The Problem with Superman ("Americans don't want to be told what to aspire to anymore")

Time Magazine ^ | May. 17, 2004 | LEV GROSSMAN

[Hawkeye's Girl]

For America's multimillion-dollar Superman industry, it's a serious problem. This is a guy who's from outer space — he was born on the planet Krypton, let's not forget — but he's also from another time. He debuted in the 1930s, when Americans liked their heroes like they liked their steaks: tough, thick and all-American. Nowadays we prefer our heroes dark and flawed and tragic. Look at the Punisher (wife and kids dead), or Hellboy (born a demon), or Spider-Man (secretly a nerd). Look at Batman: his parents were killed in front of him, and he dresses like a Cure fan. Now look at the big blue Boy Scout, with his cleft chin and his spit curl. He's just not cool.

[SoCal Pubbie]

I would have him question, just as a frustrated American might doubt with the news of the POW abuses right now, but in the end come out as The Man of Steel, with his faith renewed.

The point being that America is not perfect, just striving to be.

[Future Snake Eater]

I thought Smith is doing "Green Arrow."

[mhking]

Superman is still the company's flagship icon, but Batman outsells him, and the original superhero hasn't starred in a movie for 17 years.

Batman has outsold Superman for more than thirty years, and both are still cool. Next!

Just damn.

If you want on the list, FReepmail me. This IS a high-volume PING list...

[Fedora]

> Superman is still the company's flagship icon, but Batman outsells him, and the original superhero hasn't starred in a movie for 17 years.

Batman has outsold Superman for more than thirty years, and both are still cool. Next!

Great Caesar's Ghost!--or alternatively: Holy Reader Reversal, Batman! I suppose next they're going to be claiming that Spiderman outsells Fantastic Four or something! :)

[Fedora]

BTW, a fellow Freeper has asked me to mention to all Freepers interested in comic books that he has started a discussion group on Silver Age Marvel Comics here:

Oldschool Marvel Fans

[Skywalk]

I think one reason comic book super heroes "need" to be dark and flawed and tragic is because we all grew up. Kids today don't really read comics like they did when we grew up(or even earlier, I'm not that old) So as we grew up, we wanted heroes that had experienced deep grief, the kind that stays with you, no matter how many enemies you fight/kill or how many times you save the day.

Also, people wanted "reasons" for their heroes to be. Just because you are gifted with great intelligence, athletic ability or super powers doesn't mean you'd just go and start fighting crime. What would motivate someone to sacrifice their own life(in terms of time) to do that instead of use it strictly for personal gain? What about those who might initially use it for personal gain but then see another way, one that allows them to be a part of something greater?

That is the idea for my hero, and I feel no shame in making the story exceedingly dark and tragic, but with an ultimately beautiful(I hope) message. Because I think we need stories that more and more will confront the very real evil in the world, both ideological and the baser evil of the psychopath.

[Fedora]

Pinging you to my #65. BTW after that "10.5" thread I was kinda wondering if your name might be referring to the Avengers' Hawkeye :)

[VadeRetro]

Our Superman will want to wallow in who he is and find out why he hurts.

The Ernest Hemmingway chicken/road joke: Why did the chicken cross the road? To die. In the rain.

Screw that! Who will they get for Superman? Johnny Depp? Will Brad Pitt change his dress for a cape? Screw that!

[Qwinn]

"Screw that! Who will they get for Superman? Johnny Depp? Will Brad Pitt change his dress for a cape? Screw that!"

Well, as I was alerted to not long ago, Hollywood has decided that the perfect choice to play the very British, chain smoking John Constantine (Hellblazer) is none other than... Keanu Reeves.

Don't put anything past them. Their idiocy knows no bounds.

Qwinn

[VadeRetro]

Hawaii, England! An island is an island.

[Qwinn]

Oh, and I forgot to mention - John Constantine is also blond.

Thick British accent... blonde... chain smoking... doesn't Keanu Reeves just leap right out at you? I guess they figured he looks good in a trenchcoat *sigh*

This is the same crowd that put Kevin Costner in the role of Robin Hood, remember.

My guess, given their ridiculous casting calls? The next Superman will be played by Ashton Kuchter (Kelso from That 70's Show) (lol)

Qwinn

[Centurion2000]

There was a classic skit on the old SNL which speculated what if Superman worked for the Nazis.

That's scary ... I still remember that skit.

Uberman

[VadeRetro]

My guess, given their ridiculous casting calls? The next Superman will be played by Ashton Kuchter (Kelso from That 70's Show) (lol)

Only if they can't get Paul (Pee Wee) Reubens or Emo Phillips.

[Hawkeye's Girl]

Hey, thanks. I'll take a look at that.

[dpa5923]

It's not easy being me.

[Fedora]

Hope you like it!

[Fedora]

"It's not easy being me."

LOL! I like that song :)

[Salgak]

Kevin sez otherwise. . .

http://www.viewaskew.com/newboard/messages552/799.html

[lainde]

bttt

[NCPAC]

You broke the mold!

Who was your superhero of choice?