It's Chill Because He Saves the Day in the End Right?

As, quite literally, this is the archetype for the American superhero, I am hesitant to be critical of the Superman Chronicles blocky plot, limited lines and diversity of its panels due to its paving the way for a whole era of superhero comics. Seeing past the bland coloring and plot, the character Superman is interesting to analyze as he interacts with his world as the first hero in disguise. As Superman, he is always optimistic, always helping the public, always dealing with issues that seemingly cannot be solved fast enough by law enforcement. As a hero, he takes matters into his own hands, creates arbitrary rules for his methods and works as a larger than life figure.  As Clark Kent, he plays the role as an average American adult, trying to work under the stress of the fast-paced world of news and media. It is interesting to see Superman’s debut and slow integration into his world, transforming from a meek, mild-mannered employee, to an indestructible terror to some. His abilities are both frightening but helpful to those in need. At first, it is only isolated incidents that humans encounter his ability. However, as he becomes more integrated, Superman’s identity faces public issues such as copyright infringement and selling his abilities for entertainment in the circus. Superman has to deal with the two worlds colliding constantly, the idea of it probably being the first we’ve seen represented through comics. Humans identify or are obsessed with this notion of an alter ego; it is always exciting to be surprised by more than what the naked eye has to offer. The ability that any average man could become a superhero is attractive to readers, especially young boys who are its primary audience.

Superman’s role as a champion for America and a role model for his young audience causes tension between his indestructible ability and the very human lessons he must teach. Often, his methods are unorthodox and unique; his abilities are both destructive but weirdly instructive. Superman’s morality is a main focus point in the comics and brings back a very familiar phrase: “with great power comes great responsibility”. But at times I am surprised at how irresponsible Superman can be. Superman is not beyond going in disguise, infiltrating organizations such as the US Army or a football team to keep watch on people, scheming or sabotaging plans or kidnapping people to showcase his terrifying indestructible ability. One issue involves him kidnapping and drugging an innocent human to take his place. In the end, his actions are excused after the victim realizes Superman gave him a chance to be with his love interest. Superman’s methods sound dangerous, but we learn to accept them as he always seems to save the day in the end.  I sometimes think Superman can be a troll, using his powers to poke fun at anyone, speaking witty comics as he deflects bullets, working “behind the curtain” as a hero who cannot be truly revealed. Working above the law can be a terrifying idea if Superman was a villain, but because he is a superhero, it seems that his ability to save the day grants him moral immunity. The aspect of anonymity perhaps makes him feel less accountable for his actions. His methods sometimes include putting others in danger, including innocent bystanders to prove his point at times – at one point he leads a group of partygoers into a mine to prove how unsafe it is: by destroying it partly. His methods may seem strange but are very visually effective to young boys who may be toying with the line between delinquency and good at the time. Even Superman, who has the power to destroy cities, plug dams and save the damsel in distress, only uses his powers to teach a lesson.

Overall, I was not impressed by the art but must keep in mind the originality of the content. One unique aspect of these comics includes the narration style. The author included a voice that acts almost like an invisible character, the narrator, who leads us through the action and helping us navigate the world of Superman. Complete with punctuation, the almost story-like words add a visual element; representing time, or motion, depicting actions or relaying dramatic irony to the audience that Superman does not see.

Another aspect of the comics worth noting is the role of Lois Lane.  Her role is important but also very critical as she seems to be the only strong female lead worth drawing in this male dominated world. All other women are depicted as damsels in distress, objects of men or love interests of Superman. Because of this, it is understandable her ambitious desire to be a newspaperwoman. Other than hindrances she experiences at work, she is also the object of love for Superman, a damsel in distress and recurring individual who is constantly saved by Superman. Could her role as the victim symbolically represent the America Superman watches over?