I was talking the other day with someone about types of storylines that are common in comics, and we got to talking about how some tropes that work well in comics don't necessarily work well in an RPG campaign. Or at the very least are very hard to pull off.

I was wondering if anyone else had any thoughts about storylines and plot threads that make for great comic book reading but that are either difficult to pull off in a campaign--or that aren't a lot of fun.

For me, a lot of personal life and romantic hang-ups in comics are hard in a game. For instance, the romantic triangle between Lois Lane and Clark Kent/Superman is great reading, but would be complicated and even boring to me as a GM or player.

Probably depends on the general life experiences and group you play with. I could easily imagine trying things in a game these days I would have been to "macho" or embarrassed to have tried  in my younger days. As I got older the depth of the story became more important than just knocking bad guys around.

As a GM too often I've had players who wanted to play the "popular" anti-hero (not one of my favorites) or just out smart their fellow players than humanize their characters

I think too many players and GMs tend to think if it doesnt have a die roll, that a character doesn't have the "ability". For example you could have the skill: Interrogation 13+ or  . . . you could just roleplay and ask the GM some questions

That's an interesting perspective, because ever since the late 80's I've found the "boyscout" has become increasingly less popular a character. In his place are the "badboy" anti-hero types. One would think these dark and gritty types would be more prone to setting traps and ganging up on the bad guys. Which isn't to say characters playing a Captain America type wouldn't set traps or diversions, after all that's just good tactics and teamwork. I just find it surprising the "dark hero" wouldn't be more prone to make it part of his modus operandi.

Excellent point on solo/duo adventurers versus standard team campaign games. It's difficult (not impossible) to have an arch-nemesis when 4 other heroes are beating on the guy. As  GM I've always tried my best to develop a rogue's gallery for characters who enjoy such a thing, as I do myself as a player. Unfortunately teamwork can really cut into that aspect and a lot of players just don't care to develop that as part of the game. And  to one of Malcolm's points, with all due respect . . . but if I want domestic drama on a Saturday night, I'll stay home with my wife instead of getting together with guys and role-play the same thing (love you honey)

PS: Why would anyone spend multi-millions building a supersuit to rob a bank? Why would anyone perform superpower giving experiments on criminals or mental patients. Why would a convicted felon bother with a mask? Why would anyone wear tights

Ranger wrote on Sep 17^th, 2010 at 11:00am:


I agree with your other ones, but for this one it's quite simple: either they don't want to be recognized (if they are notorious enough) or they want to disguise/hide their identity so that it makes it more difficult to identify them later (just like they typical bank robber who disguises their features with panty hose or a motorcycle helmet).   

John wrote on Sep 13^th, 2010 at 11:00pm:


We'll try to work on that one for you. I may have the perfect Character in mind......

davew wrote on Sep 17^th, 2010 at 12:53pm:


Could you at least explain the dress? J/K