It sounds like at this point that the problem might be with the characterization of "aliens" in comics. And perhaps with the serialized format of the medium.
The authors have a need to bring the alien-ness of their origins into the characterization of the character's thought process, emotions, and motivations. But at the same time, they want the readers to identify with the character. Or sometimes one author would go one way and the next author goes the other.
Unfortunately, the writers (and sometimes, the readers) won't accept the fact that they can't have it both ways, so the character as a whole comes out either schizophrenic or gets selectively interpreted to fit the needs of the current story/reader.
I guess it doesn't help either when the character gets a complete makeover every decade or so, complete with new background, abilities, supporting characters, characterization, etc. But then again the movies don't have that excuse and they make the same mistake. Then again, so far I think Superman is the only comic to movie adaptation of a alien superhero, so I guess I could reserve judgment until the rumored Silver Surfer movie comes out, since a sample of one is not very representative.
3. Belief of moral righteousness
I have to wonder if this is just a projection of the accepted values of the society. I mean, isn't the whole "we are the morally righteous voice of justice and democracy and woe to be the immoral forces of darkness that oppose us" the typical American stance in world politics? *puts on flame-retardant hat*
So, then, yes. Who are they to judge? :P
4. Human element of Superman
Your preferred characterization of Superman seems to jive with the majority of fanfic writers of the character. I don't know about Smallville aside from the few recs you gave me, but LnC definitely has way more fics written about it than there are Superman fics on ffnet or most of the comics fanfic archives I've seen. And even for fics based on the comics, the good ones I've seen tend to use the same characterization as LnC (with the mostly human identity of Clark Kent being the basis for the character and Superman being the secondary identity).
Then again, fanfiction for the most part are written by and for a different audience than the one that comics are targeted to anyways.
The movie, on the other hand, I really don't get. Especially since I heard it was considered a box office hit, particularly overseas. From what I understand, the Superman there was a douche. Though he did get all that was coming to him due to his douche-ness.
5. Smallville
Well, the main problem there is that 99% of my info on that show comes from YOU. :P
no subject
It sounds like at this point that the problem might be with the characterization of "aliens" in comics. And perhaps with the serialized format of the medium.
The authors have a need to bring the alien-ness of their origins into the characterization of the character's thought process, emotions, and motivations. But at the same time, they want the readers to identify with the character. Or sometimes one author would go one way and the next author goes the other.
Unfortunately, the writers (and sometimes, the readers) won't accept the fact that they can't have it both ways, so the character as a whole comes out either schizophrenic or gets selectively interpreted to fit the needs of the current story/reader.
I guess it doesn't help either when the character gets a complete makeover every decade or so, complete with new background, abilities, supporting characters, characterization, etc. But then again the movies don't have that excuse and they make the same mistake. Then again, so far I think Superman is the only comic to movie adaptation of a alien superhero, so I guess I could reserve judgment until the rumored Silver Surfer movie comes out, since a sample of one is not very representative.
3. Belief of moral righteousness
I have to wonder if this is just a projection of the accepted values of the society. I mean, isn't the whole "we are the morally righteous voice of justice and democracy and woe to be the immoral forces of darkness that oppose us" the typical American stance in world politics? *puts on flame-retardant hat*
So, then, yes. Who are they to judge? :P
4. Human element of Superman
Your preferred characterization of Superman seems to jive with the majority of fanfic writers of the character. I don't know about Smallville aside from the few recs you gave me, but LnC definitely has way more fics written about it than there are Superman fics on ffnet or most of the comics fanfic archives I've seen. And even for fics based on the comics, the good ones I've seen tend to use the same characterization as LnC (with the mostly human identity of Clark Kent being the basis for the character and Superman being the secondary identity).
Then again, fanfiction for the most part are written by and for a different audience than the one that comics are targeted to anyways.
The movie, on the other hand, I really don't get. Especially since I heard it was considered a box office hit, particularly overseas. From what I understand, the Superman there was a douche. Though he did get all that was coming to him due to his douche-ness.
5. Smallville
Well, the main problem there is that 99% of my info on that show comes from YOU. :P