The Evolution of Superman: From Humble Beginnings to Iconic Superhero
When I was at my local comic book store this week, picking out my new releases, I came across a Superman comic that baffled me. It read “30th Anniversary” across the top, it was marked as a special edition, and in bold letters across the bottom, “The Death of Superman. Admittedly, I was confused when I read this. I was sure Superman has been around longer than 30 years, but I was curious whether the title “The Death of Super” was the comic-book version of clickbait, or if this was, in fact, a story that featured the death of Superman.
Much of my ignorance is due to the fact that I’m not familiar with DC Comics. I have been pretty strictly Marvel for as long as I can remember — well before the MCU graced our screens. X-Men: The Animated Series and every iteration of Spider-Man were childhood staples. I had never been a fan of DC except for the Titans, and especially the cult classic TV show Teen Titans.
I bought the 30th Anniversary, Special Edition, “Death of Superman” issue of Superman, unable to ignore my intrigue. I enjoyed it (and I will not reveal whether the title is clickbait), but it did not answer my confusion as to the 30th Anniversary branding, so naturally, I delved into the history of Superman and this issue to get to the bottom of it. Short story: this particular issue is a reprinting of Superman Vol. 2, #75 which was originally printed in January 1993. Long story, well. Superman has been around for a long time.
The History of Superman
Superman was created in 1938 by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, and first appeared in Action Comics #1. The character was an instant success, captivating audiences with his superhuman abilities and unwavering sense of justice.
In his early appearances, Superman was depicted as a “champion of the oppressed,” using his incredible strength and abilities to protect the innocent and fight against corruption and evil. His alter ego, Clark Kent, was a mild-mannered reporter for the Daily Planet, who used his position to gather information for his superhero alter ego.
Over time, Superman’s mythology expanded, introducing new characters and villains, and exploring the hero’s backstory and origins. One of the most famous additions to the Superman universe was the planet Krypton, the hero’s birthplace and the source of his incredible powers. The destruction of Krypton was a key event in Superman’s origin story and provided motivation for the hero’s actions.
Superman’s popularity only continued to grow over the years, with the character becoming an icon of American culture. During World War II, Superman was used as a symbol of patriotism, with his adventures often reflecting the values and ideals of the United States.
In the 1950s, Superman underwent a major transformation, becoming more family-friendly and kid-oriented. This era saw the introduction of characters like Krypto the Superdog and Superboy, and a shift towards more light-hearted and comedic storylines.
The 1960s saw another major shift for Superman, with the introduction of a new version of the character in the pages of Superman #233. This new Superman was more powerful and introspective than his previous incarnation and was featured in stories that explored deeper themes like social justice and personal identity.
The 1970s saw the introduction of some of Superman’s most famous villains, including the sinister Brainiac and the terrifying Doomsday. This era also saw the death and eventual resurrection of Superman in the iconic storyline “The Death of Superman” (not the 1993 version referenced earlier), which became a cultural phenomenon and generated widespread media attention.
In the 1980s, Superman underwent yet another major transformation, with the publication of the limited series “The Man of Steel.” This series reimagined Superman’s origin story and updated the character for a modern audience, setting the stage for a new era of Superman stories.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Superman remained a fixture of the comic book world, with writers and artists constantly reinterpreting and reinventing the character. The hero’s mythology continued to expand, with new villains, allies, and supporting characters being introduced all the time.
Today, Superman remains an enduring symbol of heroism and justice, inspiring generations of readers and fans. His legacy is felt not only in the world of comics, but in countless other media, including film, television, and video games.
Superman is one of the most important and influential superheroes in comic book history, and his creation by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938 marked a turning point for the medium. Over the years, Superman has undergone countless transformations and reinventions, but his core values and unwavering sense of justice have remained constant. He is an enduring presence in the world of comic books and paved the way for countless other superhero stories.
