I just wanted to say how much I appreciated this reflection on Superman. As a first responder, the idea of answering a call — whether it’s a siren in the night or a deeper call to service — runs through my veins. Your piece reminded me why characters like Superman matter, not just to kids, but to those of us out there trying to live up to something larger than ourselves.
What resonated most was how you described his balance of strength and humility. That mix is rare — and necessary. In the field, we see that vulnerability doesn’t make you weak; it keeps you human. And like Superman, we don’t get to choose where we’re needed — we just show up, again and again, hoping to do right by the people we serve.
Thanks for reminding us that heroism isn’t about being invincible — it’s about being available, grounded, and guided by a strong moral compass. We could all use more of that.
“Thank you. I really appreciate that. But honestly, it doesn’t feel selfless to me—it feels like connection. I think it’s in all of us. I’m just really grateful I get to be part of it.
I would add Wonder Woman to the list of inspiring super heroes. She shares many of the traits of Super Man - manifested in ways that make sense to young women. I loved it when she appeared on the scene!
I love your ideas but I would playfully argue that Batman overcame childhood trauma, which is incredible (could have gone a very different direction), fulfilled a positive legacy, and invested finances intelligently into technology to create his superhero life.
Choosing to be great is its own amazing talent, rather than just having inherited talents.
I would also argue something similar for iron man.
Thank you for that! I’ve always thought that superman was inspiring not just because of his powers and heroic acts, but also that he chose to be Good despite being an orphan, and never having experienced his own culture (except through tech wizardry etc). That’s a pretty big Adverse Childhood Experience to deal with. He is incredibly resilient and laser focused on the well being of others and also finds Love.
Oh, I just realized why I love Superman so much. It's the same feeling I get hearing about Mexican firefighters coming to Texas, and American firefighters going to help in Canada. It's because they are helping people who are different from themselves. They go out of their way, leave their home, help people who aren't like them, who might even have animosity against them, in order to make things better. Unselfish people/superhero and acts in a world that asks "why bother" or "what's in it for me." It's beautiful.
I agree. Superman is the greatest superhero. I always wanted to be like him and live up to his standards. As you note, that is very difficult if not impossible. Still it is good to have one symbol of the qualities to which I hope we would all aspire. We need Superman, never more than now. And I’m glad to hear the new movie has humor. Being good and kind and helping people is a fun thing.
This was a great post. I love Adam Grant. And I love reading all the comments. It definitely made me send a text to my 20 year-old son asking if he would go see this movie with me tonight.
"He discovers his hidden potential growing up on a farm, rethinks his purpose in life, and goes on to become the world’s biggest giver. We need more characters with that kind of character." Yes, Adam!!! He is goodness!! More goodness, please, earthlings! <3
Thank you for this post! I was feeling much of what you shared, however, I just saw the movie yesterday and you showed up with this post. Wonderful post about much of what I felt. I left the theater with a smile and much to think (and feel) about. Thanks, again! We need this movie now for so many reasons.
Loved your take. You have a great way of explaining things in an entertaining, informative, digestible way that I deeply appreciate.
A thought re: Marvel hero Captain America. I would argue that he meets the same criteria you identified in Superman.
1-The most super...and the most human --> Captain America's "superpower" is his strength, and yes he does utilize the shield [although he did/does plenty without it], so his superpowers could be "limited" as you said. HOWEVER, Steve Rogers is incredibly human. It's the entire reason he was chosen to BE Captain America. He is incredibly humble. In fact, it should be noted that he was deemed "worthy" by the enchanted Mjolnir (also should be noted that originally, Steve Rogers only slightly budged the hammer on purpose out of humility and respect for Thor).
2- Strongest moral compass --> Captain is, I would argue, the ONLY one in The Avengers (including Guardians) who shows consistent integrity and selflessness. His primary objective is always to do what's right, even at his own sacrifice (he rebelled against the Sokovia Accords because it was corrupt, thereby having to go against most of his friends/teammates).
3- He lives a well-rounded life --> After the consummate hero's job of returning The Infinity Stones in Endgame, Rogers opts to go back and live a life with his true love Peggy, passing the torch to Falcon. (I'll give you that it was after a VERY focused time where superhero-ing was his primary time filler.)
I have nothing against Superman; just a massive Captain America fan offering some points.
I'll be sharing your perspective with my eighth graders when we get to archetypes and "The Hero's Journey". It should provide some spirited discussion, research, and writing, so THANKS.
I loved the article, but I am enjoying just as much this long thread of comments from super fans and super nerds alike. I’ll add my own voice chiming in on the disagreement side of the equation, not because I disagree with anything that Adam has written, nor any of the other wonderful comments made by people who looked to Superman as a childhood role model. My disagreement comes as an author. Like many of the screenwriters who have tried to tackle Superman over the decades, the biggest challenge that any author faces in trying to re-imagine Superman is that he is virtually invincible, has nothing to fear, and has so few flaws. Therefore, there are so few points of conflict that an author can work with. Readers may have been taught in high school literature classes at the three points of conflict are person against person, person against nature, or person against itself. None of these work with Superman: there is virtually no villain or monster as strong as him, no force of nature that can stand against him, and because of the strong moral compass that you outline so coherently in your article, there’s no obvious internal conflict either. His soul, recurring villain, Lex Luthor, gets pretty tired pretty quickly. That’s why I, like gonzo, gravitated to the Marvel comic books in the 70s and 80s where the conflicts were so gritty and real because the characters themselves were so deeply flawed.
None of this, however, takes away from the real superhero in the room, Adam Grant. Love your writing, love your thinking, and love the fact that you share Lex Luther’s haircut.
Subject: A First Responder’s Take on Superman
I just wanted to say how much I appreciated this reflection on Superman. As a first responder, the idea of answering a call — whether it’s a siren in the night or a deeper call to service — runs through my veins. Your piece reminded me why characters like Superman matter, not just to kids, but to those of us out there trying to live up to something larger than ourselves.
What resonated most was how you described his balance of strength and humility. That mix is rare — and necessary. In the field, we see that vulnerability doesn’t make you weak; it keeps you human. And like Superman, we don’t get to choose where we’re needed — we just show up, again and again, hoping to do right by the people we serve.
Thanks for reminding us that heroism isn’t about being invincible — it’s about being available, grounded, and guided by a strong moral compass. We could all use more of that.
Keep writing. The world needs it.
— A Grateful Reader in the Arena
Thanks for your selfless service each time you answered call!
“Thank you. I really appreciate that. But honestly, it doesn’t feel selfless to me—it feels like connection. I think it’s in all of us. I’m just really grateful I get to be part of it.
This is beautiful! Thank you for all you do... and for reminding us of who the real "superheroes who walk among us" are!
Thank you so much. That means a lot. I’m just doing my part—but I’m surrounded by everyday heroes who inspire me, too.
I would add Wonder Woman to the list of inspiring super heroes. She shares many of the traits of Super Man - manifested in ways that make sense to young women. I loved it when she appeared on the scene!
I love your ideas but I would playfully argue that Batman overcame childhood trauma, which is incredible (could have gone a very different direction), fulfilled a positive legacy, and invested finances intelligently into technology to create his superhero life.
Choosing to be great is its own amazing talent, rather than just having inherited talents.
I would also argue something similar for iron man.
You rock!
Katherine!! YES!!! I'm with you!!
The Hero vs Villain mindset!
Batman took his trauma and decided not to perpetuate what the world had handed him...that's a hero right there. Iron Man too.
Thank you for that! I’ve always thought that superman was inspiring not just because of his powers and heroic acts, but also that he chose to be Good despite being an orphan, and never having experienced his own culture (except through tech wizardry etc). That’s a pretty big Adverse Childhood Experience to deal with. He is incredibly resilient and laser focused on the well being of others and also finds Love.
Finding love is the such an important point to me.
Oh, I just realized why I love Superman so much. It's the same feeling I get hearing about Mexican firefighters coming to Texas, and American firefighters going to help in Canada. It's because they are helping people who are different from themselves. They go out of their way, leave their home, help people who aren't like them, who might even have animosity against them, in order to make things better. Unselfish people/superhero and acts in a world that asks "why bother" or "what's in it for me." It's beautiful.
I agree. Superman is the greatest superhero. I always wanted to be like him and live up to his standards. As you note, that is very difficult if not impossible. Still it is good to have one symbol of the qualities to which I hope we would all aspire. We need Superman, never more than now. And I’m glad to hear the new movie has humor. Being good and kind and helping people is a fun thing.
I’m a lifelong fan of Superman. At age 79, I own and wear a Superman tee shirt. The idea of Superman has always encouraged me to be more.
I love this post about Superman’s qualities and weaknesses! I agree that he’s the best Superhero model in many ways.
I didn’t want to see the movie, now I want . Great post
This was a great post. I love Adam Grant. And I love reading all the comments. It definitely made me send a text to my 20 year-old son asking if he would go see this movie with me tonight.
"He discovers his hidden potential growing up on a farm, rethinks his purpose in life, and goes on to become the world’s biggest giver. We need more characters with that kind of character." Yes, Adam!!! He is goodness!! More goodness, please, earthlings! <3
Thank you for this post! I was feeling much of what you shared, however, I just saw the movie yesterday and you showed up with this post. Wonderful post about much of what I felt. I left the theater with a smile and much to think (and feel) about. Thanks, again! We need this movie now for so many reasons.
What a inspiring article, Adam! I really enjoyed reading your insights. Thank you for taking the time to reflect, write, and share this with us.
Loved your take. You have a great way of explaining things in an entertaining, informative, digestible way that I deeply appreciate.
A thought re: Marvel hero Captain America. I would argue that he meets the same criteria you identified in Superman.
1-The most super...and the most human --> Captain America's "superpower" is his strength, and yes he does utilize the shield [although he did/does plenty without it], so his superpowers could be "limited" as you said. HOWEVER, Steve Rogers is incredibly human. It's the entire reason he was chosen to BE Captain America. He is incredibly humble. In fact, it should be noted that he was deemed "worthy" by the enchanted Mjolnir (also should be noted that originally, Steve Rogers only slightly budged the hammer on purpose out of humility and respect for Thor).
2- Strongest moral compass --> Captain is, I would argue, the ONLY one in The Avengers (including Guardians) who shows consistent integrity and selflessness. His primary objective is always to do what's right, even at his own sacrifice (he rebelled against the Sokovia Accords because it was corrupt, thereby having to go against most of his friends/teammates).
3- He lives a well-rounded life --> After the consummate hero's job of returning The Infinity Stones in Endgame, Rogers opts to go back and live a life with his true love Peggy, passing the torch to Falcon. (I'll give you that it was after a VERY focused time where superhero-ing was his primary time filler.)
I have nothing against Superman; just a massive Captain America fan offering some points.
I'll be sharing your perspective with my eighth graders when we get to archetypes and "The Hero's Journey". It should provide some spirited discussion, research, and writing, so THANKS.
Delightful article. Enjoyed it a lot. I credit superman comic books for turning me into a young reader.
I loved the article, but I am enjoying just as much this long thread of comments from super fans and super nerds alike. I’ll add my own voice chiming in on the disagreement side of the equation, not because I disagree with anything that Adam has written, nor any of the other wonderful comments made by people who looked to Superman as a childhood role model. My disagreement comes as an author. Like many of the screenwriters who have tried to tackle Superman over the decades, the biggest challenge that any author faces in trying to re-imagine Superman is that he is virtually invincible, has nothing to fear, and has so few flaws. Therefore, there are so few points of conflict that an author can work with. Readers may have been taught in high school literature classes at the three points of conflict are person against person, person against nature, or person against itself. None of these work with Superman: there is virtually no villain or monster as strong as him, no force of nature that can stand against him, and because of the strong moral compass that you outline so coherently in your article, there’s no obvious internal conflict either. His soul, recurring villain, Lex Luthor, gets pretty tired pretty quickly. That’s why I, like gonzo, gravitated to the Marvel comic books in the 70s and 80s where the conflicts were so gritty and real because the characters themselves were so deeply flawed.
None of this, however, takes away from the real superhero in the room, Adam Grant. Love your writing, love your thinking, and love the fact that you share Lex Luther’s haircut.