When reading the first half of Superman Chronicles I was was struck visually by the use of bold color and background. In many panels, we have bright reds, oranges, or greens set as a backdrop for many similar characters conversing or interacting. It is almost as if the boldness of the scenery is supposed to offset the monochromatic population of Clark Kent's world. But hey, that's 1938 America for you: one great white chin after another, and a broad at the end of every pummeling train.
To that end, I found some of the descriptions used to talk about Superman at odds with the seemingly altruistic and courageous persona he exudes. The first instance is on p.11 where Butch, a drunken oaf who kidnaps Lois Lane, exclaims, "It's the devil himself!" upon seeing Superman jump his car at top speed. Though this reaction seems justified (he did just see a normal looking pedestrian launch into the air, and we're in a 'good, Christian America'), the idea of Superman being considered a darker figure is almost confirmed by the narrator in "Action Comics No. 3."
When Superman breaks into the mine-owner's estate his action is compared to "some occult, avenging demon" rather than something obviously on the right side of justice (p.36). By comparing Superman to dark, biblical creatures like Satan and demons the narrator ads a perverse twinge to Superman's actions. He hunts criminals with a vengeance, kills and maims without mercy, and even drugs and paralyzes a young football player with seemingly zero motivation other than him over hearing a shady conversation. Superman is set outside the law and, unlike Tintin, falls somewhere in the shadows.
All of this coloring of the Superman persona, I think, is an attempt to recognize his foreignness. As much as he looks like everybody else (to the point where he is indistinguishable from other characters in a panel) must be asserted as only that, an aesthetic similarity. And like the backdrops, which provide contrast and vibrancy to a solely white urban hub, the descriptors of Superman showcase his inherent differences, and possibly sinister intentions. He is the hero who believes in vendetta.
I like the idea that Superman is a stranger, an alien, yet in the beginning of the comics, he seemed to be well-liked and admired by people. However, I wonder if people would actually react that way in real life. My friend showed me the new Superman v Batman film trailer where it seems that people are confused about what to do about Superman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WWzgGyAH6Y
ReplyDeleteIs he a devil, an angel, a savior, or a god? I don't know if there is an answer to this question, but as part of the omniscient audience of the comics/films, we know how Superman/Clark Kent feels about being a stranger to Earth and that he grew up as a human with American morals and values that led him to take on this role as Superman. Maybe he's just a "person" (humanoid) like the rest of us with some cool powers :)
The comic has such varying and problematic descriptions of Superman. I think these numerous descriptions show the Man of Steel's potential. He could be any one of the things previously listed. While his power seems one dimensional, the reader or author can point that power in any direction and with any spin. Perhaps adding a dark side to Superman allows the character to encompass multiple human understandings, interpretations and demographics. A character with many possibilities can evolve with time and social landscape.
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