10 Reasons Why Superman Lost Appeal With Comic Book Fans
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Comic book fans love Superman, but not as much as Batman. Almost half of the best-selling comics published by DC Comics are Batman and Batman-related comics. The Nolanverse trilogy of Batman films generated billions. 2018’s Aquaman made a billion. No film starring Henry Cavill as Superman made a billion.
The Superman popularity problem is not a recent development. 2006’s Superman Returns bombed. Superman is in no danger of disappearing as an IP, but the fact remains that the character’s appeal with comic book fans and filmgoers has been waning for decades.
Superman has been viewed as unrelatable, overpowered, boring, and lacking a defining identity for a long time. Also, endless Superman-derived ripoff characters more interesting than him have become popular. Comic book fans may take Superman for granted, but the character has undeniably lost some appeal. Here are 10 reasons why.
1. Symbol of a Bygone Era
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Superman debuted in the Golden Age of comic books in 1938’s Action Comics #1. The world was embroiled in WWII. Comic books were heavily censored and viewed strictly as children’s entertainment. Although he looks human, Superman is an alien. In Superman’s Golden and Silver Age comic adventures, the character was usually stoic and emotionless. He was usually featured in simplistic good-vs-evil stories lacking nuance.
Superman as a character is a symbol of an era that was more simplistic relative to comic book storytelling. Marvel Comics imbued their characters with emotions and problems that reflected the real world in the 1960s long before DC. Superman is still a detached and aloof alien to comic book fans, a remnant of long bygone era.
2. He’s Overpowered
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In 2005’s All-Star Superman, it was revealed that Superman can lift over 200 quintillion tons with one hand. (A quintillion is a number followed by 18 zeroes) Superman has no limitations on his power levels, which can get boring to comic book fans. The draw of a good story is conflict and tension, but how can fans relate to a God-like character? DC Comics writers began regularly depowering Superman in the 1970s to make the character more interesting, relatable, and capable of being in danger. Still, if comic book fans are bored with an overpowered Superman, how does making him more mortal solve the issue?
3. Batman is More Popular
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Batman is currently much more popular with comic book fans than Superman. Batman comics regularly outsell Superman comics. Batman has no superpowers and is just an emotionally unstable billionaire vigilante in a bat suit. However, he has a keen mind, is always prepared, cynical, and never gives up. Batman, a regular human, does extraordinary things all of the time; but he is always in danger since he is powerless, a fact that endears him to fans more than Superman.
4. Antiheroes Are More Popular Now
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Superheroes became less of saving-kittens-in-trees types and more gritty antihero types in the late 1970s. Deadpool, Batman, Wolverine, Punisher Daredevil, Hulk, and many other superheroes became more popular because they were flawed, emotionally compromised, and used tactics that barely made them a rung above a supervillain. Superman has been and always will be a Boy Scout with impeccable morals. You can’t applaud that and simultaneously believe the maxim, “Nice guys finish last.”
5. Superman’s Boy Scout Morals Are Boring
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Superman is so overpowered that he should not require the help of Batman as a teammate. In 1986’s The Dark Knight Returns and 2016’s BvS, Batman is depicted as using weaponized kryptonite to weaken and beat up Superman. Even in a weakened state Superman can win a fight against a human. Superman does not have the moral swagger of Bruce Wayne or Tony Stark to prevent his morality from hurting a human trying to kill him. They’re commendable but boring traits to comic book fans.
6. Superman Pulls His Punches
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Superman is a God-like character who must control every aspect of his physiology every second to masquerade as a human and not accidentally hurt people. He could crush coal in his palm and turn it into a diamond. One of his sneezes could level a building. He must control his powers all the time to be with Lois, work at the Daily Planet, and not crush someone’s hand when he shakes it.
Imagine Bruce Wayne going out of his way to never wear his Batsuit or use his gadgets. How can it be appealing for comic book fans to watch Superman go out of his way to not manifest his powers to their fullest all the time?
7. Superman Ripoffs Are More Popular
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Homelander from The Boys comic book and Amazon show is a wildly popular Superman ripoff and antihero. Omni-Man from the Invincible comic book and animated series is a wildly popular Superman ripoff and antihero. Other modern and gritty Superman ripoffs like The Plutonian, Hyperion, Sentry, Supreme, Samaritan, Blue Marvel, and countless others appeal to comic book fans in ways Superman can’t. Still, none of these superheroes would exist without the creation of Superman, who enjoys none of their popularity as antihero ripoffs.
8. Comic Book Fans Won’t Let Go of Superman ‘78
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Before Henry Cavill, the definitive Superman actor for multiple generations was Christopher Reeve. Long before the MCU existed, 1978’s Superman wowed audiences in an era when CGI wasn’t a thing. Reeve’s Superman was folksy, a true Boy Scout, and the epitome of a moral leader. Comic books based on Superman ’78 lore are still published by DC today. Reeve’s animated likeness as Superman was garishly used in 2023’s The Flash, a creative choice that was roundly criticized. It’s an incredible era that can’t translate to the present day, even though older comic book fans still fans want it. Meanwhile, newer comic book fans can’t relate.
9. His Archenemy is an Egotistical Businessman
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Superman’s archenemy is an egotistical businessman named Lex Luthor. Superman can stop Luthor anytime he wants, but chooses not to do that. Lex and Superman have worked together many times in the past; Lex once wore Superman armor and fought for good. However, Superman spends most of his time foiling plots by a powerless human. In 2023’s Superman: Lost, Luthor cruelly fooled Lois Lane into thinking she had cancer to psychologically torment Superman. Superman did nothing. (Lex knows Clark Kent is Superman) It gets boring for comic book fans to watch a God-like being not using his powers to grapple with a sociopathic Jeff Bezos-type all of the time.
10. Superman Has No Identity
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In 2020, DC Comics wanted to retire the Clark Kent persona and had Superman reveal his secret identity to the world; comic book fans revolted and the story was reversed. For decades Superman’s motto was “Truth, Justice, and The American Way.”
In 2011, Superman renounced his American citizenship to become a champion for the world. His motto was changed to “Truth, Justice and a Better Tomorrow,” later on. These are just a few examples of DC Comics tinkering with Superman’s identity to appeal to modern audiences; none have worked so far.
Comic Book Fans Still Love Superman
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Superman isn’t going anywhere and comic book fans still love him. A new Superman film starring David Corenswet and directed by James Gunn will debut in 2025. However, some fans worry about this film since it features a large supporting cast of heroes like Mr. Terrific, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and others crowding a Superman film.
Will Superman lose more appeal with comic book fans? Former Superman Henry Cavill has a rabid online fanbase who never rallied to make any of his DCEU films billion-dollar successes. Or will this new film potentially reinvigorate the public’s former love with the Man of Steel? We will soon all find out.
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Allen Francis is a full-time writer, prolific comic book investor and author of The Casual’s Guide: Why You Should Get Into Comic Book Investing. Allen holds a BA degree from Marymount Manhattan College. Before becoming a writer Allen was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including saving and investing in your own small business.
