The Super-Origins of a Superman
This week, I was introduced to two more origin stories for Superman, in addition to the two that were in The Superman Chronicles. Having read four origin stories in total for one character, I was unsurprised with how each one became longer and more intricate than the last. However, I was surprised at how some of the additions in these stories could complicate the character and his powers/world.
For example, I believe that many comic fans are familiar with the yellow sun explanation for Superman’s powers. However, to my surprise, this was only present in Superman No.146 (1961). The other stories, from 1938, 1939, and 1948 did not contain any reference to this particular concept. As such, the 1960’s origin story imposes limitations upon Superman that previously hadn’t existed.
Originally, the explanation was only that Superman was of a more advanced species, with his powers being compared to those of an ant or a grasshopper. In the ’48 origin, the explanation for his abilities is credited to the larger size and stronger gravity on Krypton, making Superman similar to an Earthman who has gone to the moon. While the Kryptonians are still considered a more advanced species by the 1961 origin story, they are not ultra powerful like Superman when they’re on Krypton. These powers come from the Earth’s yellow sun.
I both like and dislike this new explanation. On one hand, this gives Superman a more unique and iconic origin for his powers. On the other, I feel that this opens up some plot holes. Especially when Superman flies out of our Solar system, as he does in Superman’s Greatest Feats, the comic following the ’61 origin. While attempting to avert Krypton’s destruction, Superman flies through space until he sees the planet’s red sun. “I must retreat, or lose my super-powers! I’m only super near yellow suns, like Earth’s!” Superman exclaims, (panel 6). This makes me wonder how me manages to fly through space at all. Does he not have to transverse areas with no stars at all? Does he plan out a route that contains only yellow stars? I feel as though just being away from our sun should rob him of his powers.
Other additions, I find work rather well, like the interaction between Superman (or rather Superboy) and Lana Lang during his childhood adds extra depth to the character, and shows that he’s long been building a secret identity for himself. These along with the added scenes with the Kents help build up the character, and I enjoyed seeing them in the comic.
On a different note, the oddest similarity I found between the ’48 and ’61 origins was that they both contained references to the incident in Action Comics No.8 where Superman destroyed the slums in hopes of getting the government to rebuild them. However, in these two comics, the writers deftly imply to the readers that Superman rebuilt the buildings on his own. This, in my opinion, helps to remove some of the problems with the original comic. This retcon of a small blip in Superman’s history is a nice one as it makes him seem less naïve and more compassionate to the plights of the downtrodden. Good job ’48 and ’61 writers!
