Superman has been a
cultural icon for nearly a century, embodying hope, strength, and the idea that
doing good is always the right choice, especially for the downtrodden. Since
his first appearance in Action Comics #1 in 1938, the character has been
reinterpreted in countless ways, across comic books, television, and film (the
less said about the video games, the better). I discovered Superman when I was
very young via The Adventures of Superman with George Reeves and The Super Friends cartoon series, right around the time I began reading the
comic books.
Recently, a handful of Superman-related events
have reminded fans why the character remains so compelling, from the emotional
finale of a television series, the excitement surrounding an upcoming movie, a
deeply moving documentary, and even the staggering sale of his first appearance
for a record-breaking price.
One of the most recent
and heartfelt interpretations of the character came through Superman &
Lois, a TV show that not only honored the legacy of Superman but also
presented him in a way that hadn’t been explored in live-action before. Rather
than focusing on the origin story or endless battles against alien threats
(though there were some), the show centered on Clark Kent and Lois Lane as
parents, raising their two sons in Smallville while navigating the struggles of
family life alongside Clark’s duties as Superman.
The final season
delivered an emotional conclusion, bringing closure to four seasons of interesting,
well-written stories. The finale featured a climactic battle against Doomsday,
a fight that pushed Superman to his limits, while also reaffirming his core
values—protecting his family, his friends, and the world at large. But what
made Superman & Lois truly special was its ability to balance the
larger-than-life heroics with small, deeply personal moments. Tyler Hoechlin’s
portrayal of Superman captured both the power and kindness that define the
character, making his journey resonate in a way few other adaptations have
managed. I wasn’t crazy about his take on the character in the Supergirl
TV show, but I thought he was great in Superman & Lois.
While Superman &
Lois brought an end to its story, another take on the Man of Steel is just
beginning. James Gunn’s Superman, set to release in 2025, has already
generated massive excitement, especially after the trailer drop in December.
The teaser introduced audiences to not only a new Superman, played by David
Corenswet, but also several DC characters making their live action cinematic
debut. Krypto, Superman’s superpowered canine companion, stole the spotlight in
the trailer, and the mere confirmation that he’ll be in the movie thrilled
longtime fans. Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner, complete with his signature bowl
haircut, promises to bring some humor and arrogance to the mix, while Hawkgirl
and Mr. Terrific expand the film’s scope beyond just Superman’s personal story.
There’s a clear sense that Gunn is embracing the broader DC Universe, making
this film feel like a fresh and exciting new chapter for Superman on the big
screen.
Superman’s legacy has
always been larger than just one actor, but there’s no denying that for many, including
me, Christopher Reeve remains the definitive portrayal of the character. The
2024 documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is a powerful,
deeply moving look at his life, career, and the unimaginable tragedy that
changed everything. Watching it, I couldn’t help but tear up, thinking about
the contrast between the towering, handsome, and robust man who defined
Superman for a generation and the reality of his later years, where he faced
incredible adversity after his riding accident left him paralyzed. It’s hard to
comprehend going from being the embodiment of power and grace to suddenly
losing nearly all mobility. And yet, rather than retreat into bitterness, Reeve
became an advocate, using his platform to push for advancements in spinal cord
research and to inspire millions.
Superman: The Movie starring
Christopher Reeve was one of the few films my parents took me and my brother to
see in theaters when we were kids. That experience is forever etched in my
memory—the moment when Superman first took flight, the way Reeve seamlessly
transitioned between Clark Kent’s awkward charm and Superman’s commanding
presence. Watching the documentary reminded me of those early memories, of how
that film defined what a hero was supposed to be. It wasn’t just the
superpowers or the fights against Lex Luthor; it was the warmth, the unwavering
sense of right and wrong, and the belief that one person—superpowered or
not—could make a difference. In short, Chris and Supes were and are downright
inspirational.
Even decades after his
first appearance, Superman continues to hold immense value, both emotionally
and financially. Recently, an original copy of Action Comics #1,
featuring Superman’s first appearance, sold for a staggering six million
dollars, setting a new record. It’s incredible to think that a single comic
book, one that originally sold for just 10 cents in 1938, could be worth that
much today. But that price tag is more than just a reflection of rarity—it’s evidence
of Superman’s lasting impact. He isn’t just a character; he’s a symbol, a piece
of cultural history that has resonated across generations.
Thinking about
everything Superman represents—from the hopeful father in Superman &
Lois to the fresh start in James Gunn’s film, the bittersweet legacy of
Christopher Reeve, and the historic sale of Action Comics #1—it’s clear
that he is more than just a superhero. He’s a reflection of our ideals, our
struggles, and our hopes. No matter how many times his story is retold, whether
in comics, TV shows, or films, his message remains the same: that doing good,
standing up for what’s right, and believing in the best of people will always
matter. In a world that often feels chaotic and divided, especially in today’s
political climate, Superman endures, reminding us all that we can still strive
to be better.
