Superman's Dilemma: Why Did He Not Save His Father?

Superman, the iconic Man of Steel, has always been known for his incredible abilities and his unwavering commitment to protecting his home planet. However, there is one question that often arises: Why did he not save his adoptive father, Jonathan Kent (Clark Kent's real father), from dying in the hurricane?

Understanding the Films

The answer to this question lies in the different plotlines of the films. In Man of Steel, Jonathan Kent is caught in a severe hurricane. Superman, under the guise of Clark Kent, watches helplessly as the wind and rain swirl around his adoptive father. At the last moment, Jonathan Kent stops Clark from saving himself, believing that it would expose his secret identity to others.

In contrast, in Superman, Jonathan Kent dies of a heart attack in Clark's arms. Here, Superman's actions are clear, and the film provides us with a simple solution: Apply his X-Ray and Heat Vision to revive his father. However, this solution is not as straightforward as it seems. Let's dive deeper into the reasoning behind these choices.

Jor-El's Mission to Earth

In Superman, Jor-El sends Kal-El (Superman's alter ego) to Earth with a deep understanding of Kryptonian knowledge. Furthermore, while flying through space, the ship automatically teaches Kal-El. Jor-El knew that Kal-El would excel at mastering this knowledge, making him capable of performing incredible feats. This means that at this point, Kal-El was already trained and knew many of his powers, though he was forbidden from using Time Travel.

Different Times, Different Powers

Superman in Man of Steel, on the other hand, only learned these powers much later in his life. This delay means that he had not fully grasped the extent of his abilities, especially when it comes to time travel. Man of Steel focuses on the exploration of his powers and limitations, not necessarily his capabilities.

Jonathan Kent's Stopping Him

Jonathan Kent's decision to not be saved by superhuman actions is a crucial plot point in Man of Steel. He believes that saving himself in plain sight would only expose his secret identity, leading to dangerous consequences. This is a critical theme in the film: the balance between protecting his family and concealing his true nature.

The Science of Superman's Abilities

Superman's heat vision, for instance, has been used in various scenarios to keep people alive by stimulating their heart or keeping someone's heart beating. In the comic books, this skill has even been used to reanimate someone who has been struck by a bomb. However, the exact nature of these actions can vary depending on the story and the comic series.

Moreover, in Man of Steel, Superman could easily blow away the hurricane that was threatening his father. This shows the extent of his powers, particularly his super breath, which can exert incredible force. His ability to move so fast that others would not see him move is a testament to his extraordinary speed and agility.

Time Travel and Consequences

Even if Superman had known about time travel, he would have had to weigh the consequences of changing the past. As seen in The Flash TV show, altering the timeline can have unforeseen and often disastrous outcomes. This added layer of complexity makes time travel a risky option, even for a being as powerful as Superman.

Ultimately, decisions made by characters in films and comics are not just about the outcome but also about the narrative themes they represent. In Superman's case, the importance of keeping his identity a secret and the balance between action and inaction are central themes that have shaped the character's journey over the years.

Conclusion

The question of why Superman did not save his father is a complex one, rooted in the unique storytelling of Man of Steel. While he could have easily intervened, the choice was made based on the greater good of concealing his true identity and protecting those he loves.

Superman's journey is one of growth, exploration, and understanding his own powers. As new films and stories continue to unfold, we can anticipate more fascinating explorations of his abilities and the choices he makes.

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