Supermanliness

One of the more interesting things I noticed while reading the early Superman comics is the emphasis on masculinity. This of course includes the value that Siegel gives to certain masculinities in relation to others. I began thinking of this after the class discussion on Monday the 26th, and then again after reading the Gerard Jones essay, “Man of Tomorrow,” where he wrote that Philip Wylie, a source of inspiration for Siegel and Shuster, mocked “narcissistic body builders,” but was still fascinated by men who were “vehemently alive, [men] with the promise of a young god,” (The Superhero Reader, 17). I believe that Siegel and Shuster make use of a similar brand of mockery and veneration in their Superman comics.

Superman’s particular brand of machismo is, of course, given the most value. Despite some questionable behavior on the character’s part, Siegel and Shuster present Superman as both a desirable and admirable figure. This is in heavy contrast with the masculinity, or lack there of, of the Clark Kent persona.

As Clark Kent, the character adopts meek and submissive behavior, to the point that he at times displays a nervous stutter. All of these traits are treated by disdain by the other characters. Lois, on numerous occasions, declares her loathing for Clark whenever he has done anything that seems particularly cowardly.

A particularly noteworthy example occurs in Action Comics #10, where Clark sends a man back to a horrific prison in order to maintain his meek persona. After this not only does Lois Lane order Clark away from her, but their coworkers declare such things as, “I wouldn’t even dirty my hands by socking him!” and “If he isn’t fired, I’ll quit!” (The Superman Chronicles, 130, panel 6).

However, Siegel and Shuster do not present aggressive masculinities as being in anyway better than the meek and mild-mannered Clark. Many of Superman’s enemies are hard masculine, aggressive men. This is evident in such antagonists as the prison warden in Action Comics #10 and the detective in Action Comics #9.

Their belligerent personalities are actually a source of their downfall. Unable to keep their anger in check, both men are violent but simple for Superman to outmaneuver. This I believe is where much of Siegel and Shuster’s mockery towards the “narcissistic body builders” lies. They seek to reveal the failings and shortcomings of these men to in turn raise up Superman as a sort of “young god.”

#superman #gender #genderroles #masculinity #earlycomics