See a video of Superman's visit to Ogden here.
OGDEN -- Men, women and children crowded in front of HeeBeeGeeBeez, a downtown Ogden comic book store, with red and blue banners and signs, waiting for the Man of Steel to show up.
Around 5:45 p.m., a smiling Superman was seen walking south along Washington Boulevard. Batman followed soon after with high-fives for everyone. The crowd went wild.
"Here he is," said Ogden resident Ray Lopez, his 4-year-old son, Morgan, by his side.
The world as it is could really use a hero who embodies "truth, justice and the American way" right now, and it is good to see him walking among regular people to spread some hope, Lopez said.
The Man of Steel agreed, noting that his time in Utah has shown him that "the world still needs a Superman."
"Red Robin is fighting crime in Gotham (while I'm away)," Batman said, so he and Superman were happy to take time to greet throngs of children, sign their comic books, take pictures with them and chat about being a hero.
HeeBeeGeeBeez greeted the two in style with a party at each of its locations: downtown Ogden and Layton. At least 50 people showed up at each store to see them and, as a thank you, receive free comic books.
"It's not about business," but providing children with free reading material and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet their heroes, said Rachel Williams, who owns and runs the store.
"I've seen a little shyness, but a lot of wonder (too)."
Among the crowd at the Ogden store was Ryan Doman, the Pleasant View man responsible for bringing Superman here.
DC Comics held a contest last year, knowing Superman would be walking across the country, for fans to submit their cities and towns as one of his eight possible stops.
Doman, who hosts a local comics podcast, "Tales from the Parents' Basement," petitioned the publisher to bring Superman to Ogden.
"Ogden has a lot going for it," Doman said.
In his letter, he noted the contrasts of million-dollar homes next to methamphetamine labs, the smell of Hostess products or dog food depending on how the wind is blowing, and included a picture of himself dressed as the Man of Steel when he was 2 years old.
Children just a few years older than Doman was when that picture was taken are big fans of the superhero years later.
Jonny Wolf, 3, from Midvale, had a lot of questions for Superman, such as why he's walking through Ogden.
"I've been walking across America because I need some time to think," he said. His rebuilt homeworld was recently destroyed, and he has been grieving ever since.
At each comic book store, children like Wolf, one after another, gave the hero a hug.
Superman assured Jonny he will fly again.
"If you look to the skies, you might see me."
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