10 Incredible Comic Book Panels That Changed Everything
4. Superman Saves A Life
There are few moments out there that can define a character in such a short space of time, but this particular one - found within the pages of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely's seminal All-Star Superman - is certainly one of them.
Everything about this book just exemplifies what the last son of Krypton should be: kind, warm, powerful - all elements that have made the character what he is over the years. Even in the face of death (the character faces a terminal diagnosis early in the story), Clark Kent does all in his power to make the world a better place, including by saving the life of a young girl, called Regan.
Stood on a ledge, Regan looks as though she's about to commit suicide, before Superman drops literally everything and rushes to her. He doesn't wait for her to jump, and there are other matters at hand, but he stops the world just for her, offering a hug and reassurance that, no matter how grey times may get, she's strong, and that everything will be okay.
The scene has been hailed as the greatest Superman moment of all time, and I'd be inclined to agree. It just represents everything that's wonderful about the character, and provides the defining image of the Man of Steel for a generation to hold onto.