When the first superhero went public during World War II, the world responded with wonder. We treated the original superhero like a famous writer or singer, heaping on him the riches of international celebrity. Others came after him, as noble, as mighty. Committed to a fate that set them apart from normal humans, the new superhumans eventually became as natural as pop stars. Today, long after the retirement of the original superhero, hundreds of extraordinary individuals grapple with their place in society. Are they heroes? Villains? Are they volatile or do they contribute to the betterment...

When the first superhero went public during World War II, the world responded with wonder. We treated the original superhero like a famous writer or singer, heaping on him the riches of international celebrity. Others came after him, as noble, as mighty. Committed to a fate that set them apart from normal humans, the new superhumans eventually became as natural as pop stars. Today, long after the retirement of the original superhero, hundreds of extraordinary individuals grapple with their place in society. Are they heroes? Villains? Are they volatile or do they contribute to the betterment...