10 things DC fans refuse to admit about Superman

Depending on who you ask, Superman, the guy who makes wearing underpants over tights look cool, is basically the rockstar of superheroes.

For those who know me, don't gasp too loudly - I've started to be more open-minded towards Superman. Surprise - he's never been my favorite!

He's got that dazzling smile, the kind that lights up even the darkest Metropolis alleyway, and powers that make us mere mortals worship him. He flies through the sky like it's a walk in the park, shoots laser beams from his eyes (which, let's admit, is the ultimate party trick), and has a heart so big, it might as well be his superpower. People love him not just because he can bench press a planet or out-race a speeding bullet, but because he's the epitome of a good guy. He's the friend you'd want to call when you're moving apartments or need someone to save your cat from a tree – except, you know, he'd do it in a flash and probably rebuild your entire block while he's at it.

And let's talk about his fan club, which is huge. From comic book nerds to blockbuster movie buffs, Superman has a fan in every nook and cranny of the planet. Kids wear his cape for Halloween, and adults secretly (or not so secretly) idolize him. He's more than just a character - he's a symbol of hope and justice that transcends pages and screens. He teaches us that with great power comes the responsibility to wear your underwear outside your pantaloons with pride (just kidding, it's about helping others and doing the right thing).

Superman is like that slice of chocolate cake you can't say no to – universally beloved, always leaves you feeling good, and you just can't help but want more.

Yet, like any character with a long history and a vast, multi-faceted universe, Superman has complexities and aspects that might not always align with every fan's perception or wishes. Here are several things some DC fans might find hard to admit about the Man of Steel:

1. He’s not invincible: Despite his array of superpowers, Superman has his Achilles' heel, be it Kryptonite, magic, or extreme solar deprivation. Fans often overlook these vulnerabilities, preferring to see him as the ultimate, unbeatable hero.

2. His Clark Kent disguise is questionable: The age-old glasses-and-slicked-hair disguise is charmingly implausible. Fans might sidestep the logic, arguing it's part of his charm, but the simplicity of Clark Kent's disguise as a means to hide his superhero identity is a bit too thin for the real world.

3. He can be overly righteous: Superman's moral compass is as strong as his physical abilities, but this sometimes translates to a sanctimonious attitude that can be off-putting. He's often so caught up in doing the right thing that he can seem judgmental or out of touch with grey areas in human morality.

4. Dependence on Superman can stifle other characters: In storylines where Superman appears, he often overshadows other characters with his power and moral authority. This can unintentionally stifle the development of other fascinating characters and dynamics within the DC Universe.

5. His stories can lack complexity: Due to his near-invincibility, writers sometimes struggle to create genuinely challenging conflicts for Superman, leading to stories that lack the complexity and depth found in other characters' narratives.

6. He’s a bit of a Lone Wolf: Despite being a founding member of the Justice League, Superman's approach can sometimes feel solitary. His willingness to bear burdens alone can make him seem distant from his allies, missing out on deeper teamwork dynamics.

7. His power set is disgustingly overloaded: Superman's abilities seem to have no end, from super strength, flight, and invulnerability to heat vision, cold breath, and beyond. This overabundance of powers can make his challenges seem less daunting and his character less relatable.

8. He struggles with modern relevance: In a rapidly changing world, keeping Superman relevant without betraying his core characteristics is a challenge. Fans might deny it, but there's a continuous struggle to adapt him in ways that resonate with contemporary issues while staying true to his essence.

9. His love life is predictably dull: The Lois Lane and Superman romance is iconic, yet it often treads a predictable path. The dynamics of their relationship lack the complexity and unpredictability seen in other superhero romances, making it feel a bit stale at times. I would hate to be Lois Lane.

10. He’s not always the most interesting character in his own stories: Superman's unwavering goodness and power can sometimes make him the least interesting character in his narratives. The villains and supporting cast, with their flaws and struggles, often steal the spotlight with their depth and complexity.

Even the mightiest hero has his quirks and challenges. It's these little imperfections and debates that keep Superman flying high in our hearts and comic books. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious, it's clear that Superman is more than just a cape and a pair of tights - he's a character with depth, struggles, and a story that's always evolving. And that's what makes following his adventures so super exciting.

Admitting he’s got layers just makes us appreciate our caped hero all the more and, if anything else, makes him a little more relatable and human.