver Sable - First Appearance in The Amazing Spider-Man #265 (1985) - Adept at hand to hand combat, martial arts, and is also a gymnast.

  • Silver Samurai - First Appearance in Daredevil #111 (1974) - Mutant who uses his power to charge attacks with his katana primarily.

  • Razor Fist - First Appearance in Master of Kung Fu #29 (1975) - There are multiple people who took on the title, but all are adept at martial arts.