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| Superman #701 (2010) comic panel by J.P. Mayer |
Read on to find out the times Superman saved several people from suicide including someone in real life.
Today is “World Suicide Prevention” day and it highlights a very real and important issue. In the United States over the past two decades, suicide rates have increased nearly 30 percent. In real life, Superman has been touched by two high profile suicides.
George Reeves, the Superman actor from the 1950s TV show “Adventures of Superman” sadly died from an apparent suicide.
Margot Kidder, who played Lois Lane in the Superman films tragically died May 13, 2018. Her death was later ruled a suicide. She had struggled with mental health issues for years and died “as a result of a self-inflicted drug and alcohol overdose.”
Her daughter Maggie McGuane, said it’s a “relief that the truth is out there” adding “It’s important to be open and honest so there’s not a cloud of shame in dealing with this.”
1. All-Star Superman
In “All-Star Superman” #10 written by Grant Morrison and drawn by Lee Quigley, Superman is dying from solar radiation and traveling the world. He stops to help a girl named Regan standing on a ledge contemplating suicide. “It’s never as bad as it seems,” Superman says. “You’re much stronger than you think you are. Trust me.”
Now before you start scoffing at a comic book just remember this. Many are struggling with suicidal thoughts. Sometimes it just takes a kind word to turn things around even from a comic book.
2. In Real-Life
On Reddit, one user shared the impact of these words saying “I cried for hours after reading this. I identified with that girl so much, and I could almost hear Superman telling me that I’m stronger than I think. Now, every time my depression starts to rear its ugly head, I just repeat his words and imagine him hugging me when I’m standing on the edge. It works better than any medication or therapy I’ve ever had.”
3. Superman: Grounded
In “Superman: Grounded”, written by J. Michael Straczynski and drawn by J.P. Mayer he sees a crowd gathered under a building and a woman standing on a ledge. The police ask him to fly up and get her but he says he’ll go talk to her.
He seems to be giving the same tired words of “it’s not so bad” but the girl, named Felicity Rose, yells at him that he’s trying to trick her. She makes him promise that he won’t try and stop her if she jumps.
Superman tells her about a woman he knew that had a terminal illness and committed suicide. He said he didn’t approve but understood. “But if you think there’s a chance – no matter how small – that there might be just one more happy day out there- then take my hand,” he says.
She steps forward and into Superman’s arms.
Interestingly there’s a comic book character that shares traits of both of these women. Pop star Glory Miau is introduced in “Batman/Superman” #16 (2015) and her given name is revealed to be Felicity Regan. It’s a nod to both characters.
So, the next time you think of Superman, remember that he’s touched the lives of many on and off the comic book page.
If you or someone you love is contemplating suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 1-800-273-8255. You can find many more recovery resources, personal stories and community at To Write Love On Her Arms.
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center reports that these conditions increase a person’s risk:
- Prior suicide attempt
- Abuse of alcohol or drugs
- Mental disorders
- Access to lethal means
- Knowing someone who died by suicide
- Social isolation
- Chronic disease and disability
- Lack of access to behavioral healthcare
These warning signs, whether risk factors are known or not, mean you should take action:
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Extreme mood swings
Has your life been touched by suicide? How has someone surprising touched your life?
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