In 2025, No Superhero Is More Important Than Superman, And DC Wants You to Know Why

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No matter what some may think, Superman remains just as relevant as he was the day he first appeared on the cover of Action Comics #1. He might be getting up there in years, but the Man of Steel continues to be the inspiring figure that people need.

Whoever would have thought when Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster introduced their hero to the world that he’d become the gold standard for superheroes? Yet, nearly a century later, Superman is still around and is seen as the most iconic hero in the entire world. Now one writer intimately familiar with Superman reflects on why the hero is still relevant close to one hundred years after his debut.

Superman is an Eternal Symbol of Hope

Mark Waid Discusses The Influence Superman Has on the Real World

It’s an amazing time to be a Superman fan. Not only is James Gunn’s much-anticipated reboot just months away, but DC Comics is honoring its iconic hero with a brand-new initiative, the Summer of Superman. The publisher will be kicking things off with the Summer of Superman Special #1, which will showcase the talents of three creators directing the Man of Steel’s future. Joshua Williamson, Dan Slott, and lifelong Superman stan Mark Waid contributed to the special, the latter of whom had a lot to say about the Big Blue Boy Scout and what he represents.

With the Summer of Superman Special #1 nearly here and with Waid’s run on Action Comics about to begin soon, the iconic writer spoke with Newsarama to discuss the hero. But Waid didn’t just talk about what’s next for Superman, he discussed the importance of Superman and what it is that seems to be powering his big return to the public stage. Beyond just an incredibly hyped reboot, Waid told Newsarama that the reason people are turning to Superman is because of a sense of dread people may or may not be aware of.

Waid claims that that sense of dread is an undercurrent to every moment of everyone’s life. But pushing back against that negativity is Superman, who Waid describes the hero not just as a symbol of hope, but “the symbol of what we can accomplish if we pull together”. Waid goes on to say that Superman reminds humanity of its best virtues, such as kindness and empathy, and that he reminds us to hold those qualities close. Waid brings it all back, saying these things speak to people, noting that Superman certainly speaks to the writer.

Waid is Correct, Superman Has Always Stood for Hope in the Darkness

All the Way Back to the Man of Steel’s Very Beginning

With Superman nearly nine decades old, it’s easy to forget that DC’s iconic hero is older than World War II. But he debuted right when the world needed him to. All across the globe, people were in fear of the Axis powers and what humanity needed was a figure to inspire them in their darkest hours. Superman did just that, and he quickly became a symbol in the public eye, reminding everyone that truth and justice were for all people, a defiant and powerful image in the face of fascist powers.

World War II would eventually come to an end, but Superman wouldn’t, and he continued to inspire legions of fans across the world. Even in times of peace, Superman’s work was never done. In the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, Superman’s stories still showed the hero standing up for what was right in the world, calling out evils that needed to be called out, such as prejudice and inequality. Superman’s stories would serve to inspire generations of readers, telling them to be their very best and, more importantly, be the best neighbor they could be.

While Superman might have lagged behind Batman in the last several decades in terms of raw popularity, the Man of Tomorrow is still one of DC’s greatest icons, and he still inspires people to be their best selves. Whether people are reading his comics or his middle-grade graphic novels or they’re watching his television and film adaptations, Superman remains a constant in the world, and he’s always there to give them hope, even when things seem like they’re not getting better.

Don’t Be Fooled – Superman is Relevant and Everyone Knows It

Just Look at the Excitement in the Air Surrounding This Summer

It’s understandable why some may see the hero as antiquated or irrelevant. A hero that’s been around might not seem like he really resonates with the world anymore. But the truth is, no matter how the world has changed, it’s Superman’s consistency that gives him never-ending relevancy. Is he the exact same hero he was 87 years ago? Of course not (he’s much stronger now, for one). But Superman’s determination to fight for truth, justice, and a better tomorrow is one that’s always going to make him the most meaningful hero.

Let’s face it, the world is in a dark place right now. Between increasing tensions between nations, impending climate catastrophes, and a swath of other problems, people are scared, desperate, and searching for something to hold onto. When Waid talks about Superman being a symbol of hope, he’s speaking a fundamental truth about the hero. Superman is a reminder that people can be better, that they can work together, and have a better future by digging deep and being the best versions of themselves.

No, not everything is great right now. But because Superman is still around, still delighting fans with new stories and a new feature film, people have a reason to start hoping. With the Man of Steel around, one can’t help but feel a tad optimistic or believe that things are going to turn out alright. As long as he continues to inspire that feeling of hope in the public, Superman is always going to be the most relevant superhero in fiction.

Summer of Superman Special #1 is available on April 16th from DC Comics.

Source: Newsarama

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