Just thinking out loud (so to speak). It seems to me that for some, the question of Superman being "boring" or not depends to some extent on a persons age. Not only does the character embody whimsical attributes like "wish fulfillment". It also represents more mature concepts like restraint, a measured response, honor, and a very "gentlemanly" code of conduct. These are traits that take time to appreciate.
I think that is an interesting idea. I don't know that whether Supeman, or any character, connects with someone comes down to any one thing. It could be that a reader of a certain age might find that there are values to Superman they find themselves compelled by, and maybe those might be different than what they liked about him as a kid.
But someone might also, as they get older, be more interested in stories about characters that are not so perfect and aspirational. And that can be a result of maturity and life experience as well.
Neither is a more mature response, to me, and both reactions are informed by maturity and experience.
So to be clear, I'm not disagreeing- the age of a reader will have an affect on what Superman means to them. But I do to think that will generally swing the reader only one direction.
I also think there are certain power sets that connect with our own imaginations and personalities better than others. I will dig up and add the link, but this reminds me of a segment on the Superpowers episode of This American Life where people were asked what they would choose to have between invisibility and flight.
I don't find Superman boring in general, I find him to be a little boring when compared to other 'big' characters.
I struggle to think of any great Superman stories, when with characters like Batman, for example, you could reel off a long list of greats.
I don't think he's boring, I think he's hard to write.
Must admit though, although I haven't had the inclination to read any of his recent books, the Doomed storyline recently got my interest peaked. Was it any good?
Just thinking out loud (so to speak). It seems to me that for some, the question of Superman being "boring" or not depends to some extent on a persons age. Not only does the character embody whimsical attributes like "wish fulfillment". It also represents more mature concepts like restraint, a measured response, honor, and a very "gentlemanly" code of conduct. These are traits that take time to appreciate.
Read those early issues of Superman from the 30's. Superman beat up landlords, coal mine owners, abusive husbands...the "Wish fulfillment" wasn't juvenile, it was the wish fulfillment of people who felt beat down by a system that favored the rich and trod on the poor.
Wish fulfillment isn't whimsical. The Punisher and other 70's Man's Action heroes were born out of "I want criminals to get theirs" wish fulfillment.
Superman's current stories are boring because the creators don't know what to do with him. I picked up an Action Comics Annual (you know, ACTION!) that began with almost 20 pages of expository dialogue. When someone gets a handle on the character wants to DO something more than just retain copyright, Superman can be great.
Just thinking out loud (so to speak). It seems to me that for some, the question of Superman being "boring" or not depends to some extent on a persons age. Not only does the character embody whimsical attributes like "wish fulfillment". It also represents more mature concepts like restraint, a measured response, honor, and a very "gentlemanly" code of conduct. These are traits that take time to appreciate.
I somewhat disagree. Your last point sort of reads like some DC fanboys' posts stating that the DCCU are for mature, intellectual people whereas Marvel (apparently only Studios) panders to children.
I thought those traits (I'd describe as being a Boy Scout) lead Kent to be naive back when I was in my teenage years & still do 20 years later.
M
It wasn't my intention to come off as a DC Fanboy and The traits I listed aren't exclusive to Superman. My intent was to add to the reasons why some find the character boring.
As for Kent. In my opinion, the Kent of the OTR and 50's television program is best. I'm not a fan of hyper-bumbler.
I can't speak much for the current New52 version of Superman -- which I walked away from because I found it to be more irritating than anything else -- but I never found the character to ever be boring. Some of the stories, sure... but never the character.
Superman holds no real appeal for me except as a gold standard and occasional guest character. I'm more engaged by stories in which explore his effect on others than I am by stories about him.
Just thinking out loud (so to speak). It seems to me that for some, the question of Superman being "boring" or not depends to some extent on a persons age. Not only does the character embody whimsical attributes like "wish fulfillment". It also represents more mature concepts like restraint, a measured response, honor, and a very "gentlemanly" code of conduct. These are traits that take time to appreciate.
I somewhat disagree. Your last point sort of reads like some DC fanboys' posts stating that the DCCU are for mature, intellectual people whereas Marvel (apparently only Studios) panders to children.
I thought those traits (I'd describe as being a Boy Scout) lead Kent to be naive back when I was in my teenage years & still do 20 years later.
M
It wasn't my intention to come off as a DC Fanboy and The traits I listed aren't exclusive to Superman. My intent was to add to the reasons why some find the character boring.
As for Kent. In my opinion, the Kent of the OTR and 50's television program is best. I'm not a fan of hyper-bumbler.
I figured you didn't intend it that way; it was just how I read it (of course that could be just reading a lot of that type of propaganda).
If you're looking for good Superman stories, some that I would suggest would include:
Superman: For All Seasons Superman: Secret Origins Superman: Speeding Bullets Superman: Last Son of Krypton Superman: Man of Steel (collects Man of Steel 1-6 by John Bryne) Superman: All-Star Superman Kingdom Come - I think it's actually a pretty good Superman story Superman: Earth One Superman: Peace on Earth Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow Superman: Red Son
These are a few of the Superman stories I've enjoyed over the years.
If you're looking for good Superman stories, some that I would suggest would include:
Superman: For All Seasons Superman: Secret Origins Superman: Speeding Bullets Superman: Last Son of Krypton Superman: Man of Steel (collects Man of Steel 1-6 by John Bryne) Superman: All-Star Superman Kingdom Come - I think it's actually a pretty good Superman story Superman: Earth One Superman: Peace on Earth Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow Superman: Red Son
These are a few of the Superman stories I've enjoyed over the years.
yeah Red Son is a must.
Superman COMICS should go back to the old costume, less fighting, more saving the day.
My perception of Supes as an interesting or boring character always reflects who's doing the writing and the art.
A team that has an interesting idea and who can get their version of his character across in a way that is relatable = interesting, much like everything else I read.
Superman's depiction in Injustice was very interesting for a while. I was a sucker for all the death of superman stuff way back when. Other times, particularly new 52 regular continuity, not so much.
Superman's never been boring to me. He's the standard by which all other heroes are measured. Even the Marvel ones. It's why when Marvel gave us Sentry we didn't bite. There's only one Superman. One. He's the constant.
For the Man Who Has Everything. Red Son. Whatever Happened To the Man of Tomorrow? The Supergirl Saga. All-Star Superman. Death of Superman. Earth One. Superman/Batman (the 00s series). Man of Steel. Earth Stealers. Kingdom Come.
All great tales I love revisiting from time to time.
Superman's never been boring to me. He's the standard by which all other heroes are measured. Even the Marvel ones. It's why when Marvel gave us Sentry we didn't bite. There's only one Superman. One. He's the constant.
It's no coincidence that they're all called Superheroes.
Comments
But someone might also, as they get older, be more interested in stories about characters that are not so perfect and aspirational. And that can be a result of maturity and life experience as well.
Neither is a more mature response, to me, and both reactions are informed by maturity and experience.
So to be clear, I'm not disagreeing- the age of a reader will have an affect on what Superman means to them. But I do to think that will generally swing the reader only one direction.
I also think there are certain power sets that connect with our own imaginations and personalities better than others. I will dig up and add the link, but this reminds me of a segment on the Superpowers episode of This American Life where people were asked what they would choose to have between invisibility and flight.
Edit- here it is:
http://tal.fm/178/1
I struggle to think of any great Superman stories, when with characters like Batman, for example, you could reel off a long list of greats.
I don't think he's boring, I think he's hard to write.
Must admit though, although I haven't had the inclination to read any of his recent books, the Doomed storyline recently got my interest peaked. Was it any good?
Wish fulfillment isn't whimsical. The Punisher and other 70's Man's Action heroes were born out of "I want criminals to get theirs" wish fulfillment.
Superman's current stories are boring because the creators don't know what to do with him. I picked up an Action Comics Annual (you know, ACTION!) that began with almost 20 pages of expository dialogue. When someone gets a handle on the character wants to DO something more than just retain copyright, Superman can be great.
As for Kent. In my opinion, the Kent of the OTR and 50's television program is best. I'm not a fan of hyper-bumbler.
M
Superman: For All Seasons
Superman: Secret Origins
Superman: Speeding Bullets
Superman: Last Son of Krypton
Superman: Man of Steel (collects Man of Steel 1-6 by John Bryne)
Superman: All-Star Superman
Kingdom Come - I think it's actually a pretty good Superman story
Superman: Earth One
Superman: Peace on Earth
Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow
Superman: Red Son
These are a few of the Superman stories I've enjoyed over the years.
yeah Red Son is a must.
Superman COMICS should go back to the old costume, less fighting, more saving the day.
A team that has an interesting idea and who can get their version of his character across in a way that is relatable = interesting, much like everything else I read.
Superman's depiction in Injustice was very interesting for a while. I was a sucker for all the death of superman stuff way back when. Other times, particularly new 52 regular continuity, not so much.
Happy Holidays!
For the Man Who Has Everything. Red Son. Whatever Happened To the Man of Tomorrow? The Supergirl Saga. All-Star Superman. Death of Superman. Earth One. Superman/Batman (the 00s series). Man of Steel. Earth Stealers. Kingdom Come.
All great tales I love revisiting from time to time.