Superman as a Savior

[Kitsune]

Maybe this does not really fit in SLAM but I have been noting this.

When I watching the movies "Superman Returns" and "Superman - Doomsday" and was noting how messiah like superman is in those to movies. Did anyone else note this? Was this always the case or is this a new feature?

Finally, I was wondering what kind of religious effect he would have if he actually existed? He cannot prove an afterlife but he could actually do what he said.

[Superman]

Maybe this does not really fit in SLAM but I have been noting this.

When I watching the movies "Superman Returns" and "Superman - Doomsday" and was noting how messiah like superman is in those to movies. Did anyone else note this? Was this always the case or is this a new feature?

Finally, I was wondering what kind of religious effect he would have if he actually existed? He cannot prove an afterlife but he could actually do what he said.

Why thank you. I've often thought of myself as such too.

I don't think Superman was originally conceived as sort of a direct parallel of Jesus and God the father. The two creators mentioned that he was originally just a "super man," that is, a guy who was very strong, fast, had a thing for rescuing people, etc. (they were also Jewish). Later some writers began to romanticize the origin story, and, like you pointed out, in the movies we hear Brando talk about sending his "only son" to show us humans the true way.

If Superman were real, I'm almost certain he would have a religious following, even if he discouraged it. Hell, there are "churches" that exist now devoted to worshiping Elvis, so Superman isn't any type of stretch.

[Rye]

Superman was more of a "response" to nazi ideas of ubermench by a couple of jewish creators like supes just said. As time has gone on, stories naturally flow along mythical lines to resonate with the audiences. And there definitely would be a religious following if he were real. He undoubtedly could do most of the things people's gods do, and he'd undoubtedly spend a lot of time saving people in ill-educated shitholes, so he would end up with his own cargo cults.

[Superman]

He undoubtedly could do most of the things people's gods do, and he'd undoubtedly spend a lot of time saving people in ill-educated shitholes, so he would end up with his own cargo cults.

I think there's potential for a great story there. Maybe something like an Alex Ross book where Superman confronts one of these cults, and tries to convince them not worship or follow him. He might later realize that the brainwashed people somehow get themselves into trouble trying to emulate their him... or something.

[Parallax]

The theme has often been touched on. 'Kingdom Come', art by Alex Ross, was full of Jesus/God symbolism. 'The Kingdom' was as well, the main villain being as he was because he had worshipped Superman like a god, then Superman failed him.

[Stark]

All the good Superman stories touch on this, as Parallax says. In these stories he's the most powerful of the super-powerful, a leader and a father among gods ... but he's usually not very good at it because he's fucking retarded. Even DKR is full of Jesus symbolism made even more depressing and jaded by being dominated by Comedy Reagan.

Superman as a redeemer and messiah is a far more interesting than Superman as a guy who punches bank robbers, after all.

[ShadowRider77]

I'd mention also "Red Son" as an example of Superman seen as some kind of redeemer of humanity, although not on a strictly religious sense.

[ArmorPierce]

Yeah there is an epic feel. I liked the way the movie touched on it but didn't like the way it went on to ruin it by showing him stalking lewis or getting jumped, shanked and go to the hospital.