“The Man of Steel,” “The Last Son of Krypton,” “Superman”- the first, the original, and arguably the most important superhero to have ever existed. ‘Clark Kent’ was created in 1938, in “Action Comics #1,” ushering the age of the comic book superhero. Written by “Jerry Siegel” and drawn by “Joe Shuster,” “Superman,” born as the alien “Kal-El,” was sent to Earth after the destruction of his home planet of “Krypton.”

For over seventy-five years, “Superman” has stood for Truth, Justice, and the American Way, knocking over Hitler, catching falling planes that were barreling towards the ground, and everything in-between. He’s done this in film, television, and comics primarily, all of them showing off his many adventures and his various powers- flight, super-strength, x-ray vision, laser beams, freeze breath, along with an endless list of others.

Known as “The Big Blue Boy-scout,” “Superman” is usually represented as a mild-mannered man who deals with god-like powers along with his everyday life. Instilled with the belief that all others come before yourself, right and wrong, and a sense of American justice, he uses his superhuman abilities to combat the forces of evil in his home of “Metropolis.”

There have been countless versions of “The Man of Tomorrow” throughout his lifetime, each representing unique takes on “Clark Kent.”-

Television

 “Superman: The Animated Series” was a cartoon series that spun out of the award winning, “Batman: The Animated Series.” These two shows existed alongside each other, resulting in the creation of the popular “Justice League.”

“Smallville,” named after the town “Clark” grew up in, was a live-action program exploring his early years prior to becoming “Superman.” Starring “Tom Welling,” the show was the inspiration for modern day shows, such as “Arrow” and “Gotham.”  

Film

 “Superman: The Movie,”the first in a line of five movies in this franchise, launched the first superhero movies onto the bid-screen, with much commercial success. The movie starred “Christopher Reeve” as “Superman,” and was directed by “Richard Donner.” The film showcased “Supes” going against his greatest nemesis, “Lex Luthor.”

“The Man of Steel,” starring “Henry Cavill,” and directed by “Zack Snyder,” was the most recent “Superman” movie to come to theaters. The movie began the “DC Cinematic Universe,” which includes the upcoming “Batman vs. Superman” film, being directed and starred by the same men as “Man of Steel.”

Comics

As always, there are plenty of comics for any “Superman” fan to enjoy and therefore impossible to name them all, so here are my personal favorites along with other suggested readings-

“Superman: Unchained,”written by “Scott Snyder” and drawn by “Jim Lee,” the book was released at the height of “Man of Steel” movie popularity, to push the comic world out into the movie-going audience. This modern-day classic told the story of “Superman” fighting against an ancient alien who enlisted in the American government in order to take out “The Man of Tomorrow,” should America ever deem it needed.

“The Death of Superman,”written and drawn by “Dan Jurgens,” told the story of the apparent death of “Superman” at the hands of the evil monster, “Doomsday.” The book ended with a climactic battle between these two titans and a change in the “DC Universe” that still shows to this day.

“Superman: Red Son,”written by “Mark Miller” and drawn by various artists, is an award-winning ‘else-words’ story (a story outside of main continuity), that tells the hypothetical story of what would happen if “Superman” had landed on Earth a few hours later, landing in Soviet Russia. The result ends up having Russia as the main world-power, a Soviet “Superman,” and a Russian “Batman.”

Other Readings-

–       Superman: Last Son

–       Superman: Brainiac

–       Superman: Earth One vol.1-3

–       New 52 Action Comics vol.1

–       Superman: Speeding Bullets

–       Superman: Secret Origin

What is nice as well, for those looking to get into single issues of comics, is that there has recently been a new revamp for “DC Comics” creating all-new jumping on points for new readers. “Action Comics #41,” “Superman #41,” are both bold new beginnings for “Superman” stories, now in stores.

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