oh Superman

Let’s talk Superman. I was greatly intrigued on the 2013 release of MAN OF STEEL. As I don’t go to the multiplex anymore I inevitably wait for video release so I see very few “new” movies. The last major release I saw in the theater was Batman II and that was a social outing with a friend. I read a number of critical reviews on this re-imagining of the ur story, some of which were lukewarm at best. I resolved I’d drop the buck when it came out on DVD and did so the first day of issue. More on that in a minute. Being born in ‘52 the B&W TV w/ George Reeves was must see TV. The comics were ten cents apiece at the drugstore. It’s safe to say Superman owned more real estate in my brain than Jesus. The implications of that haven’t become apparent until much later. For a small fattish boy with black horned rimmed glasses Superman carried a vision of power in the service of right that was quite at odds with fears of events in the Eisenhower administration and the first Kennedy years. The human intrigue of Clark Kent and his life with Lois Lane and the gang brought a self-identification that one could have inner strength, secrets, a desire to serve selflessly and an understanding that it might make one lonely, misunderstood. When snowstorms came and school was closed (sound familiar?) Bob Alcorn and I would don Dad’s fishing boots and go out fully bundled up to shovel sidewalks for fifty cents a pop. After several engagements we’d count our loot and head on foot the mile or so to the drugstore. Sometimes the comics were twelve for a dollar in a plastic sleeve (you didn’t know what was in the middle, just the front and back items.) Superman The Movie (1978) was only five bucks at Wal-Mart. I watched it yesterday and wept many times. The effects are dated, yes, yet the tropes ring true. The deniers of Krypton’s immanent destruction, the child sent to the future, his secret and sadness, the inevitable reveal of his abilities and compassion. The death of Lois Lane brings tears on reflection even now. I recently read “Super Boys” by @BradJRicca, the bio of Siegel and Shuster, the creators of Superman. Exhaustively researched and brilliantly written. It’s the story of an entire age and has real life heroes and villains of the first order. A brief try at Superman Returns was unsuccessful - perhaps another attempt later. I do need to go back for II - Zod and his team brought menace and dry humor at once. And oh, that nasty lady! I found Man Of Steel deeply satisfying. It’s a cartoon in an adult way suitable to our current day. The exposition is warm and satisfying. The development characters are well drawn and played. The destruction sequences are flawless and any “too soon?” chat about 9/11 images is just foolish. Tune in again soon! Don’t forget to visit www.yourfaithfulservant.com, find me on Facebook, or on Twitter @Mark Youtzy. I’ve got a lot of free time lately. Your comments are welcome.