So, when evaluating these traits, the Jedi get five strong matches, four weak matches, and two no matches. The next question to ask is do all of these matches count equally or are some criteria more important than others are are. Yet, even when doing so, we are still left with such a mixed bag. They obviously have strong matches from important things like superhuman abilities, moral codes, costumes and villains, but to what extent do the auspices of a separate identity or a characteristic motif make a superhero into the archetypal figure that we think of upon just hearing the word. Although I am and have always been a huge fan of superheroes, even my evaluation of such things would be mostly subjective.
Overall, I feel like I have to rule that Jedi are Quasi-Superheroes rather than counting as a full on representation of the archetype. However, this is not intended as a slight or criticism since the Jedi are not meant to fit this role and are, instead, specifically designed to fit other archetypes. In addition, to the extent that the Jedi count as superheroes, it is probably less because Jedi match superhero criteria as much as it is that they both match the traits of the archetypal hero of Joseph Campbell and others.
Let me know if you agree or disagree with my thoughts in the discussion thread and hopefully I will be back soon with more evaluation of superheroes in our society.
