It is the summer ofSuperman, and on the eve of theJames Gunn DC film’s release, an iconic DC writer has offered his take on why “this is the time for Superman,” arguably now more than ever. At a divisive point in modern history, the message of Man of Steel is one that holds an incredible amount of weight.
In an Instagram post, Tom Taylorwrote about how Superman is “a symbol of hope pushing back against fear,” “a kind and humble hero who challenges a cruel and narcissistic billionaire,” and more, highlighting how the core attributes of the hero’s story still resonate today.
Taylor’s statement emphasizes the compassion intrinsic inSupermanstories, something director James Gunn has echoed in interviews.
DC Writer Tom Taylor On Why The Man Of Steel Continues To Be A Paragon Of American Culture
Taylor Emphasized Superman’s Greatest Virtues
“A baby sent across an ocean of stars to seek the safety of another land,“veteran comic book writer Tom Taylorwrote of Superman in his Instagram post, in addition to pointing out that the hero is also, “a refugee embraced by America who uses his great power to help everyone on Earth.”
At a time when the United States has continued to enforce increasingly harsh immigration policies, Taylor is one of many people who has sought toremind audiences that Superman’s history has always been rooted in the immigrant experience.After all,Supermancreators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster were both the children of immigrant parents.
Their superhero’s origin story came to reflect this, in the fact that the alien Superman takes refuge on Earth, following the destruction of Krypton. That is, the idea of a person who arrives in America from elsewhere, even extrajudicially, coming to embody the greatest virtues of American society is intrinsic to theSupermanmythos.
Superman Is An Immigrant And A Journalist, And These Are Essential Qualities Of His Heroism
Tom Taylor’s Sentiment Reflects James Gunn’s Comments About His Film
Tom Taylor also cited the career choice ofSuperman’s alter ego, Clark Kent, as a vital piece of what makes the character continue to be relevant nearly ninety years after his creation. “A man who can be anything who chooses to be a journalist for truth and justice,” Taylor wrote.
[Superman’s] career as a journalist is more than just a cover for his superheroism, it is a vital part of it.
As journalism and journalist integrity continue to be degraded in the 21st century, that is just one more avenue by which Superman can serve as a role model. In many ofthe bestSupermanstories, Clark’s career as a journalist is more than just a cover for his superheroism, it is a vital part of it.
Supermanfans will find out soon whether this might factor into James Gunn’s film, but in any case,Tom Taylor’s comments mirror things Gunn has said about his movie, suggesting they are likeminded when it comes to what makes the character ofSupermanso perennially importantin American popular culture.
