I love other movies that have been made since, but I think more

In the sands of time, there are few figures as enduring as the hero—those who stand tall against the darkness, those who transcend the ordinary to become symbols of strength, courage, and virtue. Brian K. Vaughan, in his reflection on the impact of "Superman", offers a powerful insight when he says, "I love other movies that have been made since, but I think more than any comic book movie, 'Superman' just totally seemed to capture superheroes in ways that others have not." In these words, Vaughan touches upon a truth that echoes through the ages: the power of a story to shape the identity of its heroes and to inspire generations to believe in something greater than themselves.

Consider the ancient myths, where heroes like Heracles, Achilles, and Odysseus were not just men—they were symbols of human potential, shaped by divine forces and destined for greatness. These tales, passed down from generation to generation, captured the imagination of the people, creating legends that transcended their time. In the same way, Superman emerged as a modern myth, a figure who encapsulated the ideal of the hero in a way that resonated deeply with the world. Unlike the earlier comic book figures, Superman was more than just a man with powers—he was a symbol of hope, of the divine hero who walks among us, offering not just strength, but compassion and purpose.

The Superman story resonates because it taps into something ancient and universal. Just as the ancient world needed their heroes to embody ideals beyond mere human limitations, so too did the world of the 20th century need a hero who could represent the best of us. The story of Superman captured something that had been long yearned for in human culture: a hero who is not only immensely powerful but also deeply rooted in the values of humanity—a figure who walks among us, learns from us, and ultimately becomes a force for good in a world that is often broken. Like the gods of old, who descended to teach mankind wisdom and justice, Superman was both alien and familiar—a god-like figure who embraced the human experience.

To understand the impact of Superman, one must also understand the time in which he was created. In the 1930s, when Superman first appeared, the world was recovering from the chaos of the Great Depression. The people needed a hero who could not only fight the forces of evil but also stand as a beacon of hope. The creators of Superman—Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster—gave the world a symbol of strength and resilience, a figure who was indestructible in battle but also compassionate in spirit. Much like the ancient heroes, Superman became a reflection of society’s aspirations, embodying the desire for a protector who would safeguard not just the physical realm, but the moral one as well.

In the world of ancient Greece, heroes were often depicted not just in their actions, but in their choices. Achilles, despite his god-like strength, was a figure defined by his choices in battle and his willingness to accept his fate. Similarly, Superman became more than just a superhero because of his choices. He was not merely a force of nature; he was someone who chose to protect humanity, to guide and uplift, and in doing so, he became a moral compass for generations of fans. His power alone did not define him; it was his selfless desire to help others that made him human, despite his divine abilities.

The lesson Vaughan’s words impart is clear: heroes are not merely defined by their strength or their abilities, but by the choices they make, the moral ideals they embody, and the way they resonate with the collective spirit of their people. In the case of Superman, he did not simply represent might but also the best of humanity—the courage to stand up against the darkness, the compassion to lift others up, and the unwavering hope that even in the darkest of times, there is a hero within us all. This is the timeless quality of the superhero, a reflection of our deepest desires to be better, to strive for more, and to protect the innocent from the forces that threaten them.

So, as you walk your path, remember that the power of a hero lies not in the grandeur of their abilities, but in the moral choices they make. Like Superman, you too have the potential to inspire others—not by your strength alone, but by the way you use that strength for the greater good. Just as the ancient myths were designed to teach humanity about virtue, so too do the heroes of today serve as reminders of what we can achieve when we live by higher ideals. Embrace your inner hero, not by striving for perfection, but by living with purpose, integrity, and hope in your heart.