Superman is one of the most iconic superheroes ever, whose stories and adventures will forever be remembered as some of the greatest comic book tales of all time. The DC Comics hero has long had the title of the Man of Steel, which was given to him soon after his debut more than 80 years ago. But what ultimately inspired that nickname that's stuck with the hero decades after it first appeared?

Superman debuted in Action Comics #1 by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster back in 1938. The 13-page story featured the first origin of the hero, as it was revealed he was sent from a doomed alien planet to Earth, where he first showed off his amazing powers as a young child in an orphanage. In the issue, key aspects of his backstory are introduced, including becoming Superman, working as a reporter at a newspaper as Clark Kent, and meeting Lois Lane. It wouldn't be until a few issues later in Action Comics #6 when Superman was referred to as the Man of Steel for the first time.

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In Action Comics #6 by Siegel, Shuster, and Paul Lauretta, Superman's adventures have become more noticed by the public, as he regularly makes the newspapers for his heroic actions. One of those papers reads, "Mystery Man of Steel Re-appears..." which is the first reference to the nickname ever. The name was created to show how strong Superman was. Given his near-indestructibility, comparing him to the powerful metal steel was fitting. The Man of Steel moniker also is connected to a superhero who predated Superman: Doc Savage.

Henry Cavill as Superman in Man of Steel with the cover of Superman: Red and Blue #1.

Doc Savage is considering one of the first superheroes ever, as the character's adventures began back in 1933. Created by Henry W. Ralston, John K. Nanovic, and Lester Dent, Savage served as inspiration for characters like Superman, even being referred to as "superman" in his own stories in the early '30s.  Doc "Clark" Savage had his own Fortress of Solitude in the artic and had his own nickname: The Man of Bronze.

Doc Savage

It's likely Shuster and Siegel wanted to emphasize their hero was even stronger than Doc Savage and chose the Man of Steel as a way to both to show that and honor the hero who helped pave the way for Superman's existence. The Man of Steel name is still used to this day, as Zack Snyder's 2013 film donned the name, while a literal Man of Steel was also later introduced by DC Comics. As far as nicknames go, few are more iconic than Superman's Man of Steel. It's stuck around because it perfectly describes the incredible hero.

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