When Marvel comics announced plans to introduce a half-black, half-Latino Spider-Man recently, the company found itself being thrust into the role of super-villain. The idea of Miles Morales supplanting Peter Parker did not sit well with the, let’s say, traditionalists. Superheroes, after all, have always been white - well, possibly green or blue, but never brown.

Actually, there is a long tradition of comic-book superheroes from around the world - dating from the 1940s to the present day. One look at Venezuela’s Martin Valiente or Israel’s Adiri Atchelet will tell you that saving the planet is not, and never has been, the exclusive remit of Bucky Squarejaw.

This is not to say that these global do-gooders are always well-conceived - some of them are unspeakably lame - only that cultural diversity is as much a part of the superhero world as it is our own.

Here, then, a brief primer-and scorecard (ratings are out of 10 stars).

Zooman: El Hombre Mosca Nationality: Mexican

Backstory: Little is known about the buzzing one’s background. One theory suggests that he was an ordinary human who mutated into a man-housefly hybrid. Another posits that an illustrator wanted to create an insect-y superhero, saw that Spider-Man was taken, and settled on the next best thing. (6 out of 10)

Powers: Billed as “an insectoid superhero with fly powers who protects Mexico.” Apparently, this means he has the ability to leave little footprints all over your food, because there’s no evidence that he can fly, walk up walls, or do any of the other cool stuff flies do. In one frame he can be seen fending off a foe with - no lie - the wheel of a car. (2 out of 10)

Appearance: Apart from the oversized, vision-impairing metallic fly-goggles, there’s nothing insectoid about him. Has the requisite honey-melon biceps and Barbarella boots. Tends to stand with his legs apart, as if he has chafing issues. (2 out of 10)

Overall: Seems less suited to destroying his enemies than being a mild irritant during mealtimes. (2 out of 10)

Super Boy Nationality: French

Backstory: Enigmatic. Occupation listed as “Adventurer.” Father a scientist. Battles various evil-doers while saying things like “Arrêt!” The biggest puzzle is where the appellation “Super” came from. (2 out of 10)

Powers: Not much. Has a rocket belt, which allows him to get around his innate inability-to-fly thing, and - wait for it - “a radio helmet with a transparent visor.” Good with his fists; has been known to strangle foes with a length of rope. (3 out of 10)