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.

Superman Statue News Brings Back Memories

Above, DC Comics Vice President Paul Levitz and Joanne Siegel at  the
 "Superman Week" luncheon at Cafe Pinot in 2001. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

News about the proposed Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster Tribute Plaza and the upcoming press conference on Thursday brought back memories.

First off, it reminded me of the "Superman Week" ceremony and luncheon held at the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in July 2001. 

This was the event that fans of the Adventures of Superman gathered for the ceremony that was attended by Joanne Siegel, widow of Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel, and their daughter Laura Siegel Larson along with Jack Larson, Noel Neill, Robert Rockwell, Jeff Corey, DC Comics Vice President Paul Levitz and others. The event was hosted by then-Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.

Following the ceremony, the attendees held a luncheon at Cafe Pinot. Paul Levitz graciously picked up the tab for the luncheon.

Above, the 2014 Adventures of Superman plaque dedication.
Laura Siegel Larson is kneeling in front in blue.

Then, in 2014, a plaque dedication was held in Tarzana, California honoring the cast of the Adventures of Superman focusing on the episode, "The Man Who Could Read Minds", in 1953 in which all of the cast members participated in a location shoot there. This was followed by a luncheon at the Beverly Garland Hotel. Laura Siegel Larson also attended these events.

Roadside America posted the location of the plaque (for those who wish to go see it) 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. 

Paul Levitz's "Neal Adams: Force of Nature - An Appreciation"

Above, Paul Levitz and Mrs. Jerome Siegel at the Superman week
 luncheon in Los Angeles, July 2001. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When his "big burst" upon the comics scene came around 1967-68, my first reaction was neither liking his work nor hating it. It was just so different. Later, when he started drawing Batman and Deadman stories, his work really grew on me.

Above, Superman #204 cover by Neal Adams.

Neal Adams was a giant in the comic book industry. His passing two days ago caused a huge outpouring of appreciation of his artistic talent and leadership in artists' rights that revolutionized the comic book industry.

Above, Neal Adams and yours truly at the 2012 Comikaze Expo in Los Angeles.

One such outpouring of appreciation came from former DC Comics President Paul Levitz that was posted at 13th Dimension. It is an excellent read. 

It begins with:

Comics has lost a force of nature. Neal Adams was a magnificent artist, but that might have been the least of his talents. It would have been enough if he had just been an artist, of course: being one of the two newcomers to comics in the 1960s (with Jim Steranko) that rekindled the aspirations of a generation to reshape the pages of comics; drawing the definitive Batman that Neal would argue with his customary modesty would make possible billions of dollars of revenue for the company; moving the world of American comic art back from design (exemplified by Carmine Infantino) and exaggerated cartooning (as leaped from the pencil of Jack Kirby) to a new balance of dynamism and illustration; and entertaining so many millions of us.

To read the rest of Levitz's appreciation of Neal Adams, go here. 

"Adventures of Superman" Anniversary Day

Sixty (60) years ago today, filming began on the feature film Superman and the Mole Men at the RKO-Pathe studios in Culver City. It featured a new Superman/Clark Kent, George Reeves and a new Lois Lane, Phyllis Coates.

Above, a lobby card for Superman and the Mole Men.

The movie served as a pilot for the television show Adventures of Superman, which ran from 1952 to 1957.

Above, Supervisor Antonovich with Jack Larson and Noel Neill.

Fifty years later (or ten years ago), a special ceremony was organized with the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary. We called it "Superman Week" as a nod to an episode of the same title. It was held at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration at the Los Angeles civic center.

Above, Supervisor Antonovich and Robert Rockwell (Jor-El). I am sandwiched in-between the two and Jack Larson is in the background at right.

It was the biggest reunion gathering of Adventures of Superman veterans since the show ended production. In attendance were actors Jack Larson, Noel Neill, Jeff Corey and Robert Rockwell. Also partipating were Bette Shayne (Mrs. Robert Shayne) and her daughter Stephanie Shayne Parkin. Also on hand were Joanne Siegel (Mrs. Jerry Siegel) and her daughter Laura Siegle Larson, DC Comics VP Paul Levitz and Warner Bros. VP Michael Walbrecht.



Right, Jack Larson and Noel Neill interviewed by the press.





A luncheon followed the ceremony at Cafe Pinot, located next door to the L.A. Central Library in downtown Los Angeles. DC's Paul Levitz was kind enough to pick up the tab for everyone's lunch.

Above, Paul Levitz and Joanne Siegel at the Cafe Pinot luncheon.

Those who attended still cherish the fond memories of that day. It is a little hard to believe that ten years has already passed.

Above, the Los Angeles Daily News photo article on the ceremony.

Joanne Siegel's Letter To Time-Warner

Above, former DC Comics President Paul Levitz and Joanne Siegel in 2001. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The fight over the rights to the Superman character has been ongoing for years. Joanne Siegel, the widow of Superman co-creator Jerome Siegel, died of heart failure in a Los Angeles hospital at age 93 on February 12.

Last December 10, Mrs. Siegel wrote a letter to Jeffrey L. Bewkes, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Time Warner Inc. It is unclear if she actually sent it (the article says she "prepared" it).



It is a very touching letter and it expressed hope that a resolution for all parties could be reached without further enriching the attorneys.

To read Joanne Siegel's letter, go here.

Right, an early-1960s issue of Superman.

"Superman Week": Almost A Decade Ago

Above, the front page of the Daily News on the day of the ceremony. Imagine my surprise seeing myself staring out of newspaper racks all around Los Angeles!

In a little over four months from now, ten years have passed since the 50th anniversary of the Adventures of Superman television show was celebrated at a meeting of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration in downtown Los Angeles.

Plans for the July 10, 2001 event began in the late spring of 2001 when the editor and publisher of the fan magazine, The Adventures Continue Jim Nolt and I began discussing about doing something to commemorate the anniversary.

Above, Jack Larson and Noel Neill are interviewed before the ceremony. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the ad in The Hollywood Reporter in December 2001.

I was able to reach Nolt when he began to solicit contributions for a full-page ad in Variety through The Adventures Continue website. (Due to costs, the ad ultimately was placed in The Hollywood Reporter.) I told him that a year before, we had organized "Godzilla Week" through the offices of L.A. County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich. I felt we can likely get his support and sponsorship for a resolution commemorating the Adventures of Superman 50th anniversary since Supervisor Antonovich and I have known each other since the 1970s.


Sure enough, I contacted Supervisor Antonovich's office and they enthusiastically agreed to sponsor a ceremony. Coincidentally, the date chosen was the exact date that filming began on the "pilot" movie, Superman and the Mole Men in 1951.

From there, we began contacting the surviving stars of the show and Vice-President Paul Levitz of DC Comics inviting them to the ceremony. Later, Lou Koza was contacted by Laura Siegel Larson, the daughter of Superman co-creator Jerome Siegel asking if she and her mom Joanne may attend. Our response was an enthusiastic "Yes!"

Once the guests were all invited, we checked around for a suitable restaurant for an after-ceremony luncheon. Cafe Pinot, which sits next to the L.A. Central Library, was chosen for the luncheon.




The weeks dwindled into days before the event, and Superman historian Chuck Harter supplied some photographs from the show to use for publicity (one, of George Reeves and Noel Neill, was used on the front page of The Daily News). The Los Angeles Daily News published a big, above-the-fold front-page article on the day of the ceremony. I knew the article was coming out, since a few days before, a reporter for the Daily News came to my home to interview me and take photographs. I just didn't expect to get front-page treatment!






While the Daily News did a great article on the event, the Los Angeles Times only saw fit to publish a little blurb that focused on a misspelled word in a press release from Supervisor Antonovich's office. The Daily News published a photo article the following day on the ceremony. The Times was silent. Go figure!




The special guests and fans gathered at the Hall of Administration for the ceremony. The special guests included Jack Larson, Noel Neill, Robert Rockwell, Jeff Corey, Mrs. Joanne (Jerry) Siegel, Laura Siegel Larson, Mrs. Bettie (Robert) Shayne, DC Comics V.P. & Publisher Paul Levitz and Warner Bros. V.P. Michael Walbrecht.

In the ensuing years since the ceremony, we lost several of our special guests: Robert Rockwell (Jor-El in "Superman On Earth"), Jeff Corey (Luke Benson in "Superman and the Mole Men"), Bette Shayne (widow of Robert "Inspector Henderson" Shayne) and Joanne Siegel (widow of Superman co-creator Jerome Siegel). We are grateful we were able to give them this token of our gratitude.




The ceremony came off without a hitch. To those attending, it almost had a dream-like quality and an experience they've treasured ever since!

Joanne Siegel: The First Lois Lane

Above, Joanne Siegel and her daughter Laura Siegel Larson (far right) look on as L.A. County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich reads a tribute to the "Adventures of Superman" television show on its 50th anniversary in 2001. Photo courtesy of Jim Nolt.

Not too many people knew that Joanne Siegel, the widow of Superman co-creator Jerome (Jerry) Siegel, was "the first Lois Lane." Until this week.

Joanne Siegel didn't play Lois Lane on radio, television or in the movies, but she was the model that Jerome Siegel's partner Joe Shuster used when creating Lois.

Over at The Adventures Continue website, Lou Koza posted a special tribute page that provides a pretty comprehensive biography of Joanne Siegel. (Included is a story that Mrs. Siegel told Koza at the 2001 "Superman Week" ceremony on how she first met television's first Superman, George Reeves.)

At the "Superman Week" ceremony, Joanne Siegel met the screen's first Lois Lane, Noel Neill, for the first time.

Above, DC Comics Vice-President Paul Levitz and Joanne Siegel at a luncheon following the "Superman Week" ceremony at Cafe Pinot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read the tribute page to Joanne Siegel, go here.

Joanne Siegel, Widow of Superman Co-Creator, Dies At 93

by Armand Vaquer

Above, a group photo from the Superman Week ceremony with Joanne Siegel and her daughter Laura at far right. Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Sad news today in the world of Superman.

Joanne Siegel, the widow of Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel and the model for Lois Lane (drawn by Joe Shuster) died today in California at the age of 93.

Daughter Laura Siegel Larson is currently making funeral arrangements.

It was my honor and privilege to meet Mrs. Siegel in July 2001 at the Superman Week ceremony at the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. At that ceremony, Mrs. Siegel met actress Noel Neill for the first time. Neill played Lois Lane in to Sam Katzman Columbia serials and replaced Phyllis Coates in the role on the Adventures of Superman television show in 1953.

Mrs. Siegel later joined us for a luncheon at Cafe Pinot following the ceremony.

My condolences to the Siegel family.