Superman symbolizes the 'Messianic Hero' or 'Savior.' He represents hope, selflessness, and the ideal of human potential. His alien origin and near-invincibility evoke themes of otherworldliness, moral integrity, and the burden of great power.

Themes: hope, selflessness, potential, otherworldliness, power

More in: 'Superman: The Unauthorized Biography' by Glen Weldon; 'The Myth of the American Superhero' by John Shelton Lawrence and Robert Jewett.