Tag: DC

“It’s never as bad as it seems. You’re much stronger than you think you are. Trust me.”

From: All-Star Superman

Genre: Comics

Who said it?: Superman

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from DC’s All-Star Superman, specifically the 10th issue of this limited series. Written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Frank Quitely, the series follows Superman, knowing his death is near, tries to do as many good deeds as possible as well as trying to ensure the Earth’s safety after his passing.

As mentioned, the quote happens in Issue #10. A desperate teen named Regan is about to throw herself off a building. Superman’s super-hearing catches Regan’s doctor trying desperately to reach her over the phone but is unable to. Superman then uses his super speed to fly to Regan and, in order to stop her from jumping and that he believes in her, delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Even in our most desperate times, things can get better. We just have to power through and use our own strength and will to get through it. It may take a long time and it may take a lot of effort. But as long as we persist in trying to make things better, things will get better eventually.

“You don’t think about saving the world. You think about saving one person. Because sometimes, that’s enough.”

From: Superman: Grounded

Genre: Comics

Who said it?: Superman

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from DC Comics’ Superman, specifically the first issue of the Superman: Grounded storyline. This follows Superman’s journey across the United States in an attempt to reconnect with the people of Earth after being offworld for so long.

The quote comes from the first issue of the storyline. Superman encounters a woman who wants to commit suicide by jumping off a building. She wants to kill herself as she feels hopeless as she lost her mother and her job. She basically feels she feels life is pointless. This is direct contrast with how she felt she was going to change the world after she graduated from high school and she feels life just isn’t fair. Superman says that’s just how life is. Superman then agrees with her that everyone believes they can save the world when the graduate high school. This is when he delivers the quote while reminiscing how his Kryptonian parents saved him by sending him to Earth.

 

Geek wisdom: We don’t have to do something grand to be a hero. Even the smallest heroic deed is still an act of heroism. And even helping just a singular person has an impact in the world.

“All I wanted to do is let you know I’m doing good, but I have to get back to my real family.”

From: Shazam!

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Billy Batson

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote, once again, comes from DJ Miller. We thank you for your submission again.

The quote from the very quotable film from the 2019 superhero film, Shazam! Based on the DC superhero comic series. Shazam! follows Billy Batson, a preteen orphan who the wizard Shazam grants him magical powers based on the mythical beings Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles and Mercury. Now, when Billy Batson says the wizard’s name, the boy takes the form of an adult superhero sometimes known as Captain Marvel.

The quote from middle of the film. After years of trying to find his mother, Billy Batson (played by Asher Angel) finally learns of her whereabouts and rushes off to find her. When Billy arrives at his mother’s apartment complex, his mother informs him that on that day, she purposefully left him with the police because she thought other people would take better care of him that she ever would as she wasn’t ready at that time. Disappointed at this revelation, Billy hands her the keychain she left him all those years ago and delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: There is more to being a family than just sharing a bloodline. A real family are the people who genuinely treat you with care and affection. They are also there for you when times get tough.

“Rats are the lowliest and most despised of all creatures, my love. If they have a purpose, so do we.

From: The Suicide Squad (2021)

Genre: Movies, Comics

Who said it?: Ratcatcher 1

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the live-action DC comic book movie, The Suicide Squad. This is not to be confused with the film that was released in 2016. Written and directed by James Gunn, The Suicide Squad serves both as a sequel and a reboot of the franchise, which sees various supervillains from DC comics recruited to serve on black ops missions for the US government.

The quote comes near the very end of the film. Overwhelmed by Starro the Conqueror’s zombie-like soldiers, Ratcatcher 2 (played by Daniela Melchior) uses her ability and summons all the city’s rats to attack the alien creature. As she does this, she remembers when she was young and asking her father, Ratcatcher 1 (played by Taika Waititi), as to why he chose to control rats. This is when he gives the quote.

Geek wisdom: Every thing in the world and in the universe has its purpose. Even the tiniest thing you might think as useless still has its uses. This is especially true for people.

“Life is good. But it can be better.”

From: Wonder Woman 1984

Genre: Movies, Comics

Who said it?: Maxwell Lord

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the most recent live-action superhero film from Warner Bros. and DC, Wonder Woman 1984. This time around, Wonder Woman (played again by Gal Gadot) takes on Maxwell Lord, a struggling businessman with big dreams, who has managed to come across the Dreamstone, a mysterious object that can grant anyone’s deepest desires but with a cost.

The quote is said several times throughout the film as it is what Maxwell Lord (played by Pedro Pascal) says as his catchphrase and mantra. He basically uses this catchphrase as well as his charisma to paint himself as a successful person.

Geek wisdom: Although the way Maxwell Lord did try to build his success was skewed, that doesn’t mean what he says isn’t bad. Even when things are good, we should always try to get better. We can try to be healthier, save more money and indulge in life as much as we can because, even when things are okay, that doesn’t mean we have to settle for it.

“You can kill a vampire however the fuck you want because vampires don’t fucking exist!”

From: The Death and Return of Superman (Youtube)

Genre: Comics, Internet

Who said it?: Max Landis

The story behind the quote: Sorry for the profanity in the title, however, it was the best way to convey the wisdom from the entire video that Max Landis made. The video is essentially a 15 minute tirade regarding DC Comics’ handling of the Superman “final” battle with Doomsday, his death after the battle with the monster and his eventual resurrection.

The video is extremely well made. If you know the Death and Return of Superman story arc, the video is a pretty exact (but given a comedic spin) retelling. If you’re not familiar with the story, well, the video does give a negatively bias opinion of the storyline. Also, it’s pretty entertaining whether or not you have some knowledge about it.

Also, Max managed to use his contacts to get high-caliber actors such as Elijah Wood to play Cyborg Superman and Mandy Moore as Lois Lane. It makes it extremely fun to watch, especially if you can manage to identify all of the actors and actresses who made cameo roles.

You can go to 15:24 for the quote but it’s much better if you watch the entire thing (especially if you want to get Max’s hilarious view of the story arc.

Geek wisdom: We sometimes let our own creativity be stifled by so-called “conventions” of life. Remember, people believed a long time ago that there was no way we could fly. Well, the Wright brothers didn’t let “conventional” wisdom from creating the first airplane. Now, we can fly from continent to continent quickly without a second thought. Even before that, people believed that the world was flat and that you could go over the edge. It seems hilarious now but that was what people thought of before and you would be an idiot to think otherwise.

Allow yourself to be creative and break the rules sometimes. That’s the only time real innovation can come out.