When DC Comics sent word to the press that Superman was going to die in comics, the New York Times's resident carp, applauded the story. He wasn't happy because he saw a great moment in American history, a story which showed why Superman was such a beloved hero. He wasn't happy because he read a comic book that anyone would find a compelling read, comic book fan or not. He wasn't happy because Superman found his way back into the consciousness of a nation.
He was glad to see Superman die, and he hoped he would never come back.
Rich felt that Superman was a testosterone filled fantasy that no one could or should emulate. Why would anyone want to defend anything as banal as America? Why should someone actually die to protect other people. Rich wanted to see the death of the concept of individual heroism, and he saw Superman as the character who embodied that concept. So, Rich waited all his life to see Superman die, and he finally got his wish.
Rich said that America's hero was some guy who wore shorts that exposed his flabby thighs when he ran. Why should anyone want to be in shape or something silly like that? Our hero shouldn't save lives on his own. He should get a focus group together to decide whether people should be saved. Our hero shouldn't be honorable. He should have an intern ready and waiting. That's right. Frank Rich decided that Bill Clinton was America's new hero.
Did I mention that Frank Rich is a moron?
No matter how much Rich wanted to see him go away, Superman came back. Was there ever a question?
There's a reason Superman's lasted more than sixty years, and the country is suffering from Clinton fatigue. People want to see someone they can admire. They want to see someone they can count on. They want to see someone who represents the best that we have to offer. They want to see someone good. They want to see Superman. It seems that only Frank Rich wants to see more of Bill Clinton.
Jeph Loeb says that Superman is wish fulfillment, and he's right about that. Who wouldn't want to know that almost nothing imaginable could hurt him? Who wouldn't want to be able to fly faster than the speed of sound? Who wouldn't want to reheat his food without having to get up to use the microwave?
He's also right about the other part, too. Superman is just Clark Kent, a good guy who was raised by good people. He doesn't have any "issues", unless you call having more responsibility than any of us can handle an "issue". He doesn't have an agenda. He doesn't want money. He doesn't want your vote. He just wants to do the right thing.
After years of Clinton, Springer, and Jenny Jones, we need Superman more than ever. Comics fans understand this. What's so hard to understand, Frank Rich?
Ramsey Rusef
Editor
Redoubt is Copyright © 1999-2000, Ramsey Rusef. All articles contained inside are Copyright by their original authors. All characters and comic books reviewed in Redoubt are Copyright and Trademarked by their respective owners.