I’ve been thinking about how Superman has always reflected the vibe of America.
When he showed up in the ’30s, he felt like an immigrant hero, fighting corrupt landlords, greedy bankers, and standing up for the little guy. He had that Depression era, everyday-people energy.
When he showed up in the ’30s, he felt like an immigrant hero, fighting corrupt landlords, greedy bankers, and standing up for the little guy. He had that Depression era, everyday-people energy.
Comments
By the ’50s, during the space race, his stories leaned sci-fi: mad scientists, aliens, robots. The Super fam grew: Supergirl, Superboy, even Krypto.
But by the end of that era, things felt kinda campy. Audiences wanted something more grounded.
In the ‘80s, he was back to being powerful again. But as the world got grittier, even Superman couldn’t escape it.
Then in the ‘90s… they killed him.
Superman Returns asked if we even needed him anymore.
And post-9/11, he mirrored our own identity crisis: nostalgic, unsure, and feeling kind of alone in a loud world.
He looks… broken.
And honestly? So are we.
Just like in the ’70s, we’re craving hope again.
But this time, Superman doesn’t just need to believe he can fly… we do.
The world doesn’t just need him anymore.
It needs us to be super, too.