Is Superman the most well-known/recognized fictional character worldwide?

[Kronicpimp]

In your opinion, do you think that Superman is literally the most well-known fictional character (both past and current) on the planet? If not, where do you think he ranks and why does he rank there?

If you DO think he is, describe in detail how he managed to reach/obtain this status both story and non-storywise.

[Gangbuster]

I've heard that Mickey Mouse, Superman, and Tarzan are the top three. I would still say that Mickey Mouse is probably more recognizable, but as a corporate mascot; fewer and fewer people have ever actually seen Mickey Mouse cartoons, but they've seen the wristwatches.

Superman, on the other hand, has survived even though Superhero comics have declined. The TV shows were in circulation for a number of years, and with the advent of cable television, Superman movies are seen around the world, all of the time. (The Disney channel is too, but rarely plays Mickey cartoons.) Tarzan has had a few movies and cartoons, but they weren't as popular. Tarzan's novels are now increasingly seen as belonging to a bygone era, accused of ethnocentrism, etc.

Mickey is the most recognizable, but Superman is probably the most read and most watched. His books are still being published, his tv shows and movies still in wide circulation.

In my opinion, there are other fictional characters that are at least close to the recognizability of these three:

James Bond

Sherlock Holmes

Batman

Video Game Characters: Pac-Man, Mario, etc.

Zorro

[Great Rao]

In your opinion, do you think that Superman is literally the most well-known fictional character (both past and current) on the planet? If not, where do you think he ranks and why does he rank there?

If you DO think he is, describe in detail how he managed to reach/obtain this status both story and non-storywise.

Kids, try not to post your school assignments to the forum.

[Uncle Mxy]

Where does Santa Claus fit into the equation?

[Super Monkey]

or Hercules?

[TELLE]

Or Jesus?

[Kronicpimp]

In your opinion, do you think that Superman is literally the most well-known fictional character (both past and current) on the planet? If not, where do you think he ranks and why does he rank there?

If you DO think he is, describe in detail how he managed to reach/obtain this status both story and non-storywise.

Kids, try not to post your school assignments to the forum.

Actually, I'm attending college. This really doesn't have anything to do with my courses. I was just wondering. A question that kept poping into my head recently was "Who doesn't know Superman?”

Or Jesus?

err...

Anyway, I think Gangbuster has it right with the top three, but I think Sherlock Holmes would probably tie with Tarzan.

[jamespup]

Are we talking worldwide?

Then I'd vote Superman