This week sees the seventy fifth anniversary of the first arrival of Superman.
June 1938 saw the 1st copy of ‘Action Comics’, which contained the very initial appearance of the character that will inspire millions of people worldwide. It is, to all intents and reasons, the birth of the superhero tale.
The character was an instant winner, inspiring not only the entire genre of superhero fiction, but also radio plays, film serials and reams of products.
Superman creators Jerry Siegel (writer) and Joe Shuster (artist) had worked for years, first to generate the character and to retail him to the publisher.
In 1932, the twosome created a fanzine called ‘Science Fiction’ which enclosed the tale ‘Reign #of the# Supermen’, featuring a infamous, all-powerful being. Later that very same year, this embryonic ‘Superman’ was re-tooled into the greater heroic version we know today.
The concept for this new Superman actually came to Siegel one restless nighttime, during which he wrote the whole story that will eventually appear in ‘Action Comics’ opening issue. The following day, Shuster built the character’s iconic appearance and a hero was born.
In 1933, following a series of rejections, a gloomy Shuster actually set fire to this early version of the story. All that survived was the cover art, an image that has ever since become iconic.
Editor Sheldon Mayer was the 1st person to take a chance on Superman, giving the colourful hero a cover look on the first issue of Action Comics. This issue, in mint form, can now reach prices as high as $2Million.
Superman has remained popular in comic book series like ‘Superman’ and ‘Action Comics’ also as abundant spin off series starring his supporting characters like Superboy, Supergirl, Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen.
He has also drawn crowds with hit movies like Richard Donner’s 1978 ‘Superman’ film as well as the 2006 movie ‘Superman Returns’. The character can also be a Television mainstay, being depicted in profitable series such as ‘Lois & Clark’ and ‘Smallville’ also as many kid’s cartoons.
Superman’s seventy fifth anniversary will see DC Entertainment unveiling a brief Superman-themed logo celebrating this milestone anniversary.
The particular event will be commemorated by an innovative new Superman comics series entitled ‘Superman: Unchained’ made by the creative team of Scott Snyder (writer), Jim Lee (artist) and Scott Williams (inks).
Elsewhere, the modern Superman movie ‘Man of Steel’, starring Henry Cavill, will open in theatres from Friday 14th June, ensuring the occasion is well and truly marked.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUPERMAN!
Superman Celebrates 75th Birthday
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