@Owen Likes Comics I have a question. Does Superman need to be represent like what his actual character is and also realistic so that it could be inspiring and relatable?
To say that Superman is a boring character, or even worse, not relevant to today's society/world speaks volumes about the ignorance of whomever says that. And I say ignorance, because it means that those people have not read enough Superman comics (or watched other mediums) where fantastic interpretations of the classic portrayal of Superman have been shown. In writing, Superman embodies in most of his stories a flat character arc, as he does not change, but rather the world around him changes because of him. That is what too many people don't understand.
That's a great point, Superman is one of the best examples of a flat character arc done to perfection (I should've noted that when talking about For All Seasons). You don't see him change so much, but you really get a sense of how the world and the people he touches change because of him.
Loved this! I’m a dumb young American and never drew the New Deal connection and it was fascinating to hear. Hopefully we get to see the kid from Kansas again soon, we all need him.
HiTop Films that’s so awesome that ur commenting on here!!! You guys should totally colab and make a video together that would be awesome 💪🏻💪🏻 (Plz plz plz don’t forget Doom Patrol pt 2 ❤️😁)
I´M WRITING A SCRIPT. I HELPED WRITE THE WONDER WOMAN SCRIPT. SUPERMAN DOESN´T NEED FIXING, HIS MYTHOLOGY NEEDS TO HELP FIX THE CURRENT TIMES. SCREW MAN OF STEEL. LOVE ZACK BUT YOU CAN´T DO THE FUN OF DECONSTRUCTING HEROES UNTIL YOU HAVE FIRST RECONSTRUCTED THEM FOR MODERN AUDIENCES.
He's a timeless ideal, a paragon of values. There's something quite compelling about characters like him; beings with a lot of power that, if they had it taken away, would likely not care and live a simple, humble life.
Eh, too me Superman is too fantasy. And not talking about his powers but his personality. Nobody is that fucking selfless and someone with that type of power growing up as a human would turn evil. 100% of the time. So to me, Superman is way too dumb to be taken as something to be good. Now as a villain he is great. And America is anything BUT offering a helping hand to a neighbor. We are a country of "I got mine, fuck you". If not, we would have universal health care paid by our taxes but we don't because we don't believe in helping the poor and downtrodden.
Majora This view is exactly the view Superman opposes. He isnt ment to be the most realistic depiction of what absolute power does to someone, to be honest, his powers arnt relevant in his overall position as a charachter in pop culture. He is the embodiment of humanity at its very best. Yes, their is greed, apathy and injustice in our world, and not everyone can be as optmistic or good as we’d like(look at Lex Luthor). Superman is the idea that despite that, there is always the potential for goodness and empathy in every person, and Superman leads the people of Metropolis and the world to that idea
To me, Superman embodies the idea that hope and altruism can always prevail over cynicism and negativity. That no matter how difficult things get, there is always a way out and a light at the end of the tunnel. My favorite Superman iterations (outside of All-Star and For All Seasons) are the Peter J. Tomasi run in the comics and the animated series. The animated series gave me a greater appreciation for Superman because they portrayed him as somebody who was powerful, but vulnerable and capable of being knocked down. I loved how they had him outwit his foes rather than just overpowering them and the the 3-part episode "World's Finest" remains a major highlight of my childhood.
@@justinriley because the world around Superman doesn't have that. He does, hence why the movies suck and why super man is just a bad character now. He's a propaganda character for an America that never existed. Hope isn't what is needed by the will to keep standing when the world beats you down. Hence why Batman and the Green Lantern comics and cartoons do much much better. To have the will to stand against darkness no matter how fucked the world is. Not some bs hope message of the American boy for an America that doesn't exist If Superman was real, America would do everything to capture him and experiment on him. Not deal with him.
@@Needler13 "He's a propaganda character for an America that never existed." Yes. Duh. He's what we want to be as a country, not what we currently are. He's aspirational. Literally everyone else understands that and has no need to view it cynically. "If Superman were real, they'd experiment on him" Which is exactly why Jonathan and Martha Kent adopt him as their own instead of giving him to an orphanage. And then they instill in Clark the values that America *should* be about, and in turn Clark shows that to everyone else. Edgelord antiheroes have just as much capability to suck as boy scouts do.
As a kid growing up in Nigeria in the 2000s, Superman was the first hero I was introduced to and he is also the most recognized superhero in my country. My dad bought me the Reeve movies and the Fleischer cartoons on VHS and I also discovered the Bruce Timm animated series (Superman and Justice League). I love his heroism, his uplifting worldview, kindness, humility and his good morals. That made me an instant superman fan and I remain one to this day. When I emigrated to north America and got into comic books, I was surprised at how different he was than I remembered ad then the awful Zack Snyder movies came out and I just checked out. Turning him into a cynic and glorified weapon of destruction is such an insult. These days I don't read American comics but I still watch the DVD of the Bruce Timm cartoons.
Excellent video. "This is a job for Superman". Clark would be perfectly happy living as "Clark". He could be anything. He could be a global dictator, a multibillionaire, or a hermit. He chooses to be a regular, rent paying guy with a day job in a bustling Metropolis. Because that's who he is. He WANTS to live a normal human life amongst normal humans - that's his true identity. That's the narrative most aligned with his inner self. He loves his life, the people around him, & the world. Unlike Batman, he doesn't need to be Superman - it's simply that the world sometimes needs him to be. And Clark accepts that responsibility - that duty - because he loves his adopted home. An orphan, it's the only true home he will ever know. He needs it as much as it needs him. Because he was born defined by & imbued with an awareness of life's fragility & impermanence in the universe. And uniquely worldly, he doesn't view nations or governments as the limit of human identity - he views humanity & the Earth as singularly beautiful & of immense potential. He sees in people the best of himself as a man - the world sees in him the best of everything they have the potential to be. There has always been a symbiosis between the character & mass culture - Superman is an idol of virtue upon which we project our own ideals to better inform, express, & reflect the values of our shared moral identity & it's hopes. Superman is the one superhero who acts completely out of love. And it's been 40 years since WB understood that.
That's what I LOVED about "The Adventures of Lois and Clark", the Superman was the resource, the alter-ego that allowed Clark to do things and still be himself, not the usual other way around people tend to see.
@@theragingben5393 the problem is WB didn't get the right directors they got Bryan Singer for Superman Returns and Zack edgy Snyder for Man of Steel and neither of them fit the vision style for Superman they need someone like Steven Spielberg Brad Bird and James Gunn oh and Sam Raimi
@@dcmarvelcomicfans9458 Its not what's wrong with him. Its how he does his movies. I'm not a big fan of his work. Its not terrible But he is not the director i would want to direct a superman film. Based on how his past movies.
There's a small moment of technical brilliance in that scene. Superman, back to camera, lifts off..and the camera "shakes" from the turbulence. A beautiful, possibly accidental, detail from Donner.
Superman is everything we should aspire to be: strong yet gentle, willing to do everything you can to make the world a better place for everyone, even if that means making the ultimate sacrifice. He’s an alien born of another world, but in many ways he’s as human as any of us.
*"What a life! I've traveled across time and space. I've seen and done things beyond imagination. Blessed with friends like Pete and Lana and Jimmy and Batman... What incredible adventures we've shared. What amazing people I've known. But Lois, dear Lois... I loved you most of all. And no matter how dark it seems, there's always a way."* I get very emotional every time I read that monologue by Superman in "All-Star Superman". Even on the verge of death he never lost hope, he always believed. What a hero.
People often get lost in the "Super" and lose sight of the *"Man"* that is Clark Kent. To me, Superman doesn't hide by being Clark Kent and Clark isn't a lesser form of Superman. To me, Clark Kent *and* Superman are the same: a man doing his best and one who *is* the best of us not because he's super but because he was raised by two great people to be a great person.
Well Superman wouldn't be very 'super' without the man. It really should be about Clark (the man); all Superman is is Clark's desire to help humanity in whatever way he can, without disrupting the life he built.
I'm so happy you gave a shout out to Superman: For All Seasons. It was the first comic ever read and it cemented Superman as my all-time favorite superhero.
I don't exactly have a favorite Superman story per se, but I do remember getting home from school every day in first grade and being super excited to watch reruns of Superman: The Animated Series, I'll never forget the three-part crossover with Batman, it blew my 6-year-old mind.
Only problem I have with Snyder trying to "deconstruct" Superman is...well...that's all people try to do with the character for years now. People have been doing it since the 1980's when Frank Miller gave us government stooge superman in "The Dark Knight Returns" and in the same year that "Man of Steel" came out we got a whole video game about an alternate reality Superman going bad and implementing a fascist regime. I think we have gotten to a point where it makes more sense to build Superman back up instead of coming up with another reason why the character "doesn't make sense" when your average nerdy, cynical angsty teenager on the school bus is doing that on a day to day basis. With that said, I like the idea of the general public being afraid of Superman when he first appears. Mark Waid explored the same idea in "Birthright" and that's my favorite superman comic. (Also, I think its kind of a bad idea to draw parallels between Superman and Jesus Christ if you are going to end your story with Superman committing murder. It's pretty counter intuitive to constantly compare your character to a religious figure who is supposed to be a moral saint and then have that same character commit murder.)
I think people also don't consider that this is a discredit to both Christ and Superman. It treats them as non-unique and their missions as something so common or wholesale, that you can take certain bulk traits from their stories and slap them on anything to cement that character, as noble and self sacrificing. Christ was the God of Abraham come to Earth to fulfill the Covenant forged with His creations and dying not just to be an example, but to bridge the gap between Heaven and Earth and overthrow the powers of evil for all eternity. His parents and humanity had nothing to teach him. Christ desired not to be amongst us, but for us to come and dwell with Him in the House of the Lord. Jesus came to Earth as a way to show his creations the bigger picture and how to succeed for not just a life, but for all of eternity. By comparison, with Superman, there is no such divine foresight or thought in his mission. Jor-El was not the Father bequeathing a divine protector on a fallen race that had failed to live up to a divine station. He was just a desperate man hoping against all hope that by launching his son away from a world he knew was doomed, that there might be some chance the boy could have a life. That some small part of the Kryptonian race would not be doomed to oblivion because of the willful ignorance of the Council in ignoring their oncoming demise. And once on Earth, Clark has the good fortune to be found by 2 wonderful people who raised him in a community that showed him the best that humanity could offer: togetherness, support, love and compassion. He took that all with him when he set out to be a reporter and it's what made him resonate with Perry White and Lois Lane. It's what convinced Batman to open up and let him become his best friend and strongest ally. It's the basis on which the Justice League's whole mission is founded. The human message that together, we can overcome darkness and that the path forward for our world is within us. But that we have to be willing to embrace Superman's point of view to get there.
I appreciate Snyder's take because I viewed MoS as trying to be realistic in how the world would react to such a thing, and not making all the correct choices as it is his first time fighting (in general) and it had to be such a monstrous task, continued by BvS:UE. I wouldn't even call him - the - "superman" just yet, another reason why I like they went with the title Man of Steel. While watching them, I always sensed that this was just the starting phase of his character and that at the end of his story he will become the icon, beacon, that he is to the world that we all know and love, but he's gonna have to earn it. Earn (most of) humanity's trust. I find that more realistic and intriguing than, I don't know... Going away for 10+ years with your space dad, come back and be a fully formed superman ready to save everyone, and in that time skip finding your identity and what you stand for. Watching interviews with Zack Snyder confirmed my suspicions, that was, in fact, his plan. Have him start a bit rough but by the end of the saga he will become - the - superman. I'm aware I'm in the minority (unless there's a silent majority who doesn't bother looking at internet criticisms), but Man of Steel (2013) is really what turned me into a Superman fan, which fit right into the media I like, which is mostly non-escapism and gives me stuff to think about and ponder. P. D. just as context, I had seen Superman (1978), Superman: The Animated Series and all DC animated movies up until this year before I watched MoS and BvS:UE, had no expectations other than supposedly both movies were bad, found out I quite liked them. (Though even the ultimate cut of BvS does have more legitimate problems than MoS but enjoyable enough for me to rewatch)
@@Guitarman5200 That's the issue. Snyder vision was all about "What if an alien came into our real world" instead" What if a nice guy from Kansas just happens to be an alien?
Doesn't help that Snyder thinks he's the first one to do Jesus symbolism with Superman even though it's been done for years. They even did it at the end of Smallville Season 9 where Zod stabs Clark with a blue kryptonite dagger and as Clark falls off a building his arms are spread out in a crucifix pose.
I feel like alot of people (especially people who talk about Superman) confuse overpowered with being a Gary Stu/Mary Sue. Superman is indeed overpowered, and that can sometimes be a problem. But he's far from being a Gary Stu. There are many villains in his rogues gallery that are able to put up a good fight *despite* Superman's power (Lex, Bizzaro, Zod, Metallo, Brainiac, etc). But not only that, there are more struggles that Superman faces than just *physical.* People claim he's too "perfect" when in reality he's far from it, he constantly makes mistakes, he constantly goes through emotional struggles, he constantly gets his core values tested, etc. Superman is a much more layered character than people actually think. And I hope if they make a new movie they can finally show that, Superman doesn't need to be changed to be made interesting.
You forgot about Manchester black since he's telekinetic and Livewire since she could physically hurt him shocking him wit electricity or ultrasound or even my control could actually mess with Superman. Other than that I give you this👏👏👏👏👏
Depends on what a "Mary Sue" really is. If it's just "overpowered", out of context... well, yeah, he is one. (Although I'm not sure how you can even reconcile what "overpowered" is, if it's out of context.) There's a reason it's so hard to tell a good Superman story, there's a reason it's challenging to tell a good Superman story; it's hard to feel like there are any stakes, because he's so powerful. That doesn't mean it's impossible. There's a reason the All-Star Superman story is so beloved; the story where Jon has a heart-attack and none of Superman's prodigious powers are worth anything works really well too. I also *really* loved when Kyle Rayner, previously Green Lantern, became Ion... became, essentially, a God. And he thought Superman was resentful of him, because he put Superman out of work. But he realized that Superman was right to ask him to check his power. Superman works powerfully as a mentor figure, as an ideal we strive to live up to. Nothing wrong with aspirational heroes. My *favorite* tend to be more flawed and relatable (Superboy, Robin/Tim Drake, Kyle Rayner/Green Lantern or Ion or White Lantern), but the boy scouts, like Superman and Captain America are timeless. And I don't trust people who don't like those characters. They tend to be pieces of shit.
@@SchulzEricT It doesn't matter how powerful you make superman so long as you remember these simple facts 1. As powerful as he is, he still has weaknesses and vulnerabilities that can be exploited and used against him ( kryptonite, red sunlight, promethium, nth metal, powerful telepaths and magic) 2. As powerful as superman may be there are hero's and villians alike in the dc universe that are just as powerful as him (flash is faster, green lantern has far more diverse powers, captain atom, orion, despero, martian manhunter, starbreaker, magog, brainiac, doomsday, amazo and black adam) 3. As powerful as he is there are far more powerful entities in the dc multiverse than supes (dr fate, the phantom stranger, the spectre, myxplt, trigon, the endless, lucifer morningstar, the antimonitor and the presence) The problem i notice with people is they tend to overthink superman's powers and abilities and consider it a difficulty to work with a character with so much power while at the same time not making an effort to try and find out what adversaries superman has faced and what are their powers and abilities are so they can gage just what to pit him against to create tension in a story. Basically, anyone who says superman is too difficult to work with because he is so powerful, clearly did not make efforts to research the dc franchise and clearly is lacking in imaginative skill.
They're also missing the point of Superman. Superman isn't the best superhero because he's got the most or best powers. He's the best superhero because he will always help people, always. No matter who you are, no matter what you need, he will do his best to accomplish that. People focus too much on the SUPER, less on the MAN.
@@SkollMX superman, batman and wonder woman were all once transported to a magical realm where supes lost his powers, diana was blinded and batman lost all his gadgets . They were then descended upon by a horde of dinosaur men and they still managed to hold their own against them. Superman included, batman even said while watching "even without is power, clark is still worthy of the title of Superman". During the infinite crisis storyline when superman was fighting superboy prime and they were powerless. CLark said to him "it's not the powers that make you Superman, its action, about what you do with them that defines you".
For me, Superman is an example of what a good person can do. Not by his power but by his presence. You know he's the good guy; reliable, trustworthy, and will always do what's right for the greatest benefit of others. Sure, everyone loves his powers but I'd say those are just there to enhance his "good guy" persona. He could be evil and nobody could stop him; he chooses to be good. People can say that's boring and maybe they're right. But everyone needs someone like this. Yes, need. Even just one person who believes in you the way Superman believes in humanity can make a difference in that person's life. It only takes one person; Superman represents that person to everyone.
one of my favourite quotes when describing Superman between Superman and Clark was from the series Lois and Clark: "Superman is what I can do, Clark is who I am".
I've always seen Superman as a reflection of the best parts of humanity. Selfless, compassionate, and inspirational. As a teenager I often said Superman was not that great of a character or that he is limited with storytelling. Now, as an adult I realize the value of Superman. I wouldn't call myself a fan but I have a ton of respect for him.
_In this day and time where everything is going to shit, we need the Classic Superman now more than ever and not the ones that people who don't understand the character thinks is "relevant"._
People say supes is OP and not relatable. Yeah he is sometimes. The dude can hear everyone on earth, fly close to lightspeed, strength to break planets, but through it all he still can't save everyone. Imagine hearing, seeing, feeling death everyday to the point where it is all so in his face but still can't stop it. How do you think how that feels? I can't imagine how he sees it all and still keep sane and still have hope. The dude is made of hope. He is the living embodiment of it in our time. We are not suppose to understand his godlike powers and capabilities but we are suppose to imbue kindness and hope in others like he does to everyone. Kinda like a modern day jesus but more faulty.
I get ticked off when writers treat Superman as a god. He isn't! He's called SuperMAN, not SuperGOD. He's a man, just one with amazing abilities because of his home planet. He's just one of us with really cool powers, and doesn't need some traumatic event to do so. He was raised to be a good, moral, upstanding person who leads by example and tries to make the world a better place. That's the kind of character I want having that level of power. If someone can't see a person with Superman's powers not abusing those gifts, never mind using them to help others and treat them as equals that someone worries me.
@@friedfrog5447 By that logic any person with a combination of above average intelligence and physical capability is a demigod. If the capability to wield great power to enforce your will is all it takes to be a god then Lex Luthor is a god. Flash has control of time and timelines why isn't he a god? What makes Superman a god that doesn't apply to the other absurdly powerful heroes in his universe? Hell the Z in Shazam stands for Zeus and depending on the story Wonderwoman is either part or full god. Why not just do away with the title of superhero and call them all gods at this point?
“I think the core aspects of Superman, as he was created to be in the 1930’s, still ring true. Maybe more so than ever. If you genuinely believe that a refugee from a dying world sent to earth for a better life... raised by two small town farmers with a strong sense of compassion, benevolence, and a love of humanity... trying to be a hero and inspire people as he fights the greedy and corrupt is no longer relevant for modern audiences... then I don’t think it’s Superman that’s out of touch. “ This... this is what I have been waiting to hear from another Superman fan for so long. Thank you.
Perfect title, perfect video. Superman is important to me because he's reassuring. He reassures us that even if things seem bleak and hopeless, everything will be okay in the end, and that you're never really alone. He reassures us that people are still inherently good, and is a shining example of how good a person can be. Richard Donner captured this perfectly in his adaptation, while I think Zack Snyder missed the mark, not for lack of trying. For me it lacks the humanity of the character, and does a poor job of conveying who he is as a person, thus failing to give me much reason to care about him. I also think Snyder's cynical outlook on the world got in the way of conveying those messages about hope and optimism, which to me are so integral to the character.
we really need a good superman movie, now more than ever, so much hate and cynacism in the world, we need someone who actually understands the character to remind people to believe in good again.
@@hectordoblado4987 its more the mentality that leads to a superman movie that we need to return, the idea of hopefulness, the same reason we need old style star trek back, its all rooted in the same ideas imo.
An excellent analysis of Superman. Clark is a compassionate and kind hearted man, who always fights for what is right and wants to make the world a better place.
Most people when asked which superpower they would desire choose flight or invisibility. I would choose the strength and invulnerability because you could help so many in need. I’ve admired the Superman character more than any of the heroic figures because of his civility, morality and above all, kindness. The original Superman movie exudes all of these qualities. Man of Steel focused on how the character would deal with a world that valued these qualities less than ambition, success and wealth. I also think that MOS did an exceptional job of showing the constant inner battle of managing the temptations inherent of overwhelming power. The battle of staying true to one’s moral compass when you had the ability to do whatever you desired without suffering any consequences from you actions.
The character is a tale of a refugee who came to America from a destroyed home, who was adopted by a loving family who didn't give a damn he didn't have papers or whether or not was there "legally", grew up into a great man, and spends so much of his time fighting an egotistical, narcissistic billionaire turned politician with no hair. Created by two Jewish people to boot. But yeah...some people in the industry now saying he's just "not relevant"...pffffffft.
Whenever we have a discussion of Superman, the same thing always comes up. "Superman is too difficult to write for," people say, "He's too powerful, nothing can threaten him." That, to me, is _the whole point._ Nothing can threaten him, so all the various frailties and fears that force us to compromise our morals don't apply. He doesn't _need_ to use lethal force in self-defence, because he can't be killed. He doesn't need to eat, he doesn't need shelter or medicine or warmth. Since he can't be hurt, he can _always_ do the right thing. I think that, rather ironically, it was a Batman film that best described Superman. From Batman Begins: "As a man, I'm flesh and blood. I can be ignored. I can be destroyed. But as a symbol...as a symbol I can be incorruptible. I can be everlasting." That's Superman; only for Superman, it's his very nature, while Batman has to create the symbol on purpose.
To me Superman represents the belief that we have a moral responsibility to be help each other when we can and we should always strive to be our best. Some of mine favorite superman stories are Birthright, man and superman, Peace on Earth, Kingdom Come, Secret Identity and of course All-Star Superman. In terms of whole series I really enjoy is Peter J. Tomasi rebirth run and the tie in series Superman Adventurers which I think I like better then the main Superman: Animated series. I think my Favorite animted movie is Superman vs the Elite. I have a lot of love for the Christopher Reeve films, the first two anyway. Maybe not the most action packed film but more then makes up for it with it's heart. Snyder had some good ideas but overall execution was terrible and just really boring. I'm currently practicing to be a writer myself and it is one of my greatest wishes is too write Superman myself one day. Here's hopeing the future brings us better Superman stories. Wonderful Video.
@@antoniodarcy7913 To each there own. I wanted to like Snyder's version but it was just too dire and boring. On top of that Superman felt too much like a reluctant and passive character for this Superman fan.
To me, Superman is hope When something wrong is happening and I don't know what to do I think what would Superman do he did not just give me fun, action, adventure stories to read and watch he gave me my morals about what makes a good man
Well said. If you aren't inspired then it wasn't Superman. Not all anime works but, my favorite Superman line was against Lobo who told Clark he was the last Kyptonian, Clark replies "I'm from Kansas" . Perfect
I like to not really focus on the fact that Superman is an alien. I like to think that he's a human. When he's a teen he finds a space pod, with Jonathan and Martha Kent telling him that he came crashing down as a baby inside it. While at first Clark is reluctant, he later believes that it must be true as he has had moments where he was discovering some of his powers. Rather than showing the planet of Krypton and how different it is from our world, how advanced and different it is. I think it's better to focus on Earth, where we're from. So we can relate to Clark. He's not Kal-El, Kal-El is just a name Jor-El told Clark. Clark is Clark. And Clark creates the persona of Superman to save people.
Exactly, while Clark is biologically an alien, I think of him as a human. He was born on Krypton sure, but he never lived there. He never grew up with Jor-El and Lara, he grew up in Smallville raised by humans as a human.
Wonderful video! I fell in love in 1978 with Superman when I was a little girl and I never looked back. I’ve watched every Superman movie, tv show and animated tv show. Reeve will always be my number 1. If I had to choose a number 2(a portrayal that showcases his compassion and humanity) I think I’d have to go with Smallville. No, the writing wasn’t the best but Clark was a kind and compassionate typical American teen/young adult with the same issues we’ve all had and he just happened to have powers. Superman means Hope, Selflessness and Compassion to me. I will always be a fan.
@@dcmarvelcomicfans9458 Mine as well! I guess to be fair though, Smallville had over 200 episodes to play with, more than any other live medium I think?
I think the most ideal criticism of Superman can be summarized by a quote from the Green Goblin. "The one thing they love more than a hero is to see a hero fail, fall, die trying. In spite of everything you've done for them, eventually, they'll hate you. Why bother?"
I was born disabled (I felt alien) and ended up in fostercare at 11 years old, in a small hicktown when Smallville came out so it just felt so relatable, as an adult around the time man of steel came out, I had ended up in a psych ward and got a bi-polar diagnosis Cavills Superman got me through that,(James Gunn you took my ideal of hope 😐) fast forward to the exact day of the 20th anniversary of Smallville, Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum had a "Smallville nights" event at my local con, I got to read a scene as Kent in front of 200 or less 🤷🏾♂️ I really don't know how to sum up this up but as boring as the "hero" can be, the humanity has been nothing short of profound and that's what we need to strive towards...
MY favorite superman story is well superman and action comics rebirth series under peter j tomasi and Dan jurgans because well both series gave us superman clark kent and his wife Lois lane raise there 10 year old son Jonathan Samuel Kent superboy which was a fantastic story and tons of fun.
People like Snyder and whoever was in charge of new 52 reboot think that Superman is too naive for modern public, so they took away key elements of his character like idealism, charm and hope. They don't understand that Superman returns failed not because character was too idealistic, but because villain was pathetic and story was boring. No one would criticize Man of Steel or BvS for dark tone , if Superman was a real symbol of Hope in cruel world.
When I was a child in the 1960’s, my father would buy comic books and bring them home to read to me. He would sit me on his lap, turn the pages and teach me how to read. Those were innocent times. That would be frowned on today. But then, it meant a lot to my dad and me. His favorite was Superman. I liked Green Lantern best. But it all meant a lot to me, at the time. What does Superman mean to me? My father, at his best. Oh, he was far from perfect. He drank heavily and was prone to violent outbursts. But when he was at his best, he was the Superman. My friend.:)
It’s crazy how in real life, the idea of Superman, a fictional character, can inspire reality. He’s grown from being just a comic book character like his counterparts. He’s an ideal of what humanity can be. Not the flight, heat vision, or super strength, but the morality of being a good,kind, human being. He truly sees himself as a human that was blessed/cursed with superior genes. And he still chooses to help us lowly humans. My dad told me “always strive to make the right choice. Superman does that regardless if it means he has to die. Superman will live on for centuries I know this
My opinion is that Donner's Superman is an ideal vision of comic book inspired hope, regality and dignity, while Snyder's version puts Superman into a Watchman like scenario, which would be ironic considering I feel Alan Moore has written him much better.
I sincerely hope that in the future we get a movie titled Clark Kent, and have it be a true live action rendition to the superman in Superman vs The Elite. To me, that whole movie is one of the best examples of what superman means and what he's meant to represent.
Great video! At least some people still know that Superman is the world's greatest superhero and how he's always been a great leader and inspiration to others. Also how intelligent he's been too and how much more human he's always been too despite coming from another planet. Problem is these alternate world stories about him being evil and corrupt has been making some people just hate him and they need to know that was not the real Superman.
Superman really wants to be Clark Kent, an ordinary man with an ordinary life, family and friends who love him and accept him for being himself. He’s Superman when he feels he needs to be, just like most ordinary men. Inside every husband, father, and friend is a Superman. That will always be relevant.
Superman is all about love, compassion and selflessness... He won't stand in the middle of the road to flex his muscles and whistle at the women walking by, despite having incredible strength he would still remain humble among other Superheroes... Always helping out but never ever showing his Superhero team mates that he was better than them... He's the guy who would go a million miles to save a kid with an incurable brain tumor, refuse to play the NFL because he had an unfair advantage over other players, argue with his dad over a stray dog abandoned on the street, ask Barry to 'Please Call Me Clark' when he referred to him as Kara's Super Cousin... 'That' is the true essence of Superman... It is compassion and humility... That is what defines him as a Superhero... Not arrogance and beating up others to prove a point... Not being dark and harsh in his attitude... this is why Snyder never managed to do justice to Superman with Cavill despite the fact that the Snyder Cut was a pretty decent movie at the end of the day....it's like Jonathan Kent said to Clark back in the Smallville tv show 'Son your powers are a part of you but they don't define you'
Superman grows more and more relevant and needed the more time we spend arguing with each other on the internet and closing ourselves off from the real world, the more we divide ourselves into us vs them, the more we compare ourselves to other people, the more vulnerable we feel to external threats, the less light we see at the end of the tunnel, the more we need him to hold our hands and guide us to it.
If you watch the show smallville that is about clark becoming superman, you'll see even superman ain't perfect and is hurt constantly and sometimes hurting others showing how he is also not perfect.
I think Superman CAN still work today, it just needs to be under a new creative guide. Now that James Gunn has taken over DC, I have high faith in him with them, just watch his “Suicide Squad” movie (which made up for the 2016 movie) & even his “Peacemaker” show as well. His work on the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies with Marvel have proven his style to be more like the lighthearted tone DC needed, especially with Superman himself. 😊 I’m a big fan of Superman, particularly for what he stands for. We need a hero like him today’s world, who represents what people still & always will need in the future… HOPE!
God I love Superman. He was a male role model for me when I needed it most. Loved Snyder's Superman..I'd argue in Man of Steel he does embody that humanity/Kryptonian backgrounds, using both as his strength.
Your video reminds me of a letter sent in to Superman comics in 1971 by a then young and inspiring writer looking for his first job, but still a fan of the character. Elliot S. Maggin wrote one of the best short essays I have ever read on the legend that is Superman.
"They can be a great people, Kal-El, they wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. For this reason above all, their capacity for good, I have sent them you... my only son."
Superman is so important, the quintessential American icon (who appropriately is an illegal immigrant.) I used to hate Superman. I grew up on a steady diet of anime and edge and to my perspective, from childhood to teenager, Superman was a boring Mary Sue who said corny things and whose powers were unrealistic... but then right after highschool my life took a really bad turn. I won't go to far into it but depression hit me hard and I basically did nothing but lay in bed for a year and a half. During that time I watched two films, the animated adaptation of All Star Superman and Superman vs The Elite. And no they didn't cure my depression, but, they helped me, they showed me who Superman is, what he represents, and how to appreciate him. Eventually I did come out the other side and get back on my feet, but, now I love Superman, more than ever. Superman was there for me when I needed him. That's why Superman is important, that's why Superheroes are important. No, they're not real but the morals and ideals they represent and fight for are, and they can help real people like me. Thank you, Superman.
At his core, Superman is just a guy who wants to help out, and make you happy. His powers are just a bonus. It's something that resonates with all of us, not only when we were kid, but also, and especially, as adults. Life is hard. That's no lie. But 10 cents of kindness and positivity can go a long way. He can be firm, and strict, but he's always fair. He's the kind of guy who would call you out when you're doing wrong, but then he'd say, "Hey, you messed up. It's okay. Learn and do better, I know you can." He's a timeless testament that no matter how truly dark life can get, YOU can be a light of hope, not just for others, but even for yourself. Sometimes, the best thing you can do, is BE YOUR OWN HERO. Be that paragon of kindness that you want to see in the world, one good deed at a time.
It’s not a quote that was ever specifically said about the character, but whenever I think about Superman and what it would mean to be him, I think about what Peter Cullen’s brother told him about what being a hero means the day he went to audition for the voice of Optimus Prime. “If you’re going to be a hero, be a real hero. Don’t be one of those Hollywood action heroes pretending to be tough. Just be strong and real. Tell the truth. Be strong enough to be gentle.” To me, that’s what perfectly sums up what it would be to be Superman. Strong Enough To Be Gentle.
Superman to me is someone to look up to. Someone who inspires you to be the best person you can be. You don't "relate" to Superman. Just like you can't relate to Michael Jordan, you are astonished by what he can do on a basketball court. He can do things 99% of us can't do. Superman is like any amazing athlete; we are astonished by him. We also look up to him because he is a really good person. He's just a farm boy from Kansas who had really good parents. I think Christopher Reeve was right: "He's a friend." You can't deconstruct hope. You either have it or you don't. Superman gives us hope.
The character needs exploration, not deconstructing. In Byrne's Man of Steel, he was terrified of all the people crowding around him, wanting a piece of him after saving a space plane. He basically sat in his room in Smallville having a freak out until Ma and Pa Kent came to remind him that he didn't have to try to be everything to everybody. He could create a persona - Superman - and use that to help people while he lived his life as normally as possible as Clark. His alien heritage was less of an issue than his being raised by two very loving and courageous people. He fails to stop villains by underestimating them, but rarely makes the same mistake twice. Jeph Loeb, Alan Moore, Jerry Ordway, Mark Waid, and several other comics writers understand the character far better than most modern screenwriters.
The world will always need a Superman. I’m glad you there’s tons of people like me who still believe in the character and love his many great stories. All Star Superman, Kingdom Come, Birthright, Secret Origin, Doomsday Clock all show who he is, what he represents and why he will always be the greatest superhero. Truth, Justice, Hope, Compassion and Self-Sacrifice. I really hope Superman would return to the big screen soon. Two of the trinity are, Superman should too. Whether it's Henry Cavill or Brandon Routh.
Superman himself evens says " I'm just a farm boy from a Kansas" Hes not arrogant or thinks hes better then everyone. He just always wants to do the right thing. His DNA might be Kryptonian but his heart is human.
Have you ever read Irredeemable? As a deconstruction of Superman, it actually made me appreciate him as a hero and character more. Honestly, I think it should be a series than a movie.
Yeah irredeemable is in my opinion the only real good "evil superman" story maybe other than injustice I guess some might say the boys but homelander in the comics is more a representation of garth ennis' hate for superheroes the show just basically takes everything it does well with homelander from plutonian. It just sucks that it hasn't already been adapted because at this point I'm kind of sick of the whole "evil superman" trope. It's been done to death.
I loved that you started with Chris Reeve the man. The beart and soul he put into the role came from his natural being. He was superman. I used to see the George Reeves superman series and read the comics but superman came to life for me on the screen in 70 MM at the Loews Astor Plaza in 78. They can reimagine superman anyway they want but it's important to keep his core. Put it through the ringer if you want but his core is what should come out at the end. This is a great video essay compared to most videos which are toxic at times. I shared it. It's worth a share a like and a subscribe.
I just discovered this video. Superman is so much more than a superhero. For me he made being adopted ok. When I I was told I am, I recognized that Superman is adopted too. And that made it ok.
My favorite comic character, more cynical people become the less they can see their selves in him, he was a character that we would like to like to be like in character, most people now days seem more like a villain in character that he would stand against, just my opinion
I want to say something about this. I think first thing to do with Superman is to make him Superman, why the fans likes him so much, why he inspires us, why he is a human instead of an alien, and most of all, why he do this, what is his intentions, and why he loves and enjoys humanity. The second thing is to make him comic accurate, both teaching and learning the things because he is not perfect, but he can be. The third thing is to do both things, balance the adaptation of stories from source material and your own story and creativity (a good one). The fourth thing is change the surroundings, but not him. Give him challanges that is hard for him, but also never gives up and finds another way. The fifth and the last thing is focus on Clark more than Superman. That does not mean Superman is the problem. It should show us that Clark is his real personality. He is nerdy, introverted but genuinely likes to be with people, chill dude, honest, compassionate, optimistic, cheerful and hopeful guy who wants to do the right thing with his values and reporting skills. On the other hand, Superman is same as Clark, with his powers and heroic and extroverted attitude. That's what make that difference between them. He is not just Clark's costumes, but an inspiration for the world and also for Clark. Sure they both have flaws (Superman hides while Clark does not), but they do their best as they can. Although I didn't read Superman comics, I saw many video essays on him and made my own interpretation based on think. I did my best as I can.
The problem with the Snyderverse is that it's a story about Superman written by Lex Luthor. Snyder hates that Superman _is_ a good person. He hates the concept of a man with that much power doesn't use it for selfish reasons. Maybe he's jealous, maybe he thinks Clark is just a moron; point being, Snyder doesn't want a symbol of hope, he wants to see a big strong man kick ass and take what he wants. So he tried to turn Superman into that, and failed.
It's really weird. I've always liked Superman and loved the old TAS cartoon, but for a period I started to buy in to the whole "he's too overpowered and boring" mindset because that's what everyone else said. But the truth is, he's not. Batman is a rich billionaire who somehow has the resources to design and build gadgets straight out of science fiction (including a freaking BATCAVE ON THE MOON), and single-handedly takes down god like threats in JLA comics through sheer wits alone. But apparently despite all that Batman is more "relatable" than a nerdy reporter who grew up on a farm and feels like an outsider? It's a ridiculous argument.
That's because they use Batman as a way to both point out why he's better and what Superman lacks when he should be compared to the likes of Spider-Man
@@suarezguy I think the criticism was more in HOW the outsider nature was handled. Snyder portrays it more as superman being "above humanity" and extremely detached from them to the point that he frowns all the time when saving people. In contrast the recent graphic novel "superman smashes the klan" also incorporates the idea that he feels alienated but the writer portrays that feeling as being no different than the feeling of someone who immigrated to the United states from another country and now tries to "assimilate" by concealing elements of who they are from other people.
I don't think personaly that Superman needs to maintain the role as a means of escapism. I think he's already served that purpose and now there are many other characters to fill the spot. I think it's time he becomes a true inspiration. To be put against the real world, a pretty cruel world, and let him show us that goodness can prevail, in every sense. And that's what I expected from Snyder's Superman but I guess now we'll never know how would that go unfortunately.(by the way I see many people who have got Snyder's Superman completely wrong).
Some people think that creating a 'Cristopher Reeve' Superman these days wouldn't work because it would bore people. This is wrong. At first, people will object, yes. But this is the character we need most in our lives. We need to be reminded of what it is to be a friend, what it is to be someone's symbol of hope. Because honestly... we forgot.
The way most people feel about Superman was revealed in Superman II, when a crowd in Metropolis thought Zod and his crew had killed Superman. The crowd grabbed anything at hand and rushed Zod and the other Kryptonians, heedless of the fact that they were hopelessly outmatched. These three had killed their great hero, and that was worth fighting and dying for. Superman inspires people in a way other superheroes never have and never will. Superman has the power to do anything, and he chooses to serve humanity selflessly. Superman inspires not because of his power, but because of his goodness. Superman proved when he fought Doomsday that he was willing to lay down his life if need be to protect the weak and helpless. Superman's humanity came from his loving foster parents, who taught him the virtues of goodness and humility. When a young Clark in the first Superman film complains that he has to hide his powers from the world, Jonathan responds: "Now, you listen to me. When you first came to us, we thought people would come and take you away because, when they found out, you know, the things you could do... and that worried us a lot. But then a man gets older, and he starts thinking differently and things get very clear. And one thing I do know, son, and that is you are here for a *reason*."
You’ve successfully changed my viewpoint on Superman and i want to let you know that this video hit something in my heart I can’t really explain. Thank you.
Superman is a consistent rock in a river of turmoil. - 80+ years and counting. It is not the so much his impossible powers, but achieving the characters possible ideals that inspire. Right now we could all use that positivity, being and doing good, having hope and working towards a better world.
Great video, my friend! Your video make true justice to Superman! Thanks to understand and show to us all what Superman always represent to the world. Greetings from Brazil
Beautiful video, man. You managed to emcopass exactly why this a top 3 hero of mine and icon in the world. That's why reports about WB updating Superman to make him relevant are baffling when he is one of the most timeless heroes in existence and yes, even more relatable than Batman imo.
Hi Owen! Glad to see you are back with another video! Do you have any advice for a newbie creator, that may do critique/discussion style videos? Or a way to get traction on here. When your content isn't the most "clickbaity" type content, like prank videos. Thank you again for the high quality content!
Hey Ryan, thanks for reaching out! If you want to chat about that, you're more than welcome to DM me on Twitter (@owenlikescomics), and I'd be happy to help however I can. Hope you enjoyed the new video!
16:17 i'd say.. thats what snyder thinks about Superman too, After the senate explosion, when Clark is left alone, with no superman around, the thing that stays, is the kid from kansas that was adopted by two human parents. as we see.. when he goes up the mountain to find solitude. he doesnt remember Jor El, but .. his Human father.
bruh how do I get you more subs, you deserve them!! The people who think Superman is boring, have never read Superman stories and don't understand the character.
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U need to check All Might character from my hero academia
He's literally the pillar of hope in the anime
@Owen Likes Comics I have a question. Does Superman need to be represent like what his actual character is and also realistic so that it could be inspiring and relatable?
Love Superman and I’m currently watching the super girl from CW
To say that Superman is a boring character, or even worse, not relevant to today's society/world speaks volumes about the ignorance of whomever says that. And I say ignorance, because it means that those people have not read enough Superman comics (or watched other mediums) where fantastic interpretations of the classic portrayal of Superman have been shown.
In writing, Superman embodies in most of his stories a flat character arc, as he does not change, but rather the world around him changes because of him. That is what too many people don't understand.
That's a great point, Superman is one of the best examples of a flat character arc done to perfection (I should've noted that when talking about For All Seasons). You don't see him change so much, but you really get a sense of how the world and the people he touches change because of him.
He's the Paragon. That effect is intentional.
People who say that are batman fans.
@@INFERNO95 nah not really,more like so called joker fans
@@OwenLikesComics Doomsday clock ruined Watchmen and it made me hate superheroes
Loved this! I’m a dumb young American and never drew the New Deal connection and it was fascinating to hear. Hopefully we get to see the kid from Kansas again soon, we all need him.
HiTop Films that’s so awesome that ur commenting on here!!! You guys should totally colab and make a video together that would be awesome 💪🏻💪🏻 (Plz plz plz don’t forget Doom Patrol pt 2 ❤️😁)
I´M WRITING A SCRIPT. I HELPED WRITE THE WONDER WOMAN SCRIPT. SUPERMAN DOESN´T NEED FIXING, HIS MYTHOLOGY NEEDS TO HELP FIX THE CURRENT TIMES. SCREW MAN OF STEEL. LOVE ZACK BUT YOU CAN´T DO THE FUN OF DECONSTRUCTING HEROES UNTIL YOU HAVE FIRST RECONSTRUCTED THEM FOR MODERN AUDIENCES.
@Inconceivable Disputes hell no, conservatives would hate him when they find out batman is anti guns and uses his wealth to give back to the people.
Please make a video on Superman
@Xeino
Do we really need to bring up politics?
The Donner/Reeve Superman was so good, that even 42 years later, he's still appearing in media, granted with another actor.
Let's hope Warner get Donner back to do another Superman.
So true!! We saw his superman again in Crisis on infinite earths! I really hope we see him again.
@@geraldstephens6612 Isnt he dead ?
@@saifurrahman3420 yes he has passed
He's a timeless ideal, a paragon of values. There's something quite compelling about characters like him; beings with a lot of power that, if they had it taken away, would likely not care and live a simple, humble life.
Superman isn't "still relevant." He's timeless.
Eh, too me Superman is too fantasy. And not talking about his powers but his personality. Nobody is that fucking selfless and someone with that type of power growing up as a human would turn evil. 100% of the time.
So to me, Superman is way too dumb to be taken as something to be good. Now as a villain he is great. And America is anything BUT offering a helping hand to a neighbor. We are a country of "I got mine, fuck you".
If not, we would have universal health care paid by our taxes but we don't because we don't believe in helping the poor and downtrodden.
Majora This view is exactly the view Superman opposes. He isnt ment to be the most realistic depiction of what absolute power does to someone, to be honest, his powers arnt relevant in his overall position as a charachter in pop culture. He is the embodiment of humanity at its very best. Yes, their is greed, apathy and injustice in our world, and not everyone can be as optmistic or good as we’d like(look at Lex Luthor). Superman is the idea that despite that, there is always the potential for goodness and empathy in every person, and Superman leads the people of Metropolis and the world to that idea
Majora I’d suggest you read DCeased it has one of the best depictions of Superman
@@Needler13 Only a person with weak morals would turn evil with Superman powers
@@Needler13 in superman returns movie he is shown to be a christ like figure
To me, Superman embodies the idea that hope and altruism can always prevail over cynicism and negativity. That no matter how difficult things get, there is always a way out and a light at the end of the tunnel.
My favorite Superman iterations (outside of All-Star and For All Seasons) are the Peter J. Tomasi run in the comics and the animated series.
The animated series gave me a greater appreciation for Superman because they portrayed him as somebody who was powerful, but vulnerable and capable of being knocked down.
I loved how they had him outwit his foes rather than just overpowering them and the the 3-part episode "World's Finest" remains a major highlight of my childhood.
What you said in the 1st paragraph is what Snyder gave us ...hope and altruism ..
@@dignerds I felt the opposite, to be honest.
@@justinriley because the world around Superman doesn't have that. He does, hence why the movies suck and why super man is just a bad character now.
He's a propaganda character for an America that never existed. Hope isn't what is needed by the will to keep standing when the world beats you down.
Hence why Batman and the Green Lantern comics and cartoons do much much better. To have the will to stand against darkness no matter how fucked the world is. Not some bs hope message of the American boy for an America that doesn't exist
If Superman was real, America would do everything to capture him and experiment on him. Not deal with him.
@@Needler13 "He's a propaganda character for an America that never existed." Yes. Duh. He's what we want to be as a country, not what we currently are. He's aspirational. Literally everyone else understands that and has no need to view it cynically.
"If Superman were real, they'd experiment on him" Which is exactly why Jonathan and Martha Kent adopt him as their own instead of giving him to an orphanage. And then they instill in Clark the values that America *should* be about, and in turn Clark shows that to everyone else. Edgelord antiheroes have just as much capability to suck as boy scouts do.
John wonder Snyder gave us a shit depiction of superman
To quote the end of _Man of Steel_ #1: “It was Krypton that made me Superman, but it’s the Earth that makes me human.”
Pl other on
As a kid growing up in Nigeria in the 2000s, Superman was the first hero I was introduced to and he is also the most recognized superhero in my country. My dad bought me the Reeve movies and the Fleischer cartoons on VHS and I also discovered the Bruce Timm animated series (Superman and Justice League). I love his heroism, his uplifting worldview, kindness, humility and his good morals. That made me an instant superman fan and I remain one to this day. When I emigrated to north America and got into comic books, I was surprised at how different he was than I remembered ad then the awful Zack Snyder movies came out and I just checked out. Turning him into a cynic and glorified weapon of destruction is such an insult. These days I don't read American comics but I still watch the DVD of the Bruce Timm cartoons.
Superman isn't the hero we deserve, he's the one we need most right now.
Excellent video.
"This is a job for Superman". Clark would be perfectly happy living as "Clark". He could be anything. He could be a global dictator, a multibillionaire, or a hermit. He chooses to be a regular, rent paying guy with a day job in a bustling Metropolis. Because that's who he is. He WANTS to live a normal human life amongst normal humans - that's his true identity. That's the narrative most aligned with his inner self. He loves his life, the people around him, & the world. Unlike Batman, he doesn't need to be Superman - it's simply that the world sometimes needs him to be. And Clark accepts that responsibility - that duty - because he loves his adopted home. An orphan, it's the only true home he will ever know. He needs it as much as it needs him. Because he was born defined by & imbued with an awareness of life's fragility & impermanence in the universe. And uniquely worldly, he doesn't view nations or governments as the limit of human identity - he views humanity & the Earth as singularly beautiful & of immense potential. He sees in people the best of himself as a man - the world sees in him the best of everything they have the potential to be. There has always been a symbiosis between the character & mass culture - Superman is an idol of virtue upon which we project our own ideals to better inform, express, & reflect the values of our shared moral identity & it's hopes. Superman is the one superhero who acts completely out of love. And it's been 40 years since WB understood that.
That's what I LOVED about "The Adventures of Lois and Clark", the Superman was the resource, the alter-ego that allowed Clark to do things and still be himself, not the usual other way around people tend to see.
this was all well said
Wow. I nominate you for next writer of any Superman related anything
@@duanekogut757 Second!
Wish there were as many Superman movies as there are Batman’s.
I wish there were at least as many good Superman movies as there are good Batman's.
@@theragingben5393 the problem is WB didn't get the right directors they got Bryan Singer for Superman Returns and Zack edgy Snyder for Man of Steel and neither of them fit the vision style for Superman they need someone like Steven Spielberg Brad Bird and James Gunn oh and Sam Raimi
@@dcmarvelcomicfans9458 James Gunn hell no. The rest u mentioned i would like to see what they do.
@@MKL3165 what's wrong with James Gunn?
@@dcmarvelcomicfans9458 Its not what's wrong with him. Its how he does his movies. I'm not a big fan of his work. Its not terrible But he is not the director i would want to direct a superman film. Based on how his past movies.
"Well, I certainly hope this little incident hasn't put you off flying, miss. Statistically speaking, of course, it's still the safest way to travel."
There's a small moment of technical brilliance in that scene. Superman, back to camera, lifts off..and the camera "shakes" from the turbulence. A beautiful, possibly accidental, detail from Donner.
That line really stuck with me, it showed a Superman bright, optimistic and engaged with people.
Superman is everything we should aspire to be: strong yet gentle, willing to do everything you can to make the world a better place for everyone, even if that means making the ultimate sacrifice. He’s an alien born of another world, but in many ways he’s as human as any of us.
*"What a life! I've traveled across time and space. I've seen and done things beyond imagination. Blessed with friends like Pete and Lana and Jimmy and Batman... What incredible adventures we've shared. What amazing people I've known. But Lois, dear Lois... I loved you most of all. And no matter how dark it seems, there's always a way."*
I get very emotional every time I read that monologue by Superman in "All-Star Superman". Even on the verge of death he never lost hope, he always believed. What a hero.
I love All-Star Superman so damn much, that speech gets me every time.
People often get lost in the "Super" and lose sight of the *"Man"* that is Clark Kent. To me, Superman doesn't hide by being Clark Kent and Clark isn't a lesser form of Superman. To me, Clark Kent *and* Superman are the same: a man doing his best and one who *is* the best of us not because he's super but because he was raised by two great people to be a great person.
Well Superman wouldn't be very 'super' without the man. It really should be about Clark (the man); all Superman is is Clark's desire to help humanity in whatever way he can, without disrupting the life he built.
I’ve always said that his greatest power was his heart.
I started crying as soon as Christopher Reeve said "A friend."
It’s okay
May that gentle giant R.I.P.
You’re 2 seconds in my guy lmao. But it’s all good. I love Superman. Always have and always will.
His voice is so comforting
I'm so happy you gave a shout out to Superman: For All Seasons. It was the first comic ever read and it cemented Superman as my all-time favorite superhero.
It's a wonderful story, and I'm glad I could spotlight it in this video!
I don't exactly have a favorite Superman story per se, but I do remember getting home from school every day in first grade and being super excited to watch reruns of Superman: The Animated Series, I'll never forget the three-part crossover with Batman, it blew my 6-year-old mind.
Only problem I have with Snyder trying to "deconstruct" Superman is...well...that's all people try to do with the character for years now. People have been doing it since the 1980's when Frank Miller gave us government stooge superman in "The Dark Knight Returns" and in the same year that "Man of Steel" came out we got a whole video game about an alternate reality Superman going bad and implementing a fascist regime. I think we have gotten to a point where it makes more sense to build Superman back up instead of coming up with another reason why the character "doesn't make sense" when your average nerdy, cynical angsty teenager on the school bus is doing that on a day to day basis. With that said, I like the idea of the general public being afraid of Superman when he first appears. Mark Waid explored the same idea in "Birthright" and that's my favorite superman comic.
(Also, I think its kind of a bad idea to draw parallels between Superman and Jesus Christ if you are going to end your story with Superman committing murder. It's pretty counter intuitive to constantly compare your character to a religious figure who is supposed to be a moral saint and then have that same character commit murder.)
Exactly. thank you for saying this
I think people also don't consider that this is a discredit to both Christ and Superman. It treats them as non-unique and their missions as something so common or wholesale, that you can take certain bulk traits from their stories and slap them on anything to cement that character, as noble and self sacrificing. Christ was the God of Abraham come to Earth to fulfill the Covenant forged with His creations and dying not just to be an example, but to bridge the gap between Heaven and Earth and overthrow the powers of evil for all eternity. His parents and humanity had nothing to teach him. Christ desired not to be amongst us, but for us to come and dwell with Him in the House of the Lord. Jesus came to Earth as a way to show his creations the bigger picture and how to succeed for not just a life, but for all of eternity.
By comparison, with Superman, there is no such divine foresight or thought in his mission. Jor-El was not the Father bequeathing a divine protector on a fallen race that had failed to live up to a divine station. He was just a desperate man hoping against all hope that by launching his son away from a world he knew was doomed, that there might be some chance the boy could have a life. That some small part of the Kryptonian race would not be doomed to oblivion because of the willful ignorance of the Council in ignoring their oncoming demise. And once on Earth, Clark has the good fortune to be found by 2 wonderful people who raised him in a community that showed him the best that humanity could offer: togetherness, support, love and compassion. He took that all with him when he set out to be a reporter and it's what made him resonate with Perry White and Lois Lane. It's what convinced Batman to open up and let him become his best friend and strongest ally. It's the basis on which the Justice League's whole mission is founded. The human message that together, we can overcome darkness and that the path forward for our world is within us. But that we have to be willing to embrace Superman's point of view to get there.
I appreciate Snyder's take because I viewed MoS as trying to be realistic in how the world would react to such a thing, and not making all the correct choices as it is his first time fighting (in general) and it had to be such a monstrous task, continued by BvS:UE. I wouldn't even call him - the - "superman" just yet, another reason why I like they went with the title Man of Steel.
While watching them, I always sensed that this was just the starting phase of his character and that at the end of his story he will become the icon, beacon, that he is to the world that we all know and love, but he's gonna have to earn it. Earn (most of) humanity's trust. I find that more realistic and intriguing than, I don't know... Going away for 10+ years with your space dad, come back and be a fully formed superman ready to save everyone, and in that time skip finding your identity and what you stand for. Watching interviews with Zack Snyder confirmed my suspicions, that was, in fact, his plan. Have him start a bit rough but by the end of the saga he will become - the - superman.
I'm aware I'm in the minority (unless there's a silent majority who doesn't bother looking at internet criticisms), but Man of Steel (2013) is really what turned me into a Superman fan, which fit right into the media I like, which is mostly non-escapism and gives me stuff to think about and ponder.
P. D. just as context, I had seen Superman (1978), Superman: The Animated Series and all DC animated movies up until this year before I watched MoS and BvS:UE, had no expectations other than supposedly both movies were bad, found out I quite liked them. (Though even the ultimate cut of BvS does have more legitimate problems than MoS but enjoyable enough for me to rewatch)
@@Guitarman5200 That's the issue.
Snyder vision was all about "What if an alien came into our real world" instead" What if a nice guy from Kansas just happens to be an alien?
Doesn't help that Snyder thinks he's the first one to do Jesus symbolism with Superman even though it's been done for years. They even did it at the end of Smallville Season 9 where Zod stabs Clark with a blue kryptonite dagger and as Clark falls off a building his arms are spread out in a crucifix pose.
I feel like alot of people (especially people who talk about Superman) confuse overpowered with being a Gary Stu/Mary Sue.
Superman is indeed overpowered, and that can sometimes be a problem. But he's far from being a Gary Stu. There are many villains in his rogues gallery that are able to put up a good fight *despite* Superman's power (Lex, Bizzaro, Zod, Metallo, Brainiac, etc). But not only that, there are more struggles that Superman faces than just *physical.* People claim he's too "perfect" when in reality he's far from it, he constantly makes mistakes, he constantly goes through emotional struggles, he constantly gets his core values tested, etc. Superman is a much more layered character than people actually think. And I hope if they make a new movie they can finally show that, Superman doesn't need to be changed to be made interesting.
You forgot about Manchester black since he's telekinetic and Livewire since she could physically hurt him shocking him wit electricity or ultrasound or even my control could actually mess with Superman. Other than that I give you this👏👏👏👏👏
Depends on what a "Mary Sue" really is. If it's just "overpowered", out of context... well, yeah, he is one. (Although I'm not sure how you can even reconcile what "overpowered" is, if it's out of context.)
There's a reason it's so hard to tell a good Superman story, there's a reason it's challenging to tell a good Superman story; it's hard to feel like there are any stakes, because he's so powerful.
That doesn't mean it's impossible. There's a reason the All-Star Superman story is so beloved; the story where Jon has a heart-attack and none of Superman's prodigious powers are worth anything works really well too.
I also *really* loved when Kyle Rayner, previously Green Lantern, became Ion... became, essentially, a God. And he thought Superman was resentful of him, because he put Superman out of work. But he realized that Superman was right to ask him to check his power. Superman works powerfully as a mentor figure, as an ideal we strive to live up to.
Nothing wrong with aspirational heroes. My *favorite* tend to be more flawed and relatable (Superboy, Robin/Tim Drake, Kyle Rayner/Green Lantern or Ion or White Lantern), but the boy scouts, like Superman and Captain America are timeless.
And I don't trust people who don't like those characters. They tend to be pieces of shit.
@@SchulzEricT It doesn't matter how powerful you make superman so long as you remember these simple facts
1. As powerful as he is, he still has weaknesses and vulnerabilities that can be exploited and used against him ( kryptonite, red sunlight, promethium, nth metal, powerful telepaths and magic)
2. As powerful as superman may be there are hero's and villians alike in the dc universe that are just as powerful as him (flash is faster, green lantern has far more diverse powers, captain atom, orion, despero, martian manhunter, starbreaker, magog, brainiac, doomsday, amazo and black adam)
3. As powerful as he is there are far more powerful entities in the dc multiverse than supes (dr fate, the phantom stranger, the spectre, myxplt, trigon, the endless, lucifer morningstar, the antimonitor and the presence)
The problem i notice with people is they tend to overthink superman's powers and abilities and consider it a difficulty to work with a character with so much power while at the same time not making an effort to try and find out what adversaries superman has faced and what are their powers and abilities are so they can gage just what to pit him against to create tension in a story.
Basically, anyone who says superman is too difficult to work with because he is so powerful, clearly did not make efforts to research the dc franchise and clearly is lacking in imaginative skill.
They're also missing the point of Superman. Superman isn't the best superhero because he's got the most or best powers. He's the best superhero because he will always help people, always. No matter who you are, no matter what you need, he will do his best to accomplish that. People focus too much on the SUPER, less on the MAN.
@@SkollMX superman, batman and wonder woman were all once transported to a magical realm where supes lost his powers, diana was blinded and batman lost all his gadgets
. They were then descended upon by a horde of dinosaur men and they still managed to hold their own against them. Superman included, batman even said while watching "even without is power, clark is still worthy of the title of Superman".
During the infinite crisis storyline when superman was fighting superboy prime and they were powerless. CLark said to him "it's not the powers that make you Superman, its action, about what you do with them that defines you".
For me, Superman is an example of what a good person can do. Not by his power but by his presence. You know he's the good guy; reliable, trustworthy, and will always do what's right for the greatest benefit of others. Sure, everyone loves his powers but I'd say those are just there to enhance his "good guy" persona. He could be evil and nobody could stop him; he chooses to be good. People can say that's boring and maybe they're right. But everyone needs someone like this. Yes, need. Even just one person who believes in you the way Superman believes in humanity can make a difference in that person's life. It only takes one person; Superman represents that person to everyone.
That makes Superman sound like someone we desperately need in today’s troubled world! 😊
People think that being bad is badass but what's badass is that being good is alot harder than being evil.
one of my favourite quotes when describing Superman between Superman and Clark was from the series Lois and Clark: "Superman is what I can do, Clark is who I am".
I've always seen Superman as a reflection of the best parts of humanity. Selfless, compassionate, and inspirational. As a teenager I often said Superman was not that great of a character or that he is limited with storytelling. Now, as an adult I realize the value of Superman. I wouldn't call myself a fan but I have a ton of respect for him.
_In this day and time where everything is going to shit, we need the Classic Superman now more than ever and not the ones that people who don't understand the character thinks is "relevant"._
People say supes is OP and not relatable. Yeah he is sometimes. The dude can hear everyone on earth, fly close to lightspeed, strength to break planets, but through it all he still can't save everyone. Imagine hearing, seeing, feeling death everyday to the point where it is all so in his face but still can't stop it. How do you think how that feels? I can't imagine how he sees it all and still keep sane and still have hope. The dude is made of hope. He is the living embodiment of it in our time. We are not suppose to understand his godlike powers and capabilities but we are suppose to imbue kindness and hope in others like he does to everyone. Kinda like a modern day jesus but more faulty.
I get ticked off when writers treat Superman as a god. He isn't! He's called SuperMAN, not SuperGOD. He's a man, just one with amazing abilities because of his home planet. He's just one of us with really cool powers, and doesn't need some traumatic event to do so. He was raised to be a good, moral, upstanding person who leads by example and tries to make the world a better place. That's the kind of character I want having that level of power. If someone can't see a person with Superman's powers not abusing those gifts, never mind using them to help others and treat them as equals that someone worries me.
Basically superman is not Homelander
"You see us as Gods, and in time, we began to think we are.
Both of us are wrong"
_Kingdom Come_
He is a god, no matter how much you pretend he isn't
@@friedfrog5447 He's not god. He made mistakes. He isn't omnipresent, omniscient, or omnipotent. He had moment of weakness.
@@friedfrog5447 By that logic any person with a combination of above average intelligence and physical capability is a demigod. If the capability to wield great power to enforce your will is all it takes to be a god then Lex Luthor is a god. Flash has control of time and timelines why isn't he a god? What makes Superman a god that doesn't apply to the other absurdly powerful heroes in his universe? Hell the Z in Shazam stands for Zeus and depending on the story Wonderwoman is either part or full god. Why not just do away with the title of superhero and call them all gods at this point?
“I think the core aspects of Superman, as he was created to be in the 1930’s, still ring true. Maybe more so than ever. If you genuinely believe that a refugee from a dying world sent to earth for a better life... raised by two small town farmers with a strong sense of compassion, benevolence, and a love of humanity... trying to be a hero and inspire people as he fights the greedy and corrupt is no longer relevant for modern audiences... then I don’t think it’s Superman that’s out of touch. “
This... this is what I have been waiting to hear from another Superman fan for so long. Thank you.
Christopher Reeve was perfection.
He is still to this day the definitive on screen portrayal of Superman in my mind.
Absolutely agree
People say that Superman’s not relatable, but he’s more relatable than most characters in fiction, in my opinion.
For me I prefer to be mentored by Superman than Goku because Supes tries to do his best while Kakarott just wants the thrill of the fight.
Spiderman is the most relatable
maybe not that far, SM is decently relatable
Hes also more down to earth than 99% of politicians.
@@semperfi-1918 I agree, especially Lex Luthor when he became President of the United States (yes that’s real).
Perfect title, perfect video.
Superman is important to me because he's reassuring. He reassures us that even if things seem bleak and hopeless, everything will be okay in the end, and that you're never really alone. He reassures us that people are still inherently good, and is a shining example of how good a person can be.
Richard Donner captured this perfectly in his adaptation, while I think Zack Snyder missed the mark, not for lack of trying. For me it lacks the humanity of the character, and does a poor job of conveying who he is as a person, thus failing to give me much reason to care about him. I also think Snyder's cynical outlook on the world got in the way of conveying those messages about hope and optimism, which to me are so integral to the character.
If WB really think Superman is not ahem "relevant", then I think WB's way of thinking is irrelevant
If he weren't relevant how come people always mimmick him.
So happy to see someone understand what the core aspects of Superman should be. He isn’t just a good Superman, but he’s a good MAN.
we really need a good superman movie, now more than ever, so much hate and cynacism in the world, we need someone who actually understands the character to remind people to believe in good again.
We also need a Superman game.
Nick Young That might take more work than a really good Superman film.
@@hectordoblado4987 its more the mentality that leads to a superman movie that we need to return, the idea of hopefulness, the same reason we need old style star trek back, its all rooted in the same ideas imo.
Rhys, your comment made me realize we *already* have a really good Superman movie,
the original with Christopher Reeve.
It may come in the form of Justice League.
0:16 Christopher Reeve is speaking major facts, especially nowadays
Max Alain's Meme Stash Thought that was Routh.
An excellent analysis of Superman. Clark is a compassionate and kind hearted man, who always fights for what is right and wants to make the world a better place.
For an alien who can fly, he’s arguably more down to earth than most of humanity. I LOVE THE IRONY! ❤
Most people when asked which superpower they would desire choose flight or invisibility. I would choose the strength and invulnerability because you could help so many in need. I’ve admired the Superman character more than any of the heroic figures because of his civility, morality and above all, kindness. The original Superman movie exudes all of these qualities. Man of Steel focused on how the character would deal with a world that valued these qualities less than ambition, success and wealth. I also think that MOS did an exceptional job of showing the constant inner battle of managing the temptations inherent of overwhelming power. The battle of staying true to one’s moral compass when you had the ability to do whatever you desired without suffering any consequences from you actions.
The character is a tale of a refugee who came to America from a destroyed home, who was adopted by a loving family who didn't give a damn he didn't have papers or whether or not was there "legally", grew up into a great man, and spends so much of his time fighting an egotistical, narcissistic billionaire turned politician with no hair. Created by two Jewish people to boot. But yeah...some people in the industry now saying he's just "not relevant"...pffffffft.
Definitely. No. Relevance. To. The. Modern. World.
@@OwenLikesComics yes he is not relevant he is far above are time
@@yajat5477 Superman never made a billion dollar movie
@@khalinhalmon961 ok
@@yajat5477 I Superman suck
All might is a better character than Superman
Whenever we have a discussion of Superman, the same thing always comes up. "Superman is too difficult to write for," people say, "He's too powerful, nothing can threaten him." That, to me, is _the whole point._ Nothing can threaten him, so all the various frailties and fears that force us to compromise our morals don't apply. He doesn't _need_ to use lethal force in self-defence, because he can't be killed. He doesn't need to eat, he doesn't need shelter or medicine or warmth. Since he can't be hurt, he can _always_ do the right thing.
I think that, rather ironically, it was a Batman film that best described Superman. From Batman Begins: "As a man, I'm flesh and blood. I can be ignored. I can be destroyed. But as a symbol...as a symbol I can be incorruptible. I can be everlasting." That's Superman; only for Superman, it's his very nature, while Batman has to create the symbol on purpose.
To me Superman represents the belief that we have a moral responsibility to be help each other when we can and we should always strive to be our best.
Some of mine favorite superman stories are Birthright, man and superman, Peace on Earth, Kingdom Come, Secret Identity and of course All-Star Superman. In terms of whole series I really enjoy is Peter J. Tomasi rebirth run and the tie in series Superman Adventurers which I think I like better then the main Superman: Animated series. I think my Favorite animted movie is Superman vs the Elite. I have a lot of love for the Christopher Reeve films, the first two anyway. Maybe not the most action packed film but more then makes up for it with it's heart. Snyder had some good ideas but overall execution was terrible and just really boring.
I'm currently practicing to be a writer myself and it is one of my greatest wishes is too write Superman myself one day. Here's hopeing the future brings us better Superman stories. Wonderful Video.
👍 That's beautiful man.
@@mcurran6505 Thank you.
👍👍👍👌👌👌❤️❤️❤️❤️
@@antoniodarcy7913 To each there own. I wanted to like Snyder's version but it was just too dire and boring. On top of that Superman felt too much like a reluctant and passive character for this Superman fan.
All good luck to you in your pursuit!
“You don’t make it relevant, you make it inspiring.”
I love it ❤️
To me, Superman is hope When something wrong is happening and I don't know what to do I think what would Superman do he did not just give me fun, action, adventure stories to read and watch he gave me my morals about what makes a good man
Well said. If you aren't inspired then it wasn't Superman. Not all anime works but, my favorite Superman line was against Lobo who told Clark he was the last Kyptonian, Clark replies "I'm from Kansas" . Perfect
I like to not really focus on the fact that Superman is an alien. I like to think that he's a human. When he's a teen he finds a space pod, with Jonathan and Martha Kent telling him that he came crashing down as a baby inside it. While at first Clark is reluctant, he later believes that it must be true as he has had moments where he was discovering some of his powers. Rather than showing the planet of Krypton and how different it is from our world, how advanced and different it is. I think it's better to focus on Earth, where we're from. So we can relate to Clark. He's not Kal-El, Kal-El is just a name Jor-El told Clark. Clark is Clark. And Clark creates the persona of Superman to save people.
Exactly, while Clark is biologically an alien, I think of him as a human. He was born on Krypton sure, but he never lived there. He never grew up with Jor-El and Lara, he grew up in Smallville raised by humans as a human.
Wonderful video! I fell in love in 1978 with Superman when I was a little girl and I never looked back. I’ve watched every Superman movie, tv show and animated tv show. Reeve will always be my number 1. If I had to choose a number 2(a portrayal that showcases his compassion and humanity) I think I’d have to go with Smallville. No, the writing wasn’t the best but Clark was a kind and compassionate typical American teen/young adult with the same issues we’ve all had and he just happened to have powers. Superman means Hope, Selflessness and Compassion to me. I will always be a fan.
Smallville is my favorite depiction of Superman
@@dcmarvelcomicfans9458 Mine as well! I guess to be fair though, Smallville had over 200 episodes to play with, more than any other live medium I think?
Great Christopher Reeves take on Superman...love hearing him talk about the character
This is truly an amazing video dude, seriously. I’m hoping for the people outside of comic readers to fully appreciate how important Superman is.
He's strong enough to move entire planets, but compassionate enough to tell a girl who's lost all hope that she has strength.
I think the most ideal criticism of Superman can be summarized by a quote from the Green Goblin.
"The one thing they love more than a hero is to see a hero fail, fall, die trying. In spite of everything you've done for them, eventually, they'll hate you. Why bother?"
Loved loved his video! I like Henry as Superman but did not like Zach's vision at all.
I was born disabled (I felt alien) and ended up in fostercare at 11 years old, in a small hicktown when Smallville came out so it just felt so relatable, as an adult around the time man of steel came out, I had ended up in a psych ward and got a bi-polar diagnosis Cavills Superman got me through that,(James Gunn you took my ideal of hope 😐) fast forward to the exact day of the 20th anniversary of Smallville, Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum had a "Smallville nights" event at my local con, I got to read a scene as Kent in front of 200 or less 🤷🏾♂️ I really don't know how to sum up this up but as boring as the "hero" can be, the humanity has been nothing short of profound and that's what we need to strive towards...
MY favorite superman story is well superman and action comics rebirth series under peter j tomasi and Dan jurgans because well both series gave us superman clark kent and his wife Lois lane raise there 10 year old son Jonathan Samuel Kent superboy which was a fantastic story and tons of fun.
People like Snyder and whoever was in charge of new 52 reboot think that Superman is too naive for modern public, so they took away key elements of his character like idealism, charm and hope. They don't understand that Superman returns failed not because character was too idealistic, but because villain was pathetic and story was boring.
No one would criticize Man of Steel or BvS for dark tone , if Superman was a real symbol of Hope in cruel world.
Superman reminds me what means to be a good and decent person.
When I was a child in the 1960’s, my father would buy comic books and bring them home to read to me. He would sit me on his lap, turn the pages and teach me how to read.
Those were innocent times. That would be frowned on today. But then, it meant a lot to my dad and me.
His favorite was Superman. I liked Green Lantern best. But it all meant a lot to me, at the time.
What does Superman mean to me? My father, at his best. Oh, he was far from perfect. He drank heavily and was prone to violent outbursts. But when he was at his best, he was the Superman. My friend.:)
It’s crazy how in real life, the idea of Superman, a fictional character, can inspire reality. He’s grown from being just a comic book character like his counterparts. He’s an ideal of what humanity can be. Not the flight, heat vision, or super strength, but the morality of being a good,kind, human being. He truly sees himself as a human that was blessed/cursed with superior genes. And he still chooses to help us lowly humans. My dad told me “always strive to make the right choice. Superman does that regardless if it means he has to die. Superman will live on for centuries I know this
My opinion is that Donner's Superman is an ideal vision of comic book inspired hope, regality and dignity, while Snyder's version puts Superman into a Watchman like scenario, which would be ironic considering I feel Alan Moore has written him much better.
Really? Except in the comic books Superman is WAY more serious than Donner's version.
I sincerely hope that in the future we get a movie titled Clark Kent, and have it be a true live action rendition to the superman in Superman vs The Elite. To me, that whole movie is one of the best examples of what superman means and what he's meant to represent.
Great video! At least some people still know that Superman is the world's greatest superhero and how he's always been a great leader and inspiration to others. Also how intelligent he's been too and how much more human he's always been too despite coming from another planet. Problem is these alternate world stories about him being evil and corrupt has been making some people just hate him and they need to know that was not the real Superman.
Neil Gaiman is an absolute genius, I'd love to see what his version of a Superman movie would be! Also this video was amazing as per 💪
We'll always have his Superman/Green Lantern book.
Superman really wants to be Clark Kent, an ordinary man with an ordinary life, family and friends who love him and accept him for being himself. He’s Superman when he feels he needs to be, just like most ordinary men. Inside every husband, father, and friend is a Superman. That will always be relevant.
Superman is all about love, compassion and selflessness... He won't stand in the middle of the road to flex his muscles and whistle at the women walking by, despite having incredible strength he would still remain humble among other Superheroes... Always helping out but never ever showing his Superhero team mates that he was better than them... He's the guy who would go a million miles to save a kid with an incurable brain tumor, refuse to play the NFL because he had an unfair advantage over other players, argue with his dad over a stray dog abandoned on the street, ask Barry to 'Please Call Me Clark' when he referred to him as Kara's Super Cousin... 'That' is the true essence of Superman... It is compassion and humility... That is what defines him as a Superhero... Not arrogance and beating up others to prove a point... Not being dark and harsh in his attitude... this is why Snyder never managed to do justice to Superman with Cavill despite the fact that the Snyder Cut was a pretty decent movie at the end of the day....it's like Jonathan Kent said to Clark back in the Smallville tv show 'Son your powers are a part of you but they don't define you'
Superman grows more and more relevant and needed the more time we spend arguing with each other on the internet and closing ourselves off from the real world, the more we divide ourselves into us vs them, the more we compare ourselves to other people, the more vulnerable we feel to external threats, the less light we see at the end of the tunnel, the more we need him to hold our hands and guide us to it.
If you watch the show smallville that is about clark becoming superman, you'll see even superman ain't perfect and is hurt constantly and sometimes hurting others showing how he is also not perfect.
"Superman isn’t better than us-he’s the best of us."
*Brilliant.*
I think Superman CAN still work today, it just needs to be under a new creative guide. Now that James Gunn has taken over DC, I have high faith in him with them, just watch his “Suicide Squad” movie (which made up for the 2016 movie) & even his “Peacemaker” show as well. His work on the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies with Marvel have proven his style to be more like the lighthearted tone DC needed, especially with Superman himself. 😊
I’m a big fan of Superman, particularly for what he stands for. We need a hero like him today’s world, who represents what people still & always will need in the future… HOPE!
God I love Superman. He was a male role model for me when I needed it most.
Loved Snyder's Superman..I'd argue in Man of Steel he does embody that humanity/Kryptonian backgrounds, using both as his strength.
Your video reminds me of a letter sent in to Superman comics in 1971 by a then young and inspiring writer looking for his first job, but still a fan of the character. Elliot S. Maggin wrote one of the best short essays I have ever read on the legend that is Superman.
"They can be a great people, Kal-El, they wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. For this reason above all, their capacity for good, I have sent them you... my only son."
Superman is so important, the quintessential American icon (who appropriately is an illegal immigrant.)
I used to hate Superman. I grew up on a steady diet of anime and edge and to my perspective, from childhood to teenager, Superman was a boring Mary Sue who said corny things and whose powers were unrealistic... but then right after highschool my life took a really bad turn. I won't go to far into it but depression hit me hard and I basically did nothing but lay in bed for a year and a half. During that time I watched two films, the animated adaptation of All Star Superman and Superman vs The Elite. And no they didn't cure my depression, but, they helped me, they showed me who Superman is, what he represents, and how to appreciate him. Eventually I did come out the other side and get back on my feet, but, now I love Superman, more than ever. Superman was there for me when I needed him. That's why Superman is important, that's why Superheroes are important. No, they're not real but the morals and ideals they represent and fight for are, and they can help real people like me. Thank you, Superman.
At his core, Superman is just a guy who wants to help out, and make you happy. His powers are just a bonus. It's something that resonates with all of us, not only when we were kid, but also, and especially, as adults. Life is hard. That's no lie. But 10 cents of kindness and positivity can go a long way. He can be firm, and strict, but he's always fair. He's the kind of guy who would call you out when you're doing wrong, but then he'd say, "Hey, you messed up. It's okay. Learn and do better, I know you can."
He's a timeless testament that no matter how truly dark life can get, YOU can be a light of hope, not just for others, but even for yourself. Sometimes, the best thing you can do, is BE YOUR OWN HERO. Be that paragon of kindness that you want to see in the world, one good deed at a time.
It’s not a quote that was ever specifically said about the character, but whenever I think about Superman and what it would mean to be him, I think about what Peter Cullen’s brother told him about what being a hero means the day he went to audition for the voice of Optimus Prime. “If you’re going to be a hero, be a real hero. Don’t be one of those Hollywood action heroes pretending to be tough. Just be strong and real. Tell the truth. Be strong enough to be gentle.” To me, that’s what perfectly sums up what it would be to be Superman. Strong Enough To Be Gentle.
Superman to me is someone to look up to. Someone who inspires you to be the best person you can be. You don't "relate" to Superman. Just like you can't relate to Michael Jordan, you are astonished by what he can do on a basketball court. He can do things 99% of us can't do. Superman is like any amazing athlete; we are astonished by him. We also look up to him because he is a really good person. He's just a farm boy from Kansas who had really good parents. I think Christopher Reeve was right: "He's a friend." You can't deconstruct hope. You either have it or you don't. Superman gives us hope.
The character needs exploration, not deconstructing. In Byrne's Man of Steel, he was terrified of all the people crowding around him, wanting a piece of him after saving a space plane. He basically sat in his room in Smallville having a freak out until Ma and Pa Kent came to remind him that he didn't have to try to be everything to everybody. He could create a persona - Superman - and use that to help people while he lived his life as normally as possible as Clark. His alien heritage was less of an issue than his being raised by two very loving and courageous people. He fails to stop villains by underestimating them, but rarely makes the same mistake twice. Jeph Loeb, Alan Moore, Jerry Ordway, Mark Waid, and several other comics writers understand the character far better than most modern screenwriters.
The world will always need a Superman. I’m glad you there’s tons of people like me who still believe in the character and love his many great stories. All Star Superman, Kingdom Come, Birthright, Secret Origin, Doomsday Clock all show who he is, what he represents and why he will always be the greatest superhero. Truth, Justice, Hope, Compassion and Self-Sacrifice.
I really hope Superman would return to the big screen soon. Two of the trinity are, Superman should too. Whether it's Henry Cavill or Brandon Routh.
Superman himself evens says " I'm just a farm boy from a Kansas" Hes not arrogant or thinks hes better then everyone. He just always wants to do the right thing. His DNA might be Kryptonian but his heart is human.
Have you ever read Irredeemable? As a deconstruction of Superman, it actually made me appreciate him as a hero and character more. Honestly, I think it should be a series than a movie.
Yeah irredeemable is in my opinion the only real good "evil superman" story maybe other than injustice I guess some might say the boys but homelander in the comics is more a representation of garth ennis' hate for superheroes the show just basically takes everything it does well with homelander from plutonian. It just sucks that it hasn't already been adapted because at this point I'm kind of sick of the whole "evil superman" trope. It's been done to death.
Every day i strive towards, to make Superman real with my actions and the way i treat people around me.
I loved that you started with Chris Reeve the man. The beart and soul he put into the role came from his natural being. He was superman. I used to see the George Reeves superman series and read the comics but superman came to life for me on the screen in 70 MM at the Loews Astor Plaza in 78. They can reimagine superman anyway they want but it's important to keep his core. Put it through the ringer if you want but his core is what should come out at the end. This is a great video essay compared to most videos which are toxic at times. I shared it. It's worth a share a like and a subscribe.
I just discovered this video. Superman is so much more than a superhero. For me he made being adopted ok. When I I was told I am, I recognized that Superman is adopted too. And that made it ok.
My favorite comic character, more cynical people become the less they can see their selves in him, he was a character that we would like to like to be like in character, most people now days seem more like a villain in character that he would stand against, just my opinion
I want to say something about this.
I think first thing to do with Superman is to make him Superman, why the fans likes him so much, why he inspires us, why he is a human instead of an alien, and most of all, why he do this, what is his intentions, and why he loves and enjoys humanity.
The second thing is to make him comic accurate, both teaching and learning the things because he is not perfect, but he can be.
The third thing is to do both things, balance the adaptation of stories from source material and your own story and creativity (a good one).
The fourth thing is change the surroundings, but not him. Give him challanges that is hard for him, but also never gives up and finds another way.
The fifth and the last thing is focus on Clark more than Superman. That does not mean Superman is the problem. It should show us that Clark is his real personality. He is nerdy, introverted but genuinely likes to be with people, chill dude, honest, compassionate, optimistic, cheerful and hopeful guy who wants to do the right thing with his values and reporting skills. On the other hand, Superman is same as Clark, with his powers and heroic and extroverted attitude. That's what make that difference between them. He is not just Clark's costumes, but an inspiration for the world and also for Clark. Sure they both have flaws (Superman hides while Clark does not), but they do their best as they can.
Although I didn't read Superman comics, I saw many video essays on him and made my own interpretation based on think. I did my best as I can.
The problem with the Snyderverse is that it's a story about Superman written by Lex Luthor. Snyder hates that Superman _is_ a good person. He hates the concept of a man with that much power doesn't use it for selfish reasons. Maybe he's jealous, maybe he thinks Clark is just a moron; point being, Snyder doesn't want a symbol of hope, he wants to see a big strong man kick ass and take what he wants. So he tried to turn Superman into that, and failed.
It's really weird. I've always liked Superman and loved the old TAS cartoon, but for a period I started to buy in to the whole "he's too overpowered and boring" mindset because that's what everyone else said. But the truth is, he's not. Batman is a rich billionaire who somehow has the resources to design and build gadgets straight out of science fiction (including a freaking BATCAVE ON THE MOON), and single-handedly takes down god like threats in JLA comics through sheer wits alone. But apparently despite all that Batman is more "relatable" than a nerdy reporter who grew up on a farm and feels like an outsider? It's a ridiculous argument.
That's because they use Batman as a way to both point out why he's better and what Superman lacks when he should be compared to the likes of Spider-Man
Wasn't a big criticism against Snyder's version, from comics purists, that the character should not feel like an outsider?
@@suarezguy I think the criticism was more in HOW the outsider nature was handled. Snyder portrays it more as superman being "above humanity" and extremely detached from them to the point that he frowns all the time when saving people. In contrast the recent graphic novel "superman smashes the klan" also incorporates the idea that he feels alienated but the writer portrays that feeling as being no different than the feeling of someone who immigrated to the United states from another country and now tries to "assimilate" by concealing elements of who they are from other people.
Sometimes wanting to help is the best motive.
I don't think personaly that Superman needs to maintain the role as a means of escapism. I think he's already served that purpose and now there are many other characters to fill the spot. I think it's time he becomes a true inspiration. To be put against the real world, a pretty cruel world, and let him show us that goodness can prevail, in every sense. And that's what I expected from Snyder's Superman but I guess now we'll never know how would that go unfortunately.(by the way I see many people who have got Snyder's Superman completely wrong).
Some people think that creating a 'Cristopher Reeve' Superman these days wouldn't work because it would bore people. This is wrong. At first, people will object, yes. But this is the character we need most in our lives. We need to be reminded of what it is to be a friend, what it is to be someone's symbol of hope. Because honestly... we forgot.
Superman never made a billion dollar movie
The way most people feel about Superman was revealed in Superman II, when a crowd in Metropolis thought Zod and his crew had killed Superman. The crowd grabbed anything at hand and rushed Zod and the other Kryptonians, heedless of the fact that they were hopelessly outmatched. These three had killed their great hero, and that was worth fighting and dying for. Superman inspires people in a way other superheroes never have and never will. Superman has the power to do anything, and he chooses to serve humanity selflessly. Superman inspires not because of his power, but because of his goodness. Superman proved when he fought Doomsday that he was willing to lay down his life if need be to protect the weak and helpless.
Superman's humanity came from his loving foster parents, who taught him the virtues of goodness and humility. When a young Clark in the first Superman film complains that he has to hide his powers from the world, Jonathan responds: "Now, you listen to me. When you first came to us, we thought people would come and take you away because, when they found out, you know, the things you could do... and that worried us a lot. But then a man gets older, and he starts thinking differently and things get very clear. And one thing I do know, son, and that is you are here for a *reason*."
You’ve successfully changed my viewpoint on Superman and i want to let you know that this video hit something in my heart I can’t really explain. Thank you.
Superman is a consistent rock in a river of turmoil. - 80+ years and counting.
It is not the so much his impossible powers, but achieving the characters possible ideals that inspire.
Right now we could all use that positivity, being and doing good, having hope and working towards a better world.
He was meant to be the best of comic book heroes, more due to his character than to his strength
Great video, my friend! Your video make true justice to Superman! Thanks to understand and show to us all what Superman always represent to the world. Greetings from Brazil
Superman is sincerity and faith in each other
Superman would help you move a couch at 3am on a Tuesday. Powers or not. He's just a good dude.
Beautiful video, man. You managed to emcopass exactly why this a top 3 hero of mine and icon in the world. That's why reports about WB updating Superman to make him relevant are baffling when he is one of the most timeless heroes in existence and yes, even more relatable than Batman imo.
Great video. Thank you for taking the time to create it, & for being a Superman fan.
Superman is more relevant than ever. A optimistic, heroic, confident, selfless Superman movie released now would be a 300 billion dollar catharsis.
Hi Owen! Glad to see you are back with another video! Do you have any advice for a newbie creator, that may do critique/discussion style videos? Or a way to get traction on here. When your content isn't the most "clickbaity" type content, like prank videos. Thank you again for the high quality content!
Hey Ryan, thanks for reaching out! If you want to chat about that, you're more than welcome to DM me on Twitter (@owenlikescomics), and I'd be happy to help however I can. Hope you enjoyed the new video!
16:17 i'd say.. thats what snyder thinks about Superman too, After the senate explosion, when Clark is left alone, with no superman around, the thing that stays, is the kid from kansas that was adopted by two human parents. as we see.. when he goes up the mountain to find solitude. he doesnt remember Jor El, but .. his Human father.
bruh how do I get you more subs, you deserve them!!
The people who think Superman is boring, have never read Superman stories and don't understand the character.