Why Superman is the best superhero
Spiderman may have acquired a cult status in recent years but Superman is still seen as a cultural icon and the first comic book superhero. His adventures and popularity made him an inspiration for filmmakers, comedians and writers alike.
And now Superman has been voted the greatest ever sci-fi character on screen after beating Doctor Who and a host of Star Wars creations.
The Man Of Steel, memorably portrayed on screen by the late Christopher Reeve, topped a list of well-known names in a poll compiled by the makers of board game Stratego.
“Superman is the archetypal hero, and clearly as popular now as he was when he first appeared in comic books over 70 years ago,” Katherine Pierce, game’s marketing manager was quoted as saying.
His ability to stay calm, fly and be a man of steel is what makes him filmmaker Rajeev Jhaveri’s hero. “He works for a newspaper, he is a writer and his vision that the world could be a better place is very inspiring. My father was also fascinated by him. He was his superhero too. I remember I watched Superman, the film, first day first show with my friend in school at Archana in Delhi. What Richard Donner did to Superman was amazing and Christopher Reeve as Superman was so gentle yet so strong. I felt like Superman.”
Entrepreneur Vikram Mayor adds, “His magnanimity and the fact that he would be willing to sacrifice himself for the good of others earned him the status of a superhero. His calm benevolence and the God-like aura around him is not easy to match. He was such a strong influence on our minds that we dreamt of his X-ray vision and I even jumped out of the window once thinking I could fly. I even had a cape and a Superman uniform.”
For author Raaja Bhasin, Superman was the perfect hero who stood up for good against evil and always won and who remained anonymous. “We went around with sheets and towels on our backs pretending to be him. His were the first comic books that I bought when I was six or seven.”
Apart from his good deeds, his good looks appealed to youngsters.
Dr Rachit Bhushan, a medical professional, says, “During those days, things shown as larger than life attracted the youth. His stunts seemed realistic. Like others I too dreamt of flying like him and be famous among girls.”
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