L2 blog

"Faster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound." 

These famous words preceded every episode of the Adventures of Superman TV series. I grew up with these words and in my opinion they comprise the most remarkable of all superhero CV's. Yet, despite his super résumé, Superman is the most underrated superhero today.

Back in the middle of last century he was my favorite hero. Superman was my not my only TV hero. The Lone Ranger, Davie Crockett and Zorro were also heroes of mine but Superman was different, Superman was a superhero.  Bullets ricochet off of his chest, he could fly and he had x-ray vision. Jeez, x-ray vision! What Superhero has x-ray vision? (What grownup says Jeez?)

All that changed last year during a discussion with my 6 year old nephew Mikkel. It turns out Mikkel is a Batman fan. That's quite ok with me, the new Batman is rather buff and does some amazing stuff with all of his gear. I was ok with all of this, until he convinced my 5 year old son Magnus that Batman was better than Superman. Or even worse, that he was more super than Superman!

Never to sidestep a discussion, even with a 6 year old, I took the matter up with nephew Mikkel.  We discussed the pros and cons. Back and forth we went, the debate turned heated, our voices rose and I, never the one to admit defeat, ended the discussion by stomping off in the opposite direction. So much for maturity over inexperience!

After licking my wounds for a few days, I decided to consult an expert. Who could be more knowledgeable than the guy in the comic book store just next to our office? He's a busy guy this man, so I didn't waste time and went directly to the point. "In your learned opinion, is Batman more super than Superman?" He gave me a look like as to say, "don't you have something more important to do just now?"  I rephrased my question: "Apart from all the cool stuff he can do with all of his exotic equipment, Batman really doesn't have any superpowers at all does he?" Now a new look saying: "what's your point moron?" Clearly I needed to try a new tactic. "Superman can fly and he can bend the muzzle of a pistol and he can see through walls, he does all of that without a single gadget. I mean he doesn't need a batmobile; he can fly for christsakes. I bet you Superman doesn't even have a driver's license or know how to ride a bicycle for that matter."

BINGO that got his attention! First an introspective look, then a short pause and WHAMMO he spoke: "I never thought about that, I think your right, Superman never drives a car. When he's Clark Kent, he and Lois always take a cab. Superman doesn't even have a driver's license!"

And now to the point: Younger people today can't appreciate someone with just superpowers if they can't even drive a car or fly a plane or hack into a computer or clip a video or create a mashup.

No, a hero is judged, not by his superpowers but by the gear he owns and how well he uses it. It's the gadgets that make the man.

That's why Superman is so lame. And this is how we as humans are defining ourselves: by the gadgets we keep and how well we use them. We care less about our stuff not functioning than letting other people know that we can't use a gadget like a superhero.

Kim Possible can always get in touch with Wade, who in turn can hack his way into anything. These are mere mortals doing the impossible. They are the superheroes of today; the ones that actually can make tech work as promised.

If I on the other hand can't synchronize my pc with my mobile, I'm more worried that the kids will see me for what I am: a mere mortal with absolutely no superpowers.

But back then, when I was a kid. I would see Superman facing danger with his chest stuck out and his chin up, hands on his hips, as if to say "give me your best shot". And when the bullets hit his chest they had absolutely no effect. Stoically, he holds his ground, right up until the moment that the desperate super villan throws the warm revolver at Superman's head and the man of steel.......ducks!

How lame is that?