Why Is 'Vicious' Considered A Dark Superhero Novel?

'Vicious' redefines the superhero genre by stripping away all pretense of nobility. What fascinates me is how V.E. Schwab constructs this world where extraordinary abilities amplify human flaws rather than inspire heroism. The story begins with two antiheroes whose friendship disintegrates into a decade-long feud fueled by mutual destruction. Victor's cold, methodical nature contrasts with Eli's fanatical self-righteousness, yet neither is redeemable. Their powers aren't glamorous—Victor feels no pain, which sounds useful until you realize it mirrors his emotional numbness. Eli heals instantly, but this immortality feeds his god complex.

The supporting characters deepen the darkness. Sydney, a child who can resurrect the dead, becomes a pawn in their war. Her ability comes with horrific consequences, like her first resurrection resulting in a monstrous version of her sister. Mitch, Victor's ally, has enhanced strength but uses it primarily for violent escapes. Even the setting feels oppressive, with most scenes occurring at night or in bleak environments. The novel’s structure jumps between past and present, showing how each character’s choices inevitably lead to ruin. It’s a masterclass in moral ambiguity, where the ‘super’ in superhero only magnifies the worst traits.

Unlike typical comics where powers lead to saving lives, here they enable destruction. The climax isn’t about defeating evil—it’s about two broken men refusing to let go of their hatred. The absence of traditional heroism makes 'Vicious' one of the darkest takes on superpowers I’ve ever read.

What makes 'Vicious' so compelling is its refusal to romanticize power. I adore how it dissects the psychology behind becoming monstrous. Victor and Eli aren’t villains by accident; they choose their paths deliberately. Victor’s revenge-driven arc shows how pain can be weaponized, while Eli’s descent into zealotry mirrors real-world extremism. Their abilities aren’t gifts—they’re curses that isolate them. Sydney’s resurrection power, for instance, forces her to confront death constantly, stripping away childhood innocence.

The novel’s darkness also lies in its pacing. Flashbacks reveal how small choices snowball into catastrophe. The fight scenes aren’t glamorized; they’re messy, desperate, and often end with psychological scars. Even the ‘heroes’ are morally bankrupt—Serena, an EO with mind control, manipulates an entire city into adoring her. The worldbuilding reinforces this tone; EOs (ExtraOrdinaries) are hunted, creating a paranoid underground society. There’s no shiny spandex or catchy slogans, just people using powers to survive or dominate. It’s a raw, unflinching look at how power corrupts absolutely.

I've read 'Vicious' multiple times, and what makes it stand out as a dark superhero novel is how it flips the traditional hero-villain dynamic. Victor Vale and Eli Card started as brilliant college roommates, but their obsession with gaining supernatural abilities through near-death experiences turns them into something far from heroic. Victor becomes calculating and vengeful, while Eli justifies his murders as divine mission. The novel doesn't shy away from brutality—characters manipulate, betray, and kill without remorse. The powers themselves are unsettling, like Victor's pain immunity making him detached from humanity. The moral grayness is relentless; there's no clear 'good' side, just people corrupted by power. It's a gripping exploration of how far genius can fall when fueled by ego and trauma.