Superman is the first comic-book superhero, the template for all of the costumed crimefighters that followed him, and one of the most successful pop-culture properties of all time. To the late actor Christopher Reeve, who iconically played the Man of Steel in the movies, Superman was something even more meaningful. “A friend. That's what people really need most,” he explained in an interview promoting his final performance as the superhero. “That’s the heart of Superman—the genuine love of people and that you always know he's your friend.” Having been around since 1938 and served as a model of morality, altruism, and compassion for several generations, Superman is not just an old friend—he’s one of our very best.