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Superman

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Superman is the archetypal superhero, a term used to describe the original model for the genre. He is characterized by an outlandish costume, a codename, and extraordinary abilities used to fight evil and avert disasters. Created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, the character first appeared in Action Comics #1. This issue was published in the United States on April 18, 1938.

Library of Congress celebration of Action Comics and Superman
Library of Congress celebration of Action Comics and Superman

Since his debut, Superman has popularized the superhero genre and established its many conventions. He was the best-selling superhero in American comic books until the 1980s. He remains the highest-grossing superhero when considering the entire history of the genre starting from 1938.

The character's origin story involves a complex transition from one world to another. Superman was born Kal-El on the fictional planet Krypton. His parents, Jor-El and Lara, sent him to Earth in a small spaceship. They did this shortly before Krypton was destroyed in an apocalyptic cataclysm. The ship landed in the American countryside near the fictional town of Smallville, Kansas. There, he was found and adopted by farmers Jonathan and Martha Kent. They named him Clark Kent and raised him with strong morals.

Siegel Shuster Superman 1933 concept
Siegel Shuster Superman 1933 concept

Clark Kent's powers are a direct result of his biological origin and his environment. Because of Earth's yellow sun, his physical and sensory abilities are far beyond those of a human. These abilities include being nearly impervious to harm and the capacity for unassisted flight. To protect his personal life, he adopts a secret identity. He changes into a primary-colored costume and uses the alias "Superman" to fight crime as a vigilante. He resides in the fictional American city of Metropolis. There, he works as a journalist for the Daily Planet alongside Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and Perry White.

The development of Superman involved several distinct stages and iterations. In January 1933, Siegel published a short story titled "The Reign of the Superman."

Reign of the Superman
Reign of the Superman

In this early version, the character was a homeless man named Bill Dunn. An evil scientist tricked Dunn into consuming an experimental drug. This drug granted him powers of mind-reading, mind-control, and clairvoyance. However, these powers were used maliciously for profit before the drug eventually wore off. This version was quite different from the heroic figure we recognize today.

Siegel and Shuster later modified the character to make him more "sensational." They wanted to create something more terrific than other adventure strips on the market. In this second prototype, a scientist still gives a human powers against his will. However, the powers changed from psychic abilities to superhuman strength and bullet-proof skin. Siegel also decided to make the character a hero rather than a villain. He believed heroic protagonists would be more successful and commercially viable. This new version could fly through the air and was impervious to flames and bullets.

The path to publication was difficult for the young creators. They presented their ideas to various newspaper editors, but the editors found them lacking. Siegel and Shuster eventually created a comic book in a format similar to Detective Dan: Secret Operative 48. This was a novelty because it featured all-original stories rather than reprints. They presented their work to Consolidated Book Publishers in Chicago. Although the publishers were initially impressed, they eventually pulled out of the comics business. This happened because the sales of Detective Dan were disappointing, making the business unprofitable.

Superman has since expanded into a massive cultural phenomenon across many media. He exists within the DC Universe, where he interacts with Justice League members like Batman and Wonder Woman.

His persona has even inspired related characters like Supergirl, Superboy, and Krypto the Superdog. The character has been adapted into radio serials, novels, films, television, theater, and video games. Notable actors have brought him to life on screen, including Kirk Alyn, George Reeves, Christopher Reeve, Henry Cavill, and David Corenswet. This long history of adaptation has cemented his place in global culture.

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🖼️ Images & Media (8)
File:Reign of the Superman.jpg
Reign of the Superman.jpg
File:Siegel Shuster Superman 1933 concept.png
Siegel Shuster Superman 1933 concept.png
File:Superman concept art 1934.gif
Superman concept art 1934.gif
File:Don't be scared Superman graffiti Tel Aviv.jpg
Don't be scared Superman graffiti Tel Aviv.jpg
File:Library of Congress celebration of Action Comics and Superman.jpg
Library of Congress celebration of Action...
File:Kirk Alyn as Superman in a publicity still from 1948.jpg
Kirk Alyn as Superman in a publicity...
File:Stamp Day for Superman.jpg
Stamp Day for Superman.jpg
Stamp Day For Superman.webm
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