George R. R. Martin on the Superhero Showdown: Spider-Man vs. Superman
In the ongoing discussion of who stands victorious in the superhero arena—Spider-Man or Superman?—renowned author George R. R. Martin has passionately weighed in. His choice is anchored in a rather somber rationale, a fact that aligns perfectly with his reputation as the master of grimdark storytelling.
Martin, widely recognized for his epic series A Song of Ice and Fire, which inspired the blockbuster HBO series Game of Thrones, has also ventured into the realm of comics. This duality as a novelist and a comic book aficionado positions him uniquely to assess these iconic characters. His conclusion? Spider-Man emerges as the superior hero.
The Dark Rationale Behind Martin’s Preference
Marvel’s Advocate: Spider-Man’s Trials and Tribulations
In a notable appearance at the Chicago Humanities Film Festival in 2019, Martin reflected on his early admiration for Superman, which spanned numerous comic issues. However, he later found himself drawn to Spider-Man, whose story arcs presented a more profound narrative depth. Martin highlighted that Superman’s timelines often stagnate, rarely pushing boundaries or embracing risks.
He elaborated on this by referencing the significant impact of Gwen Stacy’s death in the 1973 comic The Amazing Spider-Man #121, illustrating how her loss propelled Spider-Man into genuine emotional turmoil. “He took up [a relationship] with Gwen Stacy. Well, she died. That was traumatic… DC never killed Lois Lane or even Jimmy Olsen,” Martin pointed out. His argument suggests that Spider-Man’s evolution is marked by real, lasting consequences, a stark contrast to Superman’s often unchanging narrative.
The Status Quo: Superman’s Narrative Weakness
DC’s Reluctance to Embrace High Stakes
Martin’s rationale for claiming Spider-Man as a superior character is fundamentally founded on the notion that Peter Parker endures greater suffering than Clark Kent. This perspective lends weight to the argument that the stakes in Spider-Man’s stories are strikingly more tangible. While DC has skirted around significant losses, such as the brief demise of an alternate version of Lois Lane, the ramifications of these events rarely echo within the main continuity.
For instance, although DC briefly entertained dark narratives involving Lois, the repercussions often felt superficial compared to Spider-Man’s enduring losses. Lois Lane remains a fixture in Superman’s life, portraying a relationship that seldom faces true peril. This pattern reflects a hesitance on DC’s part to evolve Superman’s story through major character developments.
What DC Could Learn: Rethinking Lois Lane’s Role
A Need for Heroic Sacrifice
Martin advocates for a bold narrative shift for Superman, suggesting that the superhero would benefit from experiencing a profound loss akin to Peter Parker’s Gwen Stacy moment. This would not only resonate with longtime followers but could also reinvigorate Superman’s character. Poisoned by routine, the current narratives surrounding Superman could find new life through significant plot developments that genuinely explore the impact of loss.
Whether DC chooses to eliminate Lois Lane or opt for the less audacious strategy of sidelining a secondary character like Jimmy Olsen, either route could produce unexpected and compelling storytelling opportunities. The key lies in executing such changes thoughtfully, ensuring they propel Superman’s character into new emotional depths rather than relying on shock for shock’s sake.