Superman Smiles with Hands on His Hips

About this drawing

Smiling Superman with his hands on his hips is the classic pose of the first great superhero. The standout part of his costume is the red and yellow shield on his chest, with a giant S that everyone recognizes in a heartbeat.

For a long time, people assumed the S simply stood for Superman. Over the years, comics and movies added a lovelier meaning: it is his family's crest on the planet Krypton, and in that world's language it stands for hope.

That idea fits him perfectly. Superman is nearly unbeatable, but what makes him special is that he always chooses to help. He smiles, keeps people calm and sets an example of kindness, which is why so many see him as a role model.

His costume has a story of its own. Bright red, blue and yellow stood out on the pages of 1930s comics and helped the hero leap off the page. Today, the Superman suit is one of the most popular costumes in the world. Many children first learn about superheroes through him, and his message of kindness never goes out of style.

• superman
• dc comics
• symbols
• superheroes