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The Man behind the Steel: Superman through the years
“In time…you will help them accomplish wonders.” – Jor-El to his son Kal-El
Throughout history, humanity has always dreamed of achieving great things—from being able to fly to performing feats of superhuman strength and courage.
Along the way, we've been able to reach these goals in some manner or other by combining ingenuity and technology, but we continue to aspire to be better, to do good. This explains the lasting popularity of DC Comics superhero Superman, whose adventures inspire people to push themselves to becoming something like him and make a difference.
If you’re reading this right now, you’re probably one of the many people looking forward to a certain red and blue hero returning to the big screen starting June 12, as Warner Bros. and Zack Snyder finally draw the curtain and unleash a new interpretation of the DC Comics superhero Superman with "Man Of Steel."
Throughout history, humanity has always dreamed of achieving great things—from being able to fly to performing feats of superhuman strength and courage.
Along the way, we've been able to reach these goals in some manner or other by combining ingenuity and technology, but we continue to aspire to be better, to do good. This explains the lasting popularity of DC Comics superhero Superman, whose adventures inspire people to push themselves to becoming something like him and make a difference.
If you’re reading this right now, you’re probably one of the many people looking forward to a certain red and blue hero returning to the big screen starting June 12, as Warner Bros. and Zack Snyder finally draw the curtain and unleash a new interpretation of the DC Comics superhero Superman with "Man Of Steel."
Henry Cavill stars in Man of Steel, opening in Manila theaters on Wednesday. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson
Coinciding with the character's 75th anniversary, the film stars British actor and "Immortals" star Henry Cavill in the titular role, as a being from another planet rocketed to Earth as an infant and searching for his purpose in his adopted homeworld.
This is but the latest manifestation of the Superman legend that has continuously evolved through the decades, yet it is the constant theme with the character that he serves as an inspiration to all.
This is highlighted further by the “S” symbol the hero sports on his costume, which the movie and modern stories in the comics have clearly defined as a Kryptonian sigil that stands for “Hope.”
Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman first appeared in the pages of Action Comics #1 in June 1939.
Born as Kal-El on the planet Krypton, his father and mother send him to Earth just as their homeworld is about to explode, saving their son yet leaving him an orphan.
Fortunately, the infant is found and raised by a loving Kansas couple named Jonathan and Martha Kent, and through their guidance, young Clark Kent learns humility and kindness despite displaying amazing powers.
These traits and qualities help define the nature of his character, which would go on to champion his mission for truth and justice by assuming the role of Superman.
So what makes Superman so relatable to humanity? Is it his feats of strength, his colorful costume, or his ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound?
Quite possibly none of the above. The character is blessed with extraordinary abilities that are attributed to his Kryptonian physiology amplified by the Earth’s sun. He can fly at the speed of sound, break solid structures with his immeasurable super-strength, and tap into abilities such as heat vision and super-breath to handle even the most impossible situations.
Yet these are just complements to the true measure of what makes Clark Kent a hero: his unwavering moral code and sense of justice that continues to fuel his duty to be the man and superman everyone needs him to be.
Despite his amazing powers, Superman also struggles to maintain a sense of normalcy and responsibility. After growing up and leaving his hometown of Smallville, Clark Kent settles down in Metropolis and starts working as a journalist for the newspaper Daily Planet.
Even with his extraordinary abilities, he has learned to rely on his natural skills to make a living, and doesn’t abuse his powers for personal gain. Superman has his share of weaknesses as well, the greatest being Kryptonite, yet he doesn’t let that disability stop him from doing what’s right. He’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done, and also makes it a point to use his powers carefully and responsibly for the betterment of mankind.
This unwavering determination has inspired many, including his friends Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen and his comrades in the Justice League, to do the same. It has become his most admirable characteristic, earning him the nickname “Big Blue Boy Scout” – something that draws favor and respect from both allies and enemies alike.
Superman’s adventures quickly took the public by storm, and soon began to appear in different media such as radio and television, with actors like Ray Middleton and George Reeves among the first to portray the character and breathe life into his adventures.
But for many if not most people, the one who truly brought the character to life was Christopher Reeve, who unforgettably portrayed the Man of Steel on the big screen in 1978's "Superman: The Movie."
Decades later, Superman would return to the small screen again through animated shows like Superman: The Animated Series and Justice League, as well as live-action features like Lois and Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman and Smallville.
He would also once again fly into theaters with the 2006 semi-reboot film “Superman Returns,” which would cast Brandon Routh in the titular role.
Superman is also celebrated in music, by songs liks Five for Fighting's "Superman" and R.E.M.'s cover of The Clique's "(I Am) Superman."
Now that “Man Of Steel” comes out this June, a new generation of fans will be introduced to a very different kind of Superman, yet one who still shares the same kind of honesty, determination, and moral compass that previous iterations have.
Despite all of his powers and abilities, it truly is his example as a person of humility and kindness that gives hope to people, and helps others to pursue being heroes for others as well. Truly, we can be heroes, and be a superman in our own unique way. — BM, GMA News
This is but the latest manifestation of the Superman legend that has continuously evolved through the decades, yet it is the constant theme with the character that he serves as an inspiration to all.
This is highlighted further by the “S” symbol the hero sports on his costume, which the movie and modern stories in the comics have clearly defined as a Kryptonian sigil that stands for “Hope.”
Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman first appeared in the pages of Action Comics #1 in June 1939.
Superman's first appearance. DC Comics
Fortunately, the infant is found and raised by a loving Kansas couple named Jonathan and Martha Kent, and through their guidance, young Clark Kent learns humility and kindness despite displaying amazing powers.
These traits and qualities help define the nature of his character, which would go on to champion his mission for truth and justice by assuming the role of Superman.
So what makes Superman so relatable to humanity? Is it his feats of strength, his colorful costume, or his ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound?
Quite possibly none of the above. The character is blessed with extraordinary abilities that are attributed to his Kryptonian physiology amplified by the Earth’s sun. He can fly at the speed of sound, break solid structures with his immeasurable super-strength, and tap into abilities such as heat vision and super-breath to handle even the most impossible situations.
Yet these are just complements to the true measure of what makes Clark Kent a hero: his unwavering moral code and sense of justice that continues to fuel his duty to be the man and superman everyone needs him to be.
Despite his amazing powers, Superman also struggles to maintain a sense of normalcy and responsibility. After growing up and leaving his hometown of Smallville, Clark Kent settles down in Metropolis and starts working as a journalist for the newspaper Daily Planet.
Even with his extraordinary abilities, he has learned to rely on his natural skills to make a living, and doesn’t abuse his powers for personal gain. Superman has his share of weaknesses as well, the greatest being Kryptonite, yet he doesn’t let that disability stop him from doing what’s right. He’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done, and also makes it a point to use his powers carefully and responsibly for the betterment of mankind.
This unwavering determination has inspired many, including his friends Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen and his comrades in the Justice League, to do the same. It has become his most admirable characteristic, earning him the nickname “Big Blue Boy Scout” – something that draws favor and respect from both allies and enemies alike.
Superman’s adventures quickly took the public by storm, and soon began to appear in different media such as radio and television, with actors like Ray Middleton and George Reeves among the first to portray the character and breathe life into his adventures.
But for many if not most people, the one who truly brought the character to life was Christopher Reeve, who unforgettably portrayed the Man of Steel on the big screen in 1978's "Superman: The Movie."
Decades later, Superman would return to the small screen again through animated shows like Superman: The Animated Series and Justice League, as well as live-action features like Lois and Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman and Smallville.
He would also once again fly into theaters with the 2006 semi-reboot film “Superman Returns,” which would cast Brandon Routh in the titular role.
Superman is also celebrated in music, by songs liks Five for Fighting's "Superman" and R.E.M.'s cover of The Clique's "(I Am) Superman."
Now that “Man Of Steel” comes out this June, a new generation of fans will be introduced to a very different kind of Superman, yet one who still shares the same kind of honesty, determination, and moral compass that previous iterations have.
Despite all of his powers and abilities, it truly is his example as a person of humility and kindness that gives hope to people, and helps others to pursue being heroes for others as well. Truly, we can be heroes, and be a superman in our own unique way. — BM, GMA News
