Richard Lester's unusual and under-rated DC Comics adapted film "Superman III" (1983), starring Christopher Reeve and Richard Pryor, presents the story of the Man of Steel contending with his own kryptonite-fragmented soul and a menacing super-computer built with the funds of an evil trio of wealthy tycoons.
This under-rated film in the colorful mosaic of Superman media (comic books, cartoons, films, television shows, etc.) offers us very unique and entertaining tokens:
1. Christopher Reeve - arguably the best Superman on the silver screen
2. the Evil Computer - a very symbolic item for the modern world
3. Kryptonite horror - a silver screen shocker
4. Corrupt Tycoons - very symbolic for capitalism troubles
5. Clark's high school reunion - a nice touch
The fact that Superman must contend with an evil computer and his own fragmented soul reveals why this Richard Lester film represents modern age anxieties --- i.e., industrialization arrogance (computing) and ethics (capitalism).
Perhaps Reaganomics cemented in the minds of Americans the complications of arrogance in the pool of capitalism --- i.e., Star Wars.
Superman's chest insignia represents a perception of patience and democratic virtue in the face of humanity's corruption and gluttony. Superman contending with a menacing super-computer reveals why this superhero symbolizes American values.
How does the marketing of toys in America reflect the consumerism-criticism symbolism in Richard Lester's "Superman III" (1983)? Such questions inspire us comic book fans to consider how the superhero art genre is very relevant to modern civilization.
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