ABSTRACT
One of the most recognizable claims in comics is that Superman fights for truth, justice and the America way. In economics, the American way, along with truth and justice, are part of what we refer to as economic institutions. Without institutions, social order becomes chaotic. The certainty brought about by institutions encourages businesses to expand, and fosters more economic transactions. While not every institution is perfectly transportable to all societies, there is a well-developed set of institutions that are good predictors of economic success. Interestingly, two of those are truth and justice. Because of the importance of institutions, and because of what those institutions are, perhaps it isn’t too big of a leap to say that Superman is fighting for truth, justice and the economic way. This chapter will connect Superman to economic institutions in three stages. First, in Superman’s origin story he is clearly established as the defender of the economic way. Second, he maintains the values that protect the economic way. Finally, Superman defends the economic system of which he is a part. If Superman was amenable to dictatorships, the world would be a much different and a much less pleasant place.
