Why was Superman created? The inception and purpose of 'Man of Steel'

Superman, also known as the "Man of Steel," is one of the most iconic superheroes in comic book history. He possesses a wide range of superhuman abilities, including incredible strength, speed, durability, and the power of flight, as well as the ability to shoot heat rays from his eyes and freeze objects with his breath.

Superman's story has been adapted into numerous forms of media, including comic books, television shows, movies, and video games. He has been portrayed by various actors over the years, each bringing their own unique interpretation to the character.

Exploring the origin of Superman and comprehending why Superman was created is essential to understanding the character's legacy. In this article, we explain the original inception of the idea, the overall purpose of Superman, as well as the vital role he has played in providing much-needed hope and inspiration to millions of people across the globe.

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Superman symbolizes hope, courage, and determination

Superman is a symbol of justice and selflessness. (Image Via Sportskeeda)

Superman was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938 as a response to the cultural and social climate of the time. The Great Depression was in full swing, and people were looking for something to believe in and aspire to. At the same time, the rise of fascism and the threat of World War II loomed on the horizon, causing anxiety and uncertainty for many.

Siegel and Shuster created Superman as a symbol of hope and a champion of justice. He was a powerful and benevolent figure, standing up against corrupt politicians, greedy industrialists, and other threats to the common good.

Superman was not only a symbol of justice and selflessness, but he was also a beacon of hope, courage, and determination.

He became a cultural icon and an enduring symbol of heroism and the American Dream. (Image via Warner Bros)

His extraordinary abilities and unwavering dedication to doing good provided an aspirational example for readers, igniting their faith in the power of their own resolve and the limitless potential of the human spirit.

He showed that even those with the most ordinary of beginnings could rise above their limitations and become forces for good in the world.

Over time, Superman's popularity grew, and he became a cultural icon, an enduring symbol of heroism and the American Dream. While his character has evolved over the years, his core values of justice, courage, and compassion have remained a constant source of inspiration for generations of fans.

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The legacy of Superman: The concept of the Man of Steel

Over the next five years, the character was continually tweaked and developed, until it was eventually bought by DC Comics in late 1938. Since his inception, Superman has grown from being an evil character to a good one, ready to fight for truth, justice, and the American way.

Throughout the 1940s and 50s, the concept of Superman underwent significant refinements, as two distinct versions of the character emerged.

The first of these versions was the “primary Superman”, a character who was deeply rooted in his commitment to truth and justice. He was, however, often depicted as a kind of “Dream Superhero”, who lacked the strength and power of modern-day superheroes.

The second version of Superman was the “secondary Superman”, a tougher and grittier version of the character. This version of Superman was closer to the “Man of Steel” we are familiar with today.

“Man of Steel” is the icon and symbol of hope. (Image via (Image via Warner Bros)

From his earliest inception, Superman always represented more than just a superhero. Created by two Jewish creators in the late 1930s, one could argue that Superman had a purpose: providing much-needed hope and inspiration to those suffering from the oppression and persecution being faced in America at the time.

Superman’s creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, knew little that their dream would go on to positively influence generations of people. When we look at Superman, we should be reminded of their courage, hard work, and determination. Without them, the “Man of Steel” wouldn’t be the icon and symbol of hope he is today.