Superman Turns 70 But Is He Heading For A Nosedive?

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The Man of Steel turns 70 this month, but his popularity has waned in this 21st century world of flawed, postmodern heroes. This indisputable icon of American culture first made him appearance in the June 1938 edition of "Action Comics", the brainchild of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

Superman is the original superhero, with superpowers, the cape and colourful costume, the secret identity and his mission to fight against Evil for Truth, Justice and the American Way. He can fly but is not an aeroplane or a bird. He's faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound!

But Superman comic sales have fallen over the last few years, while darker characters like Batman, Spider-Man or Wolverine of "X-Men" fame have become favourites. Is Superman too good and uncomplicated for teenagers these days? Only time will tell if he will survive another 70 years, but if he continues to evolve as he has until now, then he will continue to be a hero of our cynical world.