Happy Birthday, Superman!

Eighty-seven years ago todayAction Comics #1 hit newsstands with a June 1938 cover date. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, that issue introduced the world to Superman—the very first comic book superhero—and marked the beginning of the Golden Age of comics.

Superman’s debut was revolutionary. Overnight, publishers across the industry were urging their writers and artists to create their own Superman-like heroes. Interestingly, the original concept that Siegel & Shuster had for Superman was quite different—he was envisioned as a bald, mad scientist villain. Thankfully, Siegel and Shuster reimagined him as a champion for good rather than evil.

Over the decades, Superman has undergone countless transformations. His iconic “S” shield has seen many redesigns, and his costume has evolved with the times. He’s died and returned, rocked a mullet, become an energy-based being, gotten married, had a son, adopted a super-powered dog, and faced off against alternate, often bizarre, versions of himself. Through it all, he remains the definitive symbol of good in the superhero genre.

No other hero embodies the essence of righteousness quite like Superman. As a founding member of the Justice League, he protects not only the United States but the entire planet from threats large and small. He is as American as apple pie, baseball, and Coca-Cola—a timeless icon.

What Does Superman Mean to Me?

By Rob Pillsbury

I was six years old when Superman: The Movie (1978) premiered. I remember the excitement, the hype—it was everywhere. I also remember sitting in the theater and feeling bored out of my mind (hey, six-year-old attention spans are tough). Star Wars had come out the year before, and I was craving action, not origin stories.

But Superman II? Now that was more my speed. Christopher Reeve will always be my Superman. He looked the part more than anyone else who’s played the role—no padded muscles, just classic tights and a commanding presence. He was an incredible Clark Kent too: kind, humble, and quietly strong. Clark’s meekness—strength under control—is something to admire. He’s a peacekeeper, and the world could use more of those.

As for comics, my favorite Superman artist has to be John Byrne. Growing up in the mid-80s, Byrne’s Man of Steel and Krypton series were must-reads. While Joe Shuster will always be the original and the best, Byrne truly defined Superman for me and my generation. He was the king of the ’80s in my eyes.

Above is one of the coolest items in my collection: this newspaper Sunday strip signed by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. In honor of The Man of Steel’s birthday, I thought I’d feature this entry into our ongoing “From the Collection of….” blog series. Hope you enjoy seeing it!

Happy Easter—and happy 87th, Supes!

Rob Pillsbury