Rachael Newell

Mrs. Larson, Period 4

Research Paper
Counting on Krypton
So many of our dreams seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we
summon the will, they soon become inevitable. Christopher Reeve. Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster were
the sons of hard-working Jewish immigrants. They grew up admiring a Jewish Strongman from Poland
who performed at a circus in their hometown Cleveland, Ohio, performing death-defying feats and
causing the ladies to swoon with his rugged muscles and chiseled features (Magnuson). They also looked
up to their heroic fathers. Siegel was especially influenced by his father, who died from a heart-attack
when his store was robbed; many say there were shots fired, but no bullet marks were found (Trubek).
These inspiring men influenced Siegel and Shuster in the creation of their beloved character, Superman.
After a sleepless night full of spontaneous ideas, Siegel rushed to Shuster's house where they "dreamed
up the comic strip hero with superpowers" (Trubek). They dreamt of creating an individual that could
change the world in ways they couldn't imagine doing themselves. Their breakthrough has had a long-
lasting influence on society. The creation of Superman is an important part of history because of it's
impact on the comic industry, it gives the world hope, and it provides a safe way to address large scale
problems.
According to the article by Admin, the most notable and first impact of Superman is his impact
on comic books and the perception of the superhero. Not previously connected, his publication created
the relationship between the two (Admin) . The first publication of Superman was Action Comics #1,
displaying him lifting a car on the cover (Philibin). "As it is, Action Comics #1 is the 'Big Bang' of
Superheroes" (Philibin). Superman was a catalyst to comic industry. He was a precedent for all authors
and artists to follow. He put the 'super' in 'superhero' and modeled the original 'superhero costume';
after his appearance imagination soared in the minds of authors and artists creating new heroes that
had different powers, symbols, and costumes, most of which included capes (Philibin). A few years after
their character's first appearance Siegel and Shuster sold him to DC Comics (Trubek), now home of
multiple well known heroes that have all had an impact in creating new culture.
A boom in the comic industry brought more attention to these new ideas and concepts of
unrealistic saviors. This created a new culture in American society and eventually all around the world.
Today, a person can't go hardly anywhere without seeing a hero's logo , whether it be on T-shirts,
lunchboxes, or bumper stickers (MrWeiler). The story of Superman has been retold through countless
comic books, radio shows, television series, movies, etc. (Sangiacomo). In every portrayal his character
stays constant and his desire to do the right thing never changes. Today, superhero movies are released
frequently, all underlying the message of hope and justice. The world revolves around the release of
new movies that tell the stories of heroes who save the world out of the goodness in their hearts
(MrWeiler). All of this happened because of the first publication of Superman; so where would modern
culture be without it? Some consider Superman as invital to the progression of the comic industry and
further culture. However, his creation was and is very vital because it directly lead to the advancements
of comic companies and inspiration around the world. Superman's creation is an important part of
history because of it's impact on the comic industry.
Hope is a powerful feeling that fuels dreams and goals. It can lead the underdog team to the
championship game. Because of hope even the most unfortunate can experience true happiness.
Superman brings hope to the world because he is so often portrayed as the savior of mankind
(MrWeiler). The incredible example he sets through his good character influences the whole world,
especially the youth (MrWeiler). In every adaptation of the character he is always restoring peace and
happiness, even when it seems it is too late. He always has faith that things will work out and he never
gives up fighting for justice. Superman always looks for the positive side of things and is content on
fixing the problem at hand than creating a new solution (Olson). His influence sits in the conscious of
every soul whether they like it or not, guiding them like a guardian angel to help those in need without
even knowing their name. Being stronger and more talented than anyone on this earth, he easily could
decide to rule over humans. Instead, according to Olson, he chose to see the good in humanity and
magnify it. This example of selflessness and love has influenced citizens everywhere to do good and be
better leaders of society. It also shows how important these qualities are in a person to change the
world, furthermore giving us the desire to better ourselves. Many suggest that it is unwise to place faith
in fictional characters. On the contrary, having faith in something gives you direction and gives you
somewhere to go when you need inspiration and hope for a better future. The creation of Superman has
given the world the hope it desperately needs, therefore it is a very important part of history.
There are many issues faced around the world that aren't addressed out of fear and a lack of
justice. During the early 1900s America was trying to overcome segregation. However, often white
people were scared to go against their racist neighbors in fear of death or serious consequence. In the
Salem Trials many lied in court in a desperate effort to save themselves because of the lack of justice or
truth being served. The Red Scare lead to neighbor accusing neighbor out of fear when they were
innocently convicted of treason. When Superman was first introduced to the world there were problems
like this happening all over in America. There was fear of an unjust government, Nazi power (Philibin),
and communism (Sangiacomo). In comic books these problems were addressed and solved by
Superman, bringing peace to unsettled hearts (Sangiacomo). Tying back to the aspect of hope, his ability
to solve these problems gave hope to citizens that there will always be justice.
Some issues faced in daily life seem unsolvable. They make people feel unaccepted and
unwanted. Superman conquered many of these issues through his own life. His parents passed away
when he was just a baby, leaving him an orphan. To give him his best chance at a good life, his parents
sent him to earth before he died, making him an immigrant (Admin). At earth, he was found by an
infertile married couple who loved him and raised him (MrWeiler). His powers made him an outsider to
the others so he often didn't have very many friends and was picked on at school. He pushed through
his trials with the assistance of good parents who taught him responsibility and unconditional love
(MrWeiler). When he discovered his true identity he used his powers to aid other people who struggled
with these 'insolvable' issues. "In that first issue, Superman saved the life of an innocent woman on
death row, stopped a wife beater, [and] punished some bullying thugs" (Sangiacomo). According to
Sangiacomo, readers like this aspect of Superman because they were real social evils they feel powerless
to conquer, so they love seeing someone who could. The background of Superman relates to many and
shows the world that no matter what your situation may be it doesnt determine your future, you do.
Some may say that because Superman solved these problems it doesn't provide closure because of the
fact that it still does not fix them. However, even though he may be a fictional character he provides a
way to cope with the hard things and his example provides the strength needed to overcome personal
obstacles. Through the many adaptations of Superman, large scale problems are addressed and solved,
making his creation an important part of history.
Because of it's long term effects through a boom in comic industry, an establishment of hope,
and the character's ability to openly solve large scale problems, the creation of Superman is a
meaningful, important part of history. Superman fulfilled the 'American Dream', finding and creating
success in the home of the free (Admin). His development has dynamically created culture that can also
be shared internationally. The leadership of heroes has created a standard for leadership sought after in
every country, one of sacrifice and devotion to the well being of all. The influence of the character
himself has created a global desire for goodness. Superheroes embody the moral desire to do the right
thing, and symbolize the good in all of us (MrWeiler). One can only wonder what condition the world
would be in without it's beloved heroes to watch over and protect us.

Works Cited
Admin. "The Impact of Superman on Popular Culture." Shirts 4 Geek. N.p., 8 Dec. 2013. Web. 22 May
2014.
Magnuson, Danielle. "Superman's Creation Myth." UTNE. N.p., 12 Aug. 2011. Web. 22 May 2014.
MrWeiler. "What Impact Have Superheroes Had on American Popular Culture?" Teen Ink. N.p., n.d.
Web. 14 May 2014
Olson, JR. "The Impact of Superman on American Culture." ITN. N.p., 21 Dec. 2013. Web. 22 May 2014.
Philibin, Brian G. "The Story of the 'S'" Metropolis Plus. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 May 2015.
Sangiacomo, Michael. "Superman: Celebrating 75 Years of Truth, Justice and the American Way in the
Man of Steel's City of Birth." Cleveland. 14 Apr. 2013. 12 May 2014.
Trubek, Anne. "Cleveland, the True Birthplace of Superman." Smithsonian. 19 Aug. 2010. 12
May 2014. <www.smithsonianmag.com>.