Five Reasons Why ‘Supacell’ is a Super Hit

Genre subversion

Michael, Sabrina, Tazer (Tayo), Rodney and Andre are five ordinary people until they each gain superpowers— teleportation, telekinesis, super strength, super speed and invisibility. The only things they share are their Black identity and the sickle cell gene. Unlike typical superheroes whose abilities come from external sources, or genetic mutations, the five derive their strength from the sickle cell trait. Supacell subverts the traditional superhero narrative by making the characters’ vulnerabilities the source of their power.

This unconventional approach adds depth and relatability, portraying the reality of living with a chronic illness, as seen through Michael’s mother. By transforming a perceived weakness into a unique source of power, and centering the narrative on a condition affecting millions, Supacell creates a compelling superhero story that resonates personally and socially.

African cultural expectations and respecting elders despite flaws

In African culture, respect for elders is paramount, even for those who lead troubled lives. Take Tazer, a tough gangsta navigating the urban landscape of South London. When he returns home to his Nigerian grandmother, however, he sheds his street persona and becomes Tayo. He serves her dinner, brings her a napkin and bowl of water to rinse her hands, and listens respectfully as she scolds him for a blood stain on his shirt from a recent fight. This dynamic is familiar to many Nigerians and Africans. While Tazer’s life is far from exemplary, his adherence to these values portrays the enduring significance of elder respect in African culture.

A refreshing and realistic perspective on the aftermath of gaining superpowers

Superheroes are selfless, near saints. They want to use their extraordinary abilities to protect and save the world from nefarious threats and injustices. In Supacell, however, ordinary people gain superpowers with a refreshing twist. Rodney, who can run from London to Scotland in a second, is more interested in expanding his weed empire, promising customers, “If you don’t get it in [five] minutes, you’ll get it for free.” Despite his naive friend’s encouragement to “do good” and “save lives,” Rodney remains focused on his illegal business.

Razer wants to use his newfound power to overtake an older rival gang, the Sixers. All Andre cares about is finding a real job and providing for his son – and maybe occasionally robbing a narcotics den while at it. Michael’s sole concern is saving his fiancée from looming death.

Supacell’s characters don’t automatically embark on heroic campaigns or selfless acts. Despite their powers, they remain grounded in their everyday lives and personal concerns. They are simply regular people adapting to their new reality.

Supacell is big on friendship

Supacell centers meaningful friendships among its characters. Tayo (Tazer), Michael and Rodney rely on their friends during the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

After Tazer’s friend Skreamer sees him transform from invisibility after attacking a rival gang, he stops taking Tazer’s calls. Tazer visits Skreamer, leading to a heartfelt conversation:

“Are you human, cuz?” Skreamer asks.

“As far as I know,” Tazer responds.

“Humans can’t do what you do.”

“So what if I’m not human? You don’t wanna f*** with me no more?”

“Brudda, even if you was an alien, I’m still f***ing with you.”

Similarly, Michael confides in his friend Gabriel about his time-bending abilities. Gabriel’s initial disbelief is not scornful. Rodney also shares his abilities with his childhood best friend, whose injury later prompts Rodney to improve himself.

Supacell portrays these friendships as genuine and enduring, emphasizing loyalty, unconditional love and the importance of trust in relationships.

They don’t shy away from portraying women’s issues

Supacell, while a superhero story, centers on real people with real-life problems and doesn’t shy away from depicting social issues. Andre faces the stigma of incarceration for a crime he didn’t commit but never denied. Rodney grapples with abandonment issues after his mother left him and remarried a racist. Women’s issues are also starkly portrayed: Sabrina’s sister, Sharlene, narrowly escapes rape by a man with superpowers. Domestic abuse and sexual harassment are shown through Sharlene’s on-again, off-again relationship with Krazy, a gangster who later turns out to be a supervillain; as well as through Michael’s fiancée, Dionne, who must fend off aggressive harassers.

Supacell could have told a simple story of Black people gaining superpowers, but it goes a step further and addresses real-life struggles like consent and power dynamics, adding depth and contributing to the broader dialogue on gender-based violence and women’s struggles.