New York Times bestselling authorBrandon Sandersonis one of the biggest names in high fantasy and science fiction, best known for his acclaimedMistbornandStormlight Archiveseries, among other best-selling works. So when it comes to magic and powers, Sanderson knows his stuff, which is exactly why fans should pay attention when he calls out Superman on his ‘power problem.’
In addition to writing internationally bestselling books,Brandon Sanderson also teachesat Brigham Young University (BYU), where he leads a creative writing class focused on science fiction and fantasy. He has been teaching this course since 2004.
He has also uploaded his lectures to YouTube, making his invaluable insights available to everyone.In hisWorldbuilding Part Onelecture(2020), the topic of Superman comes up, specifically howthe Man of Steel is notoriously overpowered and one of the most difficult characters to write well.
Brandon Sanderson Explains Why Superman Is So Hard to Write
Too Much Power, Not Enough Struggle: Why Superman’s Flaws Matter
During hisWorldbuildinglecture, Brandon Sanderson discusses the process of creating engaging and well-developed magic systems. He emphasizes that it is usually the flaws, limitations, and costs within a magic system that make it interesting and push the story forward. Without those elements, the powers themselves tend to feel hollow and offer little narrative tension or emotional weight.
Sanderson states,“The flaws and limitations and the costs are where, generally, your story happens.”He explains that this is exactly why Superman is such a difficult character to write, especially in film. Superman’s powers come with very few limitations or drawbacks, making it hard to create challenges that truly test or develop his character.
Put simply,“Superman has too much power.”That absence of meaningful flaws or costs often makes it difficult for audiences to connect with him on screen. Without obstacles to overcome, the emotional stakes tend to suffer. While Sanderson is referring to film, this problem can also apply to other mediums, including television and comics.
The“Superman has too much power”argument is also common among comic book fans. Many even use it to support the larger claim that“Superman is boring.”This criticism makes sense when considering that meaningful struggle is what makes a story compelling. If a character is too powerful and rarely challenged, the narrative can feel repetitive or uninspired.
Sanderson Explains Why Power Limits Matter More Than Super Strength
Why Kryptonite Isn’t Enough Anymore
Some fans might argue thatKryptonite serves as Superman’s core weaknessand therefore adds much-needed struggle to his stories. While this is true to an extent, Kryptonite (especially in the comics) has been used so often that it’s lost much of its impact. For many, its overuse has stripped it of narrative weight, making it a less compelling source of conflict.
That’s not to say there aren’t fantastic Superman comics, shows, or movies, because there absolutely are. Sanderson’s point isn’t that Superman is a bad or boring character. In fact, he argues the opposite. His point is simply that Superman’s overwhelming power makes him harder to write effectively. It’s not impossible, it just takes more effort and creativity to make him relatable.
Sanderson points to the1993 seriesLois & Clarkas a strong example of Superman being written well. The show’s television format allowed for smaller-scale stories beyond the usual“punch the villain”routine. It focused on struggles Superman couldn’t solve with his powers, such as building a relationship with Lois Lane and navigating his human identity.
By focusing on situations Superman couldn’t just overpower, the show brought essential limitations back into the narrative. These types of grounded, character-driven stories reintroduce conflict and emotional depth, which makes for a much richer viewing experience. Comics often excel in this area too, using subtle and personal struggles to add meaning to Superman’s action-packed narratives.
The Three Types of Superman Stories, According to Brandon Sanderson
Why Emotional Conflict Matters More Than Just Punching Harder
Continuing his Superman example, Sanderson breaks down the three types of stories Man of Steel tales typically fall into. The first is:“Someone has shown up who can punch harder than Superman. Oh, no!”This trope is the most commonly used in films and was handled especially well inJames Gunn’s newSupermanmovie, which introduced a formidable threat in Ultraman.
The second category Sanderson names is:“Somebody has Kryptonite. Oh, no, I don’t have my powers anymore.”This tried-and-true classic remains a staple of Superman storytelling. Dan Slott is currently leaning into this inhisSuperman Unlimitedseries, which sees Earth flooded with the glowing green rock after a Kryptonite asteroid showers the planet, turning Superman’s one weakness into a more immediate threat.
The third category is:“I am unable to use my powers effectively to solve this problem.”Sanderson previously praisedLois & Clarkfor mastering this type. It opens the door for more nuance and emotional complexity, allowing stories to explore themes that Superman’s powers can’t easily fix. That doesn’t make it inherently better, but it often feels more grounded and inventive.
Sanderson’s take on Superman is fascinating, particularly in how he explains why the Man of Steel can be so hard to write. But once writers realize that“Superman punching harder”isn’t always as compelling as a godlike figure struggling to connect with humanity, that’s whenSupermantruly shines, whether in comics, TV, or on the big screen.
