Talk:Superman

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Propose to add “Fictional character biography” section

Could we add a fictional character biography section for Superman? AdanXX (talk) 13:47, 10 December 2020 (UTC)

It is already included to some extent at Superman#Fictography, and also at Superman character and cast. I think the level of detail in this article is sufficient TBH. Betty Logan (talk) 14:23, 10 December 2020 (UTC)

I really don't want this article to have lengthy synopses of comic book stories. There's nearly 80 years worth of it. Just keep it condensed to the basic facts. Kurzon (talk) 14:46, 10 December 2020 (UTC)

Perhaps pedantic, but I wonder if 'Fictography' is really an accurate term for this. Most definitions or examples of the word seem to be for biographies written for fictional characters, not about fictional characters. I feel like FCB would be a bit more accurate.--Amelia-the-comic-geek (talk) 17:24, 19 February 2021 (UTC)

@Amelia-the-comic-geek: I have no objections to that. Kurzon (talk) 18:49, 19 February 2021 (UTC)

Fictional character vs superhero

Over the past few days, editors have been warring over how to describe Superman, whether as a fictional character or a superhero. What should we do? Leader Vladimir (talk) 18:49, 22 May 2021 (UTC)

I can go for either so long as the word "fictional" is in there.Kurzon (talk) 06:12, 23 May 2021 (UTC)

Well, he is fictional, isn't he? Leader Vladimir (talk) 21:17, 23 May 2021 (UTC)

Just "superhero", as all superheroes are characters and all characters are fictional, when treated in the encyclopaedic sense. If that makes people uncomfortable, then "superhero character" is the best compromise imo (seriously, no one is going to wonder if this superhero character is real). But Superman should be introduced as a superhero in the first sentence as this is the defining trait of the article subject. Popcornfud (talk) 15:21, 24 May 2021 (UTC)

Well, I'm all for "fictional superhero". Kurzon (talk) 16:21, 24 May 2021 (UTC)

As opposed to non-fictional superheroes, such as...? Popcornfud (talk) 20:23, 24 May 2021 (UTC)

these guys? Argento Surfer (talk) 13:00, 25 May 2021 (UTC)

Those guys are distinguished from superheroes with the qualifier real-life, which you might notice that frequently non-fictional occupations that, for example, real-life firefighters, real-life nurses and real-life plumbers don't require. Think there's much of a risk of someone confusing Superman for a real-life superhero? Popcornfud (talk) 13:51, 25 May 2021 (UTC)

Does it actually matter that much? Superman is a fictional character and he's also a superhero. There being no real superheroes is like there being no real psychics. "Fictional superhero" is as fine as "fictional psychic" just as "self-proclaimed superhero" is as fine as "self-proclaimed psychic". DonQuixote (talk) 16:05, 25 May 2021 (UTC)

• Popcornfud suggests a decent compromise: Superman is a superhero character who first appeared in American comic books published by DC Comics. Nobody is going to be misled by that. A character appears in a work of fiction so it is sloppy writing to qualify it beyond that. Betty Logan (talk) 06:29, 27 May 2021 (UTC)

I just don't understand why do we have to add "character" to Superman's description, since as a superhero, Superman is, by definition, fictional. The character part is redundant and other superheroes like Batman just don't have this problem. "Superhero character" just doesn't feel right. Still, I'm sorry for jumping the gun. Leader Vladimir (talk) 13:18, 12 June 2021 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 9 June 2021

SamTransFan1 (talk) 04:41, 9 June 2021 (UTC)

can i edit the superman page? i need to fix something that isnt correct

@SamTransFan1: Go ahead and do it. If you can't, you can tell me what's wrong and maybe I'll fix it. Kurzon (talk) 04:46, 9 June 2021 (UTC)

 Not done: requests for decreases to the page protection level should be directed to the protecting admin or to Wikipedia:Requests for page protection if the protecting admin is not active or has declined the request. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 10:36, 9 June 2021 (UTC)

"Comic book character?"

I've always been unsure of whether to call Superman a "comic book character" because most people consume Superman through TV and movies. Comic books are really niche these days. A comic book issue is lucky if it can make 100,000 in sales whereas a TV show can draw millions of viewers. That makes me wonder whether we should change the first line of the lede. Kurzon (talk) 15:29, 11 June 2021 (UTC)

Superman made his debut in comic books and has been in continuous comic book publication since his debut, while TV shows and movies come and go. He may be a pop-culture icon but it all started with the comic books. Leader Vladimir (talk) 13:18, 12 June 2021 (UTC)

Debate over personality

@Alza08: This section seems like really superfluous stuff. I think it bloats the article. Couldn't you perhaps trim it a bit? Kurzon (talk) 06:51, 21 June 2021 (UTC)

I think the section is great, but a bit long as per Kurzon. Great work though, @Alza08. Havok (T/c/e) 12:11, 21 June 2021 (UTC)