I was surprised to see an Article in Wizard 172 (FEB 2006) titled “Astonishing X-Men vs. All Star Superman”. Does the comparison makes sense? Possibly, given that they are both newly published comic book titles. However, one category was insulting to the man of steel. Out of six categories, 3 were won by each side, I’m sure that it was just to make it fair. But, as expected, Superman won anyway.Â
The insult came with the verdict of Round 1: Icon vs Icon. Of all of the categories, THIS one Superman should’ve taken easily. Superman is THE American Superhero Icon.
A definition of icon by The 2000 edition of the American Heritage Dictionary states that an icon is “one who is the object of great attention and devotion.” Superman epitomises the definition of an icon. The X-Men are a loosely organized, often in-fighting, breed of mutants, who can’t work together long enough to maintain an adequate team.  Superman, on the other-hand, is continually securing Truth, Justice, and The American way.
Furthermore, can the average American name any of the X-Men? Just one? I’m a DC guy, ok, but I know who Peter Parker is. I know who David Banner is (thanks to Bill Bigsby). I know who Steve Rogers is. And everyone knows who Clark Kent is. I know some of the X-Men; Wolverine, Xavier, um…, um…, there’s the guy with the visor, and the girl that sets fire to the people she kisses…are there some more?
To be a true icon, enough to compete with Superman–there must be name recognition, at the very least. I am appalled that the Marvel bias temporarially clouded author Kiel Phegley’s judgement in this article.