He’s the blueprint. When Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster first dreamt up a guy who could leap tall buildings in a single bound back in 1938, they didn't just create a character; they birthed an entire genre of modern mythology. But if you look at the discourse today, there's this weird, nagging question that keeps popping up in comic shop debates and studio boardrooms: is Superman a success in the 21st century?
It sounds like a crazy question. We’re talking about a character whose "S" shield is arguably the second most recognized symbol on the planet, trailing only the Christian cross. Yet, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It’s a messy, fascinating look at how we define "success" in an era dominated by snark, gritty reboots, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe's quippy dominance.
The Billion-Dollar Question of Box Office Gravity
Let's talk money, because that’s where the "failure" narrative usually starts. If you compare Kal-El to his peers, the numbers get tricky. Man of Steel (2013) pulled in about $668 million worldwide. In a vacuum, that is a massive success. It’s huge. But in a world where The Avengers was hitting $1.5 billion, Warner Bros. felt like they’d somehow tripped at the finish line.
They wanted Batman numbers. They wanted billion-dollar milestones.
The industry perception of whether is Superman a success often hinges on these unfair comparisons. Look at Superman Returns (2006). Bryan Singer’s love letter to the Christopher Reeve era made nearly $400 million, yet it was treated like a total disaster because the budget had ballooned to an eye-watering $270 million due to years of "development hell" (including that famous Tim Burton project where Superman was supposed to fight a giant spider).
Success isn’t just about the gross; it’s about the margin.
People forget that Superman practically saved the superhero film genre twice. First in 1978, when Richard Donner proved people would believe a man could fly, and again in 2013 by launching the DCEU. Even if that cinematic universe had a rocky road, Superman was the foundation. Without him, you don't get the modern blockbuster. Period.
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Cultural Impact vs. Ticket Sales
Is he still relevant? That’s the real crux of the "is Superman a success" debate.
Some critics argue he’s "too perfect" or "boring" for today’s audience. We like our heroes broken. We like Batman’s trauma or Iron Man’s ego. Superman is just… good. He’s a guy from Kansas who wants to do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do. In a cynical world, that can feel outdated.
But honestly? That’s exactly why he’s a success.
Look at the "Superman Smile" trend on social media or the way fans reacted to Superman & Lois on The CW. There is a deep, starving hunger for sincerity. When Tyler Hoechlin’s Superman stops to help a kid with their science project or just chats with a bystander, it resonates more than any CGI explosion ever could. Success for Superman isn't just about punching a hole through a mountain; it’s about being a symbol of hope that actually means something to people when the real world feels like it's falling apart.
The Merchandise Juggernaut
If you want to see where the real winning happens, look at the licensing.
- Global toy sales consistently rank Superman in the top tier.
- Apparel featuring the shield sells in countries where the movies aren't even shown.
- The character’s likeness generates billions in "passive" revenue for Warner Bros. Discovery annually.
You don't achieve that kind of ubiquity by being a failure. He’s a brand. He’s an icon. He’s basically Coca-Cola in a cape.
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The "Boy Scout" Problem in Modern Storytelling
Writing a good Superman story is hard. It’s way harder than writing Batman. With Batman, you just throw him in a dark room with some ninjas. With Superman, you have to find a way to challenge a god.
A lot of the perceived lack of success comes from writers who don’t "get" him. They try to make him edgy. They give him a beard and make him mopey. But as Grant Morrison proved in All-Star Superman, the character is at his best when he’s imaginative, sci-fi, and unashamedly optimistic. Morrison’s run is widely considered one of the greatest pieces of graphic literature ever produced. If a character can inspire art of that caliber eighty years after his creation, he’s a success by every metric that matters.
James Gunn and the 2025 Pivot
We are currently sitting at a massive turning point. With James Gunn taking the reins of the new DCU and his film Superman (formerly Superman: Legacy), the question of is Superman a success is about to get a definitive new chapter.
Gunn has been vocal about moving away from the "deconstructionist" vibe. He wants the bright colors. He wants the dog (Krypto). He wants the humanity. The success of this film will likely dictate the next twenty years of the character’s life. If it lands, Superman becomes the king of pop culture again. If it misses, he stays in this weird limbo of "iconic but underutilized."
Why He Wins Even When He Loses
Even when a Superman movie underperforms, the character survives. He’s survived the death of the Golden Age, the campiness of the 50s, the "Death of Superman" 90s gimmick, and multiple reboots.
He’s a success because he is foundational. He is the "Standard Meter" for heroism. Every other hero is defined by how much they are like him or how much they differ from him. You can’t fail when you are the literal definition of the category.
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What Most People Get Wrong About His "Power"
People think Superman is a success because he can move planets.
Wrong.
He’s a success because of Clark Kent.
The most successful versions of the character are the ones where we see the immigrant experience—the guy trying to fit in while holding onto his heritage. It’s a story anyone can relate to. Whether it’s Gene Luen Yang’s New Super-Man or the classic Birthright by Mark Waid, the "human" element is what keeps the lights on.
A Quick Look at the Numbers (Estimated)
- Total Comic Sales: Hundreds of millions since 1938.
- TV Longevity: Smallville ran for 10 seasons. Ten. That’s an eternity in TV years.
- Cultural Longevity: 85+ years and counting.
Is Superman a Success? The Verdict
If you define success as "consistently out-earning every Marvel movie," then maybe he’s had a rough decade. But if you define success as "remaining a global symbol of goodness for nearly a century," then Superman is the most successful fictional character in history.
He doesn't need to be "cool." He needs to be Superman.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators:
- Stop chasing the "gritty" trend. If you're creating or consuming Superman media, lean into the optimism. History shows that cynical Superman doesn't have staying power.
- Look beyond the box office. Evaluate the character's health through his presence in animation (My Adventures with Superman is a great example) and comics, where the real innovation happens.
- Support the "Human" stories. The best way to ensure Superman remains a success is to champion stories that focus on his ethics and relationships, not just his power levels.
- Watch the 2025 shift. Keep a close eye on the James Gunn era; it’s a masterclass in how a legacy brand attempts a "soft reboot" for a new generation.
The Man of Tomorrow is doing just fine. He's lived through world wars, economic collapses, and the rise of the internet. A few middling movie reviews aren't going to stop him from flying.