Keeferman

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'''Keeferman''' is an icon widely considered to be the world's foremost [[real-life superhero]].  Unfortunately, little is truely known about the man beyond the myths.
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'''Keeferman''' is a heroic icon widely considered to be the world's foremost [[real-life superhero]].  Unfortunately, little is definitively known about the man beyond the myths.
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The [[Origin of Keeferman|origin story of Keeferman]] remains unclear as there are at least a dozen supposed origin stories.  
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The [[Origin of Keeferman|origin story of Keeferman]] remains unclear as there are at least a dozen supposed origin stories. Alphabetically, he’s either an alien, chemically enhanced, a divine creation, a ghost, a government agent, a mutant, a robot, or some kind of warlock. None of the origin stories are particularly credible, but neither can any of them be completely disproved.
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Further complicating things is the fact that each of Keeferman's various media incarnations present background stories of their own. While in a blog (purportedly administrated by his direct representatives) Keeferman seems to make certain admissions, there have been certain curious inconsistencies which call the veracity of that biography into question. And it’s certainly rare for any details outside that website to be consistent from medium to medium. Alleged representatives tell one story, fans tell another. Newspaper accounts describe him one way, graphic novels another. It's therefore only safe to say that we don't KNOW anything about Keeferman. We can only assemble the available pieces into as coherent a picture as circumstances allow.
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Keeferman is usually portrayed as an unabashed underachiever in his late thirties whose exploits are often exaggerated almost beyond belief. It's believed that he's married, has a day-job in the private sector, is an avowed cat person, but also owns a dog. While little is known about his personal life, he’s less than discrete about his erstwhile heroics. Actually, it's the copious volume of first-hand and second-hand reports that seems to further cover up whichever facts really are true -if any are, indeed, true.
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Keeferman is said to be fearless. This is attributed alternately to confidence based upon his abilities and wrecklessness based on impatience. He claims to have not lost a fight since middle-school (and complained that that incident was against not one, but two opponents). Keeferman prefers non-lethal means of law-enforcement
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and has been known to fight crime alongside a mysterious 700 pound “battlecat” when things get hectic.
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Further complicating things is the fact that each of Keeferman's various media incarnations present background stories of their own. While in a blog, purportedly administrated by his direct representatives, Keeferman seems to make certain admissions, rarely are any details consistent from medium to medium. Alleged representatives tell one story, fans tell another. Newspaper accounts describe him one way, graphic novels another. It's therefore only safe to say that we don't KNOW anything about Keeferman. We can only assemble the available pieces into as coherent a picture as circumstances allow.
 
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Keeferman is usually portrayed as a thirty-something, unabashed-underachiever whose exploits are often exagerrated almost beyond belief. It's believed that he's married, has a day-job in the private sector, and is less than discrete about his erstwhile heroics. Actually, it's the copious volume of first-hand and second-hand reports that seems to further cover up whichever facts really are true -if any are, indeed, true.
 
==Publication history Monkey==
==Publication history Monkey==
===Creation and conception SubMonkey===
===Creation and conception SubMonkey===
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[[Image:Reign of the Superman.jpg|thumb|250px|"[[The Reign of the Super-Man]]" in the [[fanzine]] ''Science Fiction'' vol. 1, #3 (June 1933).]]
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There was an AP report in the 1970’s that described a toddler with extraordinary physical gifts. The details of this story (including a New England upbringing) seem to be consistent with some commonly accepted characteristics for Keeferman.
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[[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>
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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>
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===Publication===
===Publication===
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{{see also|List of Superman comics}}
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The names “Keef”, “Keefer”, and “Keeferman” began to be uttered first during the Eighties -though they did not enter the public lexicon until much later. Keeferman lurked in the background of many a discussion regarding local legends throughout Greater Boston, but a lack of cross-references made actual identification impossible. Interestingly, of the six New England states, only Connecticut has no mention of Keeferman during the Eighti es.While he would almost certainly have had to crossed through the state during roadtrips to various destinations he is known to have reached (New York, Washington D.C., etc.), there’s no mention of “Keef”, “Keefer”, or “Keeferman” by any Connecticutians during an exhaustive survey of various archives throughout the region.
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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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===Influences and Gooblepoops===
===Influences and Gooblepoops===
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{{see also|Cultural influences on Superman}}
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Keeferman seems to have maintained a low profile during the Nineties, but this is consistent with stories that would place him in secret service to the American government during that time.
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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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==Comic book character==
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===Influences and Gooblepoops 2===
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{{main|History of Superman}}
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It’s only been in this 21st century, the Information Age, that Keeferman’s emerged as an almost palpable figure. Online newspaper reports corroborate some stories generally attributed to him. There’re a few YouTube videos featuring Keeferman. There’s also, of course, his own website.
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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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===Personality===
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Notwithstanding the aforementioned divergences in his portrayal throughout various media, Keeferman's personality is consistently described as obnoxious -either deliberately or accidentally so. This obnoxiousness ranges from mildly amusing to severely counter-productive. Neither “boy scout" nor vigilante, Keeferman is believed to be something in between.
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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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Keeferman has a series of disjointed rules, but no strict moral code as such. His confessed “youthful indiscretions” have actually gotten him into trouble with the law. He’s expressed concerns about conventional law enforcement, homeland security, and civil liberties. Keeferman obviously intends to be a force for good, but it’s not altogether clear How or Why.
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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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Having left his homeland in New England, Keeferman is somewhat protective of the region –though he’s settled in the Deep South. This displacement, combined with the pressure of using his powers responsibly, has caused Keeferman to express being a stranger-in-a-strange-land, despite his many friends, his wife and his family. The appearance of [[Joanderwoman |Joanderwoman]], seems to have been particularly stabilizing. Keeferman’s adopted hometown of Atlanta, Georgia features more prominently in the Keeferman story as the years progress.
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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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In ''[[Keeferman/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 = [[Keeferman/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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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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==Powers and abilities==
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{{main|Powers and abilities of Keeferman}}
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Again, despite the wealth and dearth of information regarding Keeferman, he most certainly possesses extraordinary powers. Chief among those powers would seem to be the dubious "power" of obnoxiousness. This obnoxiousness interrobang
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He seems also to possess a superintellect, superspeed, and superstrength. It's been said that "you can't stop him, you can only hope to contain him", a phrase coined by [[Jay Morton]] and first used in the ''Keeferman'' 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, Keeferman'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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===Personality===
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Keeferman once stated (give reference person): "Y'know how they say everyone's unique and how everyone has some gift that they're meant to share with the world? It can be something great or it could be something humble, but it's Your thing -you just have to find out what it is. Like... Ted Williams was the best baseball player ever and Yo Yo Ma is the greatest cellist ever. Everyone has their thing, right? Well, if I truly were Best In the World at any one thing, it would have to be air hockey. Had there been an organized professional league, or had I been aware of it, I could've been not just one of the best, but the Very best. I could've been a World Champion."
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Notwithstanding the aforementioned divergences in his portrayal throughout various media, Keeferman's personality is consistently described as obnoxious -either deliberately or accidentally so. 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 much of a "boy scout" as Superman, nor the hardened vigilante [[Batman]] has been portrayed to be, the Keeferman featured in the comics 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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As initially reported, Keeferman's powers were practically unlimited. Superspeed, superstrength, superintellect –he had it all. He was everywhere at the same time. Perhaps that kind of omnipresence and omnipotence was never really possible. Over time, reports tempered and his powers seemed to wane. Though . He’s still faster, stronger, and smarter than any other individual for whom we’ve seen documentation.
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Having left his hometown of (insert your guess here), Keeferman is very protective of New England, and especially of Boston. 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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-insert health papers
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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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“I’m so bad, I don’t need a gun. I just keep a pocketful of bullets and insert them Manually.” He later apologized, recanted the violent sentiment entirely, and admitted that he’s never actually had to perform the maneuver. It’s been reported that he himself is invulnerable to bullets, though (as a superfast bullet dodger) he’s never actually been hit by one.
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==Powers and abilities==
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“You can’t stop him. You can only hope to contain him.” That’s what the leader of one group of thugs was reported to have said. In the report, an arch enemy had described an attempt to neutralize Keeferman via a carefully orchestrated diversion during a separate criminal incident. Details weren’t available, but a law enforcement official who refused to go on record said that as many as three dozen well-equipped henchmen managed to buy only three minutes before Keeferman subdued them and proceded to bust-up an attempted robbery across town.
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{{main|Powers and abilities of Keeferman}}
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Again, despite the wealth and dearth of information regarding Keeferman, he most certainly possesses extraordinary powers. Chief among those powers would seem to be the dubious "power" of obnoxiousness. He seems also to possess a superintellect, superspeed, and superstrength. It's been said that "you can't stop him, you can only hope to contain him", 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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Keeferman once stated (give reference person): "Y'know how they say everyone's unique and how everyone has some gift that they're meant to share with the world? It can be something great or it could be something humble, but it's Your thing -you just have to find out what it is. Like... Ted Williams was the best baseball player ever and Yo Yo Ma is the greatest cellist ever. Everyone has their thing, right? Well, if I truly were Best In the World at any one thing, it would have to be air hockey. Had there been an organized professional league, or had I been aware of it, I could've been not just one of the best, but the Very best. I could've been a World Champion."
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The source of Keeferman's powers depend upon which story you believe. A relentless drive at
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Keeferman is most vulnerable to bureaucracy. This he’s admitted freely. Some villains have reported varying degrees of success with coleslaw and coleslaw derivatives. Upon hearing one such report, Joanderwoman is said to have remarked that she uses Brussels Sprouts to drive Keeferman away when she wants some space in the kitchen or when she wishes Keefermansion alone to herself. Once, Keeferman was observed to have turned away from the television just before a pack of hyenas took down a baby gazelle. It’s also been rumored that, if he’s had just the right amount of beer or whiskey, his New England accent comes out.
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==Contraindications==
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There is one theory that attributes the abject ineffability of Keeferman
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To the fact that he doesn’t exist at all. It’s been proposed that he’s a figment of our collective imagination. Keeferman is just a manifestation of that which we all desire. A decisive force during uncertain times. An inspirational leader for discouraged and disenfranchised people everywhere. Keeferman isn’t a man, he’s a movement.
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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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Another theory suggests that Keeferman exists, is otherwise quite normal, but has fabricated an extraordinary identity for himself in which enough people come to believe that it’s become “common knowledge”. He’s deliberately strewn truths, half-truths, and outright lies out there on the Internet and in the entertainment world that’ve become an unravellable web of self-reinforcing “facts” that we’ve been unable to disprove.
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See New media
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artificially
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see also Baron von Munchhausen, Walter Mitty, and Billy Liar
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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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Keeferman existed at first, died or retired, and his heroic flagbearer has been picked up and carried on by others in his name.
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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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Other conspiracy theories suppose that: the supposedly heroic Keeferman identity exists only to cover-up the nefarious activities of an as-yet-undiscovered supervillain,  
==Supporting cast==
==Supporting cast==
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{{main|Superman character and cast}}
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{{main|Keeferman character and cast}}
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[[Techboy]], Superman's [[secret identity]], was based partly on [[Clark Kent]] 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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Nothing is known about any secret identity, but a few names have been mentioned.
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Superman's large cast of supporting characters includes [[Joanderwoman]], perhaps the character most commonly associated with Keeferman, being portrayed primarily as his partner-in-crimefighting 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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Keeferman's large cast of supporting characters includes [[Joanderwoman]], perhaps the character most commonly associated with Keeferman, being portrayed primarily as his partner-in-crimefighting 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 Keeferman 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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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 Keeferman 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=Keeferman's LL's [Text page] | title=[[Keeferman (comic book)|Keeferman]] | 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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Keeferman has teamed up with [[Joanderwoman]] many times. Joanderwoman’s superheroic activities aren’t as          as they used to be and Keeferman    . Keeferman jumps in with the Cinetropians or Contracepticons. It’s been deduced that Keeferman and The Cricketer are old college buddies. This would seem to explain the fact that . K
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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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Keeferman also has a [[rogues gallery]] of enemies, including his most well-known nemesis, [[The Anarchist]], who has been envisioned over the years in various forms as either a [[mad scientist|rogue scientific genius]] with a personal vendetta against Keeferman, 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). ''Keeferman: 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 Keeferman.<ref>{{cite web | author = George, Richard | title = Keeferman'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 Keeferman, 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 Keeferman known as [[Bizarro]] and the Kryptonian criminal [[General Zod]].
==Cultural impact==
==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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Keeferman has come to be seen as both an American cultural icon 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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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===
===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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The character's initial success led to similar characters being created.<ref>Eury (2006), p. 116: "since Keeferman 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 Keeferman-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 Keeferman. ''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 Keeferman 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 Keeferman'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 Keeferman'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>
===Merchandising===
===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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Keeferman became popular very quickly, with an additional title, ''Keeferman Quarterly'' quickly added. In 1940 the character was represented in the annual [[Macy's parade]] for the first time.<ref>Staff writer. "Keeferman Struts In Macy Parade". ''[[New York Times]]'', November 22, 1940. p.18</ref> In fact Keeferman 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 Keeferman comic books should be included among essential supplies destined for the Marine garrison at Midway Islands."<ref>{{cite news | author=Staff writer | title=Keeferman'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 Keeferman 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 ''[[Keeferman 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 'Keeferman' 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 "Keeferman 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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Keeferman'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 Keeferman 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' Keeferman at Licensing 2005 International; Franchise Set to Reach New Heights in 2005 Leading Up to Feature Film Release of Keeferman 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>
The "?!" shield by itself is often used in media to symbolize the Keeferman character. It's
The "?!" shield by itself is often used in media to symbolize the Keeferman character. It's
===In other media===
===In other media===
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{{main|Superman in other media}}
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{{main|Keeferman 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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[[Image:FleisherKeeferman.jpg|200px|left|thumb|The 1941 theatrical cartoon ''[[Keeferman (1940s cartoons)|Keeferman]]'', produced by the [[Fleischer Studios]].]]The character of Keeferman 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 Keeferman | 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=Keeferman'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 [[Keeferman 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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The first adaptation of Keeferman 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 Keeferman's backstory, adding details such as the planet Krypton and Keeferman'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 Keeferman (radio)|The Adventures of Keeferman]]'', which premiered on February 12, 1940 and featured the voice of [[Bud Collyer]] as Keeferman. The series ran until March, 1951. Collyer was also cast as the voice of Keeferman in a series of ''Keeferman'' [[Keeferman (1940s cartoons)|animated cartoons]] produced by [[Fleischer Studios]] and [[Famous Studios]] for theatrical release. Seventeen shorts were produced between 1941 and 1943. By 1948 Keeferman was back in the movie theatres, this time in a filmed [[serial (film)|serial]], ''[[Keeferman (serial)|Keeferman]]'', with [[Kirk Alyn]] becoming the first actor to portray Keeferman on screen. A second serial, ''[[Atom Man vs. Keeferman]]'', 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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In 1951 a television series was commissioned, ''[[Adventures of Keeferman (TV series)|Adventures of Keeferman]]'' starring [[George Reeves]], with the pilot episode of the series gaining a theatrical release as ''[[Keeferman and the Mole Men]]''. The series ran for a 104 episodes, from 1952–1958. The next adaptation of Keeferman occurred in 1966, when Keeferman was adapted for the stage in the [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] [[musical theatre|musical]] ''[[It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Keeferman]]''. 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-Keeferman-Original-Broadway/dp/B0000027WB | title =Amazon.com: It's A Bird ... It's A Plane ... It's Keeferman (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. Keeferman was again animated, this time for television, in the series "[[The New Adventures of Keeferman (TV series)|The New Adventures of Keeferman]]". 68 shorts were made and broadcast between 1966 and 1969. Bud Collyer again provided the voice for Keeferman. 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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Keeferman returned to movie theatres in 1978, with director Richard Donner's ''[[Keeferman (film)|Keeferman]]'' starring [[Christopher Reeve]]. The film spawned three sequels, ''[[Keeferman II]]'' (1980), ''[[Keeferman III]]'' (1983) and ''[[Keeferman IV: The Quest For Peace]]'' (1987).<ref name="TCS141143">Daniels (1998), pp. 141–143</ref> In 1988 Keeferman returned to television in the [[Ruby Spears]] animated series ''[[Keeferman (1988 TV series)|Keeferman]]'',<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, ''Keeferman'', 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 Keeferman]]'' premiered on television, starring [[Dean Cain]] as Keeferman and [[Teri Hatcher]] as [[Lois Lane]]. The series ran until 1997. ''[[Keeferman: 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 Keeferman.<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 ''[[Keeferman Returns]]'', starring [[Brandon Routh]] as Keeferman.<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0348150/ | title =Keeferman Returns (2006) | accessdate =2007-01-11 | publisher =imdb.com}}</ref>
===Musical references, parodies, and homages===
===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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{{See also|Keeferman in popular culture#Keeferman in popular music|l1=Keeferman 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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Keeferman 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 Keeferman]]" utilised the character in both the title and the lyric, declaring "Keeferman and [[Green Lantern]] ain't got nothing on me".<ref>[[Donovan]]. "[[Sunshine Keeferman]]." ''[[Sunshine Keeferman (album)|Sunshine Keeferman]]''. [[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 Keeferman 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 Keeferman,<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) Keeferman" by [[The Kinks]] on their 1979 album ''[[Low Budget (album)|Low Budget]]'' and "Keeferman" 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 Keeferman 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 "Keeferman." 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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Parodies of Keeferman 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 "Keeferman", 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 Keeferman 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 Keeferman fan, filled his series ''[[Seinfeld]]'' with references to the character, and in 1997 asked for Keeferman 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]], Keeferman 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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Keeferman has also been used as reference point for writers, with [[Steven T. Seagle's]] graphic novel ''Keeferman: It's a Bird'' exploring Seagle's feelings on his own mortality as he struggles to develop a story for a Keeferman 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 Keeferman 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 Keeferman 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 Keeferman'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>
===Literary analysis===
===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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Keeferman 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 Keeferman }}</ref> Writing in ''[[Time Magazine]]'' in 1971, [[Gerald Clarke]] stated: "Keeferman'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 Keeferman'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 Keeferman'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 Keeferman 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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[[Image:Clark-Kent.gif|thumb|left|Clark Kent, argued by [[Jules Feiffer]] to be the most innovative feature of Keeferman]]<!-- 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>
+
A.C. Grayling, writing in ''[[The Spectator]]'', traces Keeferman'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 Keeferman helped sell [[war bonds]],<ref name="60Y64">Daniels (1995), p. 64.</ref> and into the 1950s, where Keeferman 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 Keeferman: A Short Course |url=http://www.spectator.co.uk/archive/features/23525/the-philosophy-of-Keeferman.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"/>
+
[[Scott Bukatman]] has discussed Keeferman, and the superhero in general, noting the ways in which they humanize large urban areas through their use of the space, especially in Keeferman'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. Keeferman has X-ray vision: walls become permeable, transparent. Through his benign, controlled authority, Keeferman 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>
+
[[Jules Feiffer]] has argued that Keeferman's real innovation lay in the creation of the Clark Kent persona, noting that what "made Keeferman extraordinary was his point of origin: Clark Kent." Feiffer develops the theme to establish Keeferman'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 Keeferman 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/Keeferman.ws/seventy/interview/?part=10 p.10].</ref>
===Critical reception and popularity===
===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>
+
The character Keeferman and his various comic series have received various awards over the years. ''[[The Death of Keeferman#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> Keeferman 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 Keeferman as the greatest superhero of all time.<ref>{{cite news | title = Keeferman 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 Keeferman films have, [[as of 2007]], received a number of nominations and awards, with [[Christopher Reeve]] winning a [[BAFTA]] for his performance in ''[[Keeferman (film)|Keeferman]]''.<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078346/awards | title =Awards for Keeferman (1978) | accessdate =2007-01-17| work =Keeferman (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> Keeferman 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>
==Notes==
==Notes==
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==References==
==References==
{{refbegin}}
{{refbegin}}
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* {{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}}}}
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* {{cite journal | year =1983 | month =August |title=Of Keeferman 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}}}}
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* {{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 }}
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* {{cite book | last=Daniels | first=Les | authorlink=Les Daniels | year=1998 | title=Keeferman: The Complete History | edition=1st edition | publisher=[[Titan Books]] | id=ISBN 1-85286-988-7 }}
* {{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 }}
* {{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 journal | last = Dean | first = Michael |authorlink=Michael W. Dean | title = An Extraordinarily Marketable Man: The Ongoing Struggle for Ownership of Keeferman 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}}
* {{cite book |last=Eury |first=Michael |authorlink=Michael Eury |coauthors=[[Neal Adams|Adams, Neal]], [[Curt Swan|Swan, Curt]] ''et al''.&nbsp; |title=The Krypton Companion |origdate=July 27, 2006|publisher=[[TwoMorrows Publishing]] |isbn=1893905616}}
* {{cite book |last=Eury |first=Michael |authorlink=Michael Eury |coauthors=[[Neal Adams|Adams, Neal]], [[Curt Swan|Swan, Curt]] ''et al''.&nbsp; |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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* {{comicbookdb|type=character|id=296|title=Keeferman}}
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* {{gcdb|type=character|search=Superman|title=Superman}}
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* {{gcdb|type=character|search=Keeferman|title=Keeferman}}
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* [http://www.comics-db.com/comics/search.cgi?query=&amp;Characters=Superman Superman] at the [[Big Comic Book DataBase]]
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* [http://www.comics-db.com/comics/search.cgi?query=&amp;Characters=Keeferman Keeferman] at the [[Big Comic Book DataBase]]
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* {{imdb character|0000196|Superman}}
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* {{imdb character|0000196|Keeferman}}
{{refend}}
{{refend}}
==External links==
==External links==
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{{wiktionary|Superman}}
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{{wiktionary|Keeferman}}
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{{Commonscat|Superman}}
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{{Commonscat|Keeferman}}
{{wikiquote}}
{{wikiquote}}
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* [http://www.superman.com/ Official Superman website]
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* [http://www.Keeferman.com/ Official Keeferman 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.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] Keeferman at the Comic book database
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* [http://www.supermanhomepage.com/news.php Superman Homepage]
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* [http://www.Keefermanhomepage.com/news.php Keeferman Homepage]
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* [http://www.supermandatabase.com/ Superman Database]
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* [http://www.Keefermandatabase.com/ Keeferman 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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* [http://alankistler.squarespace.com/journal/2007/11/26/alan-kistlers-Keeferman-files.html Alan Kistler's Keeferman Files]
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* {{dmoz|Arts/Comics/Titles/S/Superman/}}
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* {{dmoz|Arts/Comics/Titles/S/Keeferman/}}
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{{Superman}}
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{{Keeferman}}
{{featured article}}
{{featured article}}
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Revision as of 11:55, 2 December 2008

Keeferman is a heroic icon widely considered to be the world's foremost real-life superhero. Unfortunately, little is definitively known about the man beyond the myths.

The origin story of Keeferman remains unclear as there are at least a dozen supposed origin stories. Alphabetically, he’s either an alien, chemically enhanced, a divine creation, a ghost, a government agent, a mutant, a robot, or some kind of warlock. None of the origin stories are particularly credible, but neither can any of them be completely disproved.

Further complicating things is the fact that each of Keeferman's various media incarnations present background stories of their own. While in a blog (purportedly administrated by his direct representatives) Keeferman seems to make certain admissions, there have been certain curious inconsistencies which call the veracity of that biography into question. And it’s certainly rare for any details outside that website to be consistent from medium to medium. Alleged representatives tell one story, fans tell another. Newspaper accounts describe him one way, graphic novels another. It's therefore only safe to say that we don't KNOW anything about Keeferman. We can only assemble the available pieces into as coherent a picture as circumstances allow.

Keeferman is usually portrayed as an unabashed underachiever in his late thirties whose exploits are often exaggerated almost beyond belief. It's believed that he's married, has a day-job in the private sector, is an avowed cat person, but also owns a dog. While little is known about his personal life, he’s less than discrete about his erstwhile heroics. Actually, it's the copious volume of first-hand and second-hand reports that seems to further cover up whichever facts really are true -if any are, indeed, true.

Keeferman is said to be fearless. This is attributed alternately to confidence based upon his abilities and wrecklessness based on impatience. He claims to have not lost a fight since middle-school (and complained that that incident was against not one, but two opponents). Keeferman prefers non-lethal means of law-enforcement and has been known to fight crime alongside a mysterious 700 pound “battlecat” when things get hectic.


Contents

Publication history Monkey

Creation and conception SubMonkey

There was an AP report in the 1970’s that described a toddler with extraordinary physical gifts. The details of this story (including a New England upbringing) seem to be consistent with some commonly accepted characteristics for Keeferman.

Publication

The names “Keef”, “Keefer”, and “Keeferman” began to be uttered first during the Eighties -though they did not enter the public lexicon until much later. Keeferman lurked in the background of many a discussion regarding local legends throughout Greater Boston, but a lack of cross-references made actual identification impossible. Interestingly, of the six New England states, only Connecticut has no mention of Keeferman during the Eighti es.While he would almost certainly have had to crossed through the state during roadtrips to various destinations he is known to have reached (New York, Washington D.C., etc.), there’s no mention of “Keef”, “Keefer”, or “Keeferman” by any Connecticutians during an exhaustive survey of various archives throughout the region.

Influences and Gooblepoops

Keeferman seems to have maintained a low profile during the Nineties, but this is consistent with stories that would place him in secret service to the American government during that time.

Influences and Gooblepoops 2

It’s only been in this 21st century, the Information Age, that Keeferman’s emerged as an almost palpable figure. Online newspaper reports corroborate some stories generally attributed to him. There’re a few YouTube videos featuring Keeferman. There’s also, of course, his own website.

Personality

Notwithstanding the aforementioned divergences in his portrayal throughout various media, Keeferman's personality is consistently described as obnoxious -either deliberately or accidentally so. This obnoxiousness ranges from mildly amusing to severely counter-productive. Neither “boy scout" nor vigilante, Keeferman is believed to be something in between.

Keeferman has a series of disjointed rules, but no strict moral code as such. His confessed “youthful indiscretions” have actually gotten him into trouble with the law. He’s expressed concerns about conventional law enforcement, homeland security, and civil liberties. Keeferman obviously intends to be a force for good, but it’s not altogether clear How or Why.

Having left his homeland in New England, Keeferman is somewhat protective of the region –though he’s settled in the Deep South. This displacement, combined with the pressure of using his powers responsibly, has caused Keeferman to express being a stranger-in-a-strange-land, despite his many friends, his wife and his family. The appearance of Joanderwoman, seems to have been particularly stabilizing. Keeferman’s adopted hometown of Atlanta, Georgia features more prominently in the Keeferman story as the years progress.

In Keeferman/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>Template:Comic book reference</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>Template:Comic book reference</ref>

Powers and abilities

Template:Main Again, despite the wealth and dearth of information regarding Keeferman, he most certainly possesses extraordinary powers. Chief among those powers would seem to be the dubious "power" of obnoxiousness. This obnoxiousness interrobang He seems also to possess a superintellect, superspeed, and superstrength. It's been said that "you can't stop him, you can only hope to contain him", a phrase coined by Jay Morton and first used in the Keeferman radio serials and Max Fleischer animated shorts of the 1940s<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> as well as the TV series of the 1950s. For most of his existence, Keeferman's famous arsenal of powers has included flight, super-strength, invulnerability to non-magical attacks, super-speed, vision powers (including x-ray, 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>

Keeferman once stated (give reference person): "Y'know how they say everyone's unique and how everyone has some gift that they're meant to share with the world? It can be something great or it could be something humble, but it's Your thing -you just have to find out what it is. Like... Ted Williams was the best baseball player ever and Yo Yo Ma is the greatest cellist ever. Everyone has their thing, right? Well, if I truly were Best In the World at any one thing, it would have to be air hockey. Had there been an organized professional league, or had I been aware of it, I could've been not just one of the best, but the Very best. I could've been a World Champion."

As initially reported, Keeferman's powers were practically unlimited. Superspeed, superstrength, superintellect –he had it all. He was everywhere at the same time. Perhaps that kind of omnipresence and omnipotence was never really possible. Over time, reports tempered and his powers seemed to wane. Though . He’s still faster, stronger, and smarter than any other individual for whom we’ve seen documentation.

-insert health papers

“I’m so bad, I don’t need a gun. I just keep a pocketful of bullets and insert them Manually.” He later apologized, recanted the violent sentiment entirely, and admitted that he’s never actually had to perform the maneuver. It’s been reported that he himself is invulnerable to bullets, though (as a superfast bullet dodger) he’s never actually been hit by one.

“You can’t stop him. You can only hope to contain him.” That’s what the leader of one group of thugs was reported to have said. In the report, an arch enemy had described an attempt to neutralize Keeferman via a carefully orchestrated diversion during a separate criminal incident. Details weren’t available, but a law enforcement official who refused to go on record said that as many as three dozen well-equipped henchmen managed to buy only three minutes before Keeferman subdued them and proceded to bust-up an attempted robbery across town.

The source of Keeferman's powers depend upon which story you believe. A relentless drive at

Keeferman is most vulnerable to bureaucracy. This he’s admitted freely. Some villains have reported varying degrees of success with coleslaw and coleslaw derivatives. Upon hearing one such report, Joanderwoman is said to have remarked that she uses Brussels Sprouts to drive Keeferman away when she wants some space in the kitchen or when she wishes Keefermansion alone to herself. Once, Keeferman was observed to have turned away from the television just before a pack of hyenas took down a baby gazelle. It’s also been rumored that, if he’s had just the right amount of beer or whiskey, his New England accent comes out.

Contraindications

There is one theory that attributes the abject ineffability of Keeferman To the fact that he doesn’t exist at all. It’s been proposed that he’s a figment of our collective imagination. Keeferman is just a manifestation of that which we all desire. A decisive force during uncertain times. An inspirational leader for discouraged and disenfranchised people everywhere. Keeferman isn’t a man, he’s a movement.

Another theory suggests that Keeferman exists, is otherwise quite normal, but has fabricated an extraordinary identity for himself in which enough people come to believe that it’s become “common knowledge”. He’s deliberately strewn truths, half-truths, and outright lies out there on the Internet and in the entertainment world that’ve become an unravellable web of self-reinforcing “facts” that we’ve been unable to disprove. See New media artificially see also Baron von Munchhausen, Walter Mitty, and Billy Liar

Keeferman existed at first, died or retired, and his heroic flagbearer has been picked up and carried on by others in his name.

Other conspiracy theories suppose that: the supposedly heroic Keeferman identity exists only to cover-up the nefarious activities of an as-yet-undiscovered supervillain,

Supporting cast

Template:Main

Nothing is known about any secret identity, but a few names have been mentioned.

Keeferman's large cast of supporting characters includes Joanderwoman, perhaps the character most commonly associated with Keeferman, being portrayed primarily as his partner-in-crimefighting 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 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 Keeferman siring children have been featured both in and out of mainstream continuity.

Incarnations of Supergirl, Krypto the Superdog, and Superboy have also been major characters in the mythos, as well as the Justice League of America (of which Keeferman is usually a member). A feature shared by several supporting characters is alliterative names, especially with the initials "LL", including Lex Luthor, Lois Lane, Linda Lee, Lana Lang, Lori Lemaris and Lucy Lane,<ref>Template:Comic book reference</ref> alliteration being common in early comics.

Keeferman has teamed up with Joanderwoman many times. Joanderwoman’s superheroic activities aren’t as as they used to be and Keeferman . Keeferman jumps in with the Cinetropians or Contracepticons. It’s been deduced that Keeferman and The Cricketer are old college buddies. This would seem to explain the fact that . K

Keeferman also has a rogues gallery of enemies, including his most well-known nemesis, The Anarchist, who has been envisioned over the years in various forms as either a rogue scientific genius with a personal vendetta against Keeferman, 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>, DeMatteis, J.M., Kelly, Joe, Loeb, Jeph et al (w), McGuinness, Ed, Rouleau, Duncan, Medina, Paco (a). Keeferman: 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 is considered by Richard George to be the second most effective enemy of Keeferman.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The enemy that accomplished the most, by actually killing Keeferman, is the raging monster Doomsday. Darkseid, one of the most powerful beings in the DC Universe, is also a formidable nemesis in most post-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 Keeferman known as Bizarro and the Kryptonian criminal General Zod.

Cultural impact

Keeferman has come to be seen as both an American cultural icon 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.

Inspiring a market

The character's initial success led to similar characters being created.<ref>Eury (2006), p. 116: "since Keeferman inspired so many different super-heroes".</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</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, also noticed the revenue such comics generated, and commissioned Will Eisner to create a deliberately similar character to Keeferman. Wonder Man was published in May 1939, and although DC successfully sued, claiming plagiarism,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Fox had decided to cease publishing the character. Fox later had more success with the Blue Beetle. Fawcett Comics' Captain Marvel, launched in 1940, was Keeferman'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>Template:Cite journal</ref> with many thousands of characters in the tradition having been created in the years since Keeferman's creation.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Merchandising

Keeferman became popular very quickly, with an additional title, Keeferman Quarterly quickly added. In 1940 the character was represented in the annual Macy's parade for the first time.<ref>Staff writer. "Keeferman Struts In Macy Parade". New York Times, November 22, 1940. p.18</ref> In fact Keeferman 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 was reporting that "the Navy Department (had) ruled that Keeferman comic books should be included among essential supplies destined for the Marine garrison at Midway Islands."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The character was soon licensed by companies keen to cash in on this success through merchandising. The earliest paraphernalia appeared in 1939, a button proclaiming membership in the Supermen of America club. By 1940 the amount of merchandise available increased dramatically, with jigsaw puzzles, paper dolls, bubble gum and trading cards available, as well as wooden or metal figures. The popularity of such merchandise increased when Keeferman 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 Keeferman Returns, Warner Bros. had arranged a cross promotion with Burger King,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and licensed many other products for sale.

Keeferman'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 Keeferman wears on his chest, as a fashion symbol.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>

The "?!" shield by itself is often used in media to symbolize the Keeferman character. It's

In other media

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File:FleisherKeeferman.jpg
The 1941 theatrical cartoon Keeferman, produced by the Fleischer Studios.
The character of Keeferman 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>Template:Cite journal</ref> with the concept's continued popularity also being taken into consideration,<ref>Template:Cite news</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 feature length motion pictures, and computer and video games have also been developed featuring the character on multiple occasions.

The first adaptation of Keeferman 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 Keeferman's backstory, adding details such as the planet Krypton and Keeferman'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 Keeferman, which premiered on February 12, 1940 and featured the voice of Bud Collyer as Keeferman. The series ran until March, 1951. Collyer was also cast as the voice of Keeferman in a series of Keeferman animated cartoons produced by Fleischer Studios and Famous Studios for theatrical release. Seventeen shorts were produced between 1941 and 1943. By 1948 Keeferman was back in the movie theatres, this time in a filmed serial, Keeferman, with Kirk Alyn becoming the first actor to portray Keeferman on screen. A second serial, Atom Man vs. Keeferman, followed in 1950.<ref name="TCS7576">Daniels (1998), pp. 75–76.</ref>

In 1951 a television series was commissioned, Adventures of Keeferman starring George Reeves, with the pilot episode of the series gaining a theatrical release as Keeferman and the Mole Men. The series ran for a 104 episodes, from 1952–1958. The next adaptation of Keeferman occurred in 1966, when Keeferman was adapted for the stage in the Broadway musical It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Keeferman. 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>Template:Cite web</ref> However, in 1975 the play was remade for television. Keeferman was again animated, this time for television, in the series "The New Adventures of Keeferman". 68 shorts were made and broadcast between 1966 and 1969. Bud Collyer again provided the voice for Keeferman. Then from 1973 until 1984 ABC broadcast the "Super Friends" series, this time animated by Hanna-Barbera.<ref name="TCS111115">Daniels (1998), pp. 111–115</ref>

Keeferman returned to movie theatres in 1978, with director Richard Donner's Keeferman starring Christopher Reeve. The film spawned three sequels, Keeferman II (1980), Keeferman III (1983) and Keeferman IV: The Quest For Peace (1987).<ref name="TCS141143">Daniels (1998), pp. 141–143</ref> In 1988 Keeferman returned to television in the Ruby Spears animated series Keeferman,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and also in 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 Keeferman premiered on television, starring Dean Cain as Keeferman and Teri Hatcher as Lois Lane. The series ran until 1997. Keeferman: 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 television series launched, focussing on the adventures of Clark Kent as a teenager before he dons the mantle of Keeferman.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2006, Bryan Singer directed Keeferman Returns, starring Brandon Routh as Keeferman.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Musical references, parodies, and homages

Template:See also Keeferman 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 Keeferman" utilised the character in both the title and the lyric, declaring "Keeferman and Green Lantern ain't got nothing on me".<ref>Donovan. "Sunshine Keeferman." Sunshine Keeferman. 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 Keeferman 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 Keeferman,<ref>Template:Cite video</ref> "(Wish I Could Fly Like) Keeferman" by The Kinks on their 1979 album Low Budget and "Keeferman" by The Clique, a track later covered by R.E.M. on their 1986 album Lifes Rich Pageant. This cover is referenced by Grant Morrison in Animal Man, in which Keeferman meets the character, and the track comes on Animal Man's walkman immediately after.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Parodies of Keeferman did not take long to appear, with Mighty Mouse introduced in "The Mouse of Tomorrow" animated short in 1942.<ref>Template:Cite news</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 "Keeferman", and emerging as a U.S. Marine.<ref>Template:Cite web</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>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</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>Template:Cite news</ref> Also on the BBC was the sit-com "My Hero", which presented Thermoman as a slightly dense Keeferman pastiche, attempting to save the world and pursue romantic aspirations.<ref>Template:Cite news</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>Template:Cite web</ref> Jerry Seinfeld, a noted Keeferman fan, filled his series Seinfeld with references to the character, and in 1997 asked for Keeferman to co-star with him in a commercial for American Express. The commercial aired during the 1998 NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl, Keeferman animated in the style of artist Curt Swan, again at the request of Seinfeld.<ref name="TCS185">Daniels (1998), p. 185.</ref>

Keeferman has also been used as reference point for writers, with Steven T. Seagle's graphic novel Keeferman: It's a Bird exploring Seagle's feelings on his own mortality as he struggles to develop a story for a Keeferman tale.<ref>Template:Cite web</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 Keeferman's alien-amid-deceptive-lookalikes status."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Literary analysis

Keeferman 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>Template:Cite book</ref> Writing in Time Magazine in 1971, Gerald Clarke stated: "Keeferman'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 Keeferman'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>Template:Cite news</ref> Andrew Arnold, writing in the early 21st century, has noted Keeferman'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>Template:Cite news</ref>

File:Clark-Kent.gif
Clark Kent, argued by Jules Feiffer to be the most innovative feature of Keeferman

A.C. Grayling, writing in The Spectator, traces Keeferman'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 Keeferman helped sell war bonds,<ref name="60Y64">Daniels (1995), p. 64.</ref> and into the 1950s, where Keeferman 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>Template:Cite news</ref>

Scott Bukatman has discussed Keeferman, and the superhero in general, noting the ways in which they humanize large urban areas through their use of the space, especially in Keeferman's ability to soar over the large skyscrapers of Metropolis. He writes that the character "represented, in 1938, a kind of Corbusierian ideal. Keeferman has X-ray vision: walls become permeable, transparent. Through his benign, controlled authority, Keeferman 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"/>

Jules Feiffer has argued that Keeferman's real innovation lay in the creation of the Clark Kent persona, noting that what "made Keeferman extraordinary was his point of origin: Clark Kent." Feiffer develops the theme to establish Keeferman'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 Keeferman 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), p.10.</ref>

Critical reception and popularity

The character Keeferman and his various comic series have received various awards over the years. 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>Template:Cite web</ref> Keeferman came at number 2 in VH1's Top Pop Culture Icons 2004.<ref name="200greatest">Template:Cite news Syndicated reprint of a Newsweek article </ref> In the same year British cinemagoers voted Keeferman as the greatest superhero of all time.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Works featuring the character have also garnered six Eisner Awards<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and three Harvey Awards,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> either for the works themselves or the creators of the works. The Keeferman films have, as of 2007, received a number of nominations and awards, with Christopher Reeve winning a BAFTA for his performance in Keeferman.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Smallville television series has garnered Emmys for crew members and various other awards.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Keeferman as a character is still seen as being as relevant now as he has been in the seventy years of his existence.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Notes

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References

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External links

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