Superman is one of the single most recognizable figures in the entire world. His image has been reproduced millions upon millions of times and stories about him have been translated into theater, radio, audio books, comics, computer games and a seemingly infinite variety of media. You can find paraphernalia of all kinds, up to and including, Superman underwear.
On any list of universally identifiable icons, whatever the top ranked elite, superman will always be among them. The letter 'S' on his chest, even the shape and coloration alone, can be immediately recognized by people of every strata of society in seemingly every corner of the civilized world. Ridiculous amounts of paraphernalia, more than a few movies and syndicated television shows, enormous amounts of books, comics, magazines are dedicated to him and his image.
Realistically speaking, it would be hard to identify a form of media that his image or story hasn't been featured on, or lent to in some way. Aside from direct imagery, because of his iconic status in pop culture, his character is referenced almost as much, and with as much diversity, as his actual image is displayed.
All sorts of reasons for the overwhelming popularity of this now mythical character can be, [and routinely are] argued over and asserted by fans everywhere, but one of the most commonly asserted may be his unyielding morality- the fact that he was always such a champion of justice.
Seventy three years ago the 'Man of Steel' was introduced to the world for the first time in action comics #1-artists Jerry Seigel and Joe Schuster first managed to have him published in 1938. That world was a very different one from today's, but some things, like the popularity of super heroes, haven't altered much. People still want to dream; to live, in a world where hope and extraordinary heroes exist.
Some would say that we view the characters as reflections; as images of who and what we'd aspire to be if we thought it possible. Things are rarely ever so black and white as in the scripted worlds of the superheroes, and perhaps there is an element of wistfulness about the simplicity of their cut and dried circumstances.
Perhaps if one were to look closely, one might surmise that a real reason for the continued popularity of the super hero even unto modern times, is the fact that they alone have the ability to forcefully and profoundly influence events in their worlds, whereas we as everyday people sometimes feel we do not. That a someone could exist with the power to 'rescue us' becomes a tantalizing idea indeed.
Whether you are a hardcore fan, with a room full of posters, wallpaper, a set of sheets and matching Superman underwear, or just a person who remembers seeing or hearing about the Man Of Steel for the first time as a child, it can feel good to know that some ideals, and the embodiment of those ideals, never really fade.
On any list of universally identifiable icons, whatever the top ranked elite, superman will always be among them. The letter 'S' on his chest, even the shape and coloration alone, can be immediately recognized by people of every strata of society in seemingly every corner of the civilized world. Ridiculous amounts of paraphernalia, more than a few movies and syndicated television shows, enormous amounts of books, comics, magazines are dedicated to him and his image.
Realistically speaking, it would be hard to identify a form of media that his image or story hasn't been featured on, or lent to in some way. Aside from direct imagery, because of his iconic status in pop culture, his character is referenced almost as much, and with as much diversity, as his actual image is displayed.
All sorts of reasons for the overwhelming popularity of this now mythical character can be, [and routinely are] argued over and asserted by fans everywhere, but one of the most commonly asserted may be his unyielding morality- the fact that he was always such a champion of justice.
Seventy three years ago the 'Man of Steel' was introduced to the world for the first time in action comics #1-artists Jerry Seigel and Joe Schuster first managed to have him published in 1938. That world was a very different one from today's, but some things, like the popularity of super heroes, haven't altered much. People still want to dream; to live, in a world where hope and extraordinary heroes exist.
Some would say that we view the characters as reflections; as images of who and what we'd aspire to be if we thought it possible. Things are rarely ever so black and white as in the scripted worlds of the superheroes, and perhaps there is an element of wistfulness about the simplicity of their cut and dried circumstances.
Perhaps if one were to look closely, one might surmise that a real reason for the continued popularity of the super hero even unto modern times, is the fact that they alone have the ability to forcefully and profoundly influence events in their worlds, whereas we as everyday people sometimes feel we do not. That a someone could exist with the power to 'rescue us' becomes a tantalizing idea indeed.
Whether you are a hardcore fan, with a room full of posters, wallpaper, a set of sheets and matching Superman underwear, or just a person who remembers seeing or hearing about the Man Of Steel for the first time as a child, it can feel good to know that some ideals, and the embodiment of those ideals, never really fade.
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