Superman Returns Why the World Doesn't Need Superman

[Showtime]

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]SuperTalk Concern -[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Issue #22 - [/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Why the World Doesn't Need Superman[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, Swiss, SunSans-Regular]Download -[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, Swiss, SunSans-Regular] After a mysterious absence, SuperTalk Concern has returned. In this episode, we talk about some big shake-ups in the DC-on-film universe including shake-ups for Wonder Woman and The Flash, plus progress on both Watchmen and a live action Justice League film! In the second segment of the show, I'll read from an SR movie prop the article written by Lois Lane entitled 'Why the World Doesn't Need Superman.'[/FONT]

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Thanks to Justin @ www.bluetights.net who made this trascript possible through his most recent podcast and to Jedsithor and kloklo of the planet for taking the time to type it up.

http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/showthread.php?t=22808

Why The World Doesn’t Need Superman

- By Lois Lane

Metropolis. For five long years the world has stared into the sky, waiting, hoping and praying for his return. We’ve spent our days asking where he went, debating why he left and wondered is he even alive. Perhaps he left us for another world, a world in peril, a world in greater need of a saviour. Is it selfish desire him for ourselves? Are we expected to share the man we’ve come to love or did we do something wrong?

Did we take him for granted? Perhaps we did. Maybe we all did, it's not our fault. We are far from super. Yet a mother will accept her children regardless of their misfortunes. Why have you rejected us for ours? Perhaps we’re a lost cause unworthy of help and doomed to continue on a path of self-destruction. He has moved on, helping others with a foreseeable future of peace and harmony.

From the first day he mysteriously appeared we were enamoured. He seemed too good to be true. A man who could fly, see through walls, bend steel with his bare hands. A man who never lied. A man who could do anything he wanted to yet he chose to be a hero. He chose to fight for truth, justice and the American way, And we chose to believe. we put our faith, not in the hands of God, but in the hands of another Lives were not saved by any kind of divine intervention, miracle or act of God. they were saved by one man, and one man only, our Superman. We didn’t question his intentions and other than a few basic facts we didn't question his unbelievable origins. When did he actually arrive? Where did he live? Where did he get that suit? It didn't matter. He was good, and good for us and that was enough.

A new generation of children have grown up idolising this hero, proud to wear a cape and run around the family home. We welcome Superman into our homes and family. He was a quintessential American. A role model for our children and the guardian of their lives. Does a hero walk out on his family? Walk away from his children? After letting us place our hopes on him, his disappearance must be seen nothing short of abandonment. A dereliction of duty. No better that a parent abandoning a child, a doctor walking out on their patient. We must ask our selves if Superman returned would we welcome him back? Could he heal the scars he left behind? The city is in pain, its citizens angry, hurt and unforgiving. We have learned from our bad judgement, and we are not prepared to make the same mistake again.

It would take more than one man to reunite the people. He is lost our trust, he betrayed us. He turned his us back on us and walked away. We would have to question his motives for his return. Why after all this time he would return? From the very beginning we labelled him as a man. We even used the word it his titled - Superman.

Yet he was not a man. He was not even human. We expected an alien to share the same feelings, emotions, beliefs and principles. Were the words truth and justice a second language to him? Perhaps, we were fools to believe he would understand the true meaning of words such as trust, loyalty or love.

What is a hero anyway? Does one has to have superpowers, special abilities or incredible talent to be a considerable one? Well that's what we’ve been led to believe. Superman led us to forget our real heroes. What happened to the firemen, policemen, teachers, social workers or local figure that used to be considered a hero in our communities?

Each and every day of the year, firemen come to the rescue of those in need. They are brave woman and men who serve communities with courage and uncompromising devotion to humanity. These people are not just doing their job, they are the heroes who take each task to heart and each life saved is a victory for their team. Because of their selfless bravery and heroism, many fire-fighters sacrifice their own lives to save others every day. Their actions will never been forgotten.

In cities, towns and villages around the world, legions of teachers spend every day protecting the minds, souls and spirits of children. They commit their lives to the development of the world’s most precious resource. A child's mind thirsts for knowledge. It is this knowledge, the knowledge imparted to the youth that has given rise to the great man and women of history. Knowledge gave birth civilisations and is the foundation of nations including America. Teachers strive daily with little recognition to help each child become the best they can. Teachers are heroes, our future lies in their hands. These are examples of every day men and women. Men and women who are heroes.

Superman was not just a hero. Superman was a superhero. Why isn’t he living up to his name? He was so much more that a mere mortal. Imagine a future with this superhero. A future that was stolen from us. The world welcomed Superman with open arms and why wouldn't we? Day after day we saw the effect he was having. Crime plummeted, natural disasters were prevented, the impossible became possible. What was more remarkable and often overlooked, was that he wasn't just saving peoples lives, he was changing them.

He gave us hope, he set an example and over the years we started following that example whether we realised it or not. Wars stopped, all political, religious feuds set aside, even volunteering and charitable donations increased. For the first time in history we saw the closest thing mankind could call peace. And to think it took an alien to show us what it meant to be human. Unfortunately the one thing that reduces a miracle to the mundane is a world full of them. Once everything is special, nothing is special. In a world where he would suddenly appear to save someone from a fire or divert a flood, there were no miracles. We stopped looking both ways to cross the street. We didn't have to because if a car was about to hit us odds were that he would zip at the last moment and save us. Soon we didn't even remember how to look both ways. We lost our survival instincts. We became careless, which wouldn't have really been a problem, but then he left.

Just as mysteriously he appeared he was gone, without warning, without explanation. We looked to the sky and for the first time in years no one was there. Some panicked thinking the worst had finally come to pass and someone has finally discover a weakness and exploited it. Others held steadfast believing that his sudden absence must have a logical explanation. Perhaps this was a test. Maybe he was watching from above and gauging our reaction. Hundreds, if not thousands of ideas and theories sprang from every expert and government official but no answer could satisfy us. Maybe there was no answer. Maybe he’s just…gone.



In fact maybe it’s better that he is gone. How can we be expected to appreciate the good without the bad? Through suffering do we not gain strength? Having relied on an almost omnipotent saviour for years, we’ve forgotten how to rely on ourselves. He gave us strength, but with it, weakness. In his absence, we must learn to unite and find strength in one another. We must look not to the skies, instead we must look inside ourselves to find trust, love and friendship for one another. Peace is our champion, not a Man of Steel. Alas crime has skyrocketed, stocks plummeted and old wars have been rekindled. The peace he inspired over the years, seemed to end overnight, replaced by fear,, confusion and betrayal. Even worse problems once held by our own, now seem insurmountable without his help.

It is one year today that we witnessed one of the worst train disaster in recent history. Among the 236 dead, were 28 school children and a pregnant mother. The nation's press release said that all that was left was a mangled mess of metal and bodies. Recovery workers and civilians united and worked around the clock, in the hope of finding just one survivor, if any. But hope was given up, when 12 hours later they could raise no sound. The train left a huge gorge in the suburban landscape where now stands a tribute to those who died in the wreckage. Among those attending today’s memorial service, is the husband and father of a deceased mother and their unborn child. To this day he is haunted by the memories of the past. Through his suffering he speaks the voice of many Americans: How could he let this happen? Curse you Superman...

These words echo amongst the people, reaching the far corners of the globe. In five years we have seen the oceans rise and kill hundreds of thousands of innocent men, women and children throughout Asia. We have seen civil wars destroy cities throughout the world and religious feuds wipe our nations. Let the colour of Superman’s cape remind us of the innocent people who have died for it is their blood that is on his hands.

In the past we have turned to God, in times of need we prayed. For five years we have prayed for you Superman, “please bring back our Messiah.” The nation knelt before the alter and begged for your return. We were blinded by your arrival, our faith misguided. For many of us, Superman became our God. We only had to read the motto on our nations currency to be reminded of the truth – In God We Trust.

These words passed between our hands countless times a day, yet we still managed to forget. We put our trust, not in God, but in Superman – In Superman We Trust. We trusted you, we all trusted you…I trusted you. Does he feel remorse, guilt or shame? Does he simply not care? Perhaps the people of Earth are but a distant memory, a single snapshot lost in a mind that is timeless.

Does he cry for the children who have died on his watch? Perhaps he really is a Man of Steel – cold, emotionless and hardened by his own immortality. Would he say sorry?

Ultimately we are better off without him. It is true, we will come to endure hardship in his absence. We will see more famine, environmental disasters, crime, wars and bloodshed. But what is also true, is that the people of America will always, without falter, and without abandoning their posts, continue to strive for truth, justice and the American way.

Leaving the fate of humanity in the hands of one man would have been a terrible mistake. If we don’t learn to settle our grievances on our own we are doomed anyway. We became dependent on someone unreliable, in fact he did us a favour by leaving. Now we can learn to fend for ourselves, learn to work out our differences regardless of whether they are based on race, creed, gender or political view.

Ultimately we will unite and establish peace around the globe. If Superman had stayed we would never accomplish this. Under the surface there would have remained traces of a corrupt society, a seed that would grow if it wasn’t for Superman’s cape blocking the sunlight. Now that he is gone, the seed is left to grow, yet there is hope. For like a rose, we always see the thorns before the flower. We will blossom and when we do, we will have done it alone, we will have a world united.

People have always longed for God, messiahs and saviours to swoop down from the sky and deliver them from their troubles but in the end these saviours always leave and we are faced with the same troubles that were here from the beginning. We wait for our saviour’s return though it will never happen and we realise it was better had he never come at all.

​

 

[Spiderine]

No one seem to miss Superman for five years.

 

[X Knight]

ok.....that's an interesting article.......it actually captures the realistic emotions you would expect ppl to feel if Superman suddenly left.

it's a shame that.....aside from Lois' reaction...........NONE of those emotions......reactions.........sentiments........were fully explored.

We never were presented with a WORLD that has moved on without Superman.........Superman was met with pretty much universal applause and welcome.......almost as if the whole world suddenly forgave for his sudden, unexplained departure.

Superman should have had to "fight" harder to redeem himself in the minds of the public at large..........he had it way too easy in SR.

In SR.......it wasn't "Why the World Doesn't Need Superman"...........it was "Why Lois Lane Doesn't Need Superman"

 

[Armand Z Trip]

AWESOME, thanks Showtime!!!

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

Great article thanks Showtime, though, in the movie, it would have been better if some people had reacted badly to Superman's Return, that was possibly an oppurtunity missed.

 

[afan]

Great article thanks Showtime, though, in the movie, it would have been better if some people had reacted badly to Superman's Return, that was possibly an oppurtunity missed.

That premise itself is flawed.

Exactly why would anyone react badly to the return of Superman.

Lois understandedly is hurt by his leaving her without a farewell, but how can the passengers on the plane, the crowd at the ball game or the world in general be reasonably expected to react negatively towards the return of Superman.

 

[El Payaso]

Exactly why would anyone react badly to the return of Superman.

"Oh, screw you Superman, you left us for 5 years, several terrorist attacks occured and many poeple died and now we're supposed to be all happy because you came back? I bet he provoked that accident just to convince us he's necessary."

 

[what_19]

"Oh, screw you Superman, you left us for 5 years, several terrorist attacks occured and many poeple died and now we're supposed to be all happy because you came back? I bet he provoked that accident just to convince us he's necessary."

yeah this is EXACTLY the kind of thing the movie could have really used...it makes complete sense...like a father who abandons his kids and then shows up 5 years later....the kids just dont have a party cuz their dad decides he wants to be there for them....could have done something like birthright...superman returns...lex blames him for everything that has gone bad since he left...dont trust his motives anymore....could have been a lot more dramatic and realistic

 

[afan]

yeah this is EXACTLY the kind of thing the movie could have really used...it makes complete sense...like a father who abandons his kids and then shows up 5 years later....the kids just dont have a party cuz their dad decides he wants to be there for them....could have done something like birthright...superman returns...lex blames him for everything that has gone bad since he left...dont trust his motives anymore....could have been a lot more dramatic and realistic

Your analogy applies only to Lois, for it is based on a strong emotional attachment; children to their father, girlfriend to her boyfriend, and that angle was explored in SR, tho not successfully in my opinion.

However for the world in general there is not a deep emotinal relationship involved. The world does not know, and is not attached to Superman on the personal level that your analogy relies on.

Do you think all the individuals in the crowd at the ball game were as emotionally scarred by Superman's disappearance to the extent that Lois would be. Superman's back he's saving lives again, what's not to like?

In fact I'll take this a bit further: The world knows Superman as a shining force for truth and justice, he is everything good, and somewhat worthy of godlike adoration.

Now in a "real world" scenario what would occur, what in our history tells us what the "people" would do. Simply put; start a religion and await his return, a return that would spark jubilation not resentment.

 

[Spiderine]

Imagine if Lex had that plot to steal the crystals before Superman came back. What would have been the ramifications of that.

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

That premise itself is flawed.

Exactly why would anyone react badly to the return of Superman.

Lois understandedly is hurt by his leaving her without a farewell, but how can the passengers on the plane, the crowd at the ball game or the world in general be reasonably expected to react negatively towards the return of Superman.

I'm talking about people who have lost loved one's during the 5 years he was absent, which must have happened. Maybe in the scene were he saves Kitt y in the car, someone could have approached him and said "During the 5 years you were gone, i lost my 3 kids in a traffic accident that you could have stopped."

Most people will of course be pleased with his return, i and i love the way the story was told in the movie, but i would have liked a scene like this.

 

[Angeloz]

I'm talking about people who have lost loved one's during the 5 years he was absent, which must have happened. Maybe in the scene were he saves Kitt y in the car, someone could have approached him and said "During the 5 years you were gone, i lost my 3 kids in a traffic accident that you could have stopped."

Most people will of course be pleased with his return, i and i love the way the story was told in the movie, but i would have liked a scene like this.

I've been lurking here ever since I saw "Superman Returns" over 7 months ago and I want to say I like your positive posts about the film. It's nice to see. Though the irony is this is one issue that we disagree on. I don't think anyone in their right mind would blame Superman for leaving and then coming back especially if they don't know him. Lois is different but that's a seperate issue. I know losing your family could cause someone to not be in their right mind but even then I'm sure there were car accidents as well as other accidents and disasters; that he couldn't save people because he's only one man. A very special man but still he can't be everywhere saving everyone and I think people know that.

Another reason is how many problems do you want him to have? He lost six years. He lost Lois (at the time) and found out she was engaged and had a child. He lost Jor-El and confirmed he lost his birth planet (Krypton). The one thing he enjoyed in the film was helping people. He actually smiled more than once over it (eg. saving Kitty and entering the Daily Planet seeing his exploits on television plus other times). I'll admit I was glad for him to have at least one thing go right for him until of course Lex and his little plan for world domination from advanced technology.

Lastly as people have been mentioning he showed up saving a Shuttle and 777 or at least the people on those craft. If I was in that world and he saved a plane right in front of a sportsgame I'd be up and cheering with the crowd. Actually I was cheering as well as others in the first screening of the film here. And it was a general audience that wasn't particularly Superman fans. Just some thoughts.

Angeloz

 

[afan]

I'm talking about people who have lost loved one's during the 5 years he was absent, which must have happened. Maybe in the scene were he saves Kitt y in the car, someone could have approached him and said "During the 5 years you were gone, i lost my 3 kids in a traffic accident that you could have stopped."

Most people will of course be pleased with his return, i and i love the way the story was told in the movie, but i would have liked a scene like this.

Ask yourself, "Does anyone die in an accident in a world in which Superman exists?" Based on the frequency of accidental death or intentional violent death, it would be impossible for Superman to prevent death and or injury from occurring in some instances. I'll go even further and say in most instances. Your scenario exists even tho Superman is still a world presence. Loved ones are lost even on Superman's watch it's unavoidable. Mking the premise of SR hollow and flawed.


Angeloz, forgive me I didn't read your post prior to making mine. I didn't intend to post what appears to be a rearranging of you rpoint

 

[TheComicbookKid]

I've been lurking here ever since I saw "Superman Returns" over 7 months ago and I want to say I like your positive posts about the film. It's nice to see. Though the irony is this is one issue that we disagree on. I don't think anyone in their right mind would blame Superman for leaving and then coming back especially if they don't know him. Lois is different but that's a seperate issue. I know losing your family could cause someone to not be in their right mind but even then I'm sure there were car accidents as well as other accidents and disasters; that he couldn't save people because he's only one man. A very special man but still he can't be everywhere saving everyone and I think people know that.

Another reason is how many problems do you want him to have? He lost six years. He lost Lois (at the time) and found out she was engaged and had a child. He lost Jor-El and confirmed he lost his birth planet (Krypton). The one thing he enjoyed in the film was helping people. He actually smiled more than once over it (eg. saving Kitty and entering the Daily Planet seeing his exploits on television plus other times). I'll admit I was glad for him to have at least one thing go right for him until of course Lex and his little plan for world domination from advanced technology.

Lastly as people have been mentioning he showed up saving a Shuttle and 777 or at least the people on those craft. If I was in that world and he saved a plane right in front of a sportsgame I'd be up and cheering with the crowd. Actually I was cheering as well as others in the first screening of the film here. And it was a general audience that wasn't particularly Superman fans. Just some thoughts.

Angeloz

I love you man! That's what I loved about the movie. The difference between empathy and sympathy. Some one dies you never met personally will never affect you the same way as someone you know dying.

The only people that would have such strong reactions would be Lois, Lex, and criminals(that can still be addressed in a sequel as crime profits plunge).

 

[El Payaso]

yeah this is EXACTLY the kind of thing the movie could have really used...it makes complete sense...like a father who abandons his kids and then shows up 5 years later....the kids just dont have a party cuz their dad decides he wants to be there for them....could have done something like birthright...superman returns...lex blames him for everything that has gone bad since he left...dont trust his motives anymore....could have been a lot more dramatic and realistic

In fact, as a super-powered alien, Superman should have been severely distrusted for quite a long time before becoming the Americamn hero he is.

 

[Angeloz]

I love you man! That's what I loved about the movie. The difference between empathy and sympathy. Some one dies you never met personally will never affect you the same way as someone you know dying.

The only people that would have such strong reactions would be Lois, Lex, and criminals(that can still be addressed in a sequel as crime profits plunge).

Thank you. I'm a woman but presume you meant it generically. I agree with you that the only people that would feel strongly about him leaving are those that he knew or affected (like Lex and criminals).

I think everyone else would be unhappy he left but but not be largely as affected as those that knew him. And as I said he made his reappearance saving people quite publicly. If I lived in a world with Superman I'd be happy he was back. Also he explained later why he left and I think most people would understand why he did so. Though largely I'd be very happy he was back to help people. Which also happened to correspond with what happened in the film. I think they judged the reactions of the public right. I'm really glad they didn't make the world paranoid nor hateful towards someone that is there to help them. It'd make them ungrateful bastards. Which can happen but I don't think in such a large scale way. So instead they were happy he was back and showed it as well as concern when he got hurt. I like that world for it.

Angeloz

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

I've been lurking here ever since I saw "Superman Returns" over 7 months ago and I want to say I like your positive posts about the film. It's nice to see. Though the irony is this is one issue that we disagree on. I don't think anyone in their right mind would blame Superman for leaving and then coming back especially if they don't know him. Lois is different but that's a seperate issue. I know losing your family could cause someone to not be in their right mind but even then I'm sure there were car accidents as well as other accidents and disasters; that he couldn't save people because he's only one man. A very special man but still he can't be everywhere saving everyone and I think people know that.

Another reason is how many problems do you want him to have? He lost six years. He lost Lois (at the time) and found out she was engaged and had a child. He lost Jor-El and confirmed he lost his birth planet (Krypton). The one thing he enjoyed in the film was helping people. He actually smiled more than once over it (eg. saving Kitty and entering the Daily Planet seeing his exploits on television plus other times). I'll admit I was glad for him to have at least one thing go right for him until of course Lex and his little plan for world domination from advanced technology.

Lastly as people have been mentioning he showed up saving a Shuttle and 777 or at least the people on those craft. If I was in that world and he saved a plane right in front of a sportsgame I'd be up and cheering with the crowd. Actually I was cheering as well as others in the first screening of the film here. And it was a general audience that wasn't particularly Superman fans. Just some thoughts.

Angeloz

I'm glad you know i loved SR, i'd hate for anyone to think otherwise after all the defending of this movie i have done!

And i see you point about Supes having enough problems in the movie, and i agree, he came back in the best way possible, by saving thousands, but he didnt give his reasons for leaving until the rooftop meeting with Lois, so there was plenty of oppurtunity to have angry at him leaving. The scene were he stops Kitty's car and the crowd surround him in awe. If just one drunk guy approached and lambasted him, because he lost his wife and 2 kids like a week before his return. And then it showed Superman almost crying and appologising profusely. I just think it would have been a really emotional and effective scene, that would have also given Kitty more reason to feel sorry for Supes later on.

I still think this is an astonishing movie, but like ALL other movies, it has flaws and oppurtunities missed.

 

[Angeloz]

Angeloz, forgive me I didn't read your post prior to making mine. I didn't intend to post what appears to be a rearranging of you rpoint

I understand how that can happen. Unless you're attacking me then you'll generally find me quite forgiving as well as fun loving. I also don't claim to have patented ideas here either.

Angeloz

 

[Angeloz]

I'm glad you know i loved SR, i'd hate for anyone to think otherwise after all the defending of this movie i have done!

And i see you point about Supes having enough problems in the movie, and i agree, he came back in the best way possible, by saving thousands, but he didnt give his reasons for leaving until the rooftop meeting with Lois, so there was plenty of oppurtunity to have angry at him leaving. The scene were he stops Kitty's car and the crowd surround him in awe. If just one drunk guy approached and lambasted him, because he lost his wife and 2 kids like a week before his return. And then it showed Superman almost crying and appologising profusely. I just think it would have been a really emotional and effective scene, that would have also given Kitty more reason to feel sorry for Supes later on.

I still think this is an astonishing movie, but like ALL other movies, it has flaws and oppurtunities missed.

I'm glad they missed that opportunity because as I said it'd be wrong to do it. 'Cos he is one man and even if he's there he can't save everyone and I think people know it. I don't remember if you've watched the "Superman Returns" documentary. But in it they had an alternate opening at the start of it. Which included a whole lot of headlines. And would of revealed crime rates went up as well as some disasters. Now some can take that as a reason to take potshots at him for not being there. But if I was on that world and he showed up to save the day again. As stated I'd be extremely happy he was back. Because it would probably mean things would get better because he is (back). He would be a symbol of hope to me. The only way I'd be negative is if there was something wrong and people are being controlled and made paranoid by something (external). Because there'd be no way I'd be hating the fact he came back. I probably wouldn't like that he went away though I'd understand if it was to go see Krypton. But him being back would be great. I think it'd be true for most people. I'd be concentrating on the present and possible future not the past. Again I'm glad so were most people in the film.

Angeloz

 

[DarkMajin]

I'm glad they missed that opportunity because as I said it'd be wrong to do it. 'Cos he is one man and even if he's there he can't save everyone and I think people know it. I don't remember if you've watched the "Superman Returns" documentary. But in it they had an alternate opening at the start of it. Which included a whole lot of headlines. And would of revealed crime rates went up as well as some disasters. Now some can take that as a reason to take potshots at him for not being there. But if I was on that world and he showed up to save the day again. As stated I'd be extremely happy he was back. Because it would probably mean things would get better because he is (back). He would be a symbol of hope to me. The only way I'd be negative is if there was something wrong and people are being controlled and made paranoid by something (external). Because there'd be no way I'd be hating the fact he came back. I probably wouldn't like that he went away though I'd understand if it was to go see Krypton. But him being back would be great. I think it'd be true for most people. I'd be concentrating on the present and possible future not the past. Again I'm glad so were most people in the film.

Angeloz

The sentiments of the article, and possible negative reactions to Superman's returns were opportunities that should have been explored.
While Superman is indeed only a single person...he's also practically a god in terms of power.

It's also a fact I would say that he doesn't do what he does out of obligation or boredom...he must have some kind of emotional connection to humanity in general to literally be on call when something is going on.
I can't really imagine Superman ever ignoring any call for help or any trouble brewing about. If he's aware of it, he's going to do something about it.

Sort of creates a wrinkle if one has Superman pretty well aware of everything happening on the planet no matter where he is...because by his nature, his emotions will make him very busy.
Really, I tend to see the Superman character as more hero than man simply because his powers and his possibilities are massive.

Something else that should have been explored was Superman's conscious bothering him over the people who would not have died had he not left.

Just remember in the Venom storyline in the Batman comics...Batman was driven to drastic and dangerous measures after failing to save a little girl from dying.

A lot of complex subjects that went ignored in SR...which makes it seem like his 5 year absence was more a plot device in regards to Lois, and also to make sure Jason was of a reasonable age rather than an infant in the film.

While plenty of people would have been joyous at his return, there would have been many angry at Superman too.
Making yourself a savior isn't always easy.

 

[Angeloz]

The sentiments of the article, and possible negative reactions to Superman's returns were opportunities that should have been explored.

There's one difference at the time the article was written and published Superman was away. He's back now. So is the hope and help he provides.

While Superman is indeed only a single person...he's also practically a god in terms of power.

It's also a fact I would say that he doesn't do what he does out of obligation or boredom...he must have some kind of emotional connection to humanity in general to literally be on call when something is going on.
I can't really imagine Superman ever ignoring any call for help or any trouble brewing about. If he's aware of it, he's going to do something about it.

Sort of creates a wrinkle if one has Superman pretty well aware of everything happening on the planet no matter where he is...because by his nature, his emotions will make him very busy.
Really, I tend to see the Superman character as more hero than man simply because his powers and his possibilities are massive.

I don't think he can be aware of everything. He might be about a lot of things but even he would have limits. I thought that was the other reason he worked at the Daily Planet so he could get a heads up about trouble. In the air he might detect things better but he probably still has limits. Including the amount of people he can help. He's one man; he can only help people as one man. There'd be others dying elsewhere whenever he did so. Not to mention the times he's not.

Something else that should have been explored was Superman's conscious bothering him over the people who would not have died had he not left.

They are not his fault. Also humans if they were sensible could of in theory changed the world for the better perhaps using him as inspiration. They didn't.

Just remember in the Venom storyline in the Batman comics...Batman was driven to drastic and dangerous measures after failing to save a little girl from dying.

It's been years since I've read the Batman comics. I have a feeling I might have read that storyline because it sounds familliar (the name). But I don't remember it.

A lot of complex subjects that went ignored in SR...which makes it seem like his 5 year absence was more a plot device in regards to Lois, and also to make sure Jason was of a reasonable age rather than an infant in the film.

While plenty of people would have been joyous at his return, there would have been many angry at Superman too.
Making yourself a savior isn't always easy.

Some might be angry I concede but I suspect they'd be in the minority. And probably criminals. I hope people don't think I'm being tasteless by mentioning this. But on September 11 were people grateful for the police and firefighters for trying to save lives or were they hated? I think it made people appreciate them even more than they had previously including the press. And people were holding up signs and clapping when they went by in New York. I think it's like that for Superman. He was away then came back. He publicly saved others in front of a sportsgame. People were happy that he was back and appreciated that he will be around again. Probably moreso because he was gone and he might have been taken for granted before.

Angeloz

 

[DarkMajin]

There's one difference at the time the article was written and published Superman was away. He's back now. So is the hope and help he provides.

Well, indeed it is.
However, those 5 years are glossed over.

I'm surprised that article was even as detailed in being written as it is...considering nothing but the title was ever said in the film.
When I saw it in the movie...I had thought the small text was just filler text for a prop.

I don't think he can be aware of everything. He might be about a lot of things but even he would have limits. I thought that was the other reason he worked at the Daily Planet so he could get a heads up about trouble. In the air he might detect things better but he probably still has limits. Including the amount of people he can help. He's one man; he can only help people as one man. There'd be others dying elsewhere whenever he did so. Not to mention the times he's not.

Well...he's got the super hearing thing going on...truth is for the character's sake one would want to keep it limited...because if he is aware of something he will do something about it.
Which would create problems for him if he heard everything everywhere. He'd go crazy because he wouldn't be able to keep up.

They are not his fault. Also humans if they were sensible could of in theory changed the world for the better perhaps using him as inspiration. They didn't.

No, they're not his fault.

However...when I see the Superman character, I see one who feels a very heavy "felt responsibility".
He has the power to stop things...I often see him someone who is vulnerable to feelings of failure...when he does fail, that is.
In a sense...he can begin to feel he is at fault somehow.

I don't overlook his ability to inspire others...it's another important aspect to him. However, there are a lot of things only he can handle.

In terms of what happened in the 5 years of SR...it is softly implied things got worse without him...but this isn't addressed.
The entire "Why the World Doesn't Need Superman" angle is only used as a mask for Lois' feelings.

Just imagine if Supes had come back...and well, he apparently wasn't needed anymore? Or even...replaced?

It's been years since I've read the Batman comics. I have a feeling I might have read that storyline because it sounds familliar (the name). But I don't remember it.

http://www.amazon.ca/Batman-Venom-Dennis-ONeil/dp/1563891018

If Batman can get like that, being a mere human...one wonders how Superman can get, eh?

Some might be angry I concede but I suspect they'd be in the minority. And probably criminals. I hope people don't think I'm being tasteless by mentioning this. But on September 11 were people grateful for the police and firefighters for trying to save lives or were they hated? I think it made people appreciate them even more than they had previously including the press. And people were holding up signs and clapping when they went by in New York. I think it's like that for Superman. He was away then came back. He publicly saved others in front of a sportsgame. People were happy that he was back and appreciated that he will be around again. Probably moreso because he was gone and he might have been taken for granted before.

Angeloz

Depending on the story one chooses to write, offhand it probably would be more of a minority of people.

Even so, it would sting Superman...and I still think in his character his conscious would also bother him...in other words, his only regret would not just be leaving Lois.

In terms of dramatics, the stinging would come after the jubilation of his return.

 

[Angeloz]

Hi. Sorry for taking so long to respond. Real life and illness intervened.

Well, indeed it is.
However, those 5 years are glossed over.

I'm surprised that article was even as detailed in being written as it is...considering nothing but the title was ever said in the film.
When I saw it in the movie...I had thought the small text was just filler text for a prop.

I think the seventies films had articles written too. Also with HD it could be possible to read them maybe.

Well...he's got the super hearing thing going on...truth is for the character's sake one would want to keep it limited...because if he is aware of something he will do something about it.
Which would create problems for him if he heard everything everywhere. He'd go crazy because he wouldn't be able to keep up.

I agree. Also noise is a form of torture for humans at least. Can you imagine what it could be like if you couldn't switch off? Or limit it?

No, they're not his fault.

However...when I see the Superman character, I see one who feels a very heavy "felt responsibility".
He has the power to stop things...I often see him someone who is vulnerable to feelings of failure...when he does fail, that is.
In a sense...he can begin to feel he is at fault somehow.

I don't overlook his ability to inspire others...it's another important aspect to him. However, there are a lot of things only he can handle.

In terms of what happened in the 5 years of SR...it is softly implied things got worse without him...but this isn't addressed.
The entire "Why the World Doesn't Need Superman" angle is only used as a mask for Lois' feelings.

Just imagine if Supes had come back...and well, he apparently wasn't needed anymore? Or even...replaced?

The only thing in the film that implied it wasn't good he was away was when he was watching TV at the beginning (of wars and other scenes). He didn't look happy about it. Though I do know from the documentary beginning it does imply things had gotten bad or reverted to what it was like before he was there from the newspapers in the opening. Also there was the deleted scene with the article being inside the paper with a train accident headline including people killed.

But the article was saying it would be better if Superman hadn't of existed in the first place. Because he and people like him give false hope. It's supposed to have made him consider never being Superman again. That and probably being discouraged from his trip to Krypton. I'll point out I'm glad he came back.

http://www.amazon.ca/Batman-Venom-Dennis-ONeil/dp/1563891018

If Batman can get like that, being a mere human...one wonders how Superman can get, eh?

I believe I've read it. But it's still vague.

Depending on the story one chooses to write, offhand it probably would be more of a minority of people.

Even so, it would sting Superman...and I still think in his character his conscious would also bother him...in other words, his only regret would not just be leaving Lois.

In terms of dramatics, the stinging would come after the jubilation of his return.

Well I'll admit he does care. It's a strength and a weakness. I love him for it. I'll point out he can't be there all the time and at least the Earth wasn't destroyed in his absense. The years he was away was like an extended sleep for him. And it really was (in the ship). In the film - like the time he was unconscious in the hospital. He had no way to wake up and do anything there either. But what do you mean exactly by the last sentence? From himself or others?

Angeloz

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

I'm glad they missed that opportunity because as I said it'd be wrong to do it. 'Cos he is one man and even if he's there he can't save everyone and I think people know it. I don't remember if you've watched the "Superman Returns" documentary. But in it they had an alternate opening at the start of it. Which included a whole lot of headlines. And would of revealed crime rates went up as well as some disasters. Now some can take that as a reason to take potshots at him for not being there. But if I was on that world and he showed up to save the day again. As stated I'd be extremely happy he was back. Because it would probably mean things would get better because he is (back). He would be a symbol of hope to me. The only way I'd be negative is if there was something wrong and people are being controlled and made paranoid by something (external). Because there'd be no way I'd be hating the fact he came back. I probably wouldn't like that he went away though I'd understand if it was to go see Krypton. But him being back would be great. I think it'd be true for most people. I'd be concentrating on the present and possible future not the past. Again I'm glad so were most people in the film.

Angeloz

Well, we'll agree disagree, because i could totally understand some people bing bitter towards Supermans return if they had lost loved one's in accidents he was notorious for stopping, it would have been nice to see in the movie IMO.

 

[Dr. Fate]

ok.....that's an interesting article.......it actually captures the realistic emotions you would expect ppl to feel if Superman suddenly left.

it's a shame that.....aside from Lois' reaction...........NONE of those emotions......reactions.........sentiments........were fully explored.

We never were presented with a WORLD that has moved on without Superman.........Superman was met with pretty much universal applause and welcome.......almost as if the whole world suddenly forgave for his sudden, unexplained departure.

Superman should have had to "fight" harder to redeem himself in the minds of the public at large..........he had it way too easy in SR.

In SR.......it wasn't "Why the World Doesn't Need Superman"...........it was "Why Lois Lane Doesn't Need Superman"

Exactly.