Tony's Superhero Saturdays: Superman — The Legacy of the Last Son of Krypton
- Tyrone Tony Reed Jr.
- Jul 12
- 11 min read
In the pantheon of superheroes, few shine as brightly or as enduringly as Superman. Known across generations as the Man of Steel, Superman is more than just a caped crusader — he is the archetype, the symbol, and the origin point for the superhero genre. With his unwavering sense of justice, hope, and compassion, Superman has not only saved lives in the fictional DC Universe but also inspired millions in the real world.
The wonderfully James Gunn-directed Superman (which released worldwide July 11, 2025) — is a new chapter in the character’s cinematic journey — it’s the perfect time to revisit Superman’s origins, history, key relationships, media appearances, and cultural legacy. This Tony’s Superhero Saturdays deep dive celebrates everything that makes Clark Kent/Kal-El a timeless icon.
The Origins of a Legend: Creation & Early Years
Superman debuted in Action Comics #1 (June 1938), created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster. Born Kal-El on the doomed planet Krypton, he was rocketed to Earth as an infant by his scientist father Jor-El and raised by the kindly Kent family in Smallville, Kansas. Given the name Clark Kent, he grew up learning humility, compassion, and justice.
As he matured, Clark discovered he possessed incredible powers: super-strength, flight, x-ray vision, heat vision, super-speed, invulnerability, and more. Realizing his responsibility to help others, he donned the iconic red-and-blue suit and cape, becoming Superman, Earth’s protector and Krypton’s last son.
His motto: "Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow" — a modern evolution of his classic creed — remains a symbol of integrity.
Powers and Abilities
Superman’s powers stem from Earth’s yellow sun, which energizes his Kryptonian physiology. Among his many abilities:
Super strength (lifting entire planets in some versions)
Flight
Invulnerability
Super-speed and reflexes
Heat vision and x-ray vision
Super hearing
Freeze breath
Longevity/near immortality
What truly sets him apart, however, is not just his power — but how he chooses to use it. Superman is the ultimate moral compass in the DC Universe, always trying to find a peaceful solution before resorting to force.
Superman in Comics: The Best Storylines and Arcs
Superman has starred in thousands of issues over the decades. Some of the most acclaimed storylines include:
"The Death of Superman" (1992): Superman dies battling Doomsday in an epic, world-shaking fight.
"All-Star Superman" by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely: A poetic exploration of Superman's final days, considered one of the greatest Superman stories ever told.
"Superman: Birthright" by Mark Waid: A modern retelling of Superman’s origin, blending classic elements with new depth.
"Superman: Red Son" by Mark Millar: An Elseworlds tale imagining Superman raised in Soviet Russia instead of Kansas.
"For the Man Who Has Everything" by Alan Moore: A deeply human story exploring Clark’s heart's desire.
"Superman: Secret Identity" by Kurt Busiek: A metafictional, emotional look at what it means to be Superman in the real world.
"Reign of the Supermen" and "Return of Superman" arcs: Chronicling his resurrection and the legacy left in his absence.
"Kingdom Come" by Mark Waid and Alex Ross: A stunning visual and philosophical masterpiece exploring a future where Superman returns from exile to lead a new generation of heroes in a world that has lost its moral compass. It's both a celebration and critique of heroism in the modern age.
"Superman for All Seasons" by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale: A beautifully illustrated and heartfelt look at Superman’s early years, told through the seasons of his life. It emphasizes Clark Kent’s humanity and explores the emotional roots of what it means to be a hero.
Superman in Love: Lois Lane and Others
Superman’s heart has always belonged to Lois Lane, the fearless journalist at the Daily Planet. Their relationship has grown from secret crushes and flirtation to eventual marriage and, in recent stories, parenthood.
Other notable romantic interests include:
Lana Lang – Clark’s childhood sweetheart from Smallville.
Lori Lemaris – A telepathic mermaid from Atlantis whom Clark loved during college.
Wonder Woman – In some alternate timelines and the New 52 continuity, Superman and Diana were romantically involved.
Maxima – An alien queen who pursued Superman, believing him to be a worthy mate.
Lyla Lerrol – A Kryptonian actress whom Superman fell in love with while briefly trapped on Krypton.
Sally Selwyn – A passionate activist and rancher Superman met while temporarily experiencing amnesia and living as a mortal man.
Luma Lynai – A super-powered woman from the planet Staryl, physically similar to Supergirl, with whom Superman fell in love during a brief interplanetary romance.
Cat Grant – A fellow journalist who admired Superman and had romantic tension with Clark Kent.
Barda – Though not a romance in the traditional sense, their infamous forced team-up in the 'Mr. Miracle' saga is often referenced.
While others have appeared, Lois Lane remains the true love of Clark Kent’s life, grounding his humanity and understanding the man behind the cape.
Superman’s Closest Allies and the Super-Family
Jonathan and Martha Kent: His adoptive parents who instilled strong values.
Lois Lane: Journalist, wife, and greatest supporter.
Jimmy Olsen: Best friend and Daily Planet photographer.
Supergirl (Kara Zor-El): His cousin from Krypton and a powerful hero in her own right.
Superboy (Jonathan Kent): Clark and Lois’s son in modern continuity, continuing the legacy.
Steel (John Henry Irons): A brilliant inventor who took up the mantle during Superman’s absence.
Krypto the Superdog: His loyal canine companion.
Power Girl (Kara Zor-L): Alternate universe cousin of Superman.
Conner Kent (Kon-El): A clone created from Superman and Lex Luthor’s DNA.
Bibbo Bibbowski: A Metropolis dockworker, bar owner and loyal fan.
This diverse and powerful Super-Family reinforces Superman’s role not just as a protector, but as a mentor and father figure.
Greatest Enemies
Every great hero faces legendary villains, and Superman’s rogues gallery includes:
Lex Luthor – His arch-nemesis. A genius billionaire with a hatred of Superman’s alien nature.
Brainiac – A collector of civilizations and destroyer of worlds.
General Zod – A Kryptonian warlord with similar powers and a lust for conquest.
Doomsday – The monstrous being who killed Superman.
Bizarro – A twisted clone of Superman.
Darkseid – Lord of Apokolips and one of the most powerful threats in the DC Universe.
Metallo – A cyborg with a Kryptonite heart.
Parasite – Absorbs the powers and memories of his victims.
Mr. Mxyzptlk – A fifth-dimensional imp who challenges Superman through reality-warping mischief.
These adversaries test Superman’s mind, morality, and might in unique and unforgettable ways.
Friends, Teams, and Affiliations
Superman is deeply embedded in the DC Universe through:
Justice League – Co-founder and symbolic leader.
The Super Family – Includes Supergirl, Superboy, Steel, and others.
The Legion of Super-Heroes – Teen hero group from the 31st century, which Clark joined as Superboy in many timelines.
The Daily Planet Staff – Including Perry White, Cat Grant, and Ron Troupe.
Batman and Wonder Woman – His closest Justice League comrades.
His friendships span cosmic boundaries and reflect his belief in teamwork and unity.
Actors Who Have Played Superman
Live-Action Superman Actors:
Kirk Alyn – The first on-screen Superman in 1948 movie serials.
George Reeves – Adventures of Superman (1952–1958)
Christopher Reeve – Superman: The Movie (1978) and sequels; the gold standard for many fans.
Dean Cain – Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993–1997)
Tom Welling – Smallville (2001–2011)
Brandon Routh – Superman Returns (2006) and Crisis on Infinite Earths (CW)
Henry Cavill – Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman, Justice League
Tyler Hoechlin – Superman & Lois (2021–present)
David Corenswet – Superman (2025)
Voice Actors:
Bud Collyer – Radio, Fleischer cartoons
Beau Weaver – Superman (1988) animated series
Tim Daly – Superman: The Animated Series
George Newbern – Justice League, Justice League Unlimited
Mark Valley – Batman: The Brave and the Bold
Jerry O’Connell – DC Animated Movie Universe (2014–2020)
Darren Criss – Superman: Man of Tomorrow (2020)
Jack Quaid – My Adventures with Superman (2023–present)
Each actor brought a unique dimension to the role — from quiet strength to charming vulnerability.
Superman in Film and Television
Superman (1948 serial) – Kirk Alyn
Atom Man vs. Superman (1950 serial) – Kirk Alyn
Superman and the Mole Men (1951) – George Reeves
Superman (1978) – Christopher Reeve – Groundbreaking and deeply emotional.
Superman II (1980) – Christopher Reeve – Battle against Zod, Ursa, and Non.
Superman III (1983) – Christopher Reeve – Introduced a darker Superman.
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) – Christopher Reeve – Nuclear disarmament-themed return.
Superman Returns (2006) – Brandon Routh – A spiritual successor to the Reeve films.
Man of Steel (2013) – Henry Cavill – A modern, controversial retelling.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) – Henry Cavill – Conflict and sacrifice.
Justice League (2017) / Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) – Henry Cavill – Resurrected to save the world.
The Flash (2023) – Henry Cavill (brief CGI and alternate Supermen cameos)
Superman (2025) – David Corenswet – Directed by James Gunn, reintroducing a young Superman in a hopeful world.
Superman in Animation
The New Adventures of Superman (1966–70) – Superman's first major animated series, showcasing his Golden Age-style adventures.
Super Friends (1973–1986) – A Saturday morning staple where Superman led the Justice League against classic villains.
Superman: The Animated Series (1996–2000) – A cornerstone of the DC Animated Universe, balancing Clark’s humanity with Superman’s heroics.
Justice League & Justice League Unlimited (2001–2006) – Expanded Superman’s leadership role and complex relationships with fellow heroes.
All-Star Superman (2011) – An adaptation of Grant Morrison’s iconic tale, celebrating Superman’s nobility and sacrifice.
The Death of Superman & Reign of the Supermen (2018–2019) – A faithful and emotional retelling of his death and legacy.
Superman: Red Son (2020) – A bold Elseworlds story exploring what if Kal-El had landed in Soviet Russia.
Superman: Man of Tomorrow (2020) – A modern origin story introducing a new animated continuity.
My Adventures with Superman (2023–) – An anime-influenced series with a fresh, youthful take on Clark, Lois, and Jimmy.
Superman in Video Games
Superman has appeared in a wide range of video games across platforms and generations. Here are some of the most notable entries:
Superman (1979 - Atari 2600): One of the earliest superhero games ever released, featuring simple gameplay based on rescuing Lois and rebuilding a bridge.
Superman: The Game (1985 - Commodore 64/Spectrum): A side-scrolling title that included combat and puzzles.
Superman (1987 - NES): A confusing and poorly received game loosely based on the movies and comics.
Superman: The Man of Steel (1989 - Various platforms): An action game featuring stages based on different gameplay styles.
Superman (1992 - Arcade): A two-player beat-'em-up featuring classic enemies and colorful levels.
The Death and Return of Superman (1994 - SNES/Genesis): A side-scrolling brawler retelling the 'Death of Superman' arc with playable Supermen.
Superman 64 (1999 - Nintendo 64): Infamous for its frustrating controls and poor design, widely regarded as one of the worst games ever.
Superman: Shadow of Apokolips (2002 - PS2/GameCube): A cel-shaded action-adventure based on Superman: The Animated Series.
Superman: The Man of Steel (2002 - Xbox): An open-world game with flight mechanics but mixed reviews.
Justice League Heroes (2006): A top-down action RPG where Superman is one of the key playable characters.
Superman Returns (2006 - PS2/Xbox/360): Loosely tied to the film, this open-world game emphasized saving Metropolis over traditional health meters.
DC Universe Online (2011 - Multi-platform): An MMORPG where Superman acts as a mentor for new heroes.
LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes (2012): Superman is a major character with flight, strength, and heat vision.
LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham (2014): Expanded Superman’s role in space-based missions.
LEGO DC Super-Villains (2018): Features both heroic and brainwashed versions of Superman.
Injustice: Gods Among Us (2013) & Injustice 2 (2017): Features an authoritarian version of Superman in a dark alternate timeline.
Multiversus (2022–): Superman is a playable brawler with classic powers and fun voice lines.
Fortnite (2025): Superman is featured as an unlockable skin with custom emotes.
These games show Superman’s versatility across action, fighting, role-playing, and open-world genres.
While hard to replicate his godlike power in gaming, his presence always commands attention.
Superman’s Cultural Legacy
Superman stands as a titan of pop culture — not only as the first modern superhero but as a beacon of ideals that transcend time, nationality, and generations. His mythology has evolved, but his core values have remained constant: truth, justice, and hope.
The first modern superhero: Superman set the standard from which all others follow. His debut created an entirely new genre and laid the foundation for every superhero myth that came after.
A symbol of hope for immigrants: Kal-El’s journey from a doomed planet to finding purpose and belonging on Earth reflects the immigrant experience. Created by Jewish-American sons of immigrants, his story resonates as a metaphor for assimilation, identity, and cultural contribution.
A role model for children and adults alike: With his unwavering morality and humility, Superman shows that strength is best used in service to others. He remains a guide for how to lead, how to love, and how to live honorably.
A moral compass during global crises, both fictional and real: In comics, Superman confronts injustice on a planetary scale. In real life, his image has been used to uplift communities, inspire hope in dark times, and rally people to do good.
His iconic “S” shield — once just a costume embellishment — has become one of the most recognizable symbols on Earth. In modern canon, it represents the House of El’s symbol for hope on Krypton — a message that echoes across time: no matter how dark the world may seem, hope can rise.
Why Superman Still Matters
In an era when heroes are increasingly morally complex and often wrestle with cynicism or moral ambiguity, Superman remains a refreshing symbol of clarity. He reminds us that kindness, courage, and sacrifice are still powerful virtues. His character isn’t outdated — it’s aspirational, a lighthouse guiding generations through uncertainty and injustice.
Superman continues to matter because he represents the ideal, not the impossible. He shows us what we can strive toward: being better, being brave, and standing up when no one else will. His immense power never overshadows his deep empathy, and his restraint is what truly makes him heroic.
As Grant Morrison wrote in All-Star Superman:
"Superman isn’t brave because he’s invulnerable. He’s brave because he chooses to be human when he doesn’t have to."
He doesn’t represent perfection. He represents the struggle to be good, the discipline to use one’s gifts for others, and the belief that anyone — regardless of where they’re from — can become a hero.
In a fractured world, Superman still stands tall as a reminder that hope isn’t naïve — it’s necessary.
Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow
Superman’s motto has always been a reflection of the times. Originally coined as “Truth, Justice, and the American Way” during the 1940s, the phrase resonated with a generation fighting tyranny and longing for unity. However, as global perspectives shifted and America’s image became more complex, so too did the implications of the slogan.
While “the American Way” once evoked ideals of freedom and opportunity, modern interpretations often associate it with political division, nationalism, and systemic shortcomings. In a world increasingly interconnected — and fraught with injustice and inequality — tying Superman’s mission to a single nation, no matter how aspirational, felt limiting.
That’s why DC’s updated motto — “Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow” — is not just timely; it’s powerful. It embraces Superman’s global impact, his inclusive moral compass, and his unwavering faith in a brighter future for everyone. It reflects a hero who doesn’t stand for one country, but for all humanity.
Superman isn’t about blind patriotism — he’s about hope, action, and the shared responsibility to do better. This updated mantra calls us all to rise, to help, and to envision a tomorrow that surpasses the challenges of today.
Final Thoughts
From the comic pages of Action Comics to the shining theaters of 2025, Superman has endured.
He’s more than a character. He’s a movement. A memory. A mission.
Whether you're watching Superman & Lois, reading Birthright, or watching James Gunn’s new vision, remember:
He came from the stars. He walks among us. And he always will.
🛡️ Up, up, and away!
📚 Want more inspiring stories of heroes who rise against the darkness? Check out my original superhero series S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™ and pick up your copy today at www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop
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