Batman Vs. Superman: Superman Mythology

Superman's Mythology
An Inside Look Into The Origins of the Man of Steel

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Origin of Comic Origin of Character Evolution of Character

Origin of Comic: Superman was created by Jerry Siegal, a writer, and Joe Shuster, an artist. Superman first appeared in Action Comics #1 in June 1938. Before the introduction of Superman, only people like Alexander the Great and other crusaders who conquered and ruled the world were considered as heroes. Jerry Siegal and Joe Shuster introduced the world to a brand new definition of heroism. I know, you are probably thinking how can you compare Alexander the Great to Superman. Although Superman is fictional, his character exceeds the common man's perception of heroism. With his character and super powers, he exudes more humanity than any other person on planet Earth. Jerry Siegal and Joe Shuster first pitched the idea of Superman to publishers in 1933 but were rejected.
Origin of Character: Kal-El (Superman's real name) is the only son of Jor-El (father) and Lara (mother) who was born on the planet Krypton. The Kryptonians were a scientifically advanced civilization, centuries beyond the capabilities of Earth's civilization. Kryptonians had extensively studied planet Earth, its atmosphere and yellow sun Jor-El was a scientist who was a member of Krypton's governing council. Jor-El discovered that Krypton was about to reach its celestial doom. In order to spare their son from the unavoidable self-destruction of the planet Krypton, Jor-El and Lara seated infant Kal-El in a space-ship and sent him to planet Earth. His parents sent him to Earth because they knew the yellow sun would provide a Kryptonian with unimaginable powers and that the human civilization had potential for good.
Kal-El's space-ship crashed onto the Earth's surface in a town called Smallville in Kansas, USA. Just as the space-ship crashed, it was discovered by Jonathan and Martha Kent while they were driving home from town. Jonathan and Martha Kent lived on and operated a farm in Smallville and were the humblest couple. Jonathan and Martha Kent got out of their truck and made their way to the crash site, only to find a young boy emerging from what appeared to them as a pod. Despite their complete disbelief of a space-ship crashing to Earth, Martha Kent immediately felt a connection to the boy and knew that he did not have anyone to look after him. They were truly mesmerized when the young boy exhibited his strength as he lifted their truck to help Jonathan Kent repair a flat tire. Jonathan and Martha Kent adopted young Kal-El despite Jonathan's reluctance to simply take in an abonded boy without contacting the authorities. They named the space boy Clark Kent.
Evolution of Character: Clark Kent went through quite an ordeal to realize his destiny of protecting Earth as Superman. During his early years, Clark Kent was still developing and learning to use his many powers, one by one. It was not until his late teens/early twenties did he master his abilities. Clark Kent came to be Superman with a lot of influence from his adopted parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent. Jonathan and Martha Kent instilled in him with the responsibility of being such a powerful being, unlike any other on planet Earth. Superman could have simply taken over the world and declared himself as the Supereme ruler of planet Earth but he did not have the heart to do so. He knew he must use his powers only for the good of mankind and for the protection of those who could not protect themselves. Superman has so much sincerity and compassion that some might think he was naive but in fact it is all belief. Superman believed that everyone had some good in them and he always looked for the best in people, no matter their circumstances. This is one characteristic that no other super-hero possesses. He truly believed that planet Earth could be a better place for humanity if only we mended our ways and paid close attention to the real problems...The Man of Steel will always be a champion for justice and humanity. There are only a few people who know Superman's true identity - Jonathan and Martha Kent, Lois Lane, Pete Ross, Batman to name a few.
References: Steven Younis (2005). Superman Profile. Retrieved from http://www.supermanhomepage.com/comics/comics.php?topic=comics-superman (May 7, 2005).