For years, Superman has been misunderstood—if anything, straight up disrespected.
One of the most iconic characters of all time is often dismissed as too powerful, too perfect, or too boring. People say he lacks personal struggle.
But the narrative is shifting.
James Gunn’s new Superman movie hasn’t just launched a cinematic universe—it’s touched hearts.
I’m a Superman fan. In fact, he’s my favorite superhero. I’ve read countless comics, and what he stands for is what makes him special to me.
Superman is a god among humans. He can fly, has super strength, heightened senses, and more. But too many people focus on the “super” and not enough on the “man.”
As a baby, he was sent from the planet Krypton and crash-landed in Smallville, Kansas. Raised by humble farmers, he grew up as Clark Kent, a boy taught to use his powers for good.
His parents instilled the idea that his abilities were a responsibility, not a privilege. As he grew older, he took that to heart, dedicating his life to “truth, justice, and the American way.”
Superman stands for optimism and selflessness. No task is too small.
Though he’s an alien, he lives a human life, and that life includes mistakes. He’s not just Superman; he’s also Clark Kent, the small-town kid turned Daily Planet reporter.
Gunn’s new movie isn’t perfect. The comedy doesn’t always land, and skipping the origin story drops viewers into the action fast.
But say what you will, Superman’s portrayal is impeccable.
David Corenswet was the right man for the job, as he brought the character to life. He was optimistic and selfless, while honest about the struggles of being human.
Superman may be corny at times, and he may even be too nice, but that is just who he is. Even when judged , he sticks to what’s right. Whether he’s listening to embarrassing music or trying to protect a monster destroying the city, he never wavers from who he is — ever.
He is unapologetically himself.
This is not a Superman movie. This is a Clark Kent movie.
As I watched this movie, a big grin stretched across my face.
Walking out of the theater, I felt a burst of joy.
I may not be holding up collapsing buildings or fighting monsters but I had the urge to help others, like Superman does.
Admittedly, that kind of reaction to a comic book movie seemed extreme and almost embarrassing. But I wasn’t alone. Scrolling through social media, I found I was one of thousands.
Superman is a movie that we all need.
In a world of chaos, a movie about positivity almost seems too good to be true.
In my eyes mainstream media doesn’t promote being a good person as much as it should. Rather, it celebrates edginess and violence, almost to the point where it’s disturbing.
Gossip and drama surround our lives, and it feels like it is impossible to escape.
Being good may not be like an action movie fight scene or whatever wacky reality TV star is trending.
Being good isn’t flashy or interesting all the time. But slowly, being good is making the world a better place, and that is exactly what Superman reminds us of.
Superman isn’t cool for his powers. He’s cool because of what he chooses to use them for.
With men typically gravitating to Superman, I think they could really find themselves in this character.
Superman has always been powerful. Superman has also always shown his human side.
With a blockbuster movie behind him and more momentum than ever before, Superman is becoming a masculine symbol of hope and spreading a positive message to those who may be silently suffering.
The idea that a man cannot be strong while also being emotional has been a common belief.
Men bottle up emotions to avoid being considered “weak”, and that has led to heartbreaking results.
But Superman, the strongest man in the universe, he feels emotions too.
Why can’t you?
You can be strong and still be able to ask for help.
You can be a man and be upset.
You can struggle but still be a hero.
Superman isn’t just a comic book character.
This movie isn’t just a movie.
It’s a statement.
