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Anyone who grew up in the Superman generations of the 80s and 90s and remembers Christopher Reeve might also recall that Superman’s alter-ego was Clark Kent. But that is not really Superman’s real name, is it? After all, he was an alien from the dying planet Krypton that was rocket-shipped to Earth by his father while he was only a baby. Superman, after raised in Smallville (Kansas) and later going to school at Metropolis University, Superman famously began working at the Daily Planet alongside Lois Lane.
But what some do not know though is that Superman’s real name is Kal-El. The latter part of his name is sort of like his surname. For example, his father’s name was Jor-El and his cousin (Supergirl) is Kara Zor-El. Although is adoptive parents named him Clark Kent, his biological parents named him Kal-El. But his original name, however, has a deep and interesting history.
A big clue stems from if you were to ask yourself when did the first Superman comic book come out. In June 1938, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster created Superman. Their drawing ability was not the best and the super-hero concept was unusual, so they had a hard time defining Clark Kent and getting him published. What was interesting though was that Superman’s two creators were Jewish. Why does that matter? Because Superman’s Real Name, Kal-El, refers to him being the voice of God. Kal in Hebrew is sort of like “voice”, and El translates into God. The word also refers to might, strength and power.
Now that we know what Kal-El means in Hebrew and that first Superman comic book came out in 1938 by two Jewish guys, does this mean Superman is Jewish? Of course not. He came from another planet! Because he was raised in Kansas, we could argue that he is both Kryptonian and American, but that is all we can say for sure.
Something we can all agree on as well is that when the first Superman comic came out, Action Comic numero uno (Affiliate Link), no one predicted that the crudely drawn man with red underwear and the ability to jump really high would eventually fetch numbers in the millions. Along with Batman, these two characters are by far the most popular superheroes in DC. They are even household names that everyone knows about.
Lasting Impressions
How is he still relevant today? Some could mention his incredible abilities like being superhumanly strong, fast and enduring; in addition to this, his powers of flight and heat vision have made him a formidable force to reckon with. Others could argue about the bright, iconic costume that has been designed for him using blue and red colors. In contrast, other people might affirm that it is his position as an outsider that makes him very much relatable and desirable.
Certainly, all these aspects contribute to Superman’s popularity. Nonetheless, probably the most captivating element of the character comes from its dual identity as both Superman and Clark Kent. Therefore, Kal-El is depicted as one who has godlike powers but is actually an orphaned alien, while Clark Kent represents him as a normal guy with a nine-to-five job and a girlfriend.
In the end, Superman embodies the concept of the individual who stands apart, yet emerges as a champion – an individual who employs their distinct talents and encounters to improve the state of affairs. He serves as a beacon of optimism and motivation, serving as a reminder that even those who appear entirely unremarkable possess the capacity for remarkable feats. In a world that frequently evokes feelings of gloom and trepidation, this is a message that we could all benefit from hearing more frequently.
His alter ego, Clark Kent, a mild-mannered reporter for the Daily Planet, captured the hearts of readers as he fought for truth, justice, and the American way. But behind the cape and the superhero persona lies a deeper story, one that begins on the distant planet Krypton. Superman’s biological parents, Jor-El and Lara, sent their son to Earth to save him from the destruction of their planet. He was then found and raised by his adoptive parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent, who instilled in him the values that would shape him into the hero he would become.
The voice of God in the DC Comics universe, Superman’s creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, drew inspiration from their own lives and experiences to create this incredible character. Through the decades, Superman has undergone many transformations, from the classic comic book hero to the beloved film series and beyond. His strong moral code and unwavering determination have made him a timeless symbol of hope and heroism. And of course, who can forget his love interest, the fearless reporter Lois Lane, who shares a strong bond with both Superman and Clark Kent.