The radical history of Superman as an advocate for the oppressed

Long before Superman became the iconic, all-American superhero known for his unwavering defense of truth, justice, and the proverbial way, his earliest incarnation was far more radical and rebellious than most people realize today. The Man of Steel’s original adventures portrayed him not as a polite protector of the status quo, but as a crusader who challenged authority, defied oppressive powers, and fought fiercely for the underprivileged.

Created in the late 1930s by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, two young men from working-class, immigrant families, Superman was initially imagined as a hero who embodied the frustrations and aspirations of ordinary people struggling during the Great Depression. His first appearances in Action Comics depicted him standing up to corrupt businessmen, abusive employers, domestic abusers, and crooked politicians—anyone who used their position of power to exploit or harm others.

This early Superman was not hesitant to use force when necessary. In his debut, he was seen lifting cars, smashing through walls, and taking matters into his own hands to deliver justice. His moral code was guided less by adherence to the law and more by a deep sense of fairness and social justice. Far from the polished and controlled hero he would later become, this original Superman was willing to break the rules in pursuit of a greater good.

The sentiment in these narratives mirrored the extensive frustration with establishments that had let down countless individuals during the financial crisis. There was scant tolerance for avaricious magnates or apathetic lawmakers. By creating Superman, Siegel and Shuster expressed the notion that an individual could oppose these powers and defend the average person, even if it required defying conventional norms or breaking the rules.

Superman’s creators were themselves influenced by the social and political currents of their time. Economic hardship, rising fascism in Europe, and labor unrest in the United States all shaped the character’s identity. The first Superman stories resonated with working-class readers who saw in him a defender who wasn’t afraid to tackle injustice head-on.

An early comic shows Superman stepping into a scenario where a factory has hazardous working conditions, compelling the owner to implement modifications to safeguard the employees’ safety. In a different tale, he confronts dishonest politicians who are exploiting city politics for their own benefits. These stories depicted him not just as a powerful hero, but as a champion for justice and respect in daily life.

As the character’s popularity soared, however, Superman underwent significant transformation. By the 1940s and 1950s, in the wake of World War II and during the rise of American global dominance, Superman’s image shifted toward that of a patriotic symbol. The more radical elements of his early stories were softened or abandoned altogether, replaced by tales of alien invaders, scientific wonders, and traditional battles of good versus evil. His rebellious streak faded, making way for a more conventional hero aligned with mainstream values.

This change mirrored broader cultural shifts in American society. As the nation entered the Cold War era, suspicion of anything resembling radical politics grew, and entertainment reflected this caution. Superman became a friendly figure who promoted social stability rather than upheaval. The early echoes of his anti-authoritarianism were largely erased from the popular imagination.

However, the origins of Superman’s revolutionary start still captivate both historians and comic book fans. They function as a reminder that the initial superhero in the world emerged from a wish to tackle inequality, to oppose oppressive systems, and to provide the powerless with a hero who would be fearless in taking action.

Even in modern adaptations, traces of that initial rebellious essence occasionally emerge. Authors and directors sometimes revisit Superman’s persona as the outsider, someone who must balance power with ethics, following rules versus doing what is right. These adaptations delve into the intricacies of heroism in a world where the distinction between justice and authority is often blurred.

The transformation of Superman throughout the years represents more than alterations in comic book narratives—it echoes the changes in social attitudes, anxieties, and dreams. Starting from his beginnings as a hero with working-class roots and progressive tendencies, to becoming a revered worldwide symbol, Superman’s adventure is closely linked to the events of the 20th and 21st centuries.

What remains consistent, however, is the essential idea that Superman exists to protect and to serve—not the powerful, but those in need. While his methods and image may have evolved, the heart of the character still beats in rhythm with the desire for justice, fairness, and compassion.

The earliest portrayals of Superman might seem surprising or even jarring to modern audiences familiar with the polished, morally upright version that dominates film and television. Yet those original comics reflect an important truth: heroes are shaped by the times in which they are created. The injustices of the 1930s called for a hero who would not merely stand by, but who would act decisively—even defiantly—on behalf of the oppressed.

By exploring these initial tales, readers can see Superman in a new light: not merely as the unbeatable extraterrestrial from another world, but as an emblem of human aspiration and perseverance, emerging from struggle and resolute in making the world an improved place, regardless of the challenges he faces.