Superman, often regarded as the first superhero, was born from the creativity of two Jewish men in the 1930s. While not explicitly religious, the essence of faith and moral values is intricately woven into his narrative. Raised in Kansas with strong Methodist influences, Superman embodies the ideals of leadership, self-sacrifice, and compassion, reminiscent of both Christ and Moses. His enduring legacy lies in his ability to inspire hope in a world that often feels despairing.
Celebrating Superman on His Anniversary
April 18 marks a special day for Superman enthusiasts. It’s the 87th anniversary of Superman’s debut in Action Comics, a moment that changed the landscape of comic books and pop culture. This year, excitement is heightened with the upcoming Superman film directed by James Gunn, featuring David Corenswet as the iconic character, making him the first Jewish actor to take on this significant role.
Gunn recently shared a heartfelt tribute to Superman on his Instagram account, highlighting that the character represents not just physical strength but also integrity and a commitment to doing what is right. His film aims to revisit the more vulnerable aspects of Superman while staying true to values that many people hold dear: goodness, compassion, and hope.
Superman’s Jewish Heritage
Professor Samantha Baskind, an art history expert, draws parallels between Superman’s story and Jewish history. She notes that Superman’s escape from Krypton mirrors the tale of Moses, who was placed in a basket to save him. Baskind also sees echoes of the Kindertransport, a mission that rescued thousands of Jewish children from Nazi Europe. Superman’s Kryptonian name, Kal-El, includes "El," which signifies God in Hebrew, making his origins particularly poignant.
Baskind points out that Siegel and Shuster, faced with the inability to fight Hitler directly, found a way to channel their frustrations and fears into a character who would stand against evil, as Superman did on the comic book covers of their time.
Universal Appeal Across Cultures
Superman’s story transcends religious and cultural boundaries. He resonates with many, including those from diverse backgrounds who find themselves in similar struggles between two worlds. Writer Gene Luen Yang, a Chinese American, relates his experiences to Superman’s journey, reinforcing that the character speaks to a common human experience, regardless of faith.
Even those who identify as non-religious find inspiration in Superman’s tale. Dan Clanton, a religious studies professor, argues that the superhero embodies an idea of American civil religion, capturing the essence of shared values among all citizens. Longtime Superman fan Neal Bailey, who identifies as an atheist, sees Superman as a figure who addresses humanity’s core challenges, emphasizing shared potential over differing beliefs.
Inspiring Humanity to Achieve More
Grant Morrison, a renowned Superman writer, believes that characters like Superman encourage people to strive for their best selves. Unlike some recent portrayals of superheroes that showcase darker themes, Gunn’s adaptation promises to restore Superman’s image as a protector of life, embodying hope and positivity.
In the recent "Superman & Lois" series, Superman’s character, played by Tyler Hoechlin, emphasizes not just heroic deeds but connection and community. After defeating villains, he and Lois Lane settle down with a mission to help others, showing that true heroism includes uplifting those around us.
As we celebrate Superman’s legacy, it’s clear that his influence stretches far beyond mere entertainment. He represents the ideals of strength, moral character, and the unwavering belief in the goodness of humanity, inspiring all of us to strive for a better world.
