He fought for the weak and oppressed, such as battered wives and miners, and he upheld the social liberties of ordinary people against corruption. Even in his early appearances, he symbolised the immigrant in a land of opportunity. The four-colour printing press had just been developed and the primary colours of Superman’s costume, modelled on a circus strongman’s outfit, looked visually stunning on the newsstands.Īs this was also the height of the Great Depression, the character addressed the cultural need for optimism. Superman’s first appearance was on the cover of Action Comics #1, in June 1938, holding a car above his head. Yet Superman is a character who persists and it is not just because of his visual appeal. The character is often mocked or deemed old-fashioned compared with darker heroes such as Batman, Deadpool and Wolverine. As the model for many superheroes after him, Superman is the man-god come to earth to save humanity with super strength, speed, X-Ray vision and flight. Visually, he is striking in a primary coloured costume bearing a red “S” insignia. There are many reasons behind the character’s longevity but chief among them is the myth of the messiah, the hero who sacrifices himself in order to return and bring new hope. Superman is 80 years old this year and he is a character that is still popular with mass audiences.
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