Man of Steel: The Father/Son Dynamic

Man of Steel

The Father/Son Dynamic

First of all, I would like to note that today's post is dedicated to the greatest guy I know in this world; My Dad. I understand that a blog is a sort of online diary, but I wont lay my self bare here, instead all I will say is that truly I am lucky and proud to have my dad support me in each step of my life. I love my dad and this post (yes I know it sounds cheap) is a way of saying how. 

Onto my post...

The Film

 

This week to celebrate Father's Day, we saw the release of a very pro-Fathers movie; Man of Steel. Man of Steel used the age old important theme of fathers prevalent within the Superman comics, to encapsulate the whole internal conflict of the story. 

With the film as with everything Superman we get to witness the impact and influence of two fathers on the Man of Steel. As with the other cases, both Jor-El and Jonathan Kent have differing opinions on what Clark Kent/Kal-El should do with this power, yet they maintain that he follow a righteous path.

A modern Jonathan Kent as portrayed by Oscar Winner Kevin Costner

In a post 9-11 world there are some changed dynamics to the situation. Where as previously Jonathan Kent was a man who taught Clark values of inherent goodness and created Superman's unwavering moral fiber, here in this present day he does the same things but also maintains that Clark should not help everyone as he must be aware of the fear caused by his presence to the world at large and as such should hide himself. 

Most fans-straight from the trailer-felt alienated by this statement (such as the 'maybe') and characterization, for what has become the important pillar in making Clark Kent into Superman. But considering the setting it seemed a reasonable concern for an honest and god loving man of Mid-western values. 

On the other side was Jor-El. Here the character had an expanded role, as he tried to push his son towards a destiny on making Earth and its people a better place while also helping rebuild Krypton and its people there. Jor-El spoke of choice when he conceived and sent away his son (Krypton's first natural born child in decades).

 Even Jor-El has to make the choice of letting his child go. It's a tough choice all fathers might make, although not as tough as this one.

However here also questions pop, as Jor-El never really gave a choice to Kal regarding the Kryptonians he carries in his blood. Jor-El also clearly stated and expected the people of Earth to follow Kal-El, rather than let his son decide if he wanted such a huge burden and a great destiny.

What the movie explores is Kal-El's place in this universe and the discovery of his identity as a whole. 

Who is he? the farm boy Clark Kent or the alien son and last remnant of the El family, Kal-El.

 Who is he?

He also is struggling between the two destinies created by his Fathers for him. At one side Jonathan leaves him to hide for now but also choose his path if he wishes to and on the other Jor-El believes Kal should be the bridge between the two worlds. Kal-El therefore must choose a path, thus bringing us back to the choice left to him by his biological father. 

Clearly the movie points that Clark chooses to be a savior to the people of Earth, and in turn revealing himself thus following the road Jor-El set out for him. It does not mean he doesn't heed the teaching of Jonathan Kent, this path he takes is when all of humanity is facing doom at the hands of the villainous Zod. Clark chooses this path as his father (Jonathan) pointed out, when the world is ready to see him as he is; Superman.

In conclusion, Clark decides to follow both roads but in his own way and method, therefore culminating to his own choice. 

This really all comes down to how a Father lays down his values to a Son, and how that son chooses to follow them in order to create his place in this world.

Now onto the exploration of that theme in a much more expanded universe, a universe where Superman has thrived for 75 years...

In Comics

Fair warning, this bit will be short as I have no larger idea on Jor-El and Jonathan Kent's presence in the Superman comics since I barely read them. 

 True to what the kid said...but now...

...But now it's time to hit the Super Books. Ha! It's Fathers Day, and I'm the one cutting money from my Dads wallet.

With the broader scope and narrative continuity available in comics, it would have been hard for multiple writers to pin down the theme of fathers and sons within 75 years worth of Superman comics with multiple themes. As such the father and son bond is diluted, but it is much more valued and in its way has become the core of the Superman mythos.

In basic form, Jonathan Kent has always formed the values that make Clark Kent the hero he is. These values have shaped Superman into a symbol of truth and justice, therefore giving him the nickname of Big Blue Boyscout.

There is no amount of words at least in fictional terms that can explain the vitality of these values in forming Superman, Jonathan Kent is held at high regard among Superman and comic book fans as a template for the kind of supporting character that fuels heroism into the lead protagonist.

On the other side there is Jor-El, the father figure who is searched for and epitomized by Kal-El. He is the man that has to send his own son away, this is a choice a father has to make and it's hard to imagine the pain taken making that decision.

He provides Kal with life not once but twice, by birthing him and then by going against his own values and rules/customs of his people to give Kal a chance to make a difference and to renew hope for his people.

Both Fathers explore as with the movie a greater destiny that Clark must find. They both have different visions and values for their son to follow, but in its essence both Fathers raise their son in a way expected of a father. They may be different types but eventually they are both equally responsible for being great fathers in order to create the greatest son and superhero in comics;

 

Unfortunately my knowledge regarding Superman is very low, as you can see; this post repeats quite a bit as well. All I wanted was to explore a tiny bit of what I knew of the world of Superman and his relationships to his fathers.

But the main reason for this article was to say one thing using the way (comics) I only know how, so I'd like to say...

...Dad!, I'm really missing you.

 

 

Aneesh Raikundalia