Is Superman the Worst Character ever?

[JACK-2]

In retrospect I just wanna state that I don't think Supes is the worst hero ever. He could very well be the greatest ever created and is no doubt the symbol of the mordern Super- Hero. I think the problem is like C-master said: "It has to do with today's idea of what a hero should be vs. Supes" Though, I wanna state that it goes deeper than that.

Realism seems to be a fairly popular characteristic now a days in fiction. Because people like things they can identify with on some level. That's why flawed character are popular due to people seeing an aspect of themselves E.G. Flaws in the characters and it makes it easier for people to relate to the characters. This also extends to how the heroes operate. Characters that are more believeable in abilities [Street Levelers] will be more liked due to what is stated above in red. Supes is the type of character you would encounter in mythology or tall tale like Bill Pacos, Hercules, Samson, and King Arthur. The type of adventures and attributes he has stretch the imagination.


This wouldn't be a problem if the comic books weren't targeted at a much older demograph now a days I.E. Adults. For an older audience a character such as supes is really out of place. In reality Supes would fit in much better with a much younger demograph. Problem is DC doesn't target him to much younger demograph and they refuse to write him in a way that the targeted demograph is used too. So, it's not too surprising that he is targeted by people because he sticks out like a sore thumb and thus is an easy target. I enjoy supes for the type of hero he is just like I enjoy spidey for the type of hero he is. I wouldn't compare them because it's apples and oranges. They are both great in there own different ways and represent two different but very important archetypes in fiction.

[The Big Daddy C-Master]

May 29, 2009 2:11:28 GMT -5 JACK-2 said:

In retrospect I just wanna state that I don't think Supes is the worst hero ever. He could very well be the greatest ever created and is no doubt the symbol of the mordern Super- Hero. I think the problem is like C-master said: "It has to do with today's idea of what a hero should be vs. Supes" Though, I wanna state that it goes deeper than that.

Realism seems to be a fairly popular characteristic now a days in fiction. Because people like things they can identify with on some level. That's why flawed character are popular due to people seeing an aspect of themselves E.G. Flaws in the characters and it makes it easier for people to relate to the characters. This also extends to how the heroes operate. Characters that are more believeable in abilities [Street Levelers] will be more liked due to what is stated above in red. Supes is the type of character you would encounter in mythology or tall tale like Bill Pacos, Hercules, Samson, and King Arthur. The type of adventures and attributes he has stretch the imagination.


This wouldn't be a problem if the comic books weren't targeted at a much older demograph now a days I.E. Adults. For an older audience a character such as supes is really out of place. In reality Supes would fit in much better with a much younger demograph. Problem is DC doesn't target him to much younger demograph and they refuse to write him in a way that the targeted demograph is used too. So, it's not too surprising that he is targeted by people because he sticks out like a sore thumb and thus is an easy target. I enjoy supes for the type of hero he is just like I enjoy spidey for the type of hero he is. I wouldn't compare them because it's apples and oranges. They are both great in there own different ways and represent two different but very important archetypes in fiction.

I see what you mean.

However, would you say Superman is outdated to some degree?

[JACK-2]

In some ways he is considering how he's presented in comics, you could say he hasn't change too much. There are interpretations of the character that would fit in much better in a post-modern comic than what is being presented now. Especially, in light of the fact that during the Silver Age many heroes were reinvented with a more modern appeal. However, DC doesn't seem to have the intention of re-imagining or Even bringing said pre-existing interpretations to the fore front of Superman comics. So, yeah he is outdated in that respect.

[The Big Daddy C-Master]

Jun 1, 2009 16:32:07 GMT -5 JACK-2 said:

In some ways he is considering how he's presented in comics, you could say he hasn't change too much. There are interpretations of the character that would fit in much better in a post-modern comic than what is being presented now. Especially, in light of the fact that during the Silver Age many heroes were reinvented with a more modern appeal. However, DC doesn't seem to have the intention of re-imagining or Even bringing said pre-existing interpretations to the fore front of Superman comics. So, yeah he is outdated in that respect.

Maybe that is part of the charm to him to some people, but it seems like they want him to be "cool" still though.

[JACK-2]

When it comes to power levels there are fanboys who think it's cool that Supes is strong. Then again if given a choice fanboys always opt for their favorite characters to become stronger.

[The Big Daddy C-Master]

Jun 4, 2009 21:04:20 GMT -5 JACK-2 said:

When it comes to power levels there are fanboys who think it's cool that Supes is strong. Then again if given a choice fanboys always opt for their favorite characters to become stronger.

I don't mind him being powerful, but should he have some limits?

[JACK-2]

It comes down to how he's being written at any given time, I mean there are so many different interpretations of Supes and other heroes that can be presented [implicitly or explicitly] at any given time. The limits will tend to be higher or lower depending on the type of story.

[The Big Daddy C-Master]

Jun 5, 2009 13:37:34 GMT -5 JACK-2 said:

It comes down to how he's being written at any given time, I mean there are so many different interpretations of Supes and other heroes that can be presented [implicitly or explicitly] at any given time. The limits will tend to be higher or lower depending on the type of story.

A general plot device. All characters should have some leeway but the plot shouldn't be 100% of what they can do at any given time.

[JACK-2]

That's why I enjoy characters with consistent abilities more so than those who depend on the scenerio for their abilities when it comes to fights n' such.

[The Big Daddy C-Master]

Jun 11, 2009 4:13:49 GMT -5 JACK-2 said:

That's why I enjoy characters with consistent abilities more so than those who depend on the scenerio for their abilities when it comes to fights n' such.

Unless they had that as a power...

[JACK-2]

Lol yeah, Magicians, Gods and Cosmics are very guilty of that.

[Saikyo Kid]

He is and he isn't, 'guys the originator so I don't really wanna say somthin' so bad about'im. Yet if he wasn't the O.G, I would easily admit it. The guy is capable of too much while erbody else is not. How could you possibly create a good story for a hero who can't be beaten?

[The Big Daddy C-Master]

Jun 12, 2009 19:46:27 GMT -5 Saikyo Kid said:

He is and he isn't, 'guys the originator so I don't really wanna say somthin' so bad about'im. Yet if he wasn't the O.G, I would easily admit it. The guy is capable of too much while erbody else is not. How could you possibly create a good story for a hero who can't be beaten?

Make a villain that can't lose either.

[Blaze72]

Anyone seen Superman for the DC reboot??

one of his costumes he wears jeans with patches on the knees.

[The Big Daddy C-Master]

Sept 3, 2011 7:52:52 GMT -5 Blaze72 said:

Anyone seen Superman for the DC reboot??

one of his costumes he wears jeans with patches on the knees.

Yea, it's totally different. I remember the Wonder Woman costume as well.

[Darkstorm Zero]

With a patch on the crotch?

[The Big Daddy C-Master]

No, I'll have to show you a concept costume from before.