June 12 is Superman Day, and whether you’re a comic fan, movie buff, or just someone who occasionally wishes for laser vision (or maybe x-ray glasses for lost socks), this day offers more than just nostalgia—it offers inspiration.

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This goes towards Thursday 13 where we make a list of 13 things, anything we wish!

🦸‍♂️ 13 Things that Makes Superman So Super

(And How We Can Learn From That)

🧲 1. Even Superman Has Weaknesses

If you have read or watched Superman, you know that his is Kryptonite. Ours might be chaos, criticism, clutter, Clark Kent(!)—or even chocolate. But your weaknesses don’t define you, or make you less in any way. They just make you real.

“All those things I can do. All those powers. And I couldn’t even save him.”

👓 2. Clark Kent Is the Real Costume

While Superman may fly, I do think that Clark Kent dons the real costume! Oh those glasses! Clark reports, listens, observes, and writes – everything I love to do. For me, this is a reminder that quiet, behind-the-scenes strength deserves a spotlight too. As for the comics and the on-screen versions, I always wanted to have more Clark Kent than there was/is.

“Lois, Superman is what I can do. Clark is who I am.” ― Clark Kent

Perry White:
Lois, Clark Kent may seem like just a mild-mannered reporter, but listen, not only does he know how to treat his editor-in-chief with the proper respect, not only does he have a snappy, punchy prose style, but he is, in my forty years in this business, the fastest typist I’ve ever seen.

🏠 3. Good Parenting Matters

Ma and Pa Kent gave Kal-El a strong moral compass – one that matched the strength of the Man of Steel. Nurture matters just as much as nature.

“All I ever wanted was to be your son.” — Clark Kent (Man of Steel, 2013)

📖 4. Superman Is (Most Probably) a Bookworm

He quotes philosophers, values stories, and works for a newspaper. It’s safe to say Superman respects the written word. Truth, after all, begins with understanding, which definitely improves with reading.

And I do know that he inspired others to read, or rather, the comics inspired many to read, like with Sherman Alexie, who remarks on it in his essay ‘Superman and Me.’

🌍 5. He’s an Immigrant

He wasn’t born here—yet he calls this planet home and fights for its people. Superman’s journey echoes the hopes, struggles, and resilience of immigrants everywhere.

“I grew up in Kansas, general. I’m about as American as it gets.”

🫂 6. He Doesn’t Work Alone

The Justice League isn’t just cool—it’s community, one that I learned to love ages ago! And it shows us that even the Man of Steel knows that teamwork makes the dream work.

“Working together, we saved the planet.”

🕊️ 7. He Chooses Peace First

For all his strength, Superman is known for not throwing punches unless he has to. He’s a protector, not a fighter. Restraint is strength.

 “You can’t throw morality in the garbage just because life’s tough!”

💬 8. Catchphrases that Fit

Often, when he needs to switch from Kent to Superman: “This looks like a job for Superman!”

When he took off in flight: “Up, up, and away!” This was included by the radio show creators of The Adventures of Superman, to let listeners know when he was taking off.

His motto/slogan: Truth. Justice. A Better Tomorrow. It’s not just a slogan—it’s a set of goals worth striving for, capes or no capes.

Catchphrases that others use for Superman or to describe him in general:

• Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s Superman!
• The Man of Steel

📺 9. He’s Been Reimagined for Generations

From comic books to radio shows to TV to TikTok—Superman adapts. He grows. Maybe that’s the superpower we all need most – adaptability?! I know that being a little flexible, willing to move with the times, while not losing our morals (like Superman says), is something that will help us keep going, no matter what.

Which versions are you familiar with and which ones do you love? As for me, I devoured the Justice League comics as a kid, thanks to a neighbor who had a ton of them! And later, my dad got more for me when he saw I was always borrowing them from our neighbor 🙂 Of course, I also loved watching Superman on screen – the animated versions, the many movies, the TV shows (I loved Smallville!), and even listening to the radio shows online.

✨ 10. The “S” Means Hope

In Kryptonian, it’s not an initial—it’s a symbol for hope (and resurrection too). What would your emblem be and what would it stand for?

“It’s not an S, in my world, it means hope.”

📚 11. Superman-Inspired Reads

If you’re feeling inspired, try one of these (I love them all):

• All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison and art by Frank Quitely (Graphic novels, Teen and YA) 
• The DC Comics Encyclopedia by various
• Smallville by various (based off the CW show)
• Supergirl Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King with illustrations by Bilquis Evely (comics, Teen and YA)
• Superman: The First Superhero by Jerry Siegel with illustrations by Joe Shuster (comics, Teen and YA)
• Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang (middle grade graphic novel)
• It’s Superman! by Tom De Haven (a literary reimagining of the origin story)
• Superman: The High-Flying History of America’s Most Enduring Hero by Larry Tye (Comic & Graphic Novel Literary Criticism) 
• Welcome to Metropolis: The Prequel Junior Novel (Superman) by David Lewman (Children’s Graphic Novels | 6 – 9 years, and up)
• Superman: Dawnbreaker (DC Icons Series) by Matt de la Peña (Graphic Novels | 12 years and up) 

Reading is a superpower too!

💡 12. What’s Your Superpower?

Do you know? It could be your kindness. Or maybe it’s finding the calm in the chaos. Maybe it’s making people laugh when they need it most. Or just being there for someone. Find yours and use it well.

“You’re much stronger than you think you are. Trust me.”

❤️ 13. The World Still Needs Heroes

Not all heroes fly or wear capes—but they show up, and they help others. They do the right thing when it’s hard. They believe, like Superman, that a better tomorrow is possible. I know of many everyday superheroes in my own life – from those in my family and friends to so many others I interact with often. Teachers and doctors and so many more, even strangers who seem to be there for you at the right time, right place.

“There is a superhero in all of us. We just need the courage to put on the cape.”

Gifts for the Superman in Your Life

If you want something cute and sweet yet useful, then this Lego Superman keychain is perfect and fits every budget! It makes for a great add-on gift to something else, or a small-just-because gift for the any-day occasion. You want more Lego fun (like in our family!), then find one of the many kits, like this Superman and Lex Luthor Lego kit for your Lego or superhero fan.

And you can never go wrong with a cool Superman mug, for we always can use one more. For those who want to have their beverages on the go, there is this Superman stainless steel tumbler. For those who want to show their fandom while savoring their drink, these Superman whiskey glasses are for you.

If you have a birthday coming up for the superhero in your life, then this Hallmark Superman card is super-cool – just check it out!

🖋️ And Now, it is Your Turn

If you could have one superpower, what would it be—and what would you do with it? Or, even better: What’s something you already do that makes the world better? Drop your thoughts in the comments. And until next time—stay strong, stay kind, and don’t forget: even Superman takes off the cape and puts on glasses once in a while.