I fell in love with Superman when I started watching Smallville. It was a WB turned CW show about the beginning of Superman before him dawning the cape. This love only grew stronger when watching other adaptations and reading comics with his conquering power.
We all have a little Superman within us. Sometimes it’s hard not feeling like you don’t belong—like maybe… just maybe, you’re from a different planet. Kal-el/ Clark Kent/ Superman feels the same way. You choose your destiny, and Superman chooses this sentiment in each appearance. Read along to find quotes that move you. Here’s a list of words from adaptations and comic books that describe love, acceptance, and perseverance.
Love
Superman has the hugest heart within the DC comic line. He strives to see the good in all because if he doesn’t, what else is there to fight for? Raised in a small town by Martha and Johnathan Kent, they showed him what real love is through family values, mutual respect, and doing the right thing at all costs. Not to mention, Clark is a softy, and you can plainly see it whenever he is in the room with Miss. Lois Lane…
“It was Krypton that made me Superman, but it’s the Earth that makes me human.”
Superman, The Man of Steel (Vol. 1) #6 by John Byrne
“No matter how much someone has hurt you or betrayed you or how much it seems that someone is evil, at their core, everyone is worth saving.”
Clark Kent, Smallville, Season 9 episode 21: “Salvation”
“There is something behind those masks. You’re just afraid to face it. You’re not running away from who you are. You’re running away from who you think you’re becoming. But you don’t have to face it alone. Just because you’ve given up on Oliver Queen doesn’t mean I have.”
Clark Kent, Smallville, Season 9 Episode 4: “Echo”
“I, Clark Kent, take you, Lois Lane, to be my companion, forever. And with you by my side, I will never be alone. Though the world sees a strong and independent woman, I’ve never known someone with such gentle grace and a more pure heart. When I’ve been lost, you’ve always been there to bring me back. So on this day, at this moment, I pledge the rest of my life to you. You’ve always believed in me, and I believe in you. And when you believe in someone, it’s not for a minute or just for now. It’s forever.”
Clark Kent, Smallville, Season 10 episode 21: “Finale”
“You’re not in my way, Lois. You’re by my side. And if you really want to go through with canceling the wedding, then you’re gonna have to leave me standing at the altar.”
Clark Kent, Smallville Season 10 episode 21: “Finale”
“They may not be perfect, but I believe even in the darkest soul, there’s always hope. People want to believe in something greater, and it may be easier to hate, but it’s stronger to love.”
Clark Kent, Smallville, Season 10 episode 21: “Finale”
“I just wish you could all see the Earth the way I see it. Because when you really look at it, It’s just one world.”
Superman, Superman IV
Acceptance
No person is ever perfect. That’s a fact. Superman is living proof, even though many people like to assume that he is a squeaky-clean man of honor all the time. Prior to Clark donning the cape, he faced trials and tribulations to get to this point. It’s also worth mentioning he understands that his powers can hurt people, and sometimes he has to accept that he can’t always get what he wants.
“… We all make mistakes. I’m living proof of that. It’s how we come back from the mistakes that’s what matters.”
Clark Kent Smallville, Season 7 episode 8: “Blue”
“We all have something we think we need to hide. It’s hard, but it does get better.”
Clark Kent, Smallville Season 8 episode 2: “Plastique”
“Each power comes with its own burden. It’s not just what you do, but it’s also what you don’t do.”
Clark Kent, Superman & Lois Season 1 Episode 2: “Heritage”
“When I betray trust, I must be held accountable.”
Superman, DCAU
“You will be different, sometimes you’ll feel like an outcast, but you’ll never be alone. You will make my strength your own. You will see my life through your eyes, as your life will be seen through mine. The son becomes the father and the father becomes the son.”
Superman, Superman Returns
Bravery
Bravery is one of the many attributes Superman has. He perseveres through the bad of the world and continues to fight for it daily, even when it feels like all hope is lost. He fights for what he thinks is right. Bravery does not always look the same. It doesn’t always mean you are the first person to run in front of a speeding bullet. It can also be shown by how a person speaks up for what they believe is right.
“You can’t throw morality in the garbage just because life’s tough!”
Superman, Action Comics (Vol. 1) #775, by Joe Kelly
“It’s about what you do… it’s about action.”
Superman, Infinite Crisis (Vol. 1) #7, by Geoff Johns
“It’s never as bad as it seems. You’re much stronger than you think you are. Trust me.”
Superman, All Star Superman #10 by Grant Morrison
Justice, or vengeance. It just depends whose side you’re on.
Clark Kent, Smallville Season 9 Episode 13: “Persuasion”
It’s like I’m on a cliff standing on the edge, and where I’m looking is beyond where you’ve been before, it’s beyond than Jor-El has ever been before. And much as I value everything you’ve given me, I need to go beyond where either of you can guide me anymore, to be the hero the world needs me to be.
Clark Kent, Smallville, Season 10 episode 21: “Finale”
“The real test of honor isn’t how you die. It’s how you live.”
Superman, DCAU
“…We have here a rare opportunity for me to cut loose, and show you just how powerful I really am.”
Superman, DCAU
I have watched persons from every country, every background, rise with power to battle the worst evils.
To shout in the face of ignorance and defeat that there shall be another day of dignity for our world. There shall be another day of honor for our people.
Battling through unimaginable torment, they have taken their place along the barrier that divides us from chaos and death, they have stared into the certainty of annihilation.
And they have smiled, and they have laughed, and they have said, simply, calmly, confidently…
Though you break my body, I will stand.
Though you silence my voice, I will speak.
Though you bring my death, I will live.
This is my home. It is in my care.
And though you seek its destruction, I am here.
And today — today, by God, it will not fall.
What you must know, what I know, what I most want you to understand.
What you have to understand… is that they do this in full knowledge of the pain they will incur. The… the scars they will collect, the…
The…
The nightmares…
The nightmares the will forever endure.
Superman, Heroes in Crisis by Tom King
There’s a Superman in all of us. Sometimes it takes a moment to look a little deeper to find our best selves. Let’s also remind ourselves that our best selves do not have to be perfect. Allow yourself to make mistakes.
For more DC content, click here.
For more superhero-centric articles, click here.