Superman Statue Unveiled At Siegel and Shuster Plaza

Above, the unveiling of the Superman statue. Screen capture by Armand Vaquer.

It has been a long time in coming, but Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster have been honored with a new plaza in Cleveland.

A new statue of the Man of Steel was unveiled yesterday in the plaza.

According to News 5 Cleveland:

In the city that brought him to life, Superman now stands tall in the center of Cleveland after months of anticipation.

On Saturday, community members, comic book fans, county leaders and members of the Siegel & Shuster Society gathered downtown to celebrate the unveiling of the new Superman statue and the newly named Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster Tribute Plaza, according to a spokesperson with Cuyahoga County.

The Man of Steel, quite literally made from stainless steel, sits in the plaza on an 18-foot pillar alongside bronze statues of Siegel, Shuster, and Joanne Siegel, who was the original model for Lois Lane, the county said.

To read more, go here.

Warners Hit With New Superman Lawsuit

Above, the Superman statue in Metropolis, Illinois. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here we go again!

A new Superman lawsuit has been filed, this time by the estate of Superman co-creator Joseph Shuster.

Reuters reported:

Jan 31 (Reuters) - The estate of one of Superman's co-creators has filed a copyright lawsuit in a U.S. court against Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD.O), opens new tab ahead of the release of its new movie, "Superman," part of a planned reboot of the DC Comics superhero film franchise.

The lawsuit, opens new tab was filed on Friday in federal court in New York City by the estate of Superman illustrator Joseph Shuster, who created the famous superhero along with writer Jerome Siegel.

The lawsuit noted that Shuster and Siegel had licensed their rights to the character to Detective Comics, the predecessor of DC Comics, now a subsidiary of Warner. The lawsuit claims that under British law, Shuster's rights reverted to his estate in 2017, 25 years after his death.

The estate accused Warner of unlawfully failing to pay royalties to use Superman in Britain, Canada, Australia and other countries outside the United States.

The new Superman movie, directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet, is set to be released in theaters in July. The new litigation could complicate the international distribution of the film. It marks the latest salvo in a long-running legal battle over the rights to the character.

Shuster's estate is seeking monetary damages and a court order blocking Warner from depicting Superman without a license. 

To read more, go here. 

Superman Statue Press Conference

Above, artist's conception of the Siegel & Shuster Tribute Plaza. 

A press conference will be held Thursday, June 20 on the Superman Statue to be erected at the Siegel & Shuster Tribute Plaza. It will be the kick-off for the fundraising campaign.

THE SUPERMAN STATUE IS COMING!!!

What: Superman Statue Press Conference

When: Thursday, June 20, Noon

Where: Cleveland History Center,

10825 East Blvd., Cleveland

Superman Comes Home!

After years of effort, nationally renowned sculptor David Deming’s vision of a triumphant Man of Steel will soon fly in his hometown.

Deming, working with the Siegel and Shuster Society and Cuyahoga County Council, has created a statue of Superman that will be one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city.

Thursday is the kick-off of a $2.5 million fundraiser for the stainless steel statue of Superman in flight on an 18-foot pylon. Superman will measure almost 10 feet from finger to boot tip and will be the centerpiece of the Siegel and Shuster Tribute Plaza at the newly expanded Huntington Convention Center at St. Clair Avenue and Ontario Street, appropriately across from the Cleveland Justice Center.

Life-size bronze statues of Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster and Jerry’s wife (and inspiration for Lois Lane), Joanne Siegel, will gaze up at the Superman statue. Nearby will be a phone booth with a suspicious pile of clothing inside, completing the tableau.

Deming, along with Siegel and Shuster Society President (and Jerry Siegel cousin) Gary Kaplan, Leigh Goldie (Joe Shuster’s cousin) and society founding member Michael Sangiacomo will offer brief remarks and answer questions Thursday.

The Society has provided substantial funds and plan to make additional donations. No taxpayer money is being used for this project. We seek donations from ordinary citizens from all walks of life who believe that a man can fly -- at least one man.

Want to be part of Cleveland and comic book history? Tax deductible donations of any size can be made to the Siegel and Shuster Society, an all-volunteer nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity organization through its website which goes live at noon Tuesday, June 18.

Donations can also be mailed to the Siegel and Shuster Society c/o Leigh Goldie, 23500 Mercantile Road, Suite D, Beachwood, OH, 44122.

Further information is available through Gary Kaplan at garysteven1188@gmail.com  (216-409-1722) or Michael Sangiacomo at mikesang@aol.com 216-870-0014.

 

Siegel & Shuster Tribute Plaza

Above, the proposed Superman statue. Photo by the Siegel & Shuster Society.

Facebook friend Jaime Reigle passed along something interesting.

Fundraising is currently underway to erect a Superman statue along with a statue of Jerome Siegle, Joe Shuster and Joanne Siegel at the proposed Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster Tribute Plaza at the Convention Center in downtown Cleveland, Ohio (photo below).

For those who are wondering who Siegel and Shuster were, they were the creators of Superman. Joanne Siegel was the model for Lois Lane. They were high school students in Cleveland when they created Superman.

According to the official website:

In 2007, the Siegel & Shuster Society was established with the mission to honor the creators of Superman. Their nonprofit organization aims to commemorate the duo's achievement with a significant project: the construction of a stainless steel Superman statue 18 feet up, alongside bronze statues of Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, and Joanne Siegel, the original model for Lois Lane. Collaborating with nationally renowned sculptor David Deming, Cuyahoga County Council and The Siegel & Shuster Tribute Plaza Committee, the society is dedicated to bringing this vision to life, preserving the creators' legacy for future generations.

The Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster Tribute Plaza, set to be located in front of the expanded Convention Center in the heart of downtown Cleveland, will serve as a lasting homage to the creators of Superman. The dynamic composition of the statues, with Superman seemingly in flight above Jerry and Joanne, while Joe is depicted sketching Action Comics No. 1, captures the essence of their creative process and the iconic imagery of the superhero. This plaza will not only celebrate the origins of Superman but also enrich Cleveland's cultural landscape.

For more information on the plaza and to help with fundraising, go here. 

Two Challenge Coins

Above, the obverse of the Super Celebration coin. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The blog post on the Niue 85th Anniversary of Superman reminded me of the challenge coin commemorating the 100 years of Jerome Siegel, Jerome Shuster and George Reeves from 2014 that was celebrated in the "Super Celebration" in Los Angeles, Studio City and Tarzana that included a luncheon and plaque dedication.

The coin made for the Super Celebration is actually an better-looking coin compared to the "faceless" ones being issued by the New Zealand Mint for the island nation of Niue.

For the fun of it, I checked Google and didn't find any of these coins for sale. Attendees of the event were given these coins and it appears they're hanging on to them.

As I mentioned in an earlier blog post, I have a few challenge coins in my collection. The most recent one was from the clampout at Tombstone, Arizona issued by the Lost Dutchaman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus.

Another one that I have was from the Gen. George Patton Museum in Chiraco Summit, California. It honors World War II U.S. General George S. Patton.

Here is the obverse:

Here is the reverse:

Superman 85th Anniversary Coins

Jeepers!

This year marks 85 years since Superman first appeared in the national (and international) culture in Action Comics no. 1. 

To commemorate the Man of Steel's 85th Anniversary, the New Zealand Mint is putting out anniversary silver coins for the island nation of Niue.

From the Superman Homepage:

The New Zealand Mint is now taking orders for the Superman 85th Anniversary 1oz Silver Coin.

Up, up, and away! Made from 1oz of pure silver, this stunning coin celebrates 85 years of the one and only, SUPERMAN.

Fully engraved, it shows a close-up look of the Man of Steel along with a prominent display of his emblem. Surrounding the coin are the words “Celebrating 85 years of Superman” to further commemorate the special anniversary. Some relief and a mirror finish have been added to give him a striking and dynamic appearance.

Priced at US$109, order your Superman 85th Anniversary 1oz Silver Coin today! The Superman 85th Anniversary Silver Coin is also available in a 3oz silver version (US$299) and as a special 1/4oz Gold Coin (US$800).

To read more and for ordering links, go here. 

Superman Movie To Restore "American Way"

Superman is returning to fighting "the never-ending battle for truth, justice and the American way."

At least that's what word has it that was reported by Fox News.

They wrote:

After sparking outrage by dropping Superman’s pro-American mantra dating back to World War II, it appears a new film adaption of the famous DC Comics superhero will be a return to patriotic form. 

Superman is one of the earliest and most iconic superheroes, with a nearly 90-year history since his creation in the 1930s by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. He has been played by movie stars ranging from Christopher Reeve to Dean Cain and Henry Cavill. 

One of Superman’s mottos was "Truth, Justice and the American Way," which, according to NBC News came from a "Superman" radio serial in the early 1940s amid World War II. The saying was also used in the 1978 "Superman" movie adaptation. DC Comics met controversy when, in 2021, it changed his motto so be the more globally inclusive "truth, justice … and a better tomorrow."

A March 15, 2023 press release from DC parent Warner Bros. Discovery appeared to imply that the new "Superman: Legacy" film may play to American nostalgia rather than woke sensibility.

"Superman: Legacy tells the story of Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas," the press release read. "He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned."

To read more, go here. 

Superman Article In Japan Today

Action Comics #1 had a cover date of June 1938, so this month is the 80th anniversary of the Man of Steel (even though the comic book was published a month or so before).

It just so happens that Japan Today has an article on the 80th anniversary of Superman.

It begins with:

WASHINGTON - In an era when superheroes seem to be everywhere -- there were literally dozens in the most recent "Avengers" film -- the Man of Steel stands apart. 

Eighty years after his debut in Action Comics #1, dated June 1938, Superman is still an American cultural icon, the hero of reference and the undisputed star of DC Comics. 

And today, the comic book publisher -- also known for Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash and Green Lantern, among others -- is counting on Superman more than ever. 

"He is the mold people worked with, the template for the idea of a superhero," explains Jared Smith, who works in a comic book store in Washington. 

"Superman is a very idealized character. They call him the Boy Scout of America. He always does the right thing and tries do to the good thing." 

In Action Comics #1, 13 pages were dedicated to the story of Kal-El, an alien from the planet Krypton with supernatural strength, sent to Earth by his father before his home planet was destroyed. 

Superman's debut was a smash success. A year later, DC Comics gave the Man of Steel his own book, and introduced another formidable hero: Batman.

To read more, go here. 

Man of Steel Turns 80

Above, a photograph of George Reeves as Superman
  from Reeves's estate. Armand Vaquer collection.

It was 80 years ago this month the Superman character debuted with Action Comics #1 back on April 18, 1938.

Creators Jerome Siegel and Joseph Shuster tried to get the character published for several years before National Comics (now DC Comics) decided to take a chance and featured Superman in a new anthology comic book, Action Comics. The comic and Superman became an immediate hit.

NBC News ran a story last Saturday on the anniversary. To view it, go here.

The top photo of George Reeves as Superman came from Reeves's estate. It was distributed during his personal appearances.

Looks Like I'll Have To Go To Cleveland...

Above, the prototype of the proposed statue of Superman. Photo by Lisa DeJong/The Plain Dealer.

It has been announced that a new statue of the Man of Steel to honor the creation of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster will be erected in Cleveland, Ohio, their hometown.

Cleveland.com reported:

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Looks like Cleveland will be getting a Superman statue -- finally. 

A larger-than-life statue of a flying Superman is on track to be erected near the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum as part of the elevated walkway that will connect downtown Cleveland to the lakefront. 

The statue will be about five miles from the Glenville neighborhood where Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster created Superman in the early 1930s.

Richard Pace, of Cumberland Development who is co-developing 20 acres of city-owned land at North Coast Harbor with Trammell Crow Co. of Dallas, said the burnished steel statue of Superman is long overdue.

According to the article, statues of Siegel and Shuster, along with a statue of Joanne Siegel (Mrs. Jerry Siegel) who was the model for Lois Lane, will be looking up at Superman.

Above, Joanne Siegel with Paul Levitz of DC Comics in 2001. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thankfully, Joanne Siegel was made aware of the planned statue before her death.

Jerry Siegel's daughter, Laura Siegel of Los Angeles, got a peek at the Superman statue prototype several years ago. She showed pictures to her mother shortly before her death.

"She was delighted and it brought tears to her eyes that her long-held wish of a statue in Cleveland honoring Superman and his creators was going to become a reality," Laura said of her mother. "She was deeply touched and honored that her likeness will be included."

Above, Laura Siegel Larson last summer in Studio City. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Looks like I'll have to go to Cleveland for the dedication ceremonies when the time comes.

To read more, go here. 

The Neverending Battle For Superman

Above, the very first published Superman story appeared in the first issue of Action Comics.

Just about everyone knows that the character of Superman/Clark Kent was created by two Cleveland, Ohio boys, Jerome Siegel and Joseph Shuster.

Siegel did the writing and Shuster did the illustrating.

Above, Laura Siegel Larson at the Superman Celebration luncheon last August. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After receiving no success in having Superman picked up by a publisher, the Superman character was picked up by a publisher (now known as DC Comics) and the rest is history.

But there's much more to the history.

Sedgwick Law has posted a history of the legal battles between Siegel & Shuster (and their heirs) and DC Comics.

Here's a snippet:

By now, the story behind Superman’s origins is well-known.  Created by teenagers Joseph Shuster and Jerry Siegel in the 1930s, Superman first appeared in Action Comics #1 in 1938.  Shortly thereafter, Shuster and Siegel reportedly sold to what is now DC Comics their rights to the Action Comics storyline, including the Superman character as he then existed, for $130.00 and additional, annual “work for hire” payments for supplying material to DC Comics.  Superman would, of course, then go on to become one of the most well-recognized and financially successful characters in comic book history, generating millions of dollars in subsequent sales, spin-offs, movies and merchandise.  In the years that followed, both Shuster and Siegel would attempt to regain ownership of Superman and a more appropriate share in DC’s profits from the booming franchise.  Ultimately, various lawsuits, settlements and copyright extensions restored their names to the Superman comics’ credit pages, and deals were made to provide pensions and other compensation for the co-creators’ heirs.

Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster have both passed on. The battle has been taken up by their heirs, most notably Jerry Siegel's daughter, Laura Siegel Larson.

To read "the rest of the story" (as the late Paul Harvey used to say), go here. 

Superman Celebration Nominated For Rondo Award Ballot

Above, Jack Larson (left) talks with Ted Newsom (upper right) and Jim Beaver. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Superman Celebration 2014 was nominated yesterday for a Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Award "Best Fan Event" by Ted Newsom at the Classic Horror Film Board Forum.

Newsom wrote in his nomination post:

For Best Fan Event of 2014, I nominate the fun, sweet, old-fashioned fan-convention-style celebration of ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN. 

This was a wonderful, sweet celebration of the 100th birthdays of Adventures of Superman actor George Reeves, Superman creators Jerome Siegel and Joseph Shuster and over 60 years of the Adventures of Superman, a plaque dedicated Saturday, August 16 at 5400 Wilbur Avenue, Tarzana, California. 

The site of the plaque was chosen as it was used in 1953 for a location shoot of the Adventures of Superman "The Man Who Could Read Minds" episode. Here, all principal characters of the show, Clark Kent (George Reeves), Perry White (John Hamilton), Lois Lane (Noel Neill), Jimmy Olsen (Jack Larson) and Inspector Bill Henderson (Robert Shayne), were filmed.  

Attending the plaque dedication were Jack Larson, Beverly Washburn, Laura Siegel Larson and Stephanie Shayne Parkin (Robert Shayne daughter) and about a hundred fans.  At the lunch afterward, the son of John Hamilton (Perry White) showed up and spoke, his first public appearance in 50 years. Jim Nolt, progenitor of the website "The Adventures Continue," was the coordinator, with able help from CHFB member Armand Vaquer, among others. 

The plaque dedication was open to the public.

Above, the dedicated plaque. Photo by John McCoy, Daily News.

The Rondo Awards Ballot has yet to be put together. It is generally comprised by fan nominations (such as this) and what (and who) the Rondo Award Committee members consider meritorious for a place on the ballot.

Keep an eye out at this blog for news on the 2014 Rondo Awards ballot.

A big SUPER thank-you to Ted!

Copy of Action Comics No. 1 Sells For $3.2 Million

Above, Action Comics No. 1.

One has to wonder how many people who were kids during the late-1930s who collected comic books, and had theirs tossed into the trash can by their mothers, are now kicking themselves.

Last week, it was reported by Cleveland.com that a near-pristine copy of Action Comics No. 1 was sold on eBay for a whopping $3.2 million.

They wrote:

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A near-perfect copy of "Action Comics" No. 1 featuring the first appearance of Superman in 1938, sold on eBay this weekend for a staggering $3.2 million. 

The comic was created by Clevelanders Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in their Glenville homes and originally sold for 10 cents. The creators tried to sell the concept to publishers around the country for five years, getting nothing but rejection. One publisher said the idea of a super man was too ridiculous. 

Hard to believe the book was sold on eBay and not through one of the prestige New York auction houses, but it worked. Part of the profits will go to The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. 

The previous record price for a copy of "Action Comics" No. 1 was a mere $2.1 million. It was a copy once owned by actor and comic buff Nicolas Cage.

The record sale came eight days after Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel's daughter Laura attended the Superman Celebration events in Los Angeles. The sale would have been an interesting topic of discussion had it occurred before.

Above, Laura Siegel Larson, daughter of Jerry Siegel, addresses the Superman Celebration Luncheon August 16. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Rare George Reeves Photos Up For Auction

Above, one of the photos of George Reeves up for auction. 

It is interesting that a rare collection of publicity photos of George Reeves is now up for auction at Heritage Auctions, especially since we will be celebrating Reeves's 100th birthday (along with the 100th birthdays of Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster) next weekend.

The current high bid at this writing is $600.

Most of the photos I have never seen before including this one (below) of Reeves with Lenore Lemmon.

Above, George with Lenore Lemmon.

They appear to have been taken just days before Reeves's untimely death on June 16, 1959, allegedly by suicide. The scar on his forehead from the April 1959 auto accident is visible on many of the photos. Most were taken at his Benedict Canyon home.

The group also includes a letter written by Reeves's mother, Helen Bessolo.

If I had the money right now, I'd bid on them.

To see the collection, go here.

The Adventures of Superman Plaque Layout

The layout of the Adventures of Superman plaque has been received and here it is:

Yes, we know about the typo and it is being corrected.

Superman Plaque Dedication August 16

Above, the photo image that will be on the plaque. Created by Steven Kirk.

Celebrating the 100th birthdays of Adventures of Superman actor George Reeves, Superman creators Jerome Siegel and Joseph Shuster and over 60 years of the Adventures of Superman, a plaque will be dedicated Saturday, August 16 at 5400 Wilbur Avenue, Tarzana, California. The dedication will begin at 9:00 AM.

Above, (from left) Robert Shayne, John Hamilton and George Reeves at 5400 Wilbur Ave. in 1953.

The site of the plaque was chosen as it was used in 1953 for a location shoot of the Adventures of Superman "The Man Who Could Read Minds" episode. Here, all principal characters of the show, Clark Kent (George Reeves), Perry White (John Hamilton), Lois Lane (Noel Neill), Jimmy Olsen (Jack Larson) and Inspector Bill Henderson (Robert Shayne), were filmed. Go here for details.

At the time of this writing, attending the plaque dedication are Jack Larson, Beverly Washburn, Laura Siegel Larson and Stephanie Shayne Parkin. More will be announced as confirmations are received.

The public is invited.

Superman Plaque

Tomorrow's early morning (well, not that early) task is to order the plaque commemorating the 100th birthdays of George Reeves and Superman creators Jerome Siegel and Joseph Shuster. The plaque dedication will be held on the morning of August 16.

The plaque will have this photo (created by Steven Kirk):

And, the text (by Jim Nolt and Armand Vaquer) will read:

ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN
Production years: 1951 - 1957
Producers: Robert Maxwell/Bernard Luber and Whitney Ellsworth
Episode #29 "The Man Who could Read Minds." Script by Roy Hamilton.  Directed by Tommy Carr.  

A portion of this episode was filmed in June, 1953 at 5400 Wilbur Avenue, Tarzana, CA., and is the only location scene to feature all five main characters:  Editor Perry White - John Hamilton; Reporter Lois Lane - Noel Neill (who replaced Phyllis Coates after the first season); Cub reporter Jimmy Olsen - Jack Larson; Inspector Wm. J. Henderson - Robert Shayne; and Reporter Clark Kent/Superman - George Reeves. 

A police stakeout scene was filmed at this location and a fight scene between Jimmy Olsen and the phantom burglar were filmed on Wilbur Ave. Additional chase scenes were filmed on Linnett Street. 

Dedication of this plaque, provided by fans of the "Adventures of Superman," was held on August 16, 2014 to commemorate the 100th birthdays of George Reeves and Superman creators Jerome Siegel and Joseph Shuster and over sixty years of the "Adventures of Superman." 

If there are any changes to the above, they will only occur if there are problems with space on the plaque. 

Adventures of Superman Plaque Dedication Update

Things are proceeding nicely in preparation for next month's plaque dedication in Tarzana, California celebrating the 100th birthdays of George Reeves, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The site of the dedication will be at the 1953 location shoot for "The Man Who Could Read Minds" episode of the Adventures of Superman.

The location shoot was the only one (to our knowledge) where all five principal actors of the show, George Reeves, Jack Larson, Noel Neill, Bob Shayne and John Hamilton appeared. The site was used for Inspector Henderson's stake-out for "the Phantom Burglar" and the car chase. The episode in its entirety is above.

Steven Kirk is making the "finishing touches" on the photographic artwork for the plaque and Jim Nolt is getting the funds over here for ordering the plaque next week. Jim and I have already completed the final text for the plaque.

Ohio Superman License Plates

Source: Fox 8 News.

Ohio Superman fans will soon be able to purchase Superman license plates.

For $20 over the normal car registration fee, car owners will be able to have a Superman-themed license plate on their cars. The plates will be available beginning on the first week in October according to Fox 8 television station in Cleveland.

Superman creators Jerome Siegel and Joseph Shuster were from Cleveland.

To read the article from Fox 8, go here.

"Adventures of Superman" Plaque Text Draft

Now that the funds for the Adventures of Superman plaque have been raised, attention is now being focused on the plaque's text.

Thus far, I have come with a draft text for the plaque. The plaque will also include a photograph of either the cast members or, provided a suitable cast photo is unavailable, a photo of George Reeves as Superman. We are currently checking with several sources for a suitable photo.

Here's the draft text I have come up with, so you can have an idea of what the current thinking is:

Adventures of Superman Episode 29 

"The Man Who Could Read Minds" 

In June 1953, location filming for "The Man Who Could Read Minds" took place at 5400 Wilbur Ave, Tarzana, CA.  In the episode, Inspector William Henderson (Robert Shayne) set up a stakeout command post in front of this house in an effort to capture the phantom burglar. 

Daily Planet Editor Perry White (John Hamilton) with reporters Clark Kent (George Reeves), Lois Lane (Noel Neill, who replaced Phyllis Coates as Lois Lane in the second season) and Jimmy Olsen (Jack Larson) met Henderson at this location.   

Besides the stakeout, the episode also featured a fight between Jimmy Olsen and the phantom burglar on Wilbur Ave. as well as chase scenes on Linnett Street.  The episode was directed by Thomas Carr.  The script was written by Roy Hamilton. 

This plaque was dedicated at this location on August 16, 2014 in commemoration of the 100th birthdays of George Reeves, television's first Superman, and Superman creators Jerome Siegel and Joseph Shuster by fans of the Adventures of Superman.