DC and comic book fans alike are thrilled upon hearing about Henry Cavill's return to the DCEU as Superman. Cavill even shared an image via social media, leading many to believe that Man of Steel 2 is on its way.
The main critique of the DCEU's Superman is that he isn't the beacon of hope that he is in the comics. Perhaps Superman's "reboot" can take inspiration from some iconic comics and include some of the many quotes that Redditors feel why Clark Kent puts the "super" in Superman.
"If You Knew How You Are Loved, Not One Of You Would Raise A Hand In Rage Again."
JLA / Hitman #2
ZacPensol loves the above quote. Not only does it speak to Superman's love for Earth and its people, but it also speaks to how he feels about a main character of the series, Tommy Monaghan.
Tommy always lifted Superman's spirits when Superman was down, which is why Supes is crushed to learn that Tommy is a hitman. Superman flies up above Earth and admires its beauty, as he truly loves his adopted planet. He has faith in people, hoping that they can be better. His quote can be directed at Tommy specifically, yet can apply to all of Earth's people. Superman feels that love conquers anger and if people realized this, they could see each other in the positive way Superman sees them.
"You're Wrong ... I Can See Your Soul."
Lex Luthor: Man of Steel #5
One of DC's most powerful politicians, Lex Luthor is thought of as Superman's arch-nemesis. They are the antithesis of each other, which is why Lordlenarczyk suggested it as one of Superman's best comic quotes.
The Man Of Steel comic series is unique in that it gives the reader a different perspective on Lex Luthor. He has always been viewed as wanting to just kill Superman out of jealousy, but this comic series delves deeper into his personality. Here, he is having a morality argument with Superman, who stays silent until Lex demands a reply. Not only is this quote referencing Superman's X-ray vision, but more importantly, it shows the major difference between the two - Superman is selfless while Lex is selfish.
"...And There's A Child In There Who Needs Us To Save The World. Let's Go."
JLA #22
Full quote: "We have no powers, there are millions of them and there's a child in there who needs us to save the world. Let's go."
This issue deals with Starro the Conquerer aka "It." Starro attempts to take over Earth by infiltrating dreams as a way of mind control. A young boy, Michael, resists Starro, hoping that the Justice League will save him.
The Justice League enters the Dreaming to save Michael and defeat Starro. However, they do so without powers. The quote that DalekGriff suggests encompasses the best of Superman. Against all odds and severely overmatched, Superman wants to prove that the boy's faith in him isn't for nothing. Superman knows that many view him as an inspiration, and he will do whatever is necessary to remain a hero for all, regardless of the obstacles.
"Burn."
Superman Annual #11 - "FOR THE MAN WHO HAS EVERYTHING"
Full quote: Mongul: "Happy birthday, Kryptonian. I give you oblivion."
Superman: "Burn."
The Black Mercy is a plant that attaches itself to a host and gives them their innermost desires. In return, it feeds off its host until said host dies. One of Superman's most underrated villains, Mongul, gives Superman The Black Mercy for his birthday.
Redditor AMurkypool's pick for Superman's best comic quote may be only one word, though it reveals many words about Superman. In Superman's fantasy, he is with his own family living on a Krytpon that never exploded. Batman is able to pull The Black Mercy off Superman, and Superman takes his rage out on Mongul. This dark side of Superman humanizes him and makes him relatable. Because Superman is usually so composed, his wants, desires, and anger are sometimes overlooked.
"Do Your Worst, Luthor. Do It Forever. I Won't Break."
Action Comics #900
Lex Luthor has become omnipotent via the Zone Child and is determined to prove that Superman is an alien and therefore not human. He does this by showing Superman all the Man of Steel's past tragedies.
This is where the above quote suggested by Redditor LeaderVladimir1993 comes in. Superman battles Luthor's torment, thus eventually proving that he is human, albeit at the risk of his secret identity. Superman isn't just physically strong, but mentally strong as well. He knows he won't succumb to Lex's mental torture because these past tragedies have made him more than he thought he could ever be. In addition, his upbringing by the Kents helped shape his mental fortitude and moral compass.
"It's About What You Do ... It's About Action."
Infinite Crisis #7
Full quote: "It's not about where you were born or what powers you have, or what you wear on your chest. It's about what you do...it's about action."
BIGDIO1988 insists this quote is among Superman's best from the comics. Superboy-Prime is an evil alternate version of Superman who thinks that he is destined to be Superman.
Superman stops Superboy-Prime from beating Kal-L to death. He says the quote in order to try and convince Superboy-Prime that there is more to being Superman than just the "S" on the chest. It's about responsibility. Superboy-Prime doesn't take responsibility for his actions, making him one of DC's most dangerous characters and not a candidate to replace Superman. While directed at Superboy-Prime, Superman's quote applies to everyone, everywhere. Actions and choices define a person.
"What's So Funny 'Bout Truth, Justice & The American Way?"
Action Comics #775
In one of Superman's darkest comic stories, Superman is faced with a moral dilemma, which is why Redditor ItAlsoTravelsInThyme suggested it.
A group of four metahumans known as the Elite feels the best way to deal with any threats is through murder. People start to wonder if Superman's peaceful ways are still needed. The quote shows the value of someone like Superman to society. It's easy to get lost in violence and power when there's nothing acting as a barrier. The point of Superman is to be that barrier. He shows people that hatred is never the answer.
"To Catch Them If They Fall."
JLA #4
The Justice League is a collection of DC's greatest heroes and Superman is the unquestioned leader for good reason, due to his moral compass and faith in humanity.
Redditor whitepeopleloveme goes into the conversation between the Justice League members in more detail. Basically, Wonder Woman and Flash are questioning their importance to society. Superman tells them that they act as a support system for humanity. Humans should be free to make their own destiny, but if they stumble or need help along the way, the JLA members, mainly Superman, will be there to pick them back up and guide them in the right direction.
"I Love You, Lois Lane. Until The End Of Time."
All-Star Superman
Redditor atw1221 loves this quote from All Star Superman. The comic revolves around Superman dying from overexposure to the sun, and he tries to make the most of his remaining days.
Lois Lane and Clark Kent are inseparable, as shown by numerous memes that sum up their love. This touching moment in the comic comes right before Superman sacrifices himself to save humanity. He knows his death is inevitable, and he wants to share it with the woman he loves, knowing full well he will never see her again. Lois is also devastated - partly because she loves Superman and partly because she knows she can't stop him. She even cries as she kisses Superman, indicating that she loves him just as much as he loves her.
"It's Never As Bad As It Seems."
All-Star Superman
A deleted Reddit user strongly believes that this quote should get an upvote, and should be "at the top" of any list regarding Superman's best comic quotes. The essence of what makes Superman "super" is exhibited in this panel.
Superman is trying to keep Regan, a gothic teen, from jumping off a building. After he tells Regan that Regan is stronger than she thinks she is, they embrace. Superman could have been anywhere in the world, yet he chose to help a single person who seemed lost. He tries to stay hopeful and optimistic despite his impending death. This quote mirrors one from Superman: Man of Tomorrow, in which Superman says "There's always another way."