Originally Posted by
Tzigone
I think there are a couple problems with this. Firstly, it works better a golden-age-power-level character (or non-powered one) than modern Superman. Secondly, it's just been done so many times with so many heroes that it's a trope. Thirdly, it doesn't really resolve anything, generally speaking. The abuser may run away, but if he does, he's likely to treat the next partner the same way (don't really buy "scared straight") and there isn't sufficient evidence for criminal conviction unless wife testifies.
I do think there needs to be balance. I do think Superman should see the good in the world - may not be in touch with his roots, but it's a good aspect now, I think. But not be a "naive farmboy" stereotype, ala the Reeve movies. He was never that sort of naive...well, maybe not never, but not usually. I think that "grew up on a farm" has a much different connotation (which is almost wholly inaccurate) now than it did in the 1940s. It's not a character-defining thing - heck, he mostly grew up in town with folks who ran a general store when we actually saw his childhood - but just a common profession of the era. I think Superman should be someone who is aware of the evil that human beings can perpetrate, but aware of the good, too. And never loses sight of that.
I do think he should be generally positive, very much perceive himself as of Earth rather than alien if the issue ever comes up, be assertive and confident. And be able to talk to people (talking down the suicidal person is a good example). Please stay away from dweeb!Clark. I don't care for that version. He doesn't need to be any kind of leader as Clark, but he shouldn't stand out in dweebiness, either. And he should be smart - it's an important aspect of Clark that he's intelligent. I also really liked Lois knowing his identity early, and her brilliant investigatory skills, and hope that continues in any subsequent movies. I think it might work well if she's the investigative reporter, and he does the political or social-issues type ones. I'm not sure if him as a columnist is really feasible, though, as he is a reporter, traditionally speaking.
I very much don't want him to try to fix the world's problems as Superman. I mean, in a Superman IV kind of way. I can't think of any way for that to work as a story at all. Not that anyone has suggested it.