From 'Superman' to 'Arrow': The evolution of the TV superhero

Once upon a time, TV superheroes were doughy, kind of dorky. The sets were cardboard. The villains were campy. The plots were contrived. It was kid stuff.

Now? TV superheroes have taken a darker turn. Witness "Arrow," the new show from the CW. Critics are calling it one of the best new shows of the season. It's stylish, tight, well written... and ab-tastic.

How'd we get here? Follow the TV superhero from the primordial ooze of Superman to the current state or the art with our TV Superhero primer.