Everybody has their Superman. Some people latch onto Christopher Reeve. Others hold that George Reeves and the Superman of the Silver Age is the only Superman. With a history spanning nearly 80 years, it is easy to see why so many people have their own ideas of what Superman should look like and how he should act. Regardless of the interpretation, Superman is a character that embodies both hope and the best of what humans can be. As a fan myself, I appreciate nearly every interpretation of the character. My initial exposure to the character was through collected editions that reprinted the best comic book stories from the forties to the eighties. I watched all of the key film interpretations of the character. As a result, I have the unique quality of having no favorite portrayal of a character that is so integral to my life.
However, that does not make me blind to the flaws of different interpretations. And it’s not just Superman that I pay attention to; it’s his supporting cast. The people Superman interacts with are just as important as the Metropolis Marvel himself. Lois Lane is a hard-hitting, strong, independent investigative reporter. Lex Luthor is a brilliant, egotistical mind that views himself as the hero fighting off the alien invader. Perry White is the gruff, fatherly editor-in-chief. Jonathan and Martha Kent are a kindly, down-to-earth couple that live in a small town where values and morality are integral.
Additionally, as a member of the fanbase, I have seen the divide brought on by the release of the two most recent films starring Superman. While both films have their fans, there are many who dislike and even loathe the films’ portrayal of the character. Even reviewers and moviegoers who are not particularly well-versed in the character’s mythology, or even dislike the character, find the films to be horrible representations of the American icon.
People argue that Superman doesn’t matter anymore. There are many who say that he’s an outdated character that represents an overly-idyllic world in which good always wins and there is no moral ambiguity. But every time Superman is fundamentally changed, there is an outcry. When Action Comics #900 was released, there was an uproar over a story penned by David S. Goyer in which Superman renounced his U.S. citizenship. Upon the theatrical release of Man of Steel, moviegoers, critics, and even detractors scrutinized the film’s decision to have Superman kill General Zod, and his failure to reduce the number of civilian casualties. Many compared the film’s bleak and somber tone to the upbeat, feel-good Superman: The Movie.
It’s an interesting dichotomy: people argue that Superman is no longer relevant, but whenever his handlers misrepresent him, everyone comes to The Man of Steel’s defense.