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Ohio Legislation Seeks to Recognize Superman as Official State Superhero
Posted on May 19, 2025 by Neil Cole
Ohio may soon take official ownership of one of the world's most iconic superheroes. A new bipartisan bill introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives would designate Superman as the official state superhero, celebrating the character's Cleveland origins and century-long cultural impact.
House Bill 270, introduced by Representatives Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon) and Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland), proposes that the title be officially recognized beginning April 18, 2033 - the date Superman is expected to enter the public domain, 100 years after his creation by Cleveland teenagers Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.
The bill highlights Ohio's historical connection to the character, noting that Superman was first conceived in Cleveland in 1933 and later debuted in Action Comics #1 in 1938. In addition, with the new Superman movie filmed in Cleveland and Cincinnati in 2024, the legislation also reflects the ongoing ties between the character and the state.
While Ohio aims to formally recognize Superman, other states have already made symbolic claims. Illinois has designated the city of Metropolis as the official hometown of Superman and hosts the annual Superman Celebration each June while Kansas, the fictional location of Smallville - where Clark Kent was raised - has inducted the character into its Hall of Fame.
The proposed legislation follows a long tradition of Ohio adopting state symbols that celebrate its unique heritage. In recent years, the Ohio legislature has officially recognized symbols such as the state fossil fish (Dunkleosteus terrelli), the state frog (American bullfrog), and the state rock song ("Hang On Sloopy").
If passed, House Bill 270 would officially recognize Superman's origins in Cleveland and establish Ohio as the symbolic home of the Man of Steel for future generations.
Source: Cleveland.com
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