Superman

by Ian W.

Created on: July 04, 2007

Looking at Spiderman and Superman next to each other, it is easy to see their similarities, and it is natural to question which one is the superior superhero. Both are heroes, both have powers beyond any normal human being, and both know the value and importance of using that power responsibly. In order to answer the question of which is the superior superhero we must examine each hero, paying attention to what makes them a hero-what drives them-and what their abilities are.

Spiderman is no stranger to tragedy. His parents died when he was young so he went to live with his unlce Ben and his aunt May. Shortly after Spiderman got his powers he chose not to stop a thief, a decision that would haunt him for the rest of his days; the thief killed uncle Ben. With Ben's death, Spiderman learns the value of using his powers responsibly and to help those in need. He feels that if he had made the right decision, his uncle would still be alive. Another tragedy in Spiderman's life is the death of his girlfriend Gwen Stacy at the hands of the Green Goblin-Spidey's arch nemesis. Again Spiderman blames himself, thinking that Gwen only died because the Goblin knew she was dating Spiderman. Despite all of this tragedy, though, Spiderman keeps up the good fight. He goes out every day and fights crime, often taking a beating in the process-it's no secret that Spiderman is not the world's best martial artist-, not because he has to, but because he chooses to. He knows there is evil in the world, and he also knows that he can do something to bring a little good to the world. Spiderman is a noble superhero.

His abilities include climbing walls, super strength, spider-senses, fast reflexes, high endurance for pain, and homemade webbing that he uses to swing through the city and nab bad guys. Also, he talks a lot, ofter causing frustration and annoyance in his opponents. All of these are impressive abilities, and they serve Spiderman well in his daily encounters with thugs and villains like the Vulture and Kraven the Hunter, but Spiderman is not save the world material. Don't get me wrong, if Spiderman had the ability to save the world from being destroyed, or conquered, or whatever, he would. The fact of the matter, though, is he does not have that kind of power.

The story of Superman shares similarities to Spiderman's, but it really is a different story altogether. Superman is the single survivor of his homeworld, the planet Krypton. Krypton's sun exploded, destroying the galaxy, but before it did, Superman's Kryptonina Father, Jor-El launched his son into space. Superman, still a baby at this point, crashed into a field in Kansas. Johnathan and Martha Kent discovered the wreckage and the baby inside. The kindly couple adopts the young boy and soon learn that Earth's yellow sun gives him powers beyond any mere human. Upon seeing what their boy can do, the Kents instill in Superman the importance of using his powers with restraint. Knowing the kind of damage he can cause, the Kents tell their adopted son that he has to protect people in need, and they he should use his powers for the good of humanity, even though he towers above them.

Unlike Spiderman, Superman does not learn firsthand what it means to use his power responsibly. Superman was told at a young age to use his powers with respect and to protect those in need; this was something Spiderman had to learn. Because Superman was indoctrinated with mid-west American values at such a young age he has not choice but to be a hero. He was taught that he had powers to use for the good of humankind, so that is what he does. Superman is not the noblest of superheroes, though he always does what is right.

Superman has many powers that set him apart from almost all other superheroes. He can fly, has heat vision, freeze breath, superspeed, is invulnerable, has superhearing, superstrength, and x-ray vision. He can survives the vastness of space without any equipment, and he can dive to the bottom of the deepest ocean without difficulty. His superhearing allows him to hear a pin drop in Bolivia when he is walking on the moon, and his superspeed ensures that he can get to that pin before it has bounced. Simply put, Superman is armed with an arsenal of abilities that allow him to not only thwart muggers and drug dealers, but to stop rampaging monsters and creatures from other worlds all in the span of a few hours. Superman can save the world, and does so all the time. He is the most powerful of all superheroes, and he knows to use that power to help those in need.

While Spiderman is a more relate-able character, and a nobler hero, I have to say that Superman is the superior superhero. His abilities are too many and too useful in his line of work. He can cover the continental United States in the time it takes Spiderman to swing through Manhattan. Don't get me wrong, I prefer Spiderman as a character, but as far as superhero superiority goes I have to bet on Superman. After all, he doesn't have super in his name for nothing.

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