75th celebration of that first arrival of Superman.

In the week sees the 75th celebration of the first arrival of Superman.

June 1938 saw the first edition of ‘Action Comics’, which contained the very initial emergence of the individual that will inspire millions of people worldwide. It is, to all intents and purposes, the delivery of the superhero story.

The individual was an instant hit, inspiring not only the whole genre of superhero fiction, but additionally radio plays, movie serials and reams of products.

Superman creators Jerry Siegel (writer) and Joe Shuster (artist) had worked for years, first to generate the individual and then to retail him to the publisher.

In 1932, the pair created a fanzine called ‘Science Fiction’ which contained the tale ‘Reign #of the# Supermen’, featuring a infamous, all-powerful being. Later that very same year, this embryonic ‘Superman’ was re-tooled into the greater heroic version we all know today.

The idea for the new Superman apparently came to Siegel one sleepless night, during which he wrote the complete story that will eventually appear in ‘Action Comics’ inaugural issue. The next day, Shuster made the character’s iconic appearance and a hero was delivered.

In 1933, following a number of rejections, a disconsolate Shuster in fact set fire to this early edition of the story. All that survived was the cover art, an image that has ever since become iconic.

Editor Sheldon Mayer was the very first person to take a big gamble on Superman, giving the colourful hero a cover appearance on the first issue of Action Comics. This issue, in mint condition, can now reach fees as high as $2Million.

Superman has remained admired in comic book series like ‘Superman’ and ‘Action Comics’ also as abundant spin off series starring his supporting characters like Superboy, Supergirl, Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen.

He has also drawn crowds with hit movies like Richard Donner’s 1978 ‘Superman’ film as well as the 2006 movie ‘Superman Returns’. The character can also be a Television mainstay, being depicted in lucrative series such as ‘Lois & Clark’ and ‘Smallville’ also as many kid’s cartoons.

Superman’s seventy fifth celebration will see DC Entertainment unveiling a brief Superman-themed emblem celebrating this landmark anniversary.

The special event will also be commemorated by an innovative new Superman comics series entitled ‘Superman: Unchained’ made by the creative team of Scott Snyder (writer), Jim Lee (artist) and Scott Williams (inks).

Elsewhere, the modern Superman movie ‘Man of Steel’, starring Henry Cavill, will open in theatres from Friday 14th June, ensuring the occasion is well and truly marked.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUPERMAN!