SUPERMAN CHRONICLES (pp. 1-110) & the superhero reader (pp. 99-115)
In The Superhero Reader by Charles Hatfield, Jeet Heer, and Kent Wrocester, a variety of superhero elements, along with a history of the genre itself, is presented in the chapter “Masked Heroes”. I was fascinated by this chapter and its explanation of the comic subculture as an effect of the a medium seen at the time as something “only [suitable] for children and the semi-literate” (Hatfield, Heer, and Wrocester 99) It saddened me to learn that the superheroes created and popularized in this medium are more widely known in the film industries, taking away some of the well-deserved hype from the comic-verse. Even more intriguing to me was the censorship code mentioned that took effect in the 50s, “[stipulating] that law enforcement officers should never be shown in a disrespectful or unsympathetic light” (101) Having read The Superman Chronicles by Jerry Siegel, I can understand why such a code would be taken into effect, even though the censorship of comics is silly in my opinion. The stories themselves were created in the 30s and show Superman as a super being that works for his own sense of morality, at times interfering with written law.
Siegel creates a fascinating and raw story of a superhero named Clark Kent who regularly saves the day. However, there is no super villains as of yet and every antagonist that Superman encounters is simply an average criminal that we see day to day, all of which being men and most tainted by the desire for wealth. Superman is literally the most charming character to me; I had never read a Superman comic prior to these, and I was so amazed with how humble Superman was with his powers. He didn’t need to show off and at times he even appeared to be a total pushover, which I weirdly respected due to his overwhelming powers that he can control so well.
Lois Lane is a total diva (trying very hard not to say a bad word) in these comics. She makes women seem so manipulative and untrustworthy, affirming the modern pop reference “these hoes ain’t loyal”. I was disappointed with how Lois was so rude to Superman, but the way he handled everything with her double-crosses and attitude made me accept them both—she’s the attitude strength, he’s the arm strength. However, she keeps putting herself into troublesome situations and may have created the ‘damsel in distress’ cliché just as much as Superman created the ‘superhero’ cliché.
The art is awesome, and the stories are easy reads that are fun and entertaining. Superman is not only a super hero, but also a super awesome guy who will do anything from saving a rude wench love interest to voluntarily participating at a circus to help them stay up-and-running. He doesn’t put a label on what deserves to be saved, he just goes in an saves it. A true hero. Loved this comic, can’t wait to read the rest.
Siegel creates a fascinating and raw story of a superhero named Clark Kent who regularly saves the day. However, there is no super villains as of yet and every antagonist that Superman encounters is simply an average criminal that we see day to day, all of which being men and most tainted by the desire for wealth. Superman is literally the most charming character to me; I had never read a Superman comic prior to these, and I was so amazed with how humble Superman was with his powers. He didn’t need to show off and at times he even appeared to be a total pushover, which I weirdly respected due to his overwhelming powers that he can control so well.
Lois Lane is a total diva (trying very hard not to say a bad word) in these comics. She makes women seem so manipulative and untrustworthy, affirming the modern pop reference “these hoes ain’t loyal”. I was disappointed with how Lois was so rude to Superman, but the way he handled everything with her double-crosses and attitude made me accept them both—she’s the attitude strength, he’s the arm strength. However, she keeps putting herself into troublesome situations and may have created the ‘damsel in distress’ cliché just as much as Superman created the ‘superhero’ cliché.
The art is awesome, and the stories are easy reads that are fun and entertaining. Superman is not only a super hero, but also a super awesome guy who will do anything from saving a rude wench love interest to voluntarily participating at a circus to help them stay up-and-running. He doesn’t put a label on what deserves to be saved, he just goes in an saves it. A true hero. Loved this comic, can’t wait to read the rest.