Analyze Superman's powers in different story arcs and series. Compare him to similar heroes, such as Wonder Woman and The Hulk. Then answer the question: do Superman's iconic powers make him dull in comparison to his peers?
If you focus on the fact that Superman is essentially invulnerable, that would make it very interesting. The fact that writers created Kryptonite as one of the sole ways to weaken superman highlights the corner that the character paints himself him. How do you analyze a man who has everything and can do anything? "Being Superman" or acting like Superman has become such a part of the social lexicon that it is a joke. For example, people will always tell others how they can't possibly overwork themselves or do this and that because they "aren't Superman." This article would definitely be worth writing because of the large contrast between Superman and (arguably) many, many more interesting characters. – Giovanni Insignares10 years ago
My answer to the title has always been yes. For me the reason is that in order for Superman not to take over the world, he has to have an unrelateable ethic and moral standard. The reason Man of Steel doesn't work for me is that when he kills, the entire premise falls apart -- he's not only a bad guy, he's an unstoppable bad guy. The topic might be approached as an analysis of the moral structure of Man of Steel. – Monique10 years ago
Yes. Haha, I think that it would be a really good topic though! And I always like the analysis Bill makes of Superman in Kill Bill Volume II - that the interesting thing about him compared to a lot of other heroes (except perhaps wonder woman) is that he BORN superman (or Kal El) but his disguise is the weedy, weak Clark Kent. – Francesca Turauskis10 years ago
One interesting thing to bring is up that some fans view Superman as overpowered but characters like the Hulk aren't considered so. Which is strange considering Superman has all these weaknesses such as Kryptonite and in some cases magic. Whereas as I understand it the Hulk as unlimited power. – Cagney10 years ago
One interesting thing to keep in mind is the historical context in which Superman was created. Superman began as a fairly tame character, only possessing enhanced versions of various human traits (super speed, super strength, etc.) but after America became involved in WWII, it was important that Superman be more powerful than America's enemies, so we have Superman defeating Hitler and eventually even the Atomic bomb. – Natalie Sheppard10 years ago
I don't mean bad as in they're evil, I mean bad as in they were a bad idea much like I think there was some car made that it was like a grill on wheels or any vast sequels where they show a complete damn disregard for continuity that could include a character changing with no genuine explanation.
Example: Penny Plunder The fact that DC has wrote him out of continuity clearly speaks of how embarrassed they are to once have this as a character. So I guess this makes him to DC like that horrid movie you payed to see in theaters but you were optimistic good or great but then found out it was a execrable movie.
I agree, many characters that have been attempted in DC overall have the feeling of just being made for a singular moment of the story line progression without any thought of them as a "good" or logical addition. Though, I would say Marvel has done a better job at making characters that seem like they have more value and appreciation for the continuity over all. – uhstevedude10 years ago
