As a seasoned movie critic, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of superheroes on the big screen, and none has a more intriguing yet contentious history than Superman. This iconic figure, who first graced our screens decades ago, has been at the vanguard of the superhero genre since its inception. Every shift and transformation in the world of superheroes can be traced back to the Superman comics, with the character evolving in myriad ways over time.
However, despite his undeniable role in shaping the genre and the countless brilliant stories he’s been a part of, Superman is often criticized as the most dull among all superheroes. I must admit, there are certain aspects of Superman that can be problematic, but these issues are conspicuously absent in the vast majority of quality Superman tales.
Yet, for some fans and even creators, these problems seem to be the only lens through which they view Superman. It’s a perspective I find hard to fully comprehend, given the rich tapestry of stories that Superman has brought to life over the years. But then again, perhaps it’s this very history and complexity that makes Superman such a divisive figure in the world of superheroes.
As a die-hard Superman fan for as long as I can remember, I’ve had the privilege of watching him evolve over time. Throughout countless Superman tales, there have been instances where something seemed amiss about the character, which is more common than it should be. There are certain misconceptions about Superman that are widespread and often lead to storylines that, frankly, aren’t always beneficial. I’ve compiled a list of seven of the most glaring errors in these stories, as they’ve steered the Man of Steel down some regrettable paths.
7) Superman Is Too Powerful
Essentially, it’s true that Superman has incredible powers compared to characters like Spider-Man or Captain America, but labeling him as ‘too powerful’ is a sign of limited creativity. Superman’s abilities are so vast that he can accomplish virtually anything required by the storyline, but this also presents a challenge. In some stories, Superman is actually weaker than his adversaries, not just due to magic or Kryptonite. This means that if Superman needs to be strong for a particular tale, he can equally be weak when needed. Those who argue they cannot conceive credible threats for Superman may simply need to think more deeply. The emphasis on Superman’s power level is often overstated and uninteresting compared to having him face engaging challenges. Great Superman stories effectively make his immense power level irrelevant, focusing instead on compelling narratives. Contrary to popular belief, Superman isn’t excessively powerful at all; he can withstand any threat that comes his way, which is part of what makes him such a captivating character.
6) Superman Is Boring
In contrast to the common belief that follows the statement “Superman is too powerful,” leading to the assertion that he’s dull, this notion couldn’t be more misleading. To debunk this myth, simply delve into a Superman comic from any period of his history. You’ll find an abundance of intriguing actions or unique storylines utilizing Superman in captivating ways. While it’s true that there are dull Superman stories, the same can be said for any superhero. However, some individuals perceive Superman as a dull character due to the belief that someone who is inherently good cannot make for an engaging character. They argue that his moral purity is his downfall. Despite this, Superman is often referred to as the “Big Blue Boy Scout,” but this aspect adds to the charm of the character. Superman isn’t a naive stranger to the world; he’s made and told dirty jokes, albeit in his own way. His unwavering commitment to truth and justice stems from the belief that these values should be upheld by everyone. Superman embodies the best aspects of humanity, which is far from mundane. Throughout his life, Superman experiences non-stop action and adventure. The character offers endless possibilities for creative interpretation, making him consistently entertaining in his unique style. In essence, Superman is anything but dull, a fact that has remained constant over time.
5) Fascist Superman Is Interesting
It’s clear that injustice has its explanations for many, as some individuals harbor resentment towards Superman’s virtuous nature. Instead of appreciating his purity, they seem drawn to tales where this upright character is twisted into a monster. For instance, they may dislike Kingdom Come, a story depicting a darker Superman in a grim world, yet find charm in it through Injustice. These individuals even admire Homelander unironically and hold Omni-Man as their favorite character in Invincible. We’ve all encountered such people, both online and offline.
However, it is possible to craft engaging stories featuring an evil Superman. Comics like Superman: Red Son and The Multiversity: Mastermen showcase alternate versions of malevolent Supermen – one Soviet and the other a Nazi. These stories make these characters compelling by having them eventually renounce their wicked paths, which aligns with the core values of Superman. A Superman who remains evil is not an interesting tale; neither is it intriguing to watch him succumb to darkness without eventual redemption. An evil Superman story can be engaging only when there’s a return to the light.
4) Superman Would Be a Government Stooge
In Frank Miller’s “The Dark Knight Returns,” Superman takes pride in his American heritage not to serve as a puppet for the government, but rather to continue safeguarding the world at a time when heroes were no longer fashionable. Although Superman has been linked to the United States for most of his existence, it is incorrect to view him as a mere symbol of the nation. In fact, even in “The Dark Knight Returns,” it’s made clear that Superman will bend rules and act independently if given the opportunity. People often perceive Superman as a rubber stamp for the U.S., but this image has been distorted for quite some time. John Byrne tried to mold Superman into a Reaganite in the late ’80s, but subsequent creators have corrected this portrayal. Raised in the heartland, Superman was instilled with good American values, but he didn’t see these as exclusive to America; rather, they represented universal ideals that he strived to embody. Superman is special not because he’s American, but because he embodies the best aspects of humanity and consistently upholds them. Superman has never shied away from voicing his disagreement with wrongdoings and has done so on numerous occasions. While Superman can be a patriotic hero, it is a misconception to believe that this is the only significant aspect of his character.
3) Superman Is a God
From a film enthusiast’s perspective, it might seem like “Superman is too powerful” is the correct interpretation, but delving into symbolism reveals a more nuanced view. Some people perceive a character as powerful as Superman and assume he should be seen as a god, detached from humanity due to his immense power. However, this portrayal of Superman overlooks his fundamental essence.
Superman wasn’t nurtured to become an aloof deity; instead, he was brought up to help others, to selflessly give, and make the world a better place – qualities that humans should embody. Yes, Superman is an immigrant from Krypton, but he was raised among us. He wasn’t taught to be superior to humans; rather, he was taught to be one of them. His discovery of his heritage and powers didn’t push him away from humanity; instead, it deepened his appreciation for the lessons he learned as a human. It allowed him to uncover new aspects of himself to embrace. As Mark Waid once said, “Gods achieve their power by making us believe in them. Superman achieves his by believing in us.” This is the essence of Superman – a stark contrast to the notion that he should be an aloof deity detached from humanity.
2) Batman Is Better than Superman
As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, I’ve always found myself drawn to two titans of the superhero world: Superman and Batman. Once upon a time, Superman reigned supreme as the undisputed king of superheroes. However, over time, the Dark Knight has managed to claim the crown, at least within the realm of DC Comics. It’s a hot debate whether he outshines even the Marvel Universe’s heavyweights. Batman is often perceived as the epitome of cool. He’s brooding, enigmatic, and exudes an undeniable aura of mystery. His costume is iconic and simply looks fantastic.
Batman, a mere mortal, battles against cosmic forces that would crush lesser men. But let me make it clear, Batman may be cool, but he’s not cooler than Superman. The Man of Steel can effortlessly inhabit any story that Batman could, but flip the scenario, and you have a completely different tale. Batman is undeniably awesome, but he does not surpass Superman.
The defining difference between them lies in their hearts. Batman conceals his identity due to the pain life has inflicted upon him. Superman, on the other hand, fearlessly faces everything that life throws at him, inside and out. Reading about Batman’s brooding introspection is a thrill, but Superman’s unwavering courage makes him infinitely cooler.
1) Superman Is for Kids
Some individuals argue that Superman is merely a character for youngsters, incapable of being believed in by grown-ups. This perspective on Superman, however, seems undeniably cynical. The fact that Superman embodies purity should not be considered a drawback; rather, it’s part of what makes him extraordinary. The world may be challenging, but that doesn’t negate the importance of hope. Superman serves as the embodiment of hope, making him truly exceptional. Grown-ups admire Superman because they recognize the ideals we aspire to in him. We all have the potential to embody Superman in our daily lives. While children may be drawn to the straightforward aspects of Superman, that’s just one facet of the character. There’s a wealth of depth to the character beyond this, though. The ability of Superman to resonate with both children and adults so profoundly is one of the key reasons Superman is such an outstanding hero. Dismissing him as merely a children’s icon is, in essence, misguided.
Read More
2025-06-11 02:41