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Speeding bullets, tall buildings, and locomotives are only one avenue to use in understanding the "power" of a superhero. That power is limited to the page-even then, our hero is at the mercy of a creative and editorial staff. After all, who really killed The Man of Steel? Was it Doomsday? I don't think so. Someone-a real person-wrote a story and someone drew the panels. The characters and their powers are merely puppets of someones imagination. So how can we measure their power?

How about impact? Superheroes were designed to be iconic symbols of humanities greatest parts. We want to fly. We want to do the right thing. We want to live on forever. So we create heroes in capes and cowls to live out our dreams of greatness.

So who then has had the most impact? Who inspires us the most? Who do we want to be?

Do we want to be Superman? The answer appears obvious, but things are not as simple as they might seem. Sure it would be great to fly and see through walls and deflect bullets. But at what cost did such power come? Kal-el was oprhaned, alienated, and isolated. He has adopted humanity though he does not belong among us. He tries to fit in by holding himself back, masquerading as less than he is. Can we even begin to imagine the loneliness? It's no wonder he builds a Fortress of Solitude, where he can reflect and be at peace. Superman, like Atlas, bears a hefty burden.

The humility Superman exhibits marks him as a hero of a rare caliber. To be truly powerful requires maturity and decency, both of which old Supes demonstrates admirably. From him we learn that having power isn't the important part, but understanding when to use it and to what end-that's what matters.

Superman, the Man of Steel, the Man of Tomorrow-you are the most powerful hero of them all. With or without kryptonite.

Learn more about this author, Andrew Browers.
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