Category: Heroes

Superman is one of the first characters that we think of when discussing comic books and superheroes. After all, Superman is the character that launched an entire genre and had extensive powers with a lot of integrity to go with them. Throughout the years, there have been hundreds of comic book issues with Superman as the lead character, while also having plenty of ensemble appearances. It’s hard to narrow down the best, but let’s take a look at five of the most memorable moments in Superman’s comic book history.

The Wedding Album

Almost since the very beginning of the Superman series, the Man of Steel has been linked with Lois Lane. The two work together at the Daily Planet and there have been countless storylines where they have been a couple. However, the two were never officially married in these storylines until the mid-1990s. Thanks to the series “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman”, the hero finally got a storyline tie-in where he married Lois in the comics.

The one-shot series was titled “The Wedding Album” and released in late 1996. What made this comic so great wasn’t just the fact that Clark and Lois were getting married, but also because it was a compilation of those who made the characters possible. Many of the great artists throughout the series came back for “The Wedding Album” while the priest that married the two was made to resemble creator Jerry Siegel.

One Last Hope

If you want to read a Superman series that’s also an emotional gut punch, then “All-Star Superman” is the series for you. In the series, Superman finds out that he’s dying due to overexposure to the sun (where he gets his powers), and has a sort of ‘bucket list’ that he’s trying to finish. During this time, Superman performs acts of kindness wherever he can, and saves the life of one young girl who was about to leap off of a building.

In one of the pages, you can see the young girl (Regan) dropping her phone from the ledge of the tall building. All of a sudden, Superman appears behind her. He says “Your doctor really did get held up, Regan. It’s never as bad as it seems. You’re much stronger than you think you are. Trust me.” Regan then turns around, hugging Superman tightly as she has a change of heart.

Creating the Genre

Of course, you can’t mention Superman and his iconic moments without mentioning where it all began. On April 18, 1938, Action Comics #1 was released to the public by DC Comics, and the 64 pages highlighted several different characters. The first 13 pages, though, were dedicated to Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster’s character who would end up being the first true superhero in history.

Not many knew that Superman would become such a staple of pop culture at the time, which is why so many issues were sort of discarded or lost over the months that followed (which happens with most comics). However, those who were able to hold onto Action Comics #1 and keep it in great condition were able to sell them for literally millions of dollars. In fact, one copy sold for more than $3.2 million.

The Death of Superman

Many people wish they had the foresight to keep their copy of Action Comics #1 because of how valuable it would be, so nobody missed their opportunity for another monumental issue. This time around, it was the death of Superman, which was a massive crossover between the Superman series and five other publications. In this storyline that lasted for nearly a year, Superman took on the newly-created villain Doomsday.

While Superman was successful in his efforts of stopping Doomsday, it cost him his own life. The issue of Superman, vol 2. #75 featuring a tattered Superman flag hanging from a pole was the iconic image of the series and the one that everyone had in a plastic cover for safekeeping. Almost every DC hero makes an appearance, and even then-President Bill Clinton attended the funeral in the comics. Of course, Superman would return, but the fact that he could die changed things for DC.

Respect With Batman

As the two flagpole DC characters, there have been plenty of times when Batman and Superman have either worked together or against one another. In Batman Vol. 3 #36, we got a taste of the mutual respect that they have for each other when they’re both traveling to the same building.

Batman notes that Superman “Grew up in the dirt, finding out slowly how different he was. A stranger discovering every day how strange he was. He has the power to tear the world apart, and he could with a pinkie…and yet, he took that pain and became the symbol of hope.”

Superman has been a cultural icon for over 80 years. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the Man of Steel has stood the test of time and still remains one of the world’s most beloved superheroes. But in today’s world of complex characters and antiheroes, some may wonder if Superman still holds relevance. Here are five reasons why he does.

1. Hope in Dark Times

In times of crisis, people look for hope and inspiration. Superman embodies those qualities. He stands for truth, justice, and the American way – values that are more important now than ever before. His unwavering commitment to doing what is right reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

2. The Ultimate Superhero

Superman is not just any superhero – he’s the original superhero. He set the standard for all others that followed him. With his super strength, speed, and ability to fly, he represents everything we wish we could be – powerful and invincible.

3. A Symbol For Equality

Superman was created during a time when discrimination was rampant in America. But his creators made him an immigrant from another planet who had to hide his true identity to fit into society – something many people can relate to today. He represents equality for all regardless of race, gender, or background.

4. Timeless Stories

Superman’s stories have been told for over eight decades but they remain relevant today because they tackle universal themes such as love, loss, and sacrifice. Whether it’s saving Lois Lane from danger or stopping Lex Luthor from destroying Metropolis, Superman shows us what it means to be a hero.

5. Inspiration For Future Generations

Superman has inspired generations of children to do good in the world and make a difference in their communities. His message of hope and kindness continues to resonate with young people today who are looking for role models that embody those qualities.

In conclusion, Superman may have been created over eight decades ago but his relevance has not diminished with time. He remains an important symbol of hope, equality, and heroism that continues to inspire people around the world today just as much as he did when he first appeared on comic book pages back in 1938.

Superheroes have been a part of popular culture for decades, and they often serve as symbols of hope, justice, and morality. But what motivates these characters to don their capes and fight crime? Today we will investigate superhero motivations from a psychological perspective.

The Call to Action

Many superheroes are motivated by a call to action. They feel a sense of duty or responsibility to use their abilities to help others. This is evident in the origin stories of many superheroes, where they witness an injustice or tragedy that compels them to act.

For example, Spider-Man becomes a superhero after his uncle’s death at the hands of a criminal he could have stopped earlier. Batman becomes the Dark Knight after witnessing his parents’ murder and feeling responsible for protecting Gotham City.

This sense of responsibility is often rooted in guilt or trauma, which can drive individuals to become hyper-vigilant about preventing harm to others.

Personal Loss

Another common motivation for superheroes is a personal loss. Many characters become heroes because they have experienced tragedy or loss in their lives and want to prevent others from facing similar pain.

For example, Daredevil becomes a lawyer by day and a vigilante by night because he witnessed his father’s murder as a child and wants to protect others from experiencing a similar loss. Similarly, Superman lost his entire planet as an infant but uses his powers to protect Earth from harm.

This type of motivation can be seen as both selfless and selfish since it involves using personal pain as fuel for heroic actions.

Power Fantasy

Finally, some superheroes are motivated by power fantasies. They enjoy the rush of using their abilities to overcome obstacles and defeat villains. This type of motivation can be seen in characters like Iron Man or Thor who relish the opportunity to show off their strength and intelligence.

Power fantasy motivations may also involve seeking validation or recognition from others. Superheroes with this motivation may seek out fame or adoration from the public as proof of their worthiness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, superhero motivations are complex and varied. From a psychological perspective, we can see that many characters are driven by a sense of duty or responsibility, personal loss or trauma, or power fantasies.

Understanding these motivations can help us appreciate these characters on a deeper level and understand why they do what they do. Additionally, exploring these motivations can provide insight into our own desires for heroism or moral fortitude.

Superheroes have always been a fascinating subject of discussion. From Superman to Spider-Man, these characters have captured our imagination and sparked debates about their political ideologies. But what do superheroes really stand for? And how do their actions reflect different political beliefs?

The Conservative Hero

The conservative hero is characterized by his or her strong belief in individual responsibility and self-reliance. This hero believes that the government should play a limited role in people’s lives, leaving individuals to pursue their own goals and dreams. Examples of conservative heroes include Batman, Iron Man, and Captain America.

Batman, for instance, is a billionaire who uses his wealth to fight crime in Gotham City. He believes that he alone can make a difference in the world and that government intervention only leads to corruption and inefficiency. Similarly, Iron Man (Tony Stark) is a successful businessman who uses his technological advancements to protect the world from threats such as terrorism and invasion. He believes that free enterprise is the key to progress and innovation.

Captain America, on the other hand, embodies the traditional values of patriotism and duty. He fights for American ideals such as freedom, democracy, and justice. He believes that America is exceptional because of its commitment to these values.

The Liberal Hero

The liberal hero is characterized by his or her belief in social justice and equality. This hero sees government intervention as necessary to address issues such as poverty, discrimination, and environmental degradation. Examples of liberal heroes include Superman, Spider-Man, and Wonder Woman.

Superman represents the ideal of a perfect society where everyone has equal opportunities regardless of their background or identity. He fights against injustice wherever he sees it and advocates for tolerance and diversity.

Spider-Man also embodies liberal values such as compassion for others and responsibility towards society. He uses his powers not only to fight crime but also to help those in need.

Wonder Woman is another example of a liberal hero who fights against oppression and inequality. She represents female empowerment and challenges gender stereotypes.

The Libertarian Hero

The libertarian hero is characterized by his or her belief in individual freedom above all else. This hero opposes government intervention in any form and advocates for minimal regulation of personal behavior or economic activity. Examples of libertarian heroes include Rorschach from Watchmen, V from V for Vendetta, and Deadpool.

Rorschach is an uncompromising vigilante who sees morality in black-and-white terms. He opposes any form of compromise or negotiation with criminals or corrupt officials.

V from V for Vendetta embodies the spirit of rebellion against oppressive governments that restrict individual freedoms.

Deadpool may not be an obvious choice for a libertarian hero given his irreverent humor but he does represent individualism over conformity within society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, superheroes are not just fictional characters but reflections of our political ideologies too. Whether they embody conservative values like self-reliance or liberal values like social justice, these heroes serve as symbols of our hopes, fears, and aspirations. And no matter which side you fall on, there’s always a superhero out there fighting for your cause.

One of the most common arguments that you’ll ever hear in public is about who the greatest superhero of all time is. There are plenty of reasons for one person to back a certain superhero, whether it be their powers, their ability to hide their alter ego, their backstory, you name it. Very few things are tangible when talking about a superhero’s overall greatness, but you could bring up how popular their media are.

Of course, the medium that introduced all of these great superheroes is the comic book. Throughout comic book history, there are a handful of superheroes that stand out well above the rest of the field in terms of overall popularity. Let’s take a look at the superheroes and see which one has sold the best on comic book shelves.

X-Men

It might feel like cheating to use the X-Men since there are several main characters instead of just one, but it’s hard to deny that they’re so synonymous with being a team that they’re all one entity in the public eye. 

Stan Lee and Jack Kirby released their first X-Men comic book in 1963, and around 12,000 new issues have been made ever since with total sales of 210 million, or about 21,600 on average. X-Men #1 (1991) is the best-selling comic book of all time with over 8 million copies.

Captain America

Surprisingly, Captain America doesn’t have nearly as many issues as some of the big boys on the list, but there have still been 9,000 issues featuring him as the main character. 

The Joe Simon and Jack Kirby creation first hit shelves in 1941 during World War II, and have sold 210 million copies since its inception. That’s good for more than 23,300 copies sold of each issue. The debut issue had a mint condition copy that has sold for over $3 million multiple times, as well.

Spawn

Spawn is a bit of a surprise entrant since the Todd McFarlane creation has had a tiny number of issues when stacked against the rest of the comic books on the list. First introduced in 1992, Spawn has had just around 600 issues but has been able to sell 150 million copies worldwide. 

The exclusivity has been part of the appeal, which means that around a quarter million copies of each comic featuring Spawn have been sold. King Spawn #1 alone sold nearly half a million copies. Like the others, Spawn also received a movie adaptation, earning around $88 million at the box office.

Batman

Now we get into the “big three” starting with the Dark Knight himself. Batman has been around since 1939 when he was introduced in the 27th issue of the Detective Comics series and has been a mainstay of pop culture ever since. 

There have been over 17,000 issues of Batman, including the best-selling Batman: The 10-Cent Adventure which reached over 700,000 copies sold. On average, Batman comics sell over 28,400 copies to the tune of 484 million.

Spider-Man

The world’s favorite web-slinger might not have as many issues sold as Batman over the years, but he also came onto the scene a quarter-century afterward. Spider-Man was introduced by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko in 1963, and quickly became a massive hit with audiences. 

Over 13,500 issues, Spider-Man comics have sold 387 million copies, which is slightly above Batman’s average. The first edition of Ultimate Spider-Man was a best-seller with over 631,000 copies sold. If you want to give Spider-Man a bump in your ‘popularity’ argument, he is the highest-grossing standalone film superhero.

Superman

Spawn may be an outlier when it comes to average copies sold of each issue, but when it comes to the average sales at a large volume, nobody comes close to Superman. The oldest superhero on the list, Superman was introduced the year prior to Batman (1938) by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, giving DC Comics their first iconic character. 

Since then, there have been around 15,000 issues of Superman comics and sales of over 600 million, meaning that the average Superman comic sells 40,000 copies. The best-selling Superman comic came in 2018 when the landmark Detective Comics #1000 was released with Superman front and center, celebrating his 80th anniversary.

In the movies, heroes are handsome, strong and endowed with superhuman strength. But these real life heroism stories show that you don’t need any of those things to be a hero.

1. Saved From a Vicious Dog

Little Nicole Walker can honestly say that she has the best brother in the whole wide world. While 6-year old Bridger Walker and his 4 year old sister Nicole were visiting friends, a vicious dog suddenly ran toward them. Bridger positioned himself in front of his baby sister, moving so the dog couldn’t get to her. When the dog’s sharp teeth bit into Bridger’s face, he yelled for his sister to run. After the dog relinquished his grip, Bridger took his sister to a secure place to hide until help arrived. Bridger suffered severe lacerations to his face, needing over 90 stitches and several follow-up operations. Little Nicole was unharmed. Bridger Walker is a real life hero and an example to us all.

2. Pulled From a Submerged Car

A car accident left the driver unconscious while his car became submerged in Hauser, Oregon. The first witness, Molly Silva, immediately pulled over, jumped into the lake and swam toward the car. Next, Kris Hunter, a passerby who is a commercial diver, quickly put on his dive suit and headed out to where the vehicle had sunk. Yet a third hero used his truck winch and, working with the diva, pulled the car to the bank. By then, rescue officials had arrived and were able to extricate the driver and bring him back to consciousness. This is  heartwarming story of real life heroism with everyone working together.

3. Rescued From a Train Wreck

When a 72 year old driver’s car got stuck on railroad tracks in Kane County, Illinois, he was in immediate danger. Realizing that a train was coming, a passerby quickly jumped into action. When he got to the car, he found that the driver was having a medical emergency, and wasn’t able to move. With the train approaching, the hero unbuckled the man and lifted him from the vehicle to safety before the train smashed into the car, leaving it a jumbled mass of metal.

4. Saved in the Last Ten Seconds

An unknown hero pulled a man to safety just ten minutes before it would have been too late. In New York, a man in a wheelchair had somehow rolled off the platform and fallen onto the train tracks. With just ten seconds remaining, a hero jumped onto the tracks himself and lifted the man to safety right before the train sped into the station. The hero left before anyone could get his name.

5. Human Chain Rescue

On a sunny day in Panama City Beach, a young girl struggled to hold her head above water. Two women swam in to save the girl. One woman emerged with the girl safely in tow. The other woman continued to struggle in the rough waters. After a male beachgoer tried and failed to save the woman, a group of bystanders formed a human chain of 12 real life heroes. Everyone was brought safely to shore, and lives were saved.