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| - | {{pp-semi-vandalism|small=yes}}
| + | Superman was officially the world's first superhero. Appearing in [[DC Universe|DC]]'s <i>Action Comics #1</i> in 1938, Superman has managed to became the world's most recognizable hero too. |
| - | {{Otheruses4|the superhero}}
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| - | '''Superman''' is a [[fictional character|fictional]] [[comic book]] [[superhero]] widely considered to be one of the most famous and popular of such characters<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=1521| title = Superman| accessdate = 2007-01-30| author = Ohio Historical Society| year = 2005| work = Ohio History Central: An Online Encyclopedia of Ohio| publisher = Ohio Historical Society| quote = In the early twenty-first century, Superman remains one of the most popular comic book characters of all time. He also has been an immense draw in movies and on television.}}</ref> and an American [[cultural icon]].<ref name="TCS11">Daniels (1998), p. 11.</ref><ref>{{cite book | last=Holt | first=Douglas B. | authorlink=Douglas B. Holt | year=2004 | title=How Brands Become Icons: The Principles of Cultural Branding | publisher=[[Harvard Business School Press]] | location=[[Boston]] | page=1 | id=ISBN 1578517745 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |editor= Koehler, Derek J., Harvey, Nigel. (eds.)| year=2004 | title=Blackwell Handbook of Judgment and Decision Making | publisher=Blackwell| page=519 | id=ISBN 1405107464 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | last=Dinerstein | first=Joel | authorlink=Joel Dinerstein | year=2003 | title=Swinging the machine: Modernity, technology, and African American culture between the wars | publisher=University of Massachusetts Press| page=81 | id=ISBN 1558493832 }}</ref> Created by American writer [[Jerry Siegel]] and Canadian-born artist [[Joe Shuster]] in 1932 while both were living in [[Cleveland, Ohio|Cleveland]], [[Ohio]], and sold to [[DC Comics|Detective Comics, Inc.]] in 1938, the character first appeared in ''[[Action Comics]]'' #1 (June 30, 1938) and subsequently appeared in various [[radio serial]]s, [[television program]]s, [[film]]s, [[Superman (comic strip)|newspaper strips]], and [[video game]]s. With the success of his adventures, Superman helped to create the superhero genre and establish its primacy within the [[American comic book]].<ref name="TCS11"/> The character's appearance is distinctive and iconic: a red, blue and yellow costume, complete with cape, like a circus costume, with a stylized "S" shield on his chest.<ref name="TCS18"/><ref>{{cite book|last=Wallace|first=Daniel|coauthors=Bryan Singer|title=The Art of Superman Returns|publisher=Chronicle Books|date=2006|pages=22|isbn=0811853446}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=goodLife02_july21_2006|title=Designing Man of Steel’s costume |date=Friday, July 21, 2006|work=Manila Standard|publisher=Philippines News|accessdate=2008-09-03}} [http://www.webcitation.org/5aYbOBxFF Archived] 2008-09-03.</ref> This shield is now typically used across media to symbolize the character.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_459774.html|title=Briefs: Blige concert cancelled|last=Gormly|first=Kellie B.|date=Wednesday, June 28, 2006 |work=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review|accessdate=2008-09-03}} [Archived http://www.webcitation.org/5aYbcuH9Z] on 2008-09-03.</ref> | + | |
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| - | The [[Origin of Superman|origin story of Superman]] relates that he was born '''Kal-El''' on the [[planet]] [[Krypton (planet)|Krypton]], before being rocketed to [[Earth]] as an infant by his [[scientist]] father [[Jor-El]], moments before Krypton's destruction. Discovered and adopted by a [[Kansas]] farmer and his wife, the child is raised as '''[[Clark Kent]]''' and imbued with a strong moral compass. Very early he started to display [[superhuman]] abilities, which upon reaching maturity he resolved to use for the benefit of humanity.
| + | [[Image:v3superman2.jpg|frame|Young Superman on parade.]] |
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| - | While referred to less than flatteringly as "the big blue Boy Scout" by some of his fellow superheroes,<ref>{{cite news | first=Charlie | last=McCollum | pages= | title=Times change, but Superman endures as an American cultural icon | month=June | year=2006 | publisher=The Mercury News | url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_kmtmn/is_200606/ai_n16560106| format=Registration required | accessdate = 2007-01-30}}</ref> Superman is hailed as '''"The Man of Steel,"''' '''"The Man of Tomorrow,"''' and '''"The Last Son of Krypton"''' by the general public within the comics. As Clark Kent, Superman lives among humans as a "mild-mannered [[journalist|reporter]]" for the [[Metropolis (comics)|Metropolis]] newspaper ''[[Daily Planet]]'' (''Daily Star'' in the earliest stories)<!--Leave in this order-->. There he works alongside reporter [[Lois Lane]], with whom he is romantically linked. This relationship has been consummated by marriage on numerous occasions across various media, and the union is now firmly established within the mainstream comics [[Continuity (fiction)|continuity]].
| + | ==Origin and Powers== |
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| - | The character's supporting cast, powers, and trappings have slowly expanded throughout the years. Superman's backstory was altered to allow for adventures as [[Superboy]], and other survivors of Krypton were created, including [[Supergirl]] and [[Krypto|Krypto the Superdog]]. In addition, Superman has been licensed and adapted into a variety of media, from radio to television and film. The motion picture ''[[Superman Returns]]'' was released in 2006, with a performance at the international box office which exceeded expectations.<ref name="411BryanSinger">{{cite web |author=Epstein, Daniel Robert | url = http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=78755 | title = 4:11 with Bryan Singer |accessdate=2007-01-30 |publisher = Newsarama|date=July 30, 2006}}</ref> In the seven decades since Superman's debut, the character has been revamped and updated several times.
| + | Kal-el was born on the planet Krypton to scientist parents who foresaw the end of their civilization. They packed him up in a rocketship and sent him to Earth before their red sun went 'nova. Kal-el was found by a kindly human couple, adopted by them, and raised as one of their own. Under our yellow sun the alien, now known as Clark Kent, was empowered with superstrength, superspeed, superhearing, x-ray vision, laser eyes, freeze-breath, flight, and invulnerability -except for Kryptonite (an inert ore whose radiations only seem to affect Superman). |
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| - | A significant overhaul occurred in 1986, when [[John Byrne]] revamped and [[retconned]] the character, reducing Superman's powers and erasing several characters from the canon, in a move that attracted media attention. Press coverage was again garnered in the 1990s with ''[[The Death of Superman]]'', a storyline which saw the character killed and later restored to life.
| + | ==History== |
| | + | Superman maintains a secret identity with a day job as a reporter for Metropolis' largest newspaper. He spends the rest of his time as the world's greatest superhero. |
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| - | Superman has fascinated scholars, with [[Cultural studies|cultural theorists]], commentators, and [[critic]]s alike exploring the character's impact and role in the United States and the rest of the world. [[Umberto Eco]] discussed the mythic qualities of the character in the early 1960s, and [[Larry Niven]] has pondered the implications of a sexual relationship the character might enjoy with Lois Lane.<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.larryniven.org/stories/Man_of_Steel_Woman_of_Kleenex.shtml | title =Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex | accessdate =2007-01-30| last =Niven | first =Larry | authorlink =Larry Niven | year =1971 | work =All the Myriad Ways | publisher =Larry Niven }}</ref> The character's [[ownership]] has often been the subject of dispute, with Siegel and Shuster twice suing for the return of legal ownership. The [[copyright]] is again currently in dispute, with changes in copyright law allowing Siegel's wife and daughter to claim a share of the copyright, a move DC parent company [[Warner Bros.]] disputes.
| + | [[Image:v3superman0.jpg|thumb|200px|Superman's first appearance.]] |
| | + | [[Image:v3superman1.jpg|thumb|200px|Superman's first appearance with this particular fan (and Batman).]] |
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| - | ==Publication history== | + | ==Known Associates== |
| - | ===Creation and conception===
| + | *[[Batman]] |
| - | [[Image:Reign of the Superman.jpg|thumb|250px|"[[The Reign of the Super-Man]]" in the [[fanzine]] ''Science Fiction'' vol. 1, #3 (June 1933).]] | + | *Lois Lane |
| - | [[Jerry Siegel]] and [[Joe Shuster]] first created a bald [[Telepathy|telepathic]] villain bent on dominating the entire world. He appeared in the short story "[[The Reign of the Super-Man]]" from ''Science Fiction'' #3, a [[science fiction]] [[fanzine]] that Siegel published in 1933.<ref name="TCS13">Daniels (1998), p. 13.</ref> Siegel re-wrote the character in 1933 as a hero, bearing little or no resemblance to his villainous namesake, and began a six-year quest to find a publisher. Titling it ''The Superman'', Siegel and Shuster offered it to Consolidated Book Publishing, who had published a 48-page black-and-white comic book entitled ''[[Dan Dunn|Detective Dan: Secret Operative No. 48]]''. Although the duo received an encouraging letter, Consolidated never again published comic books. Shuster took this to heart and burned all pages of the story, the cover surviving only because Siegel rescued it from the fire. Siegel and Shuster each compared this character to [[Slam Bradley]], an adventurer the pair had created for ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #1 (May 1939).<ref name="TCS17">Daniels (1998), p. 17.</ref> | + | *Jimmy Olson |
| | + | *[[Wonder Woman]] |
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| - | Siegel contacted other artists to collaborate on the strip, according to Gerard Jones feeling that "Superman was going nowhere with Joe".<ref name="GJMT">{{cite book|last=Jones|first=Gerard|title=Men of Tomorrow: Geeks, Gangsters, and the Birth of the Comic Book|publisher=Basic Books|date=2004|pages=115|isbn=0465036562}}</ref> [[Tony Strobl]], [[Mel Graff]] and [[Russell Keaton]] were all contacted as potential collaborators by Siegel.<ref name="GJMT" /> Artwork produced by Keaton based on Siegel's treatment shows the concept evolving. Superman is now sent back in time as a baby by the last man on Earth, where he is found and raised by Sam and Molly Kent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsarama.com/comics/080820-SupermanKeaton.html|title=Superman's Hidden History: The Other "First" Artist|last=Trexler|first=Jeff|coauthors=Paul August|date=August 20, 2008|work=Newsarama|publisher=Imaginova Corp.|accessdate=2008-08-26}} [http://www.webcitation.org/5aMw18S0O Archived] August 26, 2008.</ref> However Keaton did not pursue the collaboration, and soon Siegel and Shuster were back working together on the character again.<ref name="GJMT" /> They re-envisioned the character, who became more of a [[hero]] in the mythic tradition, inspired by such characters as [[Samson]] and [[Hercules]],<ref name="TMOS">Petrou, David Michael (1978). ''The Making of Superman the Movie'', New York: [[Warner Books]] ISBN 0-446-82565-4</ref> who would right the wrongs of Siegel and Shuster's times, fighting for [[social justice]] and against [[tyranny]]. It was at this stage the costume was introduced, Siegel later recalling that they created a "kind of costume and let's give him a big ''S'' on his chest, and a cape, make him as colorful as we can and as distinctive as we can."<ref name="TCS18">Daniels (1998), p. 18.</ref> The design was based in part on the costumes worn by characters in outer space settings published in pulp magazines, as well as [[comic strips]] such as ''[[Flash Gordon]]'',<ref name="TCS19">Daniels (1998), p. 19.</ref> and also partly suggested by the traditional circus strong-man outfit.<ref name="TCS18"/><ref name ="MorrisonHerald">{{cite news | first= Grant | last= Morrison | authorlink=Grant Morrison | title=Seriously, Perilously | date= September 29, 1998 | publisher=[[The Herald (Glasgow)|The Herald]] |page=14}}</ref> However, the cape has been noted as being markedly different from the [[Victorian era|Victorian]] tradition. Gary Engle described it as without "precedent in popular culture" in ''Superman at Fifty: The Persistence of a Legend''.<ref>{{cite book |last=Engle |first=Gary |authorlink= |coauthors= |editor=Dennis Dooley and Gary Engle (eds.)|title=Superman at Fifty: The Persistence of a Legend |year=1987|publisher=Octavia |location=Cleveland, OH |isbn=0020429010|chapter="What Makes Superman So Darned American?" }}</ref> The pants-over-tights outfit was soon established as the basis for many future superhero outfits. This third version of the character was given extraordinary abilities, although this time of a physical nature as opposed to the mental abilities of the villainous Superman.<ref name="TCS18"/>
| + | ==See Also== |
| - | | + | [[Fortress of Solitude]] <br> |
| - | The locale and the hero's civilian names were inspired by the [[Film|movies]], Shuster said in 1983. "Jerry created all the names. We were great movie fans, and were inspired a lot by the actors and actresses we saw. As for Clark Kent, he combined the names of [[Clark Gable]] and [[Kent Taylor]]. And [[Metropolis (comics)|Metropolis]], the city in which Superman operated, came from the [[Fritz Lang]] movie <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[Metropolis (film)|''Metropolis'']], 1927], which we both loved".<ref name="AND8">Andrae, ''Nemo'' (online version): "Superman Through the Ages: The Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster Interview, Part 8 of 10" (1983).</ref>
| + | [[DC Universe]] |
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| - | Although they were by now selling material to comic book publishers, notably [[Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson]]'s [[National Publications|National Allied Publishing]], the pair decided to feature this character in a comic strip format, rather than in the longer comic book story format that was establishing itself at this time. They offered it to both [[Max Gaines]], who passed, and to [[United Feature Syndicate]], who expressed interest initially but finally rejected the strip in a letter dated February 18, 1937. However, in what historian Les Daniels describes as "an incredibly convoluted turn of events", Max Gaines ended up positioning the strip as the lead feature in Wheeler-Nicholson's new publication, ''[[Action Comics]]''. [[Vin Sullivan]], editor of the new book, wrote to the pair requesting that the comic strips be refashioned to suit the comic book format, requesting "eight panels a page". However Siegel and Shuster ignored this, utilizing their own experience and ideas to create [[Comics vocabulary|page layouts]], with Siegel also identifying the image used for the cover of ''Action Comics'' #1 ([[1938 in comics|June 1938]]), Superman's [[first appearance]].<!--whole paragraph sourced from same source--><ref name="TCS2531">Daniels (1998), pp. 25–31.</ref>
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| - | Siegel may have been inspired to create the ''Superman'' character due to the death of his father. Mitchell Siegel was an immigrant who owned a clothing store on New York's Lower East Side. He died during a robbery attempt in 1932, a year before Superman was created. Although Siegel never mentioned the death of his father in interviews, both [[Gerard Jones]] and [[Brad Meltzer]] believe it must have affected him. "It had to have an effect," says Jones. "There's a connection there: the loss of a dad as a source for Superman." Meltzer states: "Your father dies in a robbery, and you invent a bulletproof man who becomes the world's greatest hero. I'm sorry, but there's a story there."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/news/2008-08-25-superman-creators_N.htm?se=yahoorefer |title=The crime that created Superman: Did fatal robbery spawn Man of Steel? |accessdate=2008-08-26 |author=David Colton |date=2008-08-25 |work=USAToday.com |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5aMwEGibC |archivedate=2008-08-26 }}</ref>
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| - | ===Publication===
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| - | {{see also|List of Superman comics}}
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| - | [[Image:Action1.JPG|thumb|180px|left|Superman made his debut in ''[[Action Comics]]'' #1 (June 1938). Cover art by [[Joe Shuster]].]]
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| - | Superman's first appearance was in ''Action Comics'' #1, in 1938. In 1939, a [[Superman (comic book)|self-titled series]] was launched. The first issue mainly reprinted adventures published in ''Action Comics'', but despite this the book achieved greater sales.<ref name="TCS44">Daniels (1998), p. 44.</ref> 1939 also saw the publication of ''New York World's Fair Comics'', which by summer of 1942 became ''[[World's Finest Comics]]''. With issue #7 of ''All Star Comics'', Superman made the first of a number of infrequent appearances, on this occasion appearing in cameo to establish his honorary membership of the [[Justice Society of America]].<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Gardner Fox|Fox, Gardner]] | artist = [[Everett E. Hibbard|Hibbard, Everett E.]] | Story = $1,000,000 for War Orphans | Title = All Star Comics | Volume = 1 | Issue = 7 | Date = October-November 1941 | Publisher = [[All-American Publications]] }}</ref>
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| - | Initially [[Jerry Siegel]] and [[Joe Shuster]] would provide the story and art for all the strips published. However, Shuster's eyesight began to deteriorate, and the increasing appearances of the character saw an increase in the workload. This led Shuster to establish a [[studio]] to assist in the production of the art,<ref name="TCS44"/> although he insisted on drawing the face of every Superman the studio produced. Outside the studio, [[Jack Burnley]] began supplying covers and stories in 1940,<ref name="TCS47">Daniels (1998), p. 13</ref> and in 1941, artist [[Fred Ray]] began contributing a stream of Superman covers, some of which, such as that of ''Superman'' #14 (Feb. 1942), became iconic and much-reproduced. [[Wayne Boring]], initially employed in Shuster's studio, began working for [[DC Comics]] in his own right in 1942 providing pages for both ''Superman'' and ''Action Comics''.<ref name="TCS69">Daniels (1998), p. 69.</ref> [[Al Plastino]] was hired initially to copy Wayne Boring but was eventually allowed to create his own style and became one of the most prolific Superman artists during the Gold and Silver Ages of comics.<ref>Eury (2006), p. 38.</ref>
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| - | The scripting duties also became shared. In late 1939 a new [[editorial]] team assumed control of the character's adventures. [[Whitney Ellsworth]], [[Mort Weisinger]] and [[Jack Schiff]] were brought in following Vin Sullivan's departure. This new editorial team brought in [[Edmond Hamilton]], [[Manly Wade Wellman]], and [[Alfred Bester]], established writers of science fiction.<ref name="60Y28">Daniels (1995), p. 28.</ref>
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| - | By 1943, Jerry Siegel was drafted into the army in a special celebration, and his duties there saw high contributions drop. [[Don Cameron]] and [[Alvin Schwartz]] joined the writing team, Schwartz teaming up with Wayne Boring to work on the [[Superman (comic strip)|Superman comic strip]] which had been launched by Siegel and Shuster in 1939.<ref name="TCS69"/>
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| - | [[Image:Mansteel1.png|thumb|180px|Superman's origin is reimagined in ''[[The Man of Steel (comic book)|The Man of Steel]]'' #1 (July 1986), written and drawn by [[John Byrne]].]]
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| - | In 1945, [[Superboy (Kal-El)|Superboy]] made his debut in ''[[More Fun Comics]]'' #101. The character moved to ''[[Adventure Comics]]'' in 1946, and his own title, ''[[Superboy (Kal-El)|Superboy]]'', launched in 1949. The 1950s saw the launching of ''[[Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen]]'' (1954) and ''[[Superman's Girlfriend Lois Lane]]'' (1958). By 1974 these titles had merged into ''[[Superman Family]]'', although the series was cancelled in 1982. ''[[DC Comics Presents]]'' was a series published from 1978 to 1986 featuring team-ups between Superman and a wide variety of other characters of the [[DC Universe]].
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| - | In 1986, a decision was taken to restructure the [[Fictional universe|universe]] the Superman character inhabited with other DC characters. This saw the publication of "[[Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?|Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow]]", a two part story written by [[Alan Moore]], with art by [[Curt Swan]], [[George Pérez]] and [[Kurt Schaffenberger]].<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Alan Moore|Moore, Alan]] | Penciller = [[Curt Swan|Swan, Curt]] | Inker=[[George Pérez|Pérez, George]] & [[Kurt Schaffenberger|Schaffenberger, Kurt]] | Title = [[Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?]] | Date = 1997 | Publisher = [[DC Comics]] |ID=ISBN 1-56389-315-0}}</ref> The story was published in ''Superman'' #423 and ''Action Comics'' #583, and presented what Les Daniels notes as "the sense of loss the fans might have experienced if this had really been the last Superman tale."<ref name="TCS150">Daniels (1998), p. 150.</ref>
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| - | Superman was relaunched by writer & artist [[John Byrne]], initially in the [[limited series]] ''[[The Man of Steel (comic book)|The Man of Steel]]'' (1986). 1986 also saw the cancellation of ''World's Finest Comics'', and the ''Superman'' title renamed ''[[Adventures of Superman (comic book)|Adventures of Superman]]''. A second volume of ''Superman'' was launched in 1987, running until cancellation in 2006. This cancellation saw ''[[Adventures of Superman (comic book)|Adventures of Superman]]'' revert to the ''Superman'' title. ''[[Superman: The Man of Steel]]'' was launched in 1991, running until 2003, whilst the quarterly book ''[[Superman: The Man of Tomorrow]]'' ran from 1995 to 1999. In 2003 ''[[Superman/Batman]]'' launched, as well as the ''[[Superman: Birthright]]'' limited series, with ''[[All Star Superman]]'' launched in 2005 and ''[[Superman Confidential]]'' in 2006 (this title was cancelled in 2008).
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| - | Current ongoing publications that feature Superman on a regular basis are ''Superman'', ''Action Comics'', ''All-Star Superman'', ''Superman/Batman'', ''[[Justice League#Justice League of America (vol. 2)|Justice League of America]]'', ''[[Justice League Adventures|Justice League Unlimited]]'' and ''[[Legion of Super Heroes (TV series)|The Legion of Super-Heroes In The 31st Century]]''. The character often appears as a guest star in other series and is usually a pivotal figure in DC Comics [[Fictional crossover|crossover events]].
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| - | ===Influences===
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| - | {{see also|Cultural influences on Superman}}
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| - | An influence on early Superman stories is the context of the [[Great Depression]]. The left-leaning perspective of creators Shuster and Siegel is reflected in early storylines. Superman took on the role of social activist, fighting crooked businessmen and politicians and demolishing run-down tenements.<ref name="60Y2223">Daniels (1995), pp. 22–23.</ref> This is seen by comics scholar [[Roger Sabin]] as a reflection of "the liberal idealism of [[Franklin Roosevelt]]'s [[New Deal]]", with Shuster and Siegel initially portraying Superman as champion to a variety of social causes.<ref name="Sabin"/> In later Superman radio programs the character continued to take on such issues, tackling a version of the [[Ku Klux Klan|KKK]] in a [[The Adventures of Superman (radio)|1946 broadcast]].<ref>{{cite news | first= Richard | last= von Busack | title=Superman Versus the KKK | date= July 2 – July 8, 1998 | publisher=[[Metro Silicon Valley|Metro]] | url=http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro/07.02.98/comics-9826.html|accessdate=2007-01-28 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | first=Stephen J | last=Dubner | coauthors=Levitt, Steven D | page = F26 | title=Hoodwinked? | date= January 8, 2006 | publisher=The New York Times | url= http://www.freakonomics.com/times0108col.php | accessdate=2007-01-28}}</ref>
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| - | Siegel himself noted that the many mythic heroes which exist in the traditions of many cultures bore an influence on the character, including [[Hercules]] and [[Samson]].<ref name="TCS18"/> The character has also been seen by [[Scott Bukatman]] to be "a worthy successor to [[Charles Lindberg|Lindberg]] ... (and) also ... like [[Babe Ruth]]", and is also representative of the United States dedication to "progress and the 'new'" through his "invulnerable body ... on which history cannot be inscribed."<ref name="MOG">{{cite book | last=Bukatman | first=Scott | authorlink=Scott Bukatman | year=2003 | title=Matters of Gravity: Special Effects and Supermen in the 20th century | publisher=Duke University Press | id=ISBN 0822331322 }}</ref> Further, given that Siegel and Shuster were noted fans of pulp science fiction,<ref name="TCS13"/> it has been suggested that another influence may have been [[Hugo Danner]]. Danner was the main character of the 1930 novel ''[[Gladiator (novel)|Gladiator]]'' by [[Philip Wylie]], and is possessed of same powers of the early Superman.<ref>{{cite journal | last =Feeley | first =Gregory | year =2005 | month =March | title =When World-views Collide: Philip Wylie in the Twenty-first Century | journal =Science Fiction Studies | volume =32 | issue =95 | id ={{ISSN|0091-7729}} | url =http://www.depauw.edu/sfs/review_essays/feeley95.htm | accessdate =2006-12-06 }}</ref>
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| - | Because Siegel and Shuster were both [[Jewish]], some religious commentators and pop-culture scholars such as Rabbi Simcha Weinstein and British novelist [[Howard Jacobson]] suggest that Superman's creation was partly influenced by [[Moses]],<ref name="TIMES05"/><ref name="mythology">{{cite video | title = The Mythology of Superman | medium = DVD | publisher = Warner Bros.| year = 2006}}</ref> and other Jewish elements. Superman's Kryptonian name, "Kal-El," resembles the [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] words קל-אל, which can be taken to mean "voice of God".<ref name="UUaOV">{{cite book | last=Weinstein| first=Simcha| authorlink=Simcha Weinstein | year=2006 | title=Up, Up, and Oy Vey! | edition=1st | publisher=[[Leviathan Press]] | id=ISBN 978-1-881927-32-7 }}</ref> <ref>[http://www.worldjewishdigest.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=425531C8FF84499ABA4A721F1B8AAEF7 ''World Jewish Digest'' (Aug, 2006; posted online July 25, 2006): "Superman's Other Secret Identity", by Jeff Fleischer]</ref>. The suffix "[[El (god)|el]]", meaning "(of) God"<ref>"[http://www.bartleby.com/61/ Semitic Roots]." ''The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language'' (2000). 4th ed. Boston: [[Houghton Mifflin]]. Retrieved on [[2007]]-[[02-08]].</ref> is also found in the name of angels (e.g. [[Gabriel]], [[Ariel (angel)|Ariel]]), who are flying humanoid agents of good with superhuman powers. [[Jewish]] legends of the [[Golem]] have been cited as worthy of comparison,<ref name="Newsweek">{{cite news |first= Steven |last= Waldman |authorlink= Steven Waldman |coauthors= Kress, Michael | title=Beliefwatch: Good Fight | url= http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13249146/site/newsweek/ | work=[[Newsweek]] |publisher= [[The Washington Post Company]] |date= June 19, 2006 |accessdate=2007-01-28 }}</ref> a Golem being a mythical being created to protect and serve the persecuted [[Judaism|Jews]] of 16th century [[Prague]] and later revived in popular culture in reference to their suffering at the hands of the [[Nazis]] in [[Europe]] during the 1930s and 1940s. Superman is often seen as being an analogy for [[Jesus]], being a saviour of humanity.<ref name="mythology" /><ref name="Newsweek"/><ref name="Sabin">{{cite book | last=Sabin | first=Roger | authorlink=Roger Sabin | year=1996 | title= Comics, Comix & Graphic Novels| edition=4th paperback edition | publisher=Phaidon|id=ISBN 0-7148-3993-0 }}</ref><ref>Skelton, Stephen. ''The Gospel According to the World's Greatest Superhero''. Harvest House Publishers, 2006. ISBN 0-7369-1812-4.</ref>
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| - | Whilst the term Superman was initially coined by Nietzsche, it is unclear how influential Nietzsche and his ideals were to Siegel and Shuster.<ref name="mythology" /> Les Daniels has speculated that "Siegel picked up the term from other science fiction writers who had casually employed it", further noting that "his concept is remembered by hundreds of millions who may barely know who Nietzsche is."<ref name="TCS18"/> Others argue that Siegel and Shuster "could not have been unaware of an idea that would dominate Hitler's National Socialism. The concept was certainly well discussed."<ref>McCue, Greg S., Bloom, Clive (February 1, 1993). ''Dark Knights'', [[LPC Group]]. ISBN 0745306632.</ref> Yet Jacobson and others point out that in many ways Superman and the [[Übermensch]] are polar opposites.<ref name="TIMES05">{{cite news | first=Howard | last=Jacobson | page=5 | title=Up, up and oy vey | date=March 5, 2005 | publisher=[[The Times]] }}</ref> Nietzsche envisioned the Übermensch as a man who had transcended the limitations of society, religion, and conventional morality while still being fundamentally human. Superman, although an alien gifted with incredible powers, chooses to honor human moral codes and social mores. Nietzsche envisioned the perfect man as being beyond moral codes; Siegel and Shuster envisioned the perfect man as holding himself to a higher standard of adherence to them.<ref>{{cite journal | last =Lawrence | first =John Shelton | authorlink =John Shelton Lawrence | year =2006 | month =March | title =Book Reviews: The Gospel According to Superheroes: Religion and Popular Culture | journal =The Journal of American Culture | volume =29 | issue =1 | page =101 | doi = 10.1111/j.1542-734X.2006.00313.x <!--Retrieved from URL by DOI bot--> | url =http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1542-734X.2006.00313.x | accessdate =2007-01-28 | pages = 101}}</ref>
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| - | Siegel and Shuster have themselves discussed a number of influences that impacted upon the character. Both were avid readers, and their mutual love of [[science fiction]] helped to drive their friendship. Siegel cited [[John Carter (character)|John Carter]] stories as an influence: "Carter was able to leap great distances because the planet Mars was smaller that the planet Earth; and he had great strength. I visualized the planet Krypton as a huge planet, much larger than Earth".<ref name="AND8" /> The pair were also avid collectors of comic strips in their youth, cutting them from the newspaper, with [[Winsor McKay]]'s ''[[Little Nemo]]'' firing their imagination with its sense of fantasy.<ref>Andrae (1983), [http://web.archive.org/web/20031207221050/superman.ws/seventy/interview/?part=2 p.2].</ref> Shuster has remarked on the artists which played an important part in the development of his own style, whilst also noting a larger influence: "[[Alex Raymond]] and [[Burne Hogarth]] were my idols — also [[Milt Caniff]], [[Hal Foster]], and [[Roy Crane]]. But the movies were the greatest influence on our imagination: especially the films of [[Douglas Fairbanks]] Senior."<ref name="AND4">Andrae (1983), [http://web.archive.org/web/20031208131136/superman.ws/seventy/interview/?part=4 p.4].</ref> Fairbanks' role as [[Robin Hood (1922 film)|Robin Hood]] was certainly an inspiration, as Shuster admitted to basing Superman's stance upon scenes from the movie.<ref>Andrae (1983), [http://web.archive.org/web/20031208132241/superman.ws/seventy/interview/?part=7 p.7].</ref> The [[film|movies]] also influenced the storytelling and page layouts,<ref>Andrae (1983), [http://web.archive.org/web/20031208131627/superman.ws/seventy/interview/?part=5 p.5].</ref> whilst the city of Metropolis was named in honor of the [[Fritz Lang]] motion picture of the [[Metropolis (film)|same title]].<ref name="AND8"/>
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| - | ===Copyright issues===
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| - | As part of the deal which saw Superman published in ''Action Comics'', Siegel and Shuster sold the [[Exclusive right|rights]] to the company in return for $130 and a contract to supply the publisher with material.<ref>{{cite news | first=Sam | last=Hurwitt | page=PK-24 | title= Comic Book Artist Populates Movies | date= January 16, 2005 | publisher=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] | url= http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/a/2005/01/16/PKGT6AJH9A1.DTL&type=movies |accessdate = 2006-12-08}}</ref><ref name="Heidi">MacDonald, Heidi. "Inside the Superboy Copyright Decision.' ''PW Comics Week'' (April 11, 2006). [http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6323787.html Available online at] [[Publishers Weekly]], Retrieved on [[2006-12-08]].</ref> ''[[The Saturday Evening Post]]'' reported in 1940 that the pair was each being paid $75,000 a year, a fraction of [[DC Comics|National Comics Publications']] millions in ''Superman'' profits.<ref name = "TCJ26316"/> Siegel and Shuster renegotiated their deal, but bad blood lingered and in 1947 Siegel and Shuster [[sued]] for their 1938 [[contract]] to be made [[void (law)|void]] and the re-establishment of their ownership of the [[intellectual property]] [[rights]] to Superman. The pair also sued National in the same year over the rights to [[Superboy]], which they claimed was a separate creation that National had published without authorization. National immediately fired them and took their byline off the stories, prompting a legal battle that ended in 1948, when a [[New York]] court ruled that the 1938 contract should be upheld. However, a ruling from Justice J. Addison Young awarded them the rights to Superboy. A month after the Superboy judgment the two sides agreed on a [[Settlement (litigation)|settlement]]. National paid Siegel and Shuster $94,000 for the rights to [[Superboy]]. The pair also acknowledged in writing the company's ownership of Superman, attesting that they held rights for "all other forms of reproduction and presentation, whether now in existence or that may hereafter be created",<ref name="TCJ26313">Dean (2004), p. 13.</ref> but DC refused to re-hire them.<ref name="TCS73">Daniels (1998), p. 73.</ref>
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| - | [[Image:The Siegels.jpg|thumb|200px|Jerry Siegel, with wife Joanne and daughter Laura in 1976. Joanne and Laura Siegel filed a termination notice on Jerry Siegel's share of the copyright of Superman in 1999.]]
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| - | In 1973 Siegel and Shuster again launched a [[suit]] claiming ownership of Superman, this time basing the claim on the [[Copyright Act of 1909]] which saw copyright granted for 28 years but allowed for a renewal of an extra 28 years. Their argument was that they had granted DC the copyright for only 28 years. The pair again lost this battle, both in a [[district court]] ruling of October 18, 1973 and an [[appeal court]] ruling of December 5, 1974.<ref name="TCJ2631415">Dean (2004), pp. 14–15.</ref>
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| - | In 1975 after news reports of their pauper-like existences, [[Warner Communications]] gave Siegel and Shuster lifetime [[pensions]] of $20,000 per year and [[Health care in the United States|health care benefits]]. Jay Emmett, then [[Vice president|executive vice president]] of Warner, was quoted in the ''[[New York Times]]'' as stating "There is no legal obligation, but I sure feel there is a moral obligation on our part."<ref name="TCJ26316">Dean (2004), p. 16.</ref> In addition, any media production which includes the Superman character were to include the credit "Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster".<ref name="Heidi"/>
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| - | The year after this settlement, 1976, saw the copyright term extended again, this time for another 19 years to a total of 75 years. However, this time a clause was inserted into the extension to allow a creator to reclaim their work, reflecting the arguments Siegel and Shuster had made in 1973. The [[Copyright Act of 1976|new act]] came into power in 1978 and allowed a reclamation window in a period based on the previous copyright term of 56 years. This meant the copyright on Superman could be reclaimed between 1994 to 1999, based on the initial publication date of 1938. Jerry Siegel having died in January 1996, his wife and daughter filed a copyright termination notice in 1999. Although Joe Shuster died in July 1992, no termination was filed at this time by his [[Estate (law)|estate]].<ref name="TCJ26317">Dean (2004), p. 17.</ref>
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| - | 1998 saw copyright extended again, with the [[Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act]]. This time the copyright term was extended to 95 years, with a further window for reclamation introduced. In January 2004 Mark Peary, nephew and legal [[heir]] to Joe Shuster's estate, filed notice of his intent to reclaim Shuster's half of the copyright, the termination effective in 2013.<ref name="TCJ26317"/> The status of Siegel's share of the copyright is now the subject of a legal battle. Warner Bros. and the Siegels entered into discussions on how to resolve the issues raised by the termination notice, but these discussions were set aside by the Siegels and in October 2004 they filed suit alleging copyright infringement on the part of Warner Bros. Warner Bros. counter sued, alleging the termination notice contains defects amongst other arguments.<ref name="TWOS">{{cite web| url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070506063326/http://www.insidecounsel.com/issues/insidecounsel/15_159/profiles/191-1.html | title =The Woman Of Steel | accessdate =2007-01-26 | last =Vosper | first =Robert| year =2005 | month =February | publisher = Inside Counsel | quote =DC isn't going to hand over its most valued asset without putting up one hell of a legal battle }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.newsarama.com/DC/Superman/Intro.htm | title =Inside The Siegel/DC Battle For Superman | accessdate =2007-01-26 | last =Brady | first =Matt | date = March 3, 2005 | publisher =[[Newsarama]] | quote = While the complaint, response and counterclaim has been filed, no one even remotely expects a slam-dunk win for either side. Issues such as those named in the complaint will, if it goes to trial, possibly allow for an unprecedented referendum on issues of copyright. }}</ref> On March 26, 2008, Judge Larson of the Californian [[United States federal courts|federal court]] ruled that Siegel's estate was entitled to claim a share in the United States copyright. The ruling does not affect the International rights, which Time Warner holds on the character through its subsidiary [[DC Comics]]. Issues regarding the amount of monies owed Siegel's estate and whether the claim the estate has extends to derivative works such as movie versions will be settled at trial, although any compensation would only be owed from works published since 1999. Time Warner offered no statement on the ruling, but do have the right to challenge it.<ref name="NYT2903">Ciepley, Michael. "[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/29/business/media/29comics.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin Ruling Gives Heirs a Share of Superman Copyright]" ''[[NY Times]]'', March 29, 2008. Accessed on [[2008-03-29]]. [http://www.webcitation.org/5WgYPJEtl Archived] on [[2008-03-29]].</ref><ref>Agency reporter, [[Bloomberg News]], "[http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-superman29mar29,1,6772134.story Time Warner ordered to share Superman rights]". ''[[LA Times]]'', March 29, 2008. '"After 70 years, Jerome Siegel's heirs regain what he granted so long ago -- the copyright in the Superman material that was published in Action Comics," Larson wrote in his order Wednesday. The victory was "no small feat indeed," he said.' Accessed on [[2008-03-29]]. [http://www.webcitation.org/5Wgf00HGc Archived] on [[2008-03-29]].</ref>The case is [[As of February 2008|currently]] scheduled to be heard in a Californian [[United States federal courts|federal court]] in May, 2008.<ref>Coyle, Marcia. "[http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202136225176 Pow! Zap! Comic Book Suits Abound]". ''The National Law Journal'', February 4, 2008. Retrieved on [[2008-02-17]]. [http://www.webcitation.org/5VgjfqQsC Archived] on [[2008-02-17]].</ref>
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| - | A similar termination of copyright notice filed in 2002 by Siegel's wife and daughter concerning the Superboy character was ruled in their favor on March 23, 2006.<ref name="TCJ276">{{cite journal | last = Dean | first = Michael | title = Journal Datebook: Follow-Up: Superman Heirs Reclaim Superboy Copyright | journal = The Comics Journal | issue = 276|month= June | year= 2006 |pages=37}}</ref> However, on July 27, 2007, the same court issued a ruling <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.trexfiles.com/superboy_0727.pdf | type=pdf | title=Case 2:04-cv-08776-SGL-RZ Document 151 | date = July 27, 2007 | accessdate = 2007-12-23|format=PDF}}</ref> reversing the March 23, 2006 ruling. This ruling is currently subject to a legal challenge from Time Warner, with the case [[As of March 2008|as yet]] unresolved.<ref name="NYT2903" />
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| - | ==Comic book character==
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| - | {{main|History of Superman}}
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| - | {{see also|Superman (Earth-Two)}}
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| - | Superman, given the serial nature of comic publishing and the length of the character's existence, has evolved as a character as his adventures have increased.<ref name="TIME14388">{{cite news | first= Otto | last=Friedrich | page =9 | title=Up, Up and Awaaay!!! | date= March 14, 1988 | publisher=''[[Time Magazine]]'' | url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,966978-9,00.html | accessdate =2007-01-28 }}</ref> The details of Superman's origin, relationships and abilities changed significantly during the course of the character's publication, from what is considered the [[Golden Age of comic books]] through the [[Modern Age of comic books|Modern Age]]. The powers and villains were developed through the 1940s, with Superman developing the ability to fly, and costumed villains introduced from 1941.<ref name="TCS67">Daniels (1998), p. 67.</ref> The character was shown as learning of the existence of [[Krypton (comics)|Krypton]] in 1949. The concept itself had originally been established to the reader in 1939, in the [[Superman (comic strip)|Superman comic strip]].<ref name="TCS42">Daniels (1998), p. 42.</ref>
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| - | The 1960s saw the introduction of a second Superman, [[Kal-L]]. [[DC Comics|DC]] had established a [[Multiverse (DC Comics)|multiverse]] within the fictional universe its characters shared. This allowed characters published in the 1940s to exist alongside updated counterparts published in the 1960s. This was explained to the reader through the notion that the two groups of characters inhabited [[Parallel universe (fiction)|parallel Earths]]. The [[Kal-L|second Superman]] was introduced to explain to the reader Superman's membership of both the 1940s superhero team the [[Justice Society of America]] and the 1960s superhero team the [[Justice League of America]].<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Dennis O'Neil|O'Neil, Dennis]] | Penciller = [[Dick Dillin|Dillin, Dick]] | Inker = [[Sid Greene|Greene, Sid]] | Story = Star Light, Star Bright — Death Star I See Tonight! | Title = Justice League of America | Volume = 1 | Issue = 73 | Date = August, 1969 | Publisher = [[DC Comics]] }}</ref>
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| - | [[Image:Deathofsuperman.jpg|thumb|Superman dies in [[Lois Lane]]'s arms: ''Superman'' vol. 2, #75 (Jan. 1993). Art by [[Dan Jurgens]]& [[Brett Breeding]].]] | + | |
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| - | The 1980s saw radical revisions of the character. DC Comics decided to remove the multiverse in a bid to simplify its comics line. This led to the rewriting of the [[back story]] of the characters DC published, Superman included. [[John Byrne]] rewrote Superman, removing many established conventions and characters from continuity, including [[Superboy (Kal-El)|Superboy]] and [[Supergirl (Kara Zor-El)|Supergirl]]. Byrne also re-established Superman's adoptive parents, [[Ma and Pa Kent|The Kents]], as characters.<ref>[[John Byrne|Byrne, John]] (w)(p), [[Dick Giordano|Giordano, Dick]] (i). ''[[The Man of Steel]]'' Ed. [[Barry Marx]]. [[DC Comics]], 1987. ISBN 0-930289-28-5.</ref> In the previous continuity the characters had been written as having died early in Superman's life (about the time of Clark Kent's graduation from high school).
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| - | The 1990s saw Superman killed by the villain [[Doomsday (comics)|Doomsday]],<ref>[[Dan Jurgens|Jurgens, Dan]], [[Jerry Ordway|Ordway, Jerry]], [[Louise Simonson|Simonson, Louise]] et al (w), [[Dan Jurgens|Jurgens, Dan]], [[Jackson Guice|Guice, Jackson]], [[Jon Bogdanove|Bogdanove, Jon]], et al (p), [[Denis Rodier|Rodier, Denis]], [[Dennis Janke|Janke, Dennis]], [[Brett Breeding|Breeding, Brett]] et al (i). ''[[The Death of Superman]]'' Ed. [[Mike Carlin]]. NY:[[DC Comics]], April 14, 1993. ISBN 1-56389-097-6.</ref> although the character was soon resurrected.<ref>[[Dan Jurgens|Jurgens, Dan]], [[Karl Kesel|Kesel, Karl]], [[Louise Simonson|Simonson, Louise]] et al (w), [[Dan Jurgens|Jurgens, Dan]], [[Jackson Guice|Guice, Jackson]], [[Jon Bogdanove|Bogdanove, Jon]], et al (p), [[Denis Rodier|Rodier, Denis]], [[Dennis Janke|Janke, Dennis]], [[Brett Breeding|Breeding, Brett]] et al (i). ''The Return of Superman (Reign of the Supermen)'' Ed. [[Mike Carlin]]. NY:[[DC Comics]], September 3, 1993. ISBN 1-56389-149-2.</ref> Superman also marries Lois Lane in 1996. His origin is again revisited in 2004.<ref>[[Mark Waid|Waid, Mark]] (w), [[Leinil Francis Yu|Yu, Leinil Francis]] (a). ''[[Superman: Birthright]]''. NY:[[DC Comics]], October 1, 2005. ISBN 1-4012-0252-7.</ref> In 2006 Superman is stripped of his powers,<ref>[[Geoff Johns|Johns, Geoff]] (w), [[Phil Jimenez|Jimenez, Phil]], [[George Pérez|Pérez, George]], [[Jerry Ordway|Ordway, Jerry]] et al (a). ''[[Infinite Crisis]]''. NY:[[DC Comics]], September 20, 2006. ISBN 1401209599 ISBN 978-1401209599</ref> although these are restored within a fictional year.<ref>[[Geoff Johns|Johns, Geoff]], [[Kurt Busiek|Busiek, Kurt]] (w), [[Pete Woods|Woods, Peter]], [[Renato Guedes|Guedes, Renato]] (a). ''Superman: Up, Up and Away!'' NY:[[DC Comics]], 2006. ISBN 1401209548 ISBN 978-1401209544.</ref>
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| - | ===Personality===
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| - | In the original Siegel and Shuster stories, Superman's personality is rough and aggressive. The character was seen stepping in to stop [[domestic violence|wife beaters]], profiteers, a [[lynch mob]] and gangsters, with rather rough edges and a looser moral code than audiences may be used to today.<ref name="60Y2223"/> Later writers have softened the character, and instilled a sense of idealism and moral code of conduct. Although not as cold-blooded as the early [[Batman]], the Superman featured in the comics of the 1930s is unconcerned about the harm his strength may cause, tossing villainous characters in such a manner that fatalities would presumably occur, although these were seldom shown explicitly on the page. This came to an end late in 1940, when new editor [[Whitney Ellsworth]] instituted a code of conduct for his characters to follow, banning Superman from ever killing.<ref name="TCS42"/>
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| - | Today, Superman adheres to a strict moral code, often attributed to the [[Midwestern United States#Culture|Midwestern values]] with which he was raised. His commitment to operating within the law has been an example to many other heroes but has stirred resentment among others, who refer to him as the "big blue [[boy scout]]." Superman can be rather rigid in this trait, causing tensions in super hero community, notably with [[Wonder Woman]] (one of his closest friends) after she killed [[Maxwell Lord]].<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Greg Rucka|Rucka, Greg]] | Penciller = [[David Lopez|Lopez, David]] | Title = [[Wonder Woman]] | Volume =2 | Story = Affirmative Defense | Issue = 220 | Date = October 2005 | Publisher = [[DC Comics]] }}</ref>
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| - | Having lost his homeworld of Krypton, Superman is very protective of Earth, and especially of Clark Kent’s family and friends. This same loss, combined with the pressure of using his powers responsibly, has caused Superman to feel lonely on Earth, despite his many friends, his wife and his parents. Previous encounters with people he thought to be fellow Kryptonians, [[Power Girl]]<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Geoff Johns|Johns, Geoff]] | Penciller = [[Amanda Conner|Conner, Amanda]] | Inker = [[Jimmy Palmiotti|Palmiotti, Jimmy]] | Title = JSA: Classified | Volume =1 | Story = Power Trip | Issue = 1 | Date = September 2005 | Publisher = [[DC Comics]] }}</ref> (who is, in fact from the Krypton of the [[Earth-Two]] universe) and [[Mon-El]],<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Geoff Johns|Johns, Geoff]] [[Richard Donner|Donner, Richard]] | Penciller = [[Eric Wight|Wight, Eric]] | Inker = [[Eric Wight|Wight, Eric]] | Title = Action Comics Annual | Volume =1 | Story = Who is Clark Kent's Big Brother? | Issue = 10 | Date = March 2007 | Publisher = [[DC Comics]] }}</ref> have led to disappointment. The arrival of [[Supergirl (Kara Zor-El)|Supergirl]], who has been confirmed to be not only from Krypton, but also is his cousin, has relieved this loneliness somewhat.<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Kurt Busiek|Buskiek, Kurt]], [[Fabian Nicieza|Nicieza, Fabian]], [[Geoff Johns|Johns, Geoff]] | Penciller = [[Renato Guedes|Guedes, Renato]] | Inker = [[Jose Wilson Magalhaes|Magalhaes, Jose Wilson]] | Title = Action Comics | Volume =1 | Story = Superman: Family | Issue = 850 | Date = July 2007 | Publisher = [[DC Comics]] }}</ref>
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| - | In ''[[Superman/Batman]]'' #3 (December 2003), [[Batman]] observes, "It is a remarkable dichotomy. In many ways, Clark is the most human of us all. Then...he shoots fire from the skies, and it is difficult not to think of him as a god. And how fortunate we all are that it does not occur to ''him''."<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Jeph Loeb|Loeb, Jeph]] | Penciller = [[Ed McGuinness|McGuinness, Ed]] | Inker = [[Dexter Vines|Vines, Dexter]] | Title = [[Superman/Batman]] | Volume =1 | Story = Running Wild | Issue = 3 | Date = December 2003 | Publisher = [[DC Comics]] }}</ref> Later, as ''[[Infinite Crisis]]'' began, Batman admonished him for identifying with humanity too much and failing to provide the strong leadership that superhumans need.<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Geoff Johns|Johns, Geoff]] | Penciller = [[Phil Jimenez|Jimenez, Phil]] | Inker = [[Andy Lanning|Lanning, Andy]] | Title = [[Infinite Crisis]] | Volume =1 | Story = Infinite Crisis | Issue = 1 | Date = December 2005 | Publisher = [[DC Comics]] }}</ref>
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| - | ==Powers and abilities==
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| - | {{main|Powers and abilities of Superman}}
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| - | As an influential archetype of the superhero genre, Superman possesses extraordinary powers, with the character traditionally described as "faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound", a phrase coined by [[Jay Morton]] and first used in the ''Superman'' radio serials and [[Max Fleischer]] animated shorts of the 1940s<ref>{{cite news | title= Obituaries of note | date= September 25, 2003 | work= [[St. Petersburg Times]] | url= http://www.sptimes.com/2003/09/25/Worldandnation/Obituaries_of_note.shtml | publisher=[[Wire services]] | accessdate = 2006-12-08}}</ref> as well as the TV series of the 1950s. For most of his existence, Superman's famous arsenal of powers has included [[flight]], [[Superhuman strength|super-strength]], invulnerability to non-magical attacks, [[List of comic book superpowers#Superhuman speed|super-speed]], vision powers (including [[X-ray vision|x-ray]], [[Heat vision|heat]], telescopic, infra-red, and microscopic vision), super-hearing, and super-breath, which enables him to freeze objects by blowing on them, as well as exert the propulsive force of high-speed winds.<ref name="60Y80">Daniels (1995), p. 80.</ref>
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| - | As originally conceived and presented in his early stories, Superman's powers were relatively limited, consisting of superhuman strength that allowed him to lift a car over his head, run at amazing speeds and leap one-eighth of a mile, as well as incredibly tough skin that could be pierced by nothing less than an exploding artillery shell.<ref name="60Y80"/> Siegel and Shuster compared his strength and leaping abilities to an [[ant]] and a [[grasshopper]].<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Jerry Siegel|Siegel, Jerry]] | Artist =[[Joe Shuster|Shuster, Joe]] | Story = A Scientific Explanation of Superman's Amazing Strength--! | Title = Superman | Volume = 1 | Issue = 1 | Date = Summer 1939 | Publisher = [[National Periodical Publications]] }}</ref> When making the cartoons, the [[Fleischer Brothers]] found it difficult to keep animating him leaping and requested to DC to change his ability to flying.<ref>[[Leslie Cabarga|Cabarga, Leslie]], [[Jerry Beck|Beck, Jerry]], [[Richard Fleischer|Fleischer, Richard]] (Interviewees). (2006). "First Flight: The Fleischer Superman Series" (supplementary DVD documentary). ''[[Superman II]]'' (Two-Disc Special Edition) [DVD]. [[Warner Bros.]].</ref> Writers gradually increased his powers to larger extents during the [[Silver Age of Comic Books|Silver Age]], in which Superman could fly to other worlds and galaxies and even across universes with relative ease.<ref name="60Y80"/> He would often fly across the solar system to stop meteors from hitting the Earth, or sometimes just to clear his head. Writers found it increasingly difficult to write Superman stories in which the character was believably challenged,<ref name="TCS133">Daniels (1998), p. 133.</ref> so [[DC Comics]] made a series of attempts to rein the character in. The most significant attempt, [[John Byrne]]'s 1986 rewrite, established several hard limits on his abilities: He barely survives a nuclear blast, and his space flights are limited by how long he can hold his breath.<ref name="AH96">{{cite journal | last =Sanderson | first =Peter | year =1986 | month =June | title = The End of History | journal =Amazing Heroes | issue =96 | id ={{ISSN|0745-6506}} }}</ref> Superman's power levels have again increased since then, with Superman currently possessing enough strength to hurl mountains, withstand nuclear blasts with ease, fly into the sun unharmed, and survive in the [[Outer space#The "vacuum of space"|vacuum of outer space]] without oxygen.
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| - | The source of Superman's powers has changed subtly over the course of his history. It was originally stated that Superman's abilities derived from his Kryptonian heritage, which made him eons more evolved than [[humans]].<ref name="TCS42"/> This was soon amended, with the source for the powers now based upon the establishment of [[Krypton (comics)|Krypton's]] [[gravity]] as having been stronger than that of the [[Earth]]. This situation mirrors that of [[Edgar Rice Burroughs]]' [[John Carter of Mars|John Carter]]. As Superman's powers increased, the implication that all Kryptonians had possessed the same abilities became problematic for writers, making it doubtful that a race of such beings could have been wiped out by something as trifling as an exploding planet. In part to counter this, the Superman writers established that Kryptonians, whose native star [[Rao (comics)|Rao]] had been red, only possessed superpowers under the light of a yellow [[sun]].<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13556951/ | title =Sex and the Superman | accessdate =2007-01-26 | last =Lundegaard | first =Erik | date = July 3, 2006 | publisher =[[MSNBC]] | quote =Even his origin kept changing. Initially Krypton was populated by a race of supermen whose physical structure was millions of years more advanced than our own. Eventually the red sun/yellow sun dynamic was introduced, where Superman's level of power is dependent upon the amount of yellow solar radiation his cells have absorbed. }}</ref> More recent stories have attempted to find a balance between the two explanations.
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| - | Superman is most vulnerable to green [[Kryptonite]], mineral debris from [[Krypton (planet)|Krypton]] transformed into radioactive material by the forces that destroyed the planet. Exposure to green [[Kryptonite]] radiation nullifies Superman's powers and immobilizes him with pain; prolonged exposure will eventually kill him. The only mineral on Earth that can protect him from Kryptonite is lead, which blocks the radiation. Lead is also the only known substance that Superman cannot see through with his x-ray vision. Kryptonite was first introduced to the public in 1943 as a [[plot device]] to allow the radio serial [[voice actor]], [[Bud Collyer]], to take some time off.<ref name="TIME14388"/> Although green Kryptonite is the most commonly seen form writers have introduced other forms over the years: such as red, gold, blue, white, and black, each with its own effect.<ref name="TCS106107">Daniels (1998), pp. 106–107.</ref>
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| - | ==Supporting cast==
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| - | {{main|Superman character and cast}}
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| - | [[Clark Kent]], Superman's [[secret identity]], was based partly on [[Harold Lloyd]] and named after [[Clark Gable]] and [[Kent Taylor]].<ref>{{cite news | first=John | last=Gross | title=Books of the Times | date=December 15, 1987 | publisher=[[New York Times]] | url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DE3DC1F38F936A25751C1A961948260 |accessdate=2007-01-29 }}</ref> Creators have discussed the idea of whether Superman pretends to be Clark Kent or [[vice versa]], and at differing times in the publication either approach has been adopted.<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.newsarama.com/TwoMorrows/BackIssue/20/BackIssue20.html | title = From Back Issue 20: Pro 2 Pro: A Clark Kent Roundtable | accessdate =2007-01-31 | last =Zeno | first =Eddy | authorlink =Eddy Zeno | date =December 25, 2006 | format =excerpted from <!-- NOTE TO AWB USERS: PLEASE DO NOT ADD AN END OF TEMPLATE HERE, THE TEMPLATE CONTINUES, THIS IS AN INSTANCE OF ONE TEMPLATE ENCODED INSIDE ANOTHER. THANKS -->{{cite journal | year =2007 | month =January | title =The Clark Kent Roundtable | journal =Back Issue | issue =20 }} | work =newsarama.com | publisher =published on web by [[newsarama]], in print by [[TwoMorrow]] }}</ref><ref name="TKC119">Eury (2006), p. 119.</ref> Although typically a [[journalist|newspaper reporter]], during the 1970s the character left the ''[[Daily Planet]]'' for a time to work for television,<ref name="TKC119"/> whilst the 1980s revamp by [[John Byrne]] saw the character become somewhat more aggressive.<ref name="AH96"/> This aggressiveness has since faded with subsequent creators restoring the mild mannerisms traditional to the character.
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| - | Superman's large cast of supporting characters includes [[Lois Lane]], perhaps the character most commonly associated with Superman, being portrayed at different times as his colleague, competitor, love interest and/or wife. Other main supporting characters include ''[[Daily Planet]]'' coworkers such as photographer [[Jimmy Olsen]] and editor [[Perry White]], [[Clark Kent]]'s adopted parents [[Ma and Pa Kent|Jonathan]] and [[Martha Kent]], childhood sweetheart [[Lana Lang]] and best friend [[Pete Ross]], and former college love interest [[Lori Lemaris]] (a [[mermaid]]). Stories making reference to the possibility of Superman siring children have been featured both in and out of mainstream continuity.
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| - | Incarnations of [[Supergirl]], [[Krypto|Krypto the Superdog]], and [[Superboy]] have also been major characters in the mythos, as well as the [[Justice League|Justice League of America]] (of which Superman is usually a member). A feature shared by several supporting characters is [[alliteration|alliterative]] names, especially with the initials "LL", including [[Lex Luthor]], [[Lois Lane]], [[Supergirl (Kara Zor-El)|Linda Lee]], [[Lana Lang]], [[Lori Lemaris]] and [[Lucy Lane]],<ref>{{ Comic book reference | story=Superman's LL's [Text page] | title=[[Superman (comic book)|Superman]] | issue=204 | date=February, 1968 | | publisher=[[DC Comics]] }}</ref> alliteration being common in early comics.
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| - | Team-ups with fellow comics icon [[Batman]] are common, inspiring many stories over the years. When paired, they are often referred to as the "World's Finest" in a nod to the name of the comic book series that features many team-up stories. In 2003, DC Comics began to publish a new series featuring the two characters titled ''[[Superman/Batman]]''.
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| - | Superman also has a [[rogues gallery]] of enemies, including his most well-known nemesis, [[Lex Luthor]], who has been envisioned over the years in various forms as either a [[mad scientist|rogue scientific genius]] with a personal vendetta against Superman, or a powerful but corrupt [[CEO]] of a conglomerate called [[LexCorp]].<ref name="TCS160">Daniels (1998), p. 160.</ref> In the 2000s, he even becomes [[President of the United States]],<ref>[[J.M. DeMatteis|, DeMatteis, J.M.]], [[Joe Kelly|Kelly, Joe]], [[Jeph Loeb|Loeb, Jeph]] ''et al'' (w), [[Ed McGuinness|McGuinness, Ed]], [[Duncan Rouleau|Rouleau, Duncan]], [[Paco Medina|Medina, Paco]] (a). ''Superman: President Lex'', NY:[[DC Comics]], July 1, 2003. ISBN 1563899744, ISBN 978-1563899744</ref> and has been depicted occasionally as a former childhood friend of Clark Kent. The alien [[android]] (in most incarnations) known as [[Brainiac (comics)|Brainiac]] is considered by Richard George to be the second most effective enemy of Superman.<ref>{{cite web | author = George, Richard | title = Superman's Dirty Dozen | publisher = IGN |page=2 | date = [[2006-06-22]] | url = http://uk.comics.ign.com/articles/713/713953p2.html | accessdate = 2007-01-11}}</ref> The enemy that accomplished the most, by actually killing Superman, is the raging monster [[Doomsday (comics)|Doomsday]]. [[Darkseid]], one of the most powerful beings in the [[DC Universe]], is also a formidable nemesis in most post-[[Crisis on Infinite Earths|Crisis]] comics. Other enemies who have featured in various incarnations of the character, from comic books to film and television include the fifth-dimensional [[imp]] [[Mr. Mxyzptlk]], the reverse Superman known as [[Bizarro]] and the Kryptonian criminal [[General Zod]].
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| - | ==Cultural impact==
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| - | Superman has come to be seen as both an American cultural icon<ref>{{cite book | last=Magnussen | first=Anne | coauthors=Hans-Christian
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| - | Christiansen | year=2000 | title=Comics & Culture: Analytical and Theoretical Approaches to Comics| publisher= Museum Tusculanum Press | id=ISBN 8772895802 | quote=a metaphor and cultural icon for the 21st century }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | last=Postmes | first=Tom | coauthors=Jolanda
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| - | Jetten | year=2006 | title=Individuality and the Group: Advances in Social Identity | edition= | publisher=Sage Publications | id=ISBN 1412903211 | quote=American cultural icons (e.g., the American Flag, Superman, the Statue of Liberty) }}</ref> and the first comic book superhero. His adventures and popularity have established the character as an inspiring force within the public eye, with the character serving as inspiration for musicians, comedians and writers alike.
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| - | ===Inspiring a market===
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| - | The character's initial success led to similar characters being created.<ref>Eury (2006), p. 116: "since Superman inspired so many different super-heroes".</ref><ref>{{cite book |last= Hatfield |first= Charles |authorlink=Charles Hatfield |title= Alternative Comics: an emerging literature |origyear= 2005 |publisher= University Press of Mississippi |isbn=1578067197 |page= 10 |quote= the various Superman-inspired "costume" comics }}</ref> [[Batman]] was the first to follow, [[Bob Kane]] commenting to [[Vin Sullivan]] that given the "kind of money (Siegel and Shuster were earning) you'll have one on Monday".<ref name="60Y34">Daniels (1995), p. 34.</ref> Victor Fox, an accountant for [[DC Comics|DC]], also noticed the revenue such comics generated, and commissioned [[Will Eisner]] to create a [[Wonder Man (Fox Publications)|deliberately similar character]] to Superman. ''Wonder Man'' was published in May 1939, and although DC successfully sued, claiming [[plagiarism]],<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.publaw.com/graphical.html | title =Protection of Graphic Characters | accessdate =2007-01-16 | author =Lloyd L. Rich | publisher =Publishing Law Center | quote =the court found that the character Superman was infringed in a competing comic book publication featuring the character Wonderman }}</ref> Fox had decided to cease publishing the character. Fox later had more success with the [[Blue Beetle]]. [[Fawcett Comics]]' [[Captain Marvel (DC Comics)|Captain Marvel]], launched in 1940, was Superman's main rival for popularity throughout the 1940s, and was again the subject of a lawsuit, which Fawcett eventually settled in 1953, a settlement which involved the cessation of the publication of the character's adventures.<ref name="60Y4647">Daniels (1995), pp. 46–47.</ref> [[Superhero]] comics are now established as the dominant genre in [[American comic book]] publishing,<ref>{{cite journal | last =Singer | first =Marc | year =2002 | month =Spring | title ="Black Skins" and White Masks: Comic Books and the Secret of Race | journal =African American Review | volume =36 | issue =1 | pages =107–119 | doi =10.2307/2903369 | url =http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=1062-4783(200221)36%3A1%3C107%3A%22SAWMC%3E2.0.CO%3B2-J | format =embedded image of first page | accessmonthday = January 16 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> with many thousands of characters in the tradition having been created in the years since Superman's creation.<ref>{{cite book | last= | first= | authorlink= | year=2006 | title=South Carolina PACT Coach, English Language Arts Grade 5 | edition= | publisher=Triumph Learning | id=ISBN 1598230778 }}</ref>
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| - | ===Merchandising===
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| - | Superman became popular very quickly, with an additional title, ''Superman Quarterly'' quickly added. In 1940 the character was represented in the annual [[Macy's parade]] for the first time.<ref>Staff writer. "Superman Struts In Macy Parade". ''[[New York Times]]'', November 22, 1940. p.18</ref> In fact Superman had become popular to the extent that in 1942, with sales of the character's three titles standing at a combined total of over 1.5 million, ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' was reporting that "the Navy Department (had) ruled that Superman comic books should be included among essential supplies destined for the Marine garrison at Midway Islands."<ref>{{cite news | author=Staff writer | title=Superman's Dilemma | date=April 13, 1942 |accessdate= 2007-01-29| publisher=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] | url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,766523,00.html }}</ref> The character was soon [[licensed]] by companies keen to cash in on this success through [[merchandising]]. The earliest paraphernalia appeared in 1939, a [[Campaign button|button]] proclaiming membership in the Supermen of America club. By 1940 the amount of merchandise available increased dramatically, with [[jigsaw puzzles]], [[doll|paper dolls]], [[bubble gum]] and [[trading cards]] available, as well as wooden or metal [[action figure|figures]]. The popularity of such merchandise increased when Superman was licensed to appear in other media, and Les Daniels has written that this represents "the start of the process that media moguls of later decades would describe as '[[synergy]].'"<ref name="TCS50">Daniels (1998), p. 50.</ref> By the release of ''[[Superman Returns]]'', [[Warner Bros.]] had arranged a cross promotion with [[Burger King]],<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1534100/20060612/story.jhtml | title =The 'Superman' Fanboy Dilemma, Part 4: Come On Feel The Toyz | accessdate =2007-01-16 | author =Karl Heitmueller | date =June 13, 2006 | format =Flash | publisher =MTV News | quote =Warner Bros. has "Superman Returns" licensing deals with Mattel, Pepsi, Burger King, Duracell, Samsung, EA Games and Quaker State Motor Oil, to name a few. }}</ref> and licensed many other products for sale.
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| - | Superman's appeal to licensees rests upon the character's continuing popularity, cross market appeal and the status of the "S" shield, the stylized magenta and gold "S" emblem Superman wears on his chest, as a fashion symbol.<ref>{{cite news | first=David | last=Lieberman | title=Classics are back in licensed gear | date=June 21, 2005 |accessdate= 2007-01-29| publisher=[[USA Today]] | url=http://www.usatoday.com/money/advertising/2005-06-20-licensing_x.htm }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title=Warner Bros. Consumer Products Flies High with DC Comics' Superman at Licensing 2005 International; Franchise Set to Reach New Heights in 2005 Leading Up to Feature Film Release of Superman Returns in June 2006 |publisher=Business Wire |date= June 16, 2005 |url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2005_June_16/ai_n13816862 | accessdate=2007-01-16 |quote=With a super hero that transcends all demographics" ... and ... "S-Shield, which continues to be a fashion symbol and hot trend }}</ref>
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| - | The "S" shield by itself is often used in media to symbolize the Superman character. It has been incorporated into the opening and/or closing credits of several films and TV series.
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| - | ===In other media===
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| - | {{main|Superman in other media}}
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| - | [[Image:Fleishersuperman.jpg|200px|left|thumb|The 1941 theatrical cartoon ''[[Superman (1940s cartoons)|Superman]]'', produced by the [[Fleischer Studios]].]]The character of Superman has appeared in various media aside from comic books. This is in some part seen to be owing to the character's cited standing as an American cultural icon,<ref>{{cite journal | last =Jones | first =Cary M. | authorlink =Cary M. Jones | year =2006 | month =Winter | title =Smallville and New Media mythmaking; Twenty-first century Superman | journal =Jump Cut| issue =48 | url =http://web.archive.org/web/20070416235131/http://www.ejumpcut.org/currentissue/SmallvilleFans/index.html | accessdate = 2008-07-04 |format=}}</ref> with the concept's continued popularity also being taken into consideration,<ref>{{cite news |first=Mark |last=Juddery |authorlink=Mark Juddery |author= |coauthors= |title=Jacob 'Jack' Liebowitz |url=http://www.markjuddery.com/html/tributes/2000_jacob_liebowitz.html |work= [[The Australian]] |publisher=Mark Juddery |month= October | year= 2000 |accessdate=2007-01-09 |quote=Superman's popularity increased during the war years, spinning off into a comic strip }}</ref> but is also seen in part as due to good marketing initially.<ref name="TCS50"/> The character has been developed as a vehicle for serials on [[radio]], [[television]] and [[film]], as well as [[Superman film series|feature length motion pictures]], and [[Video game|computer and video games]] have also been developed featuring the character on multiple occasions.
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| - | The first adaptation of Superman was as a daily newspaper [[comic strip]], launching on January 16, 1939. The strip ran until May 1966, and significantly, Siegel and Shuster used the first strips to establish Superman's backstory, adding details such as the planet Krypton and Superman's father, [[Jor-El]], concepts not yet established in the comic books.<ref name="TCS42"/> Following on from the success of this was the first [[radio]] series, ''[[The Adventures of Superman (radio)|The Adventures of Superman]]'', which premiered on February 12, 1940 and featured the voice of [[Bud Collyer]] as Superman. The series ran until March, 1951. Collyer was also cast as the voice of Superman in a series of ''Superman'' [[Superman (1940s cartoons)|animated cartoons]] produced by [[Fleischer Studios]] and [[Famous Studios]] for theatrical release. Seventeen shorts were produced between 1941 and 1943. By 1948 Superman was back in the movie theatres, this time in a filmed [[serial (film)|serial]], ''[[Superman (serial)|Superman]]'', with [[Kirk Alyn]] becoming the first actor to portray Superman on screen. A second serial, ''[[Atom Man vs. Superman]]'', followed in 1950.<ref name="TCS7576">Daniels (1998), pp. 75–76.</ref>
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| - | In 1951 a television series was commissioned, ''[[Adventures of Superman (TV series)|Adventures of Superman]]'' starring [[George Reeves]], with the pilot episode of the series gaining a theatrical release as ''[[Superman and the Mole Men]]''. The series ran for a 104 episodes, from 1952–1958. The next adaptation of Superman occurred in 1966, when Superman was adapted for the stage in the [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] [[musical theatre|musical]] ''[[It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman]]''. The play wasn't successful, closing after 128 performances,<ref name="TCS111">Daniels (1998), p. 111.</ref> although a [[cast album]] recording was released.<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.amazon.com/Bird-Plane-Superman-Original-Broadway/dp/B0000027WB | title =Amazon.com: It's A Bird ... It's A Plane ... It's Superman (1966 Original Broadway Cast): Music: Charles Strouse, Lee Adams | accessdate =2007-01-11 | publisher =Amazon.com |}}</ref> However, in 1975 the play was remade for television. Superman was again animated, this time for television, in the series "[[The New Adventures of Superman (TV series)|The New Adventures of Superman]]". 68 shorts were made and broadcast between 1966 and 1969. Bud Collyer again provided the voice for Superman. Then from 1973 until 1984 [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] broadcast the "[[Super Friends]]" series, this time animated by [[Hanna-Barbera]].<ref name="TCS111115">Daniels (1998), pp. 111–115</ref>
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| - | Superman returned to movie theatres in 1978, with director Richard Donner's ''[[Superman (film)|Superman]]'' starring [[Christopher Reeve]]. The film spawned three sequels, ''[[Superman II]]'' (1980), ''[[Superman III]]'' (1983) and ''[[Superman IV: The Quest For Peace]]'' (1987).<ref name="TCS141143">Daniels (1998), pp. 141–143</ref> In 1988 Superman returned to television in the [[Ruby Spears]] animated series ''[[Superman (1988 TV series)|Superman]]'',<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.rubyspears.com/film.shtml#C | title =About Us | accessdate =2007-01-11 |work=Ruby-Spears website |publisher=Ruby-Spears Productions | quote = Ruby-Spears pulled the coup of the 1988–89 season by acquiring the rights to two heavily sought after properties. Debuting that September on CBS was the classic, ''Superman'', which celebrated its 50th anniversary, and it was with much acclaim that Ruby-Spears was selected to produce the animated series for the network schedule. }}</ref> and also in ''[[Superboy (TV series)|Superboy]]'', a [[live action]] series which ran from 1988 until 1992.<ref name="TCS164165">Daniels (1998), pp. 164–165.</ref> In 1993 ''[[Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman]]'' premiered on television, starring [[Dean Cain]] as Superman and [[Teri Hatcher]] as [[Lois Lane]]. The series ran until 1997. ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]'' was produced by [[Warner Bros.]] and ran from 1996 until 2000 on [[The WB Television Network]].<ref name="TCS172174">Daniels (1998), pp. 172–174.</ref> In 2001, the ''[[Smallville (TV series)|Smallville]]'' television series launched, focussing on the adventures of [[Clark Kent]] as a teenager before he dons the mantle of Superman.<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0279600/ | title ="Smallville" (2001) | accessdate =2007-01-11 | publisher =imdb.com}}</ref> In 2006, [[Bryan Singer]] directed ''[[Superman Returns]]'', starring [[Brandon Routh]] as Superman.<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0348150/ | title =Superman Returns (2006) | accessdate =2007-01-11 | publisher =imdb.com}}</ref>
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| - | ===Musical references, parodies, and homages===
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| - | {{See also|Superman in popular culture#Superman in popular music|l1=Superman in popular music}}
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| - | Superman has also featured as an inspiration for musicians, with songs by numerous artists from several generations celebrating the character. [[Donovan]]'s [[Billboard Hot 100]] topping single "[[Sunshine Superman]]" utilised the character in both the title and the lyric, declaring "Superman and [[Green Lantern]] ain't got nothing on me".<ref>[[Donovan]]. "[[Sunshine Superman]]." ''[[Sunshine Superman (album)|Sunshine Superman]]''. [[Epic Records|Epic]], 1966.</ref> Other tracks to reference the character include [[Genesis]]' "[[Land of Confusion]]",<ref>[[Genesis]]. "[[Land of Confusion]]." ''[[Invisible Touch]]''. [[Atlantic Records]], 1986. "Ooh Superman where are you now, When everything's gone wrong somehow"</ref> the video to which featured a [[Spitting Image]] [[puppet]] of [[Ronald Reagan]] dressed as Superman,<ref>{{cite video | people =[[John Lloyd (writer)|Lloyd, John]] & Yukich, Jim (Directors) | year =1986 | title ="[[Land of Confusion]]" | medium =Music video | publisher =[[Atlantic Records]]}}</ref> "(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman" by [[The Kinks]] on their 1979 album ''[[Low Budget (album)|Low Budget]]'' and "Superman" by [[The Clique (Texas band)|The Clique]], a track later covered by [[R.E.M. (band)|R.E.M.]] on their 1986 album ''[[Lifes Rich Pageant]]''. This cover is referenced by [[Grant Morrison]] in ''Animal Man'', in which Superman meets the character, and the track comes on [[Animal Man]]'s [[walkman]] immediately after.<ref>{{cite book |last=Morrison (w)|first=Grant |authorlink=Grant Morrison |coauthors=[[Chas Truog|Truog, Chas]], [[Doug Hazelwood|Hazlewood, Doug]] and [[Tom Grummett|Grummet, Tom]] (a) |editor=Michael Charles Hill (ed.)|others=[[John Costanza]] ([[letterer]]) & [[Tatjana Wood]] ([[colorist]]) |title=Animal Man |origyear=1991 |edition=1st edition |publisher=[[DC Comics]] |location=[[New York]] |isbn=1-56389-005-4 |page=45 |chapter=2: Life In The Concrete Jungle |quote=R.E.M. starts singing "Superman." My arm aches and I've got '''déjà vu'''. Funny how everything comes together. }}</ref>
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| - | Parodies of Superman did not take long to appear, with ''[[Mighty Mouse]]'' introduced in "The Mouse of Tomorrow" animated short in 1942.<ref>{{cite news |first=Robin |last=Turner|title=Deputy Dawg |work=[[Western Mail]] |publisher=[[Western Mail and Echo Ltd]] |page=21 |date=August 8, 2006}}</ref> Whilst the character swiftly took on a life of its own, moving beyond parody, other animated characters soon took their turn to parody the character. In 1943 [[Bugs Bunny]] was featured in a short, ''[[Super-Rabbit]]'', which sees the character gaining powers through eating fortified carrots. This short ends with Bugs stepping into a phone booth to change into a real "Superman", and emerging as a [[U.S. Marine]].<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036402/ | title =Super-Rabbit (1943) | accessdate =2007-01-16 | publisher =[[Internet Movie Database]] }}</ref> In 1956 [[Daffy Duck]] assumes the mantle of "Cluck Trent" in the short "Stupor Duck", a role later reprised in various issues of the ''Looney Tunes'' comic book.<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049807/ | title =Stupor Duck (1956) | accessdate =2007-01-16 | publisher =[[Internet Movie Database]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.comics-db.com/comic-book/1046821-Looney_Tunes_97.html | title = Looney Tunes # 97 | accessdate =2007-01-16 | publisher =Big Comicbook Database}}</ref> In the United Kingdom [[Monty Python]] created the character Bicycle Repairman, who fixes bicycles on a world full of Supermen, for a sketch in series of their BBC show.<ref>{{cite news | first=Mel | last=Clarke | title=The Pitch | work =[[The Sunday Times (UK)|The Sunday Times]] |publisher=[[Times Newspapers Ltd]] | page=34 | date=August 1, 2004 }}</ref> Also on the BBC was the [[sit-com]] "[[My Hero (TV series)|My Hero]]", which presented Thermoman as a slightly dense Superman pastiche, attempting to save the world and pursue romantic aspirations.<ref>{{cite news |first=Sally |last=Kinnes |title=The One To Watch |work=[[The Sunday Times (UK)|The Sunday Times]] |publisher=[[Times Newspapers Ltd]] |page=58 |date=January 30, 2000 }}</ref> In the United States, ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' has often parodied the figure, with [[Margot Kidder]] reprising her role as Lois Lane in a 1979 episode.<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0694925/ | title ="Saturday Night Live" Episode #4.15 (1979) | accessdate =2007-01-16 | publisher =[[Internet Movie Database]] }}</ref> [[Jerry Seinfeld]], a noted Superman fan, filled his series ''[[Seinfeld]]'' with references to the character, and in 1997 asked for Superman to co-star with him in a commercial for [[American Express]]. The commercial aired during the [[NFL playoffs, 1997-98|1998 NFL Playoffs]] and [[Super Bowl]], Superman animated in the style of artist [[Curt Swan]], again at the request of Seinfeld.<ref name="TCS185">Daniels (1998), p. 185.</ref>
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| - | Superman has also been used as reference point for writers, with [[Steven T. Seagle's]] graphic novel ''Superman: It's a Bird'' exploring Seagle's feelings on his own mortality as he struggles to develop a story for a Superman tale.<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.ugo.com/channels/comics/features/itsabird/default.asp | title =Steven Seagle Talks ''It's a Bird'' | accessdate =2007-01-16 | publisher =ugo.com | quote =the semi-autobiographical tale of Steven being given the chance to write a Superman comic, but stumbling when he can't figure out how to relate to the character. Through the course of the story, Seagle finds his way into Superman by looking at it through the lens of his own mortality. }}</ref> [[Brad Fraser]] used the character as a reference point for his play ''Poor Super Man'', with ''[[The Independent]]'' noting the central character, a gay man who has lost many friends to [[AIDS]] as someone who "identifies all the more keenly with Superman's alien-amid-deceptive-lookalikes status."<ref>{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Taylor |title=Theatre |work=[[The Independent]] |publisher=[[Independent News & Media]] |date=September 21, 1994}}</ref>
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| - | ===Literary analysis===
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| - | Superman has been interpreted and discussed in many forms in the years since his debut. The character's status as the first costumed superhero has allowed him to be used in many studies discussing the genre, [[Umberto Eco]] noting that "he can be seen as the representative of all his similars".<ref>{{cite book |last=Eco |first=Umberto |authorlink=Umberto Eco |coauthors= |editor=Jeet Heer & Kent Worcester |title=Arguing Comics |origdate=1962 |year=2004 |publisher=University Press of Mississippi |isbn=1-57806-687-5|page=162 |chapter=The Myth of Superman }}</ref> Writing in ''[[Time Magazine]]'' in 1971, [[Gerald Clarke]] stated: "Superman's enormous popularity might be looked upon as signalling the beginning of the end for the [[Horatio Alger]] myth of the self-made man." Clarke viewed the comics characters as having to continuously update in order to maintain relevance, and thus representing the mood of the nation. He regarded Superman's character in the early seventies as a comment on the modern world, which he saw as a place in which "only the man with superpowers can survive and prosper."<ref>{{cite news |first=Gerald |last=Clarke |authorlink=Gerald Clarke|title=The Comics On The Couch |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,842864,00.html | work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |publisher=[[Time Warner]] |id={{ISSN|0040-781X}} |pages=1–4 |date=December 13, 1971 |accessdate=2007-01-29 }}</ref> Andrew Arnold, writing in the early 21st century, has noted Superman's partial role in exploring assimilation, the character's alien status allowing the reader to explore attempts to fit in on a somewhat superficial level.<ref>{{cite news |first=Andrew |last=Arnold |authorlink=Andrew Arnold |title=The Hard Knock Life |url=http://www.time.com/time/columnist/arnold/article/0,9565,1115061,00.html |work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |publisher=[[Time Warner]] |id={{ISSN|0040-781X}} |accessdate=2007-01-29 |quote=much of The Quitter involves the classic American literary theme of assimilation. Though extremely popular in other mediums, this theme, again, has gotten little attention in comix except obliquely, through such genre works as Seigel and Shuster's Superman character. }}</ref>
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| - | [[Image:Clark-Kent.gif|thumb|left|Clark Kent, argued by [[Jules Feiffer]] to be the most innovative feature of Superman]]<!-- FAIR USE of Clark-Kent.gif: see image description page at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Clark-Kent.gif for rationale -->
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| - | A.C. Grayling, writing in ''[[The Spectator]]'', traces Superman's stances through the decades, from his 1930s campaign against crime being relevant to a nation under the influence of [[Al Capone]], through the 1940s and [[World War II]], a period in which Superman helped sell [[war bonds]],<ref name="60Y64">Daniels (1995), p. 64.</ref> and into the 1950s, where Superman explored the new technological threats. Grayling notes the period after the [[Cold War]] as being one where "matters become merely personal: the task of pitting his brawn against the brains of Lex Luthor and Brainiac appeared to be independent of bigger questions", and discusses events post [[9/11]], stating that as a nation "caught between the terrifying [[George W. Bush]] and the terrorist [[Osama bin Laden]], America is in earnest need of a Saviour for everything from the minor inconveniences to the major horrors of world catastrophe. And here he is, the down-home clean-cut boy in the blue tights and red cape".<ref>{{cite news |first=A C |last=Grayling |title=The Philosophy of Superman: A Short Course |url=http://www.spectator.co.uk/archive/features/23525/the-philosophy-of-superman.thtml |format=Fee required |work=[[The Spectator]] |publisher=Press Holdings |id={{ISSN|0038-6952}} |date=July 8, 2006 |accessdate=2007-01-29 }}</ref>
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| - | [[Scott Bukatman]] has discussed Superman, and the superhero in general, noting the ways in which they humanize large urban areas through their use of the space, especially in Superman's ability to soar over the large skyscrapers of [[Metropolis]]. He writes that the character "represented, in 1938, a kind of [[Le Corbusier|Corbusierian]] ideal. Superman has X-ray vision: walls become permeable, transparent. Through his benign, controlled authority, Superman renders the city open, modernist and democratic; he furthers a sense that Le Corbusier described in 1925, namely, that 'Everything is known to us'."<ref name="MOG"/>
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| - | [[Jules Feiffer]] has argued that Superman's real innovation lay in the creation of the Clark Kent persona, noting that what "made Superman extraordinary was his point of origin: Clark Kent." Feiffer develops the theme to establish Superman's popularity in simple wish fulfilment,<ref>[[Jules Feiffer]] ''The Great Comic Book Heroes'', (2003). [[Fantagraphics]]. ISBN 1-56097-501-6</ref> a point Siegel and Shuster themselves supported, Siegel commenting that "If you're interested in what made Superman what it is, here's one of the keys to what made it universally acceptable. Joe and I had certain inhibitions... which led to wish-fulfillment which we expressed through our interest in science fiction and our comic strip. That's where the dual-identity concept came from" and Shuster supporting that as being "why so many people could relate to it".<ref>Andrae (1983), [http://web.archive.org/web/20031207220852/superman.ws/seventy/interview/?part=10 p.10].</ref>
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| - | ===Critical reception and popularity===
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| - | The character Superman and his various comic series have received various awards over the years. ''[[The Death of Superman#The Reign of the Supermen|The Reign of the Supermen]]'' is one of many storylines or works to have received a ''[[Comics Buyer's Guide]]'' Fan Award, winning the Favorite Comic Book Story category in 1993.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.cbgxtra.com/default.aspx?tabid=42&view=topic&forumid=34&postid=147| title = CBG Fan Awards Archives| accessdate = 2007-01-29| last = Miller| first = John Jackson| authorlink = John Jackson Miller| date = June 9, 2005| | work = www.cbgxtra.com| publisher = [[Krause Publications]]| quote = CBG Fan Award winners 1982–present}}</ref> Superman came at number 2 in ''VH1's Top Pop Culture Icons 2004''.<ref name="200greatest">{{cite news | title= 200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons List: The Folks that Have Impacted American Society |url= http://www.azreporter.com/entertainment/television/news/200popicons.shtml |publisher= Arizona Reporter | date=October 27, 2003 | accessdate=2006-12-08}} Syndicated reprint of a Newsweek article </ref> In the same year British cinemagoers voted Superman as the greatest superhero of all time.<ref>{{cite news | title = Superman is 'greatest superhero' | publisher = BBC | date = [[2004-12-22]] | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/film/4090207.stm | accessdate=2007-02-18}}</ref> Works featuring the character have also garnered six [[Eisner Awards]]<ref>{{cite web| url =http://users.rcn.com/aardy/comics/awards/eisnersum.shtml | title =Will Eisner Comic Industry Award: Summary of Winners | accessdate =2007-01-17 | author =Joel Hahn | year =2006 | work =Comic Book Awards Almanac | publisher =Joel Hahn}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci_eisners_06rcv.shtml | title =Alan Moore Back on Top for 2006 Eisner Awards | accessdate =2007-01-17 | date =July | month =2006 | publisher =Comic-Con International }}</ref> and three [[Harvey Awards]],<ref>{{cite web| url =http://users.rcn.com/aardy/comics/awards/harveysum.shtml | title =Will Harvey Award Winners Summary | accessdate =2007-01-17 | author =Joel Hahn | year =2006 | work =Comic Book Awards Almanac | publisher =Joel Hahn}}</ref> either for the works themselves or the creators of the works. The Superman films have, [[as of 2007]], received a number of nominations and awards, with [[Christopher Reeve]] winning a [[BAFTA]] for his performance in ''[[Superman (film)|Superman]]''.<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078346/awards | title =Awards for Superman (1978) | accessdate =2007-01-17| work =Superman (1978) | publisher =[[Internet Movie Database]] }}</ref> The ''[[Smallville (TV Series)|Smallville]]'' television series has garnered [[Emmy]]s for [[crew]] members and various other awards.<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0279600/awards | title =Awards for "Smallville" (2001) | accessdate =2007-01-17| work ="Smallville" (2001) | publisher =[[Internet Movie Database]]}}</ref> Superman as a character is still seen as being as relevant now as he has been in the seventy years of his existence.<ref>{{cite book |last=Wright |first=B. W. |authorlink=B. W. Wright |title=Comic Book Nation: The Transformation of Youth Culture in America |year=2001 |publisher=The Johns Hopkins University |location=Baltimore|isbn=0801874505 |page=293 |chapter=Spider-Man at Ground Zero }}</ref>
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| - | ==Notes==
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| - | {{Reflist|3}}
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| | ==References== | | ==References== |
| - | {{refbegin}}
| + | The [http://www.supermanhomepage.com/news.php Superman Home Page] <br> |
| - | * {{cite journal | year =1983 | month =August |title=Of Superman and Kids With Dreams | last =Andrae | first =Tom | authorlink =Tom Andrae | coauthors =Blum, Geoffry & Coddington, Gary | journal =[[Nemo, the Classic Comics Library]] | issue =2 | pages =6–19 | id ={{ISSN|07469438}}}}
| + | The [http://www.comicbookdb.com/character.php?ID=96 Comic Book Database] <br> |
| - | * {{cite book | last=Daniels | first=Les | authorlink=Les Daniels | year=1998 | title=Superman: The Complete History | edition=1st edition | publisher=[[Titan Books]] | id=ISBN 1-85286-988-7 }}
| + | There's always more info at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superman Wikipedia]. |
| - | * {{cite book | last=Daniels | first=Les | authorlink=Les Daniels | year=1995 | title=DC Comics: Sixty Years of the World's Favourite Comic Book Heroes | edition=First | publisher=[[Virgin Books]] | id=ISBN 1-85227-546-4 }}
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| - | * {{cite journal | last = Dean | first = Michael |authorlink=Michael W. Dean | title = An Extraordinarily Marketable Man: The Ongoing Struggle for Ownership of Superman and Superboy | journal = [[The Comics Journal]] | issue = 263 | pages =13–17 | date = [[2004-10-14]] | url = http://www.tcj.com/263/n_marketable.html | accessdate = 2006-12-22}}
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| - | * {{cite book |last=Eury |first=Michael |authorlink=Michael Eury |coauthors=[[Neal Adams|Adams, Neal]], [[Curt Swan|Swan, Curt]] ''et al''. |title=The Krypton Companion |origdate=July 27, 2006|publisher=[[TwoMorrows Publishing]] |isbn=1893905616}}
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| - | * {{comicbookdb|type=character|id=296|title=Superman}}
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| - | * {{gcdb|type=character|search=Superman|title=Superman}}
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| - | * [http://www.comics-db.com/comics/search.cgi?query=&Characters=Superman Superman] at the [[Big Comic Book DataBase]]
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| - | * {{imdb character|0000196|Superman}}
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| - | {{refend}}
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| - | ==External links==
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| - | {{wiktionary|Superman}}
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| - | {{Commonscat|Superman}}
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| - | {{wikiquote}}
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| - | * [http://www.superman.com/ Official Superman website]
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| - | * [http://www.comicbookdb.com/character.php?ID=190 Golden Age], [http://www.comicbookdb.com/character.php?ID=296 Silver Age] and [http://www.comicbookdb.com/character.php?ID=96 Modern Age] Superman at the Comic book database
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| - | * [http://www.supermanhomepage.com/news.php Superman Homepage]
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| - | * [http://www.supermandatabase.com/ Superman Database]
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| - | * [http://alankistler.squarespace.com/journal/2007/11/26/alan-kistlers-superman-files.html Alan Kistler's Superman Files]
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| - | * {{dmoz|Arts/Comics/Titles/S/Superman/}}
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| - | {{Superman}}
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| - | {{featured article}}
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| - | [[Category:DC Comics aliens]]
| + | <gallery> |
| - | [[Category:DC Comics characters who can fly]]
| + | Image: v3superman23.jpg|Clark Kent is Superman. |
| - | [[Category:DC Comics characters who can move at superhuman speeds]]
| + | Image: v3superman22.jpg|Classic Superman. |
| - | [[Category:DC Comics characters with superhuman strength]]
| + | Image: v3superman3.jpg|Ultimate Superman. |
| - | [[Category:Extraterrestrial superheroes]]
| + | Image: v3superdeath.jpg|Superdeath. |
| - | [[Category:Fictional adoptees]]
| + | </gallery> |
| - | [[Category:Fictional characters from Kansas]]
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| - | [[Category:DC Comics characters with accelerated healing]]
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| - | [[Category:Fictional characters with eidetic memory]]
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| - | [[Category:Fictional immigrants to the United States]]
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| - | [[Category:Fictional orphans]]
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| - | [[Category:Kryptonians]]
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| - | [[Category:Superman]]
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| - | {{Link FA|it}}
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| - | [[ar:سوبرمان]]
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| + | [[Category:superspeed]] |
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| + | [[Category:regeneration]] |
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| + | [[Category:energy projection]] |
| - | [[de:Superman]]
| + | [[Category:invulnerability]] |
| - | [[el:Σούπερμαν]]
| + | [[Category:flight]] |
| - | [[es:Superman]]
| + | [[Category:section 2]] |
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Kal-el was born on the planet Krypton to scientist parents who foresaw the end of their civilization. They packed him up in a rocketship and sent him to Earth before their red sun went 'nova. Kal-el was found by a kindly human couple, adopted by them, and raised as one of their own. Under our yellow sun the alien, now known as Clark Kent, was empowered with superstrength, superspeed, superhearing, x-ray vision, laser eyes, freeze-breath, flight, and invulnerability -except for Kryptonite (an inert ore whose radiations only seem to affect Superman).
Superman maintains a secret identity with a day job as a reporter for Metropolis' largest newspaper. He spends the rest of his time as the world's greatest superhero.
