“They can be a great people, Kal-El, they wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. For this reason above all, their capacity for good, I have sent them you… my only son.”

The famous words of Marlon Brando’s Jor-El are forever etched into film history. They speak to the very heart and soul of what Superman represents. The DC icon might be an ideal to strive for, but he’s also so much more. Clark is a child of another world sent to ours, which more often than not can be cold, cruel, and unfair. Despite this, his unwavering love of humanity never shatters. His optimism never fades, and he never loses faith in the inherent goodness within us all. He represents everything a person should be.

It’s perhaps why I’ve always had such a fondness for this character throughout my life. No matter how dark things might seem, we still want to believe everything will be okay. In these cynical times, there’s no character that embodies that notion better than the Man of Steel. It’s a difficult thing to remain optimistic in a world that seems designed to tear us down, but Superman has the power to make us feel good about the ourselves, even if only for a little while. It’s precisely why James Gunn’s upcoming DC relaunch might just be the movie we need right now, and why this character is so important.

A Child of Two Worlds

Some have said that Superman is a boring character. “He’s too powerful” or “he’s too perfect” are some of the more common criticisms you’ve probably heard thrown around. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Clark might not wrestle with deep inner turmoil like Bruce Wayne or Peter Parker, but that doesn’t mean his struggles aren’t rooted in authentic human emotion. The story of Superman is one of great loneliness; one of a stranger in a strange land longing for connection.

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Clark’s story is an immigrant’s tale at heart. As the last son of a long dead Krypton, he preserves what remains of a home he’s never known, but he’s forever thankful for his life on our blue planet. In fact, he’s one of the few beings who sees the beauty our world has to offer, and he wishes the rest of us could see it through his eyes. How endearing it is that someone from so far away could love our world so much, and work every day to make it a better place for us all.

A Champion of the Oppressed

Superman does far more than battle otherworldly threats or inter-dimensional foes. He’s a symbol of hope for the common man; an everyday blue collar American who just so happens to have the power to make a difference. This was the vision co-creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster had when the idea of a super man soared from their minds on to the page. Sure, he could always leap tall buildings and move faster than a locomotive, but from his inception, he’s always been a protector of society’s most vulnerable.

I’m reminded of comic book panels where Superman protects a group of undocumented workers from racist attackers, or when he saves a young boy from an abusive father. Perhaps the most memorable is Grant Morrison’s All-Star Superman, in which Clark refuses to leave a suicidal young girl’s side until she’s ready to step away from the ledge. These are the moments that truly define Superman’s character. In Christopher Reeves’s own words, Superman is a friend. He’s someone who will never hesitate to be the shoulder to cry on when things look grim. No matter what, he has time for you.

Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow

Despite all his gifts, Clark only ever seeks to use them for the betterment of humankind. He can fly and shoot lasers from his eyes, but he retains all the goodness instilled in him by his humble Midwestern upbringing. It’s a stark contrast to his arch nemesis Lex Luthor, who uses his vast intellect and wealth for his own personal gain. Luthor isn’t that far off from a few real life monsters in our own world. I’m sure you can think of a few corporate billionaires who are willing to tread over the average joe to get what they want.

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It speaks volumes that Superman’s greatest enemy is a greedy corporate sleaze. It’s a beautiful dichotomy in many ways. Both characters represent everything humanity can achieve, and yet, they’re polar opposites. The self-made Luthor built his fortune through sheer drive and ambition, but he possesses none of the kindness or compassion that makes Superman so beloved. A mild mannered every man willing to stand up against rampant corruption will always resonate with readers and viewers.

All in all, Superman represents something deeply meaningful; any of us can be Superman. Simple acts of kindness can provoke profound change. Whether you help a stranger or friend in need, we all have the ability to make someone else feel better. No matter what, there’s always a reason to look up.

James Gunn’s Superman hits theaters on July 11th.