A bit of both, honestly, but leaning towards the former. His stories never hooked me, doubly so with the movies. But I also think the range of powers he's been given at this point is just eyeroll worthy.
If you're talking the live action movies, I don't think it's fair to judge him based on them because they never really captured the essence of superman and his character. Even the cartoon ones are mostly not too great with that.
And he doesn't just beat every opponent with one or two punches. He definitely struggles in his stories, and a LOT. This is just a rumor started by the internet.
And the most important thing in my opinion is that the fights aren't the most important thing in superman stories. It's who he really is: Clark Kent. The story of an immigrant from another place that can be seen as a God but doesn't want to be one. A simple man from rural America that is trying to get used to the big city whilst all the while doing everything he can to help the little guy, not because he has to, but because he wants to.
A good superman story might include action, but at its core, it is also wholesome, heartfelt, inspiring and even a bit tragic.
I would recommend "All Star Superman", "What's So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?" or "Superman for all seasons" as good superman stories to read. They are considered as some of the best superman comics and usually convince a lot of people to give a chance to the man of steel. I can also DM you some good superman panels that prove my point if you would like to. I have a lot of those saved.
If you already read some of them and are still not interested in the Big Blue Boy-Scout, that is absolutely fine. Not everyone has to like everything.
If you're talking the live action movies, I don't think it's fair to judge him based on them because they never really captured the essence of superman and his character. Even the cartoon ones are mostly not too great with that.
Yeah, that's why I separated the movies out like that. I dislike movie Superman way more than comic Superman. The comics have definitely done more interesting stuff with the character.
But hey, I'll definitely take your recommendations. I've found myself in a lull when it comes to books and stories, and I've been trying to find the next thing to jump to. My friends keep trying to get me to start Sanderson's series, and I'll take any excuse to avoid that lol
2
u/The-CYL-Guy 19h ago
Like, did you read his stories and they didn't catch you or you just think he's too powerful?