Superman may find it harder to squash a spider than leap tall buildings in a single bound when he returns to theaters this summer

It’s not hard to make an action-packed superhero movie today, especially with the help of computer generated special effects, but it is hard to get an audience to buy tickets if that’s all the movie has to offer. Nearly thirty years ago the tagline “You will believe a man can fly” was enough to bring the curious into theaters to watch the first Superman movie. The whole concept of a big screen, big budget comic book movie was brand new. Unfortunately for Superman, that novelty has worn off in ensuing years and superhero movies have become common, but not all of them have been successful.

And I’m not just talking about movies such as The Incredible Hulk, Daredevil and Punisher putting in less than stellar showings at the box-office. Even a returning favorite found it hard to recoup his former glory. (more…)