Super Sam and John of The Night

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A genre-jumping british superhero webcomic made by Darryl Cunningham. It features the titular Super Sam and John of the Night, two superheroes partnered together against crime. While our heroes strive to do the right thing and their enemies do things to the detriment of mankind, there are shades of grey present in these conflicts that give depth to the strange adventures that they end up in: Two major (alliterative) themes are morality and mortality.

Sam is described as a “vain, egotistical man”, and often overreacts to everyday problems. He is the Cape to John’s Cowl, although his sometimes obnoxious behaviour prevents him from being a “true” Cape. His symbol and the source of these powers is the sun, and overall is not dissimilar to another superhero (*cough cough* Superman *cough*). John, in contrast, is very practical, sometimes to the point of ruthlessness. His symbol is the moon, and has "psychic" powers. While their opposing personalities can sometimes cause conflict, their partnership is usually stable.

It begins as a series of comedy strips (the sort with a punchline), and develops a much darker plot somewhere around page 17 (Although there are hints at the direction it was heading in even earlier than that!). Over the progress of both stories, it’s touched on elements of Science Fiction, Fantasy, Western, Drama, Action, and Adventure - hence, “Genre-Jumping”. The first story is called “The Seven Faces” and the archive can be found here ^{[dead link]}. The second story is called “The Streets of San Diablo”, and can be found here. A third story has yet to be produced, but should that happen it will be called “The Throne of God”.

Tropes used in Super Sam and John of The Night include:

• Superheroes Wear Capes: Played Straight for Sam and John's costumes, Averted for the super-kids. Additionally:
  • Superheroes Wear Tights Although they may not be -so- tight. Cunningham's style doesn't leave room for definition.
  • Cool Mask
  • Chest Insignia
  • And I hope you get the point, now.
• Stock Super Powers: Sam is basically Superman. John is "psychic", with a variety of generally spiritual/mental abilities. The super-kids can all fly.
  • Sam's powers:
    • Super Strength
    • Nigh Invulnerability
    • Eye Beams
    • Energy Absorption: Sam's powers come from the sun, and he has an affinity for radiation.
• Talking in Your Dreams: This is how John's Grandfather communicates with people in the realm of the living.
• Cerebus Syndrome: Although the "comedy strip" phase of the comic lasts less than 20 pages, so it's more like Early Installment Weirdness.
• Graying Morality: Initially, we have Sam and John versus Boss Millions. Then, it gets a little complicated when The Seven Faces show up.
• Character Development A major arc involves Sam facing death after absorbing a poison. At the end, the character who was originally sort of a joke becomes one of the most well-balanced people around!
• Clark Kenting: Played for laughs when we see Sam's civilian persona, "Sam Samsonite". His disguise is complete with a pair of glasses, a (smaller, but bulletproofed?) wig, and a suit (with the same colour scheme, no less!). He isn't fooling anyone.
• Expy: Sam for Superman, of course.