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Warning: Spoilers for Action Comics #1083
Over the years, Superman has earned an uplifting reputation as a symbol of hope for the DC Universe, but that status may have devastating consequences for him. On top of the physical battles he engages with as a superhero, the Man of Steel also wages internal battles that go unnoticed by the world at large. Now, Superman’s emotional hardships have finally been acknowledged, and they recontextualize his hero work in a heartbreaking way.
In Action Comics #1082 by John Ridley, Inaki Miranda, Ceci de la Cruz, and Dave Sharpe, Superman is left reeling after a run-in with a foe who’s distilled red sunlight to exploit his Kryptonian weakness. As he recovers, Lois reaches out to him and asks if he’s still pursuing the investigation that led to the ambush.
Superman says that he needs to keep going, and Lois isn’t sure that’s the best idea. In her words, “You’re carrying other people’s hope, and your own despair. That’s a lot of weight. Even for you.” Through pushing through his own issues to fight for others, Superman has neglected his own well-being.
Superman’s Fight for Others Takes a Toll On His Mental Health
Yes, Even Superman Struggles Beneath the Weight of the World
The case that’s weighing on Superman relates to Major Disaster, a former enemy who he thought he’d helped redeem in the past. Unfortunately, Paul Booker has backslid into his destructive ways, and this shift affects Superman so deeply that he almost breaks his no-kill rule out of frustration over failing him. He tries his best to see the best in people and fight for justice above all else, but he’s admitted to Lois that his righteous mission doesn’t always seem “worth the effort”. Being a symbol of hope is a lot for one man to bear, even if that man happens to be Superman.
Being a symbol of hope is a lot for one man to bear, even if that man happens to be Superman.
Superman’s mental health struggles extend beyond the pressure of embodying and promoting hope at all times. In Heroes in Crisis #2 by Tom King, Clay Mann, and Travis Moore, he reveals that he has difficulty with navigating his dual identities as Superman and Clark Kent. Adjusting each persona leaves him uncertain as to which is his true self, though he doesn’t typically discuss this because he feels he must be perfect – which is also why he doesn’t take care of himself now when Lois urges him to. Superman’s emotional issues humanize him, showing that superheroes aren’t immune to the challenges that ordinary people face.
Heroes Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Put Themselves First When Necessary
Even though Superman has a reputation for being one of the most selfless heroes around, he should take Lois’ advice and put himself first on occasion. His work is important, and he’s saved countless lives by constantly being on the move as Superman, but pushing himself too hard could have disastrous consequences. Moreover, given the various inner conflicts he grapples with beneath the surface, periodic breaks could allow him to figure himself out without the pressure of putting on a front as the impenetrable Man of Steel. Superman, just like any average person, shouldn’t be afraid to prioritize his mental health over his symbolic status.
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Action Comics #1083 is available now from DC Comics!
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