López, D. Films by genre, c1993: under category Fantasy Film (Comic Strip Superheroes Films (Superhero Films). From Buck Rogers to Flash Gordon, Superman, and a host of others, these comic strip or comic book superheroes (better known as "long-underwear heroes" by their creators) have invaded the worlds of science fiction and fantasy alike. With a fluctuating degree of success, fantasy films have frequently sought to transpose to the screen their adventures. These films already form a sizeable group. Examples: Batman, Superman, Supergirl, The Rocketeer)

Yee, M.M. Moving image materials, 1988 (Superhero drama. Use for fictional genre films and programs in which the protagonist has superhuman powers, often derived from imaginary technology. BT Science fiction)