The essence of Superman has always revolved around the theme of saving lives. Heroism is an intrinsic part of his persona, solidifying his status as one of the most iconic figures within the DC Universe. While the lives he impacts primarily exist in the realm of fiction, for accomplished comic book writer Mark Waid, the influence of Superman extends far beyond mere storytelling.
Renowned as one of the premier comic writers of our time, Mark Waid has captivated audiences with his intriguing narratives and deep characterizations. While his body of work includes a variety of beloved superheroes, his contributions to Superman’s saga are particularly noteworthy.
Having a rich history with the character, it’s no wonder that Waid has a profound understanding of Superman. Yet, in a striking confession, Waid revealed that Superman’s role in his life has been life-saving in a literal sense, asserting that he might not be alive today without the influence of the Man of Steel.
“Superman Saved My Life”: The Man of Steel’s Impact on Mark Waid
Main Cover by Ryan Sook for Action Comics #1087 (2025)
During his appearance at WonderCon 2025, Mark Waid took part in the “50 Answers in 50 Minutes”panel, engaging in a fast-paced Q&A session that covered various topics about his life and career in comics. One question that seemed simple at first—”Were you a rabid Superman fan when the 1978 movie premiered?” —elicited a surprisingly deep and personal answer. Waid confessed that he wasn’t initially a devoted Superman fan, yet his reflection turned serious as he opened up about his struggles with mental health during that time.
He recounted being in a dark period where he felt indifferent about life itself. However, watching Superman: The Movie transformed his outlook; he was captivated enough to watch it twice consecutively. By the end of that experience, Waid found himself inspired and connected to Superman’s enduring legacy. On his personal website, he shared, “I’d walked into that theater with a very short future ahead of me, and I’d walked out feeling safe and inspired in Superman’s orbit. Without that, I can promise you I would not be here today.”
“Superman Cared About EVERYONE”: Mark Waid’s Love for Superman
Main Cover by Dan Mora for Superman #27 (2025)
In a reflective post titled “I Believed A Man Could Fly,”written in 2009, Waid articulated, “Thirty years ago today, Superman saved my life.” He elaborated on the profound connection he felt with the Man of Steel, contrasting it with his earlier preference for characters like Batman and Robin. He vividly described the moment the iconic S-shield appeared on the big screen in the 1978 film—its grandeur captivated him like never before. It was in that moment, as Kal-El soared through the skies, that Waid recognized he had found his hero. Despite Superman’s fictional nature, his compassion for humanity resonated deeply, providing Waid with a sense of safety and inspiration.
Mark Waid: I sat down for the 3:20 show, the film started, the music swelled—and the instant that giant S-shield boomed onto the screen bigger and brighter than I ever could have imagined it, I was transfixed. And when Superman took to the skies for the first time, in that moment I found the hero I’d needed. It didn’t matter that he wasn’t real. What mattered was that he cared about everyone in the world, without exception, without judgment.
Everyone.
Five hours later–I’d sat through the movie twice–I was a profoundly different person. It sounds a little silly now, looking back, if you’re not willing to cut your teenage self some slack over how dramatic everything seems at that age, or how important fiction can be…but I’d walked into that theater with a very short future ahead of me, and I’d walked out feeling safe and inspired in Superman’s orbit. Without that, I can promise you I would not be here today.
Source: Mark Waid