Commemorative bricks are currently available that will be placed around the base of the Metropolis, IL Lois Lane Statue dedicated to actress Noel Neill.
Superman is the brainchild of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster who first envisioned the character in 1932 and later had his first appearance in Action Comics #1 in June 1938. What Jerry and Joe did not know at the time was that they had created a character that would become the signature icon of DC Comics and the most universally recognized hero in human history.
Since 1938, the character of Superman/Clark Kent has appeared in every imaginable media form including television, film, novelizations, and even a Broadway show.
Being Superman is the childhood fantasy of every little boy and girl (they of course want to be Supergirl). He is an enduring emblem of the American dream, the young immigrant who comes to the United States, embraces the culture and makes something of himself and enriches his adopted nation. He is a classical hero in the modern age who fights criminals, rescues the helpless and has a sense of morals and justice as strong and unshakeable as he is.
Since 1998, the Superman Super Site's mission statement has been to bring you all the latest news, updates, and information pertaining to the Man of Steel and the Superman universe in general.
It is a mission we are proud to maintain for all the fellow Superman fans of the world and everyone who visits our site because, without you, we would not exist.
With "Man of Steel" already breaking box office records and well on it's way to a phenomenal run both state side and world wide, Warner Bros. Pictures have already begun the process of fast-tracking a sequel to the Superman film-franchise reboot.
In a recent interview with BBC4, director Zack Snyder discussed what has to happen in the sequel and how Superman's responsibilities will certainly change:
"He has no choice but to become global... That literally has to happen," stated Snyder. "But for me I was really interested in - and maybe it's because Barack Obama's president now - it's okay for Superman to be American. He's quintessentially an American creature and creation. I wanted to pay homage to the superhero as coming from the heartland of America, and the 'Why?' of that."
In a seperate interview with Bleeding Cool, screenwriter David Goyer also elaborated on the challenges Superman will face in the sequel:
"The challenge for us moving forward is how to depict Superman in a world like this, in a world where Twitter exists, in a world with social media. To me, the interesting challenge is 'Could he solve hunger in the horn of Africa? What would he do with the Arab Spring? What would he do in Syria?... Does he have the wherewithal or the knowledge to intervene in something like this?"
In regard to a villian, fans have long speculated that Lex Luthor will arrive at some point in the sequel which Goyer touched on as well:
"There is musing about Lex Luthor, conversations that Zack and I have had on set, but it all depends on what happens over the next month. There are obviously those Lexcorp easter eggs in the film and clearly you can see from that, to the extent to which we can intuit things about Lex, it's not the Gene Hackman version. This is a Bill Gates-like Lex that is probably worth 50, 60, 70 billion dollars. It's a very different Lex."
Actor Terence Stamp recently sat down with the New York Post to offer his views on "Man of Steel" and his opinions on how the film stacks up against "Superman: The Movie" in which he portrayed General Zod. Here's an excerpt:
"I'm kind of ambivalent about it, that it's being made at all really," stated Stamp. "I think the movies that (director Richard) Donner shot... they were the benchmark for every one of those comic-book movies that were made afterwards. So, in a way, it's sad, although it's a great compliment they're being made."
Stamp went on to discuss landing his memorable role as General Zod in Donner's 1978 blockbuster and the sequel, "Superman II", following an prolonged absense from acting.
"My comeback movie. I hadn't worked for like eight years, and then I got that job. I have my doubts that this new one... I'm sure it's bigger and better and louder, but I'll be amazed if it has the same kind of ironic humor."
Stamp is currently filming the comedy "The Art of the Steal" which centers around a motorcycle daredevil and semi-reformed art thief who agrees to pull off just one more heist with his brother.
Warner Bros. Consumer Products has announced a brand collaboration between DC Entertainment and Sanrio which will feature a new Hello Kitty line that sees the popular character dressed as a range of DC Comics Super Heroes including Wonder Woman, Superman and Batman.
Set to debut in 2014, the dressed up Hello Kitty will appear on apparel, accessories and footwear, stationery, publishing, personal care, promotional products and food products.
"Hello Kitty is an inspired choice for a momentous co-branding that will expand the reach and appeal of both DC Comics Super Heroes and Sanrio properties," said Brad Globe, president of Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "This unique partnership joins two powerhouse brands that have a universal popularity across a variety of demographics and we know the collaboration will thrill fans of both properties."
Roberto Lanzi, Sanrio's operating officer, added: "Character cross overs have been a classic Hello Kitty spin off for years and our fans are always in search of the latest collaborations. We are sure that this project will soon create a new collection fever."
In Man of Steel, director Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen) and producer Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Trilogy) have delivered a stunning new vision of Superman that is both fresh and familiar. "Man of Steel: Inside the Legendary World of Superman" explores the remarkable creative process behind the movie and showcases the exceptional concept art that shaped its unique visual style. From the stark alien vistas of Krypton to the down-to-earth warmth of Smallville, this book uncovers the intensive world-building process that makes Superman’s universe both thrilling and believable. Also featuring in-depth interviews with the cast and crew, and candid on-set photography, "Man of Steel: Inside the Legendary World of Superman" is the ultimate insider’s look at one of the most electrifying movies in recent memory.
Man of Steel stars Henry Cavill as Superman. Also appearing are four-time Oscar® nominee Amy Adams (The Fighter) as Daily Planet journalist Lois Lane, and Oscar® nominee Laurence Fishburne (What’s Love Got to Do with It) as her editor-in-chief, Perry White. Starring as Clark Kent’s adoptive parents, Martha and Jonathan Kent, are Oscar® nominee Diane Lane (Unfaithful) and Academy Award® winner Kevin Costner (Dances with Wolves).
"Man of Steel: Inside the Legendary World of Superman" hits bookshelves today and retails for $45.00 (hardcover).
Now that everyone has had an opportunity to either see "Man of Steel" for themselves or read enough information and reviews about Zack Snyder's reboot of the Superman film franchise to feel as though they've seen it, I felt that it was time to chime in with my own review of the movie.
Before I jump into my review of "Man of Steel", I'd first like to offer a little bit of information on actually seeing the movie for the first time.
On Monday, June 10th, both my wife and I had the opportunity to see the film at the red carpet world premiere which took place at the Alice Tully Center in New York City, NY. It was an amazing experience to not only be among the first people to see the film, but also to be in the same theater as the cast and crew. It made the evening all the more special.
The screening was followed by an equally wonderful after party and I can say, without a doubt, that Warner Bros. certainly knows how to throw one heck of a party. Not only was a Superman costume present for photo-ops as well as Hans Zimmer conducting an orchestra who played selections from the film's epic score, but we also had the opportunity to meet and speak with both Henry Cavill and Christopher Meloni.
It was an evening we both will never forget and an experience we will always cherish.
I'll begin my review by saying that there are some spoilers, which I will reveal, so if you are among those who have not yet seen the movie, please stop reading here unless you don't mind learning more about the film itself.
DC Comics has announced that a new "Superman/Wonder Woman" ongoing title will soon debut on newsstands and in comic book stores nationwide.
The news comes from IGN.com who report that the new series will release this October, hot on the heels of "Superman Unchained". The series' creative team will feature writer Charles Soule (Swamp Thing) and artist Tony Daniel (Action Comics, Detective Comics).
While no details have yet to be released in regard to the series' storyline, DC has revealed the following cover art from the debut issue:
Despite the morning showers on Sunday June 9th, the annual Costume Contest was another hit for the Superman Celebration and featured a standing room only crowd under the Metro Tent.
Judges for this year's event were actor/writer/voice-over artist, Jeffrey Breslauer and legendary comic book artists, Ron Frenz & Brett Breeding.
Steven Kirk hosted the event once again (dressed as Ralph Hinkley, The Greatest American Hero) alongside Metropolis' own official Superman, Josh Boultinghouse.
This years costume contest was structured a bit differently as, opposed to groups or categories, contestants were judged individually on a point system consisting of a potential 10 points for Representation of the character, 10 points for Stage Presence, and 10 points for Overall Costume.
Due to the new point system, this years contect was much shorter but still featured an array of comic book characters such as Brainiac, Doomsday, Metallo, Batman, Spider-Man, and various Supermen.
There were also various characters from outside the realm of comics including Orko, Captain Planet and the Planeteers, Super Elvis, Captain Jack Sparrow, and even an appearance by Deputy Barney Fife.
For a complete list of participants including photos and this years winner, click here.
Actor Michael Shannon, who stars as General Zod in "Man of Steel", will host a special screening of the blockbuster film at the AMC Loews Theater in Chicago, IL on Saturday, June 22nd.
The screening is presented by A Red Orchid Theatre which Shannon is a Founding Ensemble Member of. The theater is located in the Old Town district of Chicago and is currently in its twentieth year of producing.
Following the screening, attendees are invited to an after party at the Rockit Bar & Grill with complementary appetizers and cocktails as well as special Kryptonite-style 'mock-tails' for the younger crowd.
The AMC Loews Theater is located at 600 North Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, IL. while the Rockit Bar & Grill a short distance away at 22 West Hubbard Street.
Tickets are $75 and can be reserved by calling (312) 943-8722 or online at http://www.aredorchidtheatre.org/events/. Seating is limited and all proceeds will benefit A Red Orchid Theatre.
Hot on the heels of the $113.1 million dollar record breaking opening weekend for "Man of Steel", a recent report indicates that Warner Bros. is hoping to have a sequel in theaters by next year.
An insider has allegedly claimed that the studio wants director Zack Snyder to begin work immediately on a sequel to his reboot of the Superman film franchise. The insider goes on to claim that Warner Bros. also wants the on again/off again Justice League film to be in theaters no later than 2015.
The studio has yet to either confirm or deny this rumor and other reports have indicated that, at the earliest, a sequel will not be in theaters until December, 2015 followed by a Justice League movie in 2016.
Despite mixed reviews, CinemaScore reports that "Man of Steel" has received an average grade of A- from audiences who have embraced the film. As a result, Dan Fellman (Warner Bros. President of Domestic Distribution) stated that he expects the movie to enjoy strong weekday business from families with older children and to hold up well against a number of coming competitors such as "World War Z," starring Brad Pitt, and "Monsters University," a prequel to Pixar's "Monsters Inc."
Following a $21 million dollar opening on Thursday night, "Man of Steel" soared to a record breaking $113.1 million dollars at the box office over the weekend.
Zack Snyder's reboot of the Superman film franchise easily beat "Toy Story 3" ($110.3 million) to take the record for the largest June opening on record. The film also easily surpassed the initial talley for "Superman Returns" which earned $52 million during its opening weekend in June, 2006.
Although "Man of Steel" has received mixed reviews, at the time of this writing the film currently has a 56% fresh rating among critics on RottenTomatoes while fans have given it an 82% rating.
Warner Bros. was cautious to not move forward on a sequel until the studio received the box office results. Now that the film performed better than expected, a sequel as well as the long delayed Justice League film have been green-lit and put on the fast track.
Following his recent discovery of a vintage copy of "Action Comics No. 1", home remodeler David Gonzalez has stumbled across another vintage Superman comic within the walls of the same Elbow Lake, Minnesota home the first issue was found.
According to ComicConnect.com COO Vincent Zurzolo, Gonzalez's latest discovery is an issue of "Superman #4" from the spring of 1940 which Zurzolo estimates could be worth between $500 and $5,000.
The issue's cover features Superman holding up collapsing columns with Lex Luthor in the foreground while the story focuses on Superman battling a pterodactyl created in Luthor's laboratory.
"It's amazing to me that he's still finding stuff," said Zurzolo, who has been in contact with Gonzalez since ComicConnect hosted the "Action Comics No. 1" auction.
The issue, which features the debut appearance of Superman, sold for $175,000 which surpassed initial estimates that it would sell for closer to $150,000.
As of this writing, Gonzalez had not yet decided whether to sell or keep his latest discovery.
As the legendary DC Comics Super Hero comes to the big screen, Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) has teamed up with an impressive slate of global licensees for a broad, multi-category licensing program to support the highly anticipated action-adventure film Man of Steel™, a production of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures. Directed by Zack Snyder and produced by Charles Roven, Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas and Deborah Snyder, Man of Steel soars into theaters on June 14, 2013.
In anticipation of Man of Steel, global master toy licensee Mattel unveils its vast toy line, including action figures, vehicles, playsets and collectible figures, highlighted by the fan-favorite and much-anticipated Movie Masters™ line, which captures the superior accuracy and details of the film’s characters. Mattel will also introduce Man of Steel QuickShots™, a new way to play with Superman, incorporating elements of flight and strength into the toy. Also supporting Man of Steel are global licensees such as LEGO, with exciting construction sets inspired by memorable scenes from the film; and Rubie’s Costume Co., with a new line of Man of Steel-inspired costumes and accessories for both kid and adult fans.
“With a Super Hero as iconic and beloved as Superman, it is no surprise that fans worldwide are excited for Zack Snyder’s new vision of this classic story,” said Brad Globe, president, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “We are thrilled to be a part of the phenomenon as we work closely with our licensees to offer fans a variety of products that bring Man of Steel to the world beyond the big screen.”
The highly anticipated film from Zack Snyder hits theaters today.
The Superman Super Site recently traveled to New York City for the red carpet world premiere of "Man of Steel" which featured appearances by the entire cast & crew from the highly anticipated film.
On the red carpet was our good friend Rennie Cowan of Superboy Theater who had the amazing opportunity to interview celebrities from the film.
In the following exclusive interview, Cowan talks with "Man of Steel" star, Henry Cavill about what it was like preparing for his starring role as Superman in the reboot of the Superman film franchise:
"Man of Steel" soars into US theaters nationwide at midnight tonight.
Congratulations to our three "Man of Steel" contest winners. Each winner each receive a $25.00 Wal-Mart gift card in the next few weeks.
For our May/June contest, we have teamed with Warner Home Video to offer one lucky individual the opportunity to win one DVD boxset copy of "Best of Warner Bros. - Superman TV Collection".
This boxset celebrates Warner Bros. 90 year anniversary in a one of a kind Superman TV Collection and features the first seasons of several Superman animated and live-action television shows.
To enter, simply enter your name and email address below and click the "Enter Here to Win" button. We will select the winner on Sunday, June 30th.
ARCHIVES SEARCH
MAY/JUNE CONTEST
Congratulations to our three "Man of Steel" contest winners. Each winner each receive a $25.00 Wal-Mart gift card in the next few weeks.
For our May/June contest, we have teamed with Warner Home Video to offer one lucky individual the opportunity to win one DVD boxset copy of "Best of Warner Bros. - Superman TV Collection".
This boxset celebrates Warner Bros. 90 year anniversary in a one of a kind Superman TV Collection and features the first seasons of several Superman animated and live-action television shows.
To enter, simply enter your name and email address below and click the "Enter Here to Win" button. We will select the winner on Sunday, JUne 30th.
DATES OF INTEREST
06/05: Artist Wayne Boring (Superman, Action Comics) born in 1905. 06/10: John Byrne presents a new Superman in 1986 with the release of Man of Steel #1. 06/15: Artist Ross Andru (Action Comics) born in 1925. 06/16: George Reeves, star of the Adventures of Superman television series, dies in 1959. 06/16: Long-time Superman artist Curt Swan dies in 1997. 06/19: Superman editor Julius Schwartz born in 1915. 06/27: Writer and artist Dan Jurgens (Superman) born in 1959.
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SUPER-MERCHANDISE
Supergirl Stars & Butterflies design seat covers from Plasticolor. Fits most high or low back bucket seats with a detachable or built-in headrest. - $49.95
Take this Superman towel with you to the beach, pool, or bath! This stunning towel is 100% cotton and measures a full 30 x 60 inches. - $19.95
Superman DC Comics Super Hero Blue Striped Knit Hat Billed Beanie. Officially Licensed! One Size Fits Most! - $14.95
FEATURED MOVIE
Baby Kal-El of Krypton is rocketed to Earth by his biological parents where he is raised by Jonathan & Martha Kent in the rural town of Smallville. Disguised as reporter Clark Kent, he adopts a mild-mannered disposition in Metropolis and develops a romance with Lois Lane, while battling the villainous Lex Luthor.
