One thing I’m still getting used to about the isolation that comes with living in Wrangell is the lack of a movie theater and the inability to watch new films as they debut.

This was never more apparent than when the new Superman movie premiered and was released in theaters around the world.

The reason I bring it up is because, as my close friends and family can attest, I am a huge Superman nerd. I have loved that character since I was a small child; and, to this day, still have Superman action figures, a Superman lunchbox, a Superman blanket, and all kinds of other Superman memorabilia.

I think it’s funny that I often hear from other comic book fans that “Superman is boring,” or “Superman is lame.” This seems to be a popular complaint — but they never can quite explain why they still watch Superman movies, or why the franchise is still among the highest-grossing of such films.

And this most recent installment of Superman celluloid has the rare distinction of breaking the record for the largest-grossing Superman movie debut.

It’s a testament to the enduring popularity of the character, and I think I know why. Let me explain.

While debating the matter of why I think Superman is better than Batman (with my friend, Justin, who is a total Batman geek), I posed a simple question:

If you had Superman’s powers, could you be Superman?

If you were literally invulnerable to any earthly weapons, had immeasurable strength, could fly faster than the speed of sound, shoot laser beams from your eyes and received your power from the sun itself, could you be Superman?

The question lingers because of the implications. Superman has unparalleled powers that give him the ability to rule the world without any credible threat to stop him — if he chooses.

Think about the limited abilities you have. Now think about the decisions you have made to intervene in someone’s life. How often did you use “tough love” in your decision making? Did you ever make the “hard choice” and do what was best? Remember, they say the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

A case could be made (and it would be an interesting storyline to read) for Superman to take over the planet, simply because humanity keeps screwing up and doing the wrong thing. He could ultimately decide to step in like a parent and be the arbiter of governmental powers over the people in order to establish peace.

He does no such thing.

Superman’s abilities aren’t his power. His true power is service. He chooses to serve those less fortunate than him. He doesn’t make life decisions for people — he simply rescues them from the consequences of their actions, or the actions of others.

His power is that of humility and the ability to put others first when it would be so easy for him to be first.

And therein lies the allure of that hero. Because, while we may not be able to fly or be indestructible, we do have the ability to selflessly serve those who need help. In that way, we can all be like Superman. In that way, we can all be heroes.

In this day and age, where empathy is considered a weakness and sociopaths run governments, I will continue to choose to be like Superman.