Nov 14 2009
The Two Faces of Superman: The Story behind Superman Comics
Everyone is familiar with Superman, yet most people only know as far as him having superhuman abilities. How did Superman become the most popular superhero, becoming a cultural icon of America, and having a huge impact to the whole world?
Not everyone has read the Superman Comics, so here are the details of Superman’s extraordinary abilities—as well as his human side, Clark Kent:
Superman is originally from the planet Krypton, which is about to be destroyed. Upon knowledge of this, Superman’s father, a scientist, puts him in a rocket and sends him to Earth, as the atmosphere there would enable him to have superpowers.
Upon arriving here, he lands on a farm in Smallville, and the couple who owns it adopts him and decides to name him Clark Kent. Growing up, he discovers that he has superhuman abilities, and his parents advice him not to tell others. He sees his spaceship and discovers who he is, and where he is from.
Superman uses his powers to help people. However, he tries to conceal his real identity by assuming a normal life—he gets a job at the Daily Mail, and befriends the people there, especially Lois Lane, to whom he is romantically linked.
Superman works regularly, yet when there is danger, he quickly ducks into a phone booth to change into Superman. He has a red and blue outfit with a cape, has amazing strength, and heat and X-ray vision.
However, like most superheroes, Superman also has a weakness—kryptonite. It makes him weak and vulnerable, and his only defense is to wear a lead spacesuit.
Superman Comics make for great reading, especially if you are a beginner in comics, especially those with superheroes. As can be seen, Superman Comics has gone through several decades, and more and more people pay homage to the great comic superhero.