Gladiator (1930) by Philip Gordon Wylie is a classic science fiction novel that inspired the creation of Superman and helped shape the superhero genre. It follows Hugo Danner, a man born with extraordinary strength, speed, and intelligence due to his father's genetic experiments. Struggling to fit in and control his powers, Hugo faces rejection, personal loss, and isolation throughout his life. His journey takes him from high school football stardom to World War I, where his invulnerable skin helps him survive. After a series of failed attempts to find purpose, Hugo dies struck by lightning, never finding a meaningful use for his abilities. Wylie’s exploration of genetic manipulation, the human condition, and the consequences of power makes Gladiator a pioneering work in superhero fiction.
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