Superman: In action for 75 years

75 years ago a strange visitor from another planet came to Earth with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men, and since then has become one of the most enduring, recognizable and popular superhero characters in the world - which is why today we celebrate Superman’s first appearance ever, way back in Action Comics #1.

I could go on and on about Superman’s legacy - as a cultural icon, as an ideal, as well as my personal attachment to the Big Blue Boy Scout - but this time I think I’ll just point you in the direction of what I’ve said before. I will say, though, that a character doesn’t last for 75 years – and come out as strong and relevant as ever – without resonating with people in some deep and signifcant way. The term “modern mythology” could have been invented just to encompass Jerry Siegel‘s and Joe Shuster‘s creation.

There is a very simple reason for this. Superman isn’t the greatest hero – not just in the DC Universe, not just to comic fans, but even to the average person on the street – because he’s perfect. He’s not. But he tries to be as good as he can, and inspires the same in others. He aspires to greatness without thought of ambition or personal gain or ego; he does it because that is our duty as human beings. A super-powered alien rocketed to Earth as an infant from the doomed planet Krypton, Superman is the most human of us all.

Everyone thinks Batman is cool, but deep down we all want to be Superman.

Happy anniversary, big guy (and you, too, Lois!). Up, up and away.