The Man of Steel as an American Icon

When I was a young girl, I used to love watching the Superman shows on TV that starred George Reeves. I would tune in to every show, and watch them avidly. I think I even had a bit of a crush on Clark Kent. I was so thrilled when a friend of mine taught me how to draw Superman flying, and I would draw this icon everywhere, doodling on school papers, on the back of envelopes, anything to keep that spirit alive in me. I had no idea that someday I would own a comic book store!

Tonight I was reading through some master’s degree theses on comic books (http://www.comicsresearch.org/ComicsDissertations-masters.html) and I was particularly struck with a thesis done by Joseph James Darowski entitled The American Way: What Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, and the X-Men Reveal about America. Right away, Darowski talks about how Superman burst on the scene as early as 1938, making an impact that over 70 years later, is still going strong.

He goes on to reveal all of the ways that Superman has pervaded our culture in a myriad of media forms. He has an iconic stature that has woven its way into the hearts of Americans. The S Shield is well-known and instantly recognized. In fact, if you haven’t seen it yet, we have a new Superman sign at our store, which broadcasts to the world that we are a comic book store. What says it better?

Our new Superman Sign

Darowski goes on to talk about the fact that Superman represents America’s new mythology, a theme I highly support, and with which I agree. Superman exhibits the characteristics that have made our country great – he arrives from another planet to live a better life, he upholds the American ideals of truth and justice, maintains a balance between civilization and freedom, and even his suit reflects the patriotism of the United States in its red and blue color.

To this day, Superman comics reflect the struggles of the American people. The present story line has him living on another planet, trying to adjust to a lifestyle that is decidedly NOT American, and this powerful icon has been arrested for treason. Meanwhile, America struggles with its own problems. Oh bring him back to help us in these times. America needs Superman more than New Krypton does!