Not only are Superman fans able to catch their favorite hero in his own array of titles each month, but also as a member of the Justice League in Justice League of America and JLA Classified; moreover, he is the prime player and usual savior of all of DC's "crisis" and "countdowns". As if that doesn't satisfy a reader's appetite for this a strange visitor from another planet, there is also a Supergirl, a Superboy and a Superdog to contend with, as well as a backward rendition of Big Blue in the form of Bizarro. For almost eighty years the Man of Steel has been battling criminals such as Metallo, foiling the world dominating machinations of Lex Luther, saving the planet from Brainiac, and defending the universe from the tyranny of Darkseid. More impressive still, is how, considering the character's longevity and extreme exposure, the creative talents orchestrating the challenges of Superman manage on a monthly basis to defend against the inevitable effect of monotony and redundancy.
What is the secret of Superman's captivation and success? Why is it that for nearly a century fans have read and respected the adventures of this hero? And more importantly, how does his ranking remain so high while his methods are continually challenged by the growing trend and popularity of stories that present a more complex and realistic perspective on superheroes by using ethically ambiguous characters that are willing to let the ends justify the means? One would have to imagine that dedication plays a part in Superman's fandom, as well the urge to escape and the need for nostalgia. And certainly almost everyone, no matter how much they enjoy seeing the means of other "heroes", has a subconscious aspiration for the security of a world where truth, justice and the American way prevails.
The answer, though, may be more simplistic, and one that not everyone may realize or even believe; simply put, Superman is important. And no matter who is writing his adventures, be it the likes of Jeph Loeb, Brian Azzarello or Mark Waid, no matter what crisis they have him in the middle of, every once in a while, the writers of Superman present a story with the sole purpose of reminding people just how important the Last Son of Krypton is. The latest demonstration of the Man of Steel's importance is shown courtesy of writer Kurt Busiek and co-plotter Fabian Nicieza with artist Peter Vail in Superman #659. Falling between a pair of story arcs that feature a time spanning post-apocalyptic battle for the fate of the world and the arrival of the Young Gods of New Genesis in Metropolis, Superman #659 begins solemnly with Superman pondering his place in the world, wondering if, as Arion clearly demonstrated to him in the preceding issues, he is a source of destruction rather than goodwill for the world. His thoughts then reflect to an adventure early in his career, a small story to remind the Man of Steel just how important he is.
The recount starts with Superman swooping down to save a elderly woman named Barbara Johnson from being struck by a vehicle in the Suicide Slum section of Metropolis. Although a typical act of fashionable super hero charity for a hero of Superman's caliber, his actions are enough to entice the old woman into believing that his arrival is a divine intervention in response to her prayers. Superman, of course, dismisses her claim that he is an angel, but then finds himself continually saving her, strengthening her belief and convincing her that she is a divine instrument. Barbara Johnson then begins seeking situations where she can call down her "angel"; fortunately Superman arrives each time to save her. Eventually her confidence in her self-proclaimed ability forces her to take her fight directly to the scourge of the neighborhood, the criminal gang known as the Bay Demons. Only this time Superman is occupied with a space traveling energy being in Antarctica and is unable to save the Barbara; she is gunned down despite her non-threatening presence.
At this point the story almost becomes too usual; and the reader may worry that they have are now subject to a melodramatic tale of Superman dealing with guilt for his part in the old woman's actions and misplaced beliefs. Surprisingly, though, the tale goes down a less typical and more inspiring path when Superman visits Barbara, on her apparent death bed, to explain why he couldn't be there to save her. Barbara wakes up and stops his admission by explaining that her circumstance is not his fault; that the Lord needed Superman to be where he was. It is then explained that as a result of Barbara's bravado and misfortune, the neighborhood and police have rallied against the gang and created a Community Association to deal with crime. As Superman flies away Barbara lets him know that he isn't just there to protect, but also to inspire.
By the end of the story the Man of Steel has a new confidence in himself, and the reader is reminded why Superman is important.