Durant, Oklahoma – The Texoma Comic Con is February 21 & 22 at the Choctaw Event Center in Durant. It is a time to reflect on our childhood role models. When I was a kid, I learned a lot from Superman.

 

From the television series, Adventures of Superman (1952-1958), I learned honesty. George Reeves’ character battled thieves and gangsters. Truth and justice were virtues of Superman and I strived for the same ethics.

 

I learned courage. Superman was not afraid of anything and I wanted to be like him. Especially the flying part. I was not the only kid to leap off his garage roof with a towel around his neck.

 

When it was announced in 1959 that George Reeves committed suicide, I learned reality. I learned that people are vulnerable, that even the strongest have their weaknesses.

 

Then I learned how to read. With the TV show off the air, I continued my interest by following Superman comic books or Action Comics. I learned about maturity by reading about Superboy.

 

And by reading comic books, I learned value. I could find five empty soda-pop bottles worth two cents each. This was enough for the latest issue which sold for a dime.

 

Inflation was another lesson. When comic prices went to fifteen cents, bottle deposits rose to three cents. It still took five bottles to purchase one comic.

 

I learned about identity and about accepting other nationalities and cultures. On the planet Krypton, Superman was known as Kal-El. But because he always used his powers for the benefit of humanity on Earth, he was not considered an alien.

 

Superman’s secret identity was Clark Kent. Clark was a mild-mannered guy. Sometimes people didn’t treat him with respect but that didn’t bother him. He knew his strengths. Maybe my decision to become a writer was because of Clark Kent.

 

Superman taught me the value of teamwork as well. If faced with a super-villain, Superman might join forces with Batman. If there was an organization of evil, Superman could call his friends from the Justice League of America.

 

Sometimes, it’s easier to share a task. But it’s always important to surround yourself with people who use their powers for good.

 

Superman doesn’t harm anyone. I try not to either. He doesn’t lie. I try to be honest. He is not possessive. I’m still learning this part. Superman is not obsessed with grudges from his past. I’ve learned to let go of negative feelings too.

 

Though I may not have superpowers, I can still emulate the qualities of Superman. One could do worse.