Superman just got an update to his characteristic slogan which could adapt his personality to the present.
Superman is like a God. With unimaginable power and strength, it is easy to mistake him as an overlord. Therefore, for him to inspire hope in others, it is necessary that the people understand the values that he represents and stands for. And to keep inspiring hope, he needs to keep up with modern times and so do his slogans. The Golden Age version of Superman just got an upgraded slogan befitting of his modern-day ideals. His classic motto of “Truth, Justice, and the American Way” perfectly depicted his spirit in the past, however, it might not be sufficient to fulfill its purpose currently. Therefore, his slogan got a slight update and became “Truth, Tolerance, and Justice.” This enlightening new adaptation got featured in the 16th edition of DC Comic’s Batman/Superman series.
His Backstory
Superman or Kal- El is one of the few surviving members of the dead planet Krypton. Before the destruction of his planet, his parents sent him to earth in a spaceship. His ship landed in the American countryside and a kind-hearted couple found him and decided to adopt and raise him as their own son. His Kryptonian cells absorbed the solar energy from the sun giving him all sorts of amazing abilities like Superstrength, impervious skin, laser sight, and many more. His adoptive parents advised him to use his abilities for the benefit of humanity and the rest is history. His famous slogan was first featured in The Adventure of Superman radio series where they described the purpose for which Superman’s alter ego Clark Kent fought for.
Keeping Up With The Modern Times
Batman/Superman #16, written by Gene Luen Yang and art by Ivan Reis, takes the readers on a nostalgic journey of his past and his origin. A series of film strips depicts how his journey began and how he became a symbol of hope and that of “Truth, Tolerance, and Justice.” In a tweet on Gene Luen Yang’s official Twitter account, he described the backstory of Superman’s catchphrase including who said it first, where, and when. “ ‘Truth, Tolerance, and Justice’ is the mission Pa Kent gives his son right before Clark suits up for the first time. Take a look at this clip that I borrowed from @JimLee’s Twitter Feed. (Thanks, Jim)
The issue is an homage to the Superman and Batman movie serials of the 1940s. The phrase ‘Truth, Tolerance, and Justice’ rather than the more familiar ‘Truth, Justice, and the American Way’ is a tribute to the 1948 film serial.” he said in his tweet. It is clear why the need to upgrade the catchphrase was felt. While America is where Superman grew up, that doesn’t make him who he is. Therefore, his new slogan is more suited to the world of today
