Superman is a character that fans often misunderstand. Some complain that Superman is boring because he's so strong and has so many powers. While this can lead to a lack of tension in some fight scenes, Superman is far more than just a guy who can hit things really hard.
Superman is a living rebuttal to the adage "absolute power corrupts absolutely." Both in costume and as Clark Kent, he consistently sets a good example of how to treat others. Clark's characterization is as strong as his might, and his best qualities can often be communicated in as little as a single comic panel.
10 Superman's First Appearance Reveals The Premise Of His Character
Although technically not a comic book panel, Superman's first appearance on the cover of Action Comics #1 by Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, and Jack Adler perfectly captures the premise of his character. When boiled down to the bare bones of his character, Superman is a very strong man who uses his powers to help other people.
While this image may not offer a deeper look into Superman's psyche, it was how his creators chose to debut him to the world, and they did so for good reason. Superman's first appearance tells readers exactly what they should expect from the Man of Steel and gets them excited about the action to follow.
9 Superman Saves The Cat
In fiction writing, the best way to portray a character's kindness is to show them "saving the cat." While this term is meant to be metaphorical, and the character can be depicted helping anyone in need, Superman literally saving a cat in Superman Up in the Sky #5 by Tom King, Andy Kubert, Sandra Hope, and Brad Anderson is the perfect embodiment of who he is.
There is no matter too small for Superman to help with. He's just as likely to help a random citizen with a personal issue as he is to stop an asteroid from hitting the Earth. This panel also reveals the joy Superman takes in helping people, a far cry from Zack Snyder's broody take on the character.
8 The Kents Keeps Superman Grounded
Superman's upbringing is an essential part of who he is. Clark's parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent, did their best to instill strong values in their son. Without their guidance, there would be no Superman.
The cover from Action Comics #869 by Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, Jon Sibal, and Brad Anderson depicts how close Clark is with his parents, even as an adult. By seeing Superman in normal clothes, smiling and having a good time with his family, readers see Clark as a person, not a superhero or an alien. Superman's grounded nature and care for the people in his life makes him the hero everyone loves.
7 Superman Risks It All To Help People
There aren't too many villains who can take down Superman, and even fewer can do so without the use of Kryptonite. Not only can Doomsday give Superman a fair fight, but he's even killed Superman before. In a panel from Superman: Rebirth #1 by Peter Tomasi, Patrick Gleason, Doug Mahnke, Jaime Mendoza, and Wil Quintana readers discover Superman is still willing to fight Doomsday after being killed by him.
Witnessing Superman fight Doomsday despite the risks is important because it shows the lengths Clark will go to keep people safe. Rarely does Superman find himself in a situation that risks his life. Knowing that Superman wouldn't bat an eye at his own safety when it comes down to rescuing others says a lot about him.
6 Clark Kent Is A Family Man
It's always great to see superheroes acting like real people. This is especially true for someone like Superman, who can sometimes feel otherworldly due to his incredible powers. Seeing Clark with Lois and Jonathan, just hanging out in their house, is a great way for fans to feel more connected to the character.
Clark is a loving father to his son, Jonathan. As Jonathan grows up, Clark helps train him to use his powers and remains a positive presence in his son's life. Clark is a loving husband to Lois, and the two of them are one of the strongest couples in comics history. A sweet panel from Superman: Lois and Clark #2 — by Dan Jurgens, Lee Weeks, Scott Hanna, and Brad Anderson — is a perfect little slice of the Kents' life together.
5 Superman Feels The Loss Of Krypton Deeply
In many iterations of Superman, Clark Kent grew up thinking he was just a normal boy. It wasn't until later that he learned he was from a different planet that had been destroyed. Although Krypton had never really been Superman's home, Clark deeply felt the loss of the planet and its people.
Superman interacting with the bottled city of Kandor in a panel from Action Comics #869 — by Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, Jon Sibal, and Brad Anderson — perfectly encapsulates the hero's longing to have a piece of his home. Brainiac had shrunk Kandor before Krypton's destruction, making the city the last surviving piece of Krypton's civilization. Clark's excitement at having this piece of his home and his dedication to one day restore it to full size gives readers a glimpse at his struggle to be a man from two worlds.
4 Superman's Ethics Are Rock Solid
Superman understands the power that he has and how it should be used. In Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow by Alan Moore, Curt Swan, and George Perez, readers got a glimpse at what Superman would do if he ever crossed the line and abused his power.
In one crucial panel, readers witness Superman entering a room full of gold Kryptonite which will remove all of his powers. After having killed Mr. Mxyzptlk, Clark explains nobody has the right to kill, not even him. In response, Superman removes his own powers and lives out the rest of his days as a normal person. This panel proves Superman isn't all talk and that he'd rather live a life as a good man than as a corrupt superhero.
3 Superman Saves People In A Variety Of Ways
In All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely, and Jamie Grant, Superman proves his kindness is just as effective at saving people as his other powers. In one of the character's defining moments, Clark talks to a young woman who stands at the edge of a tall building, contemplating ending her own life.
Superman could easily pick up the young woman and fly her to safety, but he understands that this wouldn't actually do much to help her. Instead, he chooses to talk to her and help her recognize that there are better solutions, while allowing the woman to come to her own conclusion.
2 Superman Has Compassion For All Beings
Alan Moore has made tons of contributions to DC Comics over the years, but his work on Superman may be some of his best. In Superman Annual #11 by Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, and Tom Ziuko, fans receive one of the clearest examples of just how far Superman will extend his compassion. For Superman's birthday, Mongul disguises a dangerous plant as a gift for Clark.
The organism attaches itself to Clark's chest, sending him into a fantasy world specifically designed to be everything he has ever wanted. In an impactful panel, readers witness the moment when Superman realizes the world around him isn't real, and he must say goodbye to his fictional son. Even knowing that the boy isn't real, Superman still takes the time to try comforting him and explain the situation because he cares for every being, even imaginary ones.
1 Superman Takes The High Road
Because Superman is such a paragon, writers have consistently imagined what it would be like if he were evil instead. One evil version of Superman is Ultraman, the violent member of Earth 3's Crime Syndicate.
In an epic panel from Final Crisis: Superman Beyond #2 by Grant Morrison, Doug Mahnke, Christian Alamy, and David Baron, readers get one of the best side-by-side comparisons of Superman and his dark doppelganger. Superman's composure in the face of Ultraman's threats proves that the hero is above petty insults. Fighting others isn't something Clark does for personal enjoyment, but to defend others.