When I saw this picture of the Dalai Lama, my immediate thought was that he looked like he was wearing garb from a Superman comic book character: Mr. Mxyzptlk from the 5th Dimension.
Here's the photo:
Here's Mr. Mzyzptlk by Curt Swan on the cover of Action Comics #273 (From 1961. I have this issue, by the way):
Curt Swan, the artist who produced the definitive Superman for over 30 years, died on this date in 1996. Today marks 30 years since his passing. He was my favorite comic book artist.
I first discovered his passing while perusing a comic book at a convenience store. In it, a house ad announced his passing.
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| Above, many faces of Superman artist guide by Curt Swan. |
The actual death date is somewhat questionable as he was found dead at home surrounded by comic books. He had been dead for some time. Some placed his death as June 16 (this is interesting as Superman actor George Reeves died on June 16, 1959) while others place it on June 17.
According to a Wikipedia footnore:
Curt Swan, Social Security Death Index details, FamilySearch gives June 17, 1996, as the date of death, and was verified by a family member; verification date can be the same as the death date, or one or more days afterward.
As Swan's family recognizes June 17, 1996, I will do so as well (although I have it at June 16 in Find a Grave based on information at the time).
I am lucky to have a page of original Curt Swan Superman art (inked by Murphy Anderson). I bought in the early 2000s at a reasonable price.
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| Above, the home in Benedict Canyon where George Reeves died. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
Today is the 67th anniversary of the death of the original television Superman, George Reeves in his bedroom in Benedict Canyon.
Fans of the 1950s Adventures of Superman are familiar with the different theories of Reeves's death. The theories are suicide, murder and accident. Those theories were presented in the feature film, Hollywoodland (2006). I'll leave it to the viewer on which one to believe.
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| Above, Hollywoodland screenwriter Paul Bernbaum and yours truly in 2014. |
Hollywoodland is a fictionalized account of the last days of George Reeves and the aftermath of his death. It was written by Paul Bernbaum and stars Ben Affleck as George Reeves. It is a film worth viewing.
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| Above, George Reeves as Superman. |
Justin Root posted two videos on the "Mysterious Life & Death of Superman George Reeves." Root goes through Reeves's life and death in detail. Both parts are presented below.
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| Above, the classic Supergirl by Jim Mooney. |
When James Gunn's Superman was released, I was not impressed. The costume was horrible and the story was not interesting enough to me to head to the local theater.
It appears his Supergirl is underwhelming people as well and is on track to be a disappointing flop.
I enjoyed the previous Superman movies, you know, the Henry Cavill ones. I wasn't too thrilled over his costume either, but I liked the movies and his portrayal. DC Entertainment decided to jettison that series and do another reboot.
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| Above, the first appearance of Supergirl by Curt Swan and Al Plastino. |
Fox News has posted an article on how Supergirl is not looking too promising.
They begin it with:
DC Studios, housed at Warner Bros. Pictures, has tried to revamp its film and release strategies under the direction of James Gunn. Gunn, who was responsible for the "Guardians of the Galaxy" series, joined DC in 2022. His first big movie, made to jump-start the new DC direction, was 2025's "Superman." While not exactly a flop, it was a box-office disappointment. And Gunn himself may have been partially to blame.
Though the film avoided politics almost entirely, for some inexplicable reason, Gunn himself brought it up in pre-release promotional interviews.
"Yes, it’s about politics," Gunn explained in a story from The Times of London. "But on another level, it’s about morality.
"I mean, ‘Superman’ is the story of America – an immigrant that came from other places and populated the country," he continued. "But for me, it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost."
"It’s about human kindness, and obviously, there will be jerks out there who are just not kind and will take it as offensive just because it is about kindness. But screw them," he concluded.
Sure enough, "Superman" brought in substantially less money, before and after adjusting for inflation, than "Man of Steel." And pre-release tracking for the latest entry in Gunn's new DC Studios series, "Supergirl," is tracking to do substantially worse.
To read the full article, go here.
Some years ago, I posted that Emperor Hirohito (now referred to as Emperor Showa) was a big fan of the Adventures of Superman starring George Reeves. The Emperor was such a fan of Adventures of Superman that he sent actor George Reeves a fan letter in 1958.
The above video is the Japanese version of the opening of the show.
According to The Vintage News:
The Adventures of Superman was such a smash hit with audiences that it transcended territorial boundaries. The series became a hit in Japan, with the program being dubbed over. It’s no surprise, then, that Emperor Hirohito, the 124th Emperor of Japan, was a big fan of the series.
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| Above, Phyllis Coates as Lois Lane in the Adventures of Superman. |
Today marks 99 years that actress Phyllis Coates was born.
From Wikipedia:
Phyllis Coates (born Gypsie Ann Evarts Stell; January 15, 1927 – October 11, 2023) was an American actress with a career spanning over fifty years. She was best known for her portrayal of reporter Lois Lane in the 1951 film Superman and the Mole Men and in the first season of the television series Adventures of Superman.
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| Above, Phyllis Coates and yours truly in 2007. Photo by Carl Glass. |
I had the pleasure of meeting her in 2007 at a Hollywood Collectors Show in Burbank.
A few months ago, I was watching an episode of Cheaters when something in the background of a scene caught my attention.
The scene was of a "suspect" re-capping what had transpired in the episode she was in. In the background on a shelf was a photo from the Adventures of Superman episode, "The Unlucky Number" (1956) of George Reeves and Henry Blair.
The episode of Cheaters was re-played yesterday and I took a quick photo of the scene.
Here's the photo below:
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| Above, the Superman Plaque Dedication in August 2014 in Tarzana as covered by the Los Angeles Daily News. |
Jim Nolt of The Adventures Continue posted on Facebook that it was ten years ago today that Jack Larson, who immortalized the character of Jimmy Olsen on the Adventures of Superman, passed away.
He died at his home in Brentwood, California.
A memorial service was held at UCLA a few months later at the James Bridges Theater, which I attended. Afterwards, several of us went over to the Smoke House Restaurant in Burbank, within walking distance of Warner Bros. Studios.
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| Above, the memorial booklet. |
It is hard to believe that ten years has passed.
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| Above, the unveiling of the Superman statue. Screen capture by Armand Vaquer. |
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.
Above, the good ol' days
The new Superman movie is carrying on Hollywood's anti-American stance.
Again, they are dropping "the American Way" from "Truth, Justice and the American Way" from Superman.
The Gateway Pundit reported:
If you needed another reason to skip the newest ‘Superman’ movie, you’re in luck.
The people behind this movie have changed the hero’s iconic catchphrase ‘truth, justice and the American way’ to ‘truth, justice and the human way.’
This isn’t the first time this has happened. Back in 2021, they changed it to ‘truth, justice and a better tomorrow.’
The latest change makes perfect sense when you consider that the movie is pushing a political, pro-illegal immigrant narrative which the filmmakers have admitted is a deliberately political choice.
One of the actors just said that if you don’t approve of this messaging, you’re not American.
Comicbook.com reported:
James Gunn’s Superman Changes “Truth, Justice, & the American Way” CatchphraseEver since his creation in the 1930s, Superman has stood for two things: “truth” and “justice.” It’s hard to argue with those being his main concerns, especially since he’s a role model for kids. Sometimes, a third core value even finds its way into his stories, with the most popular being “the American Way.” Superman started pushing that agenda during World War II, hoping to fire up the country during a dark period in its history.
In the subsequent decades, Superman would drop “the American Way” from his vernacular, choosing to replace it with things like “a Better Tomorrow” and “Peace for All Mankind.” However, Gunn is putting his own spin on Superman’s catchphrase, making the third most important thing for his iteration of the character “the Human Way.”
To read more, go here.
Today in history from Yellow Advertiser:
1959: TV’s Superman George Reeves dies from a gunshot to the head aged 45. The coroner rules it as suicide but mystery remains over the complete absence of fingerprints on the gun or gunpowder residue on the body. Theories include a mafia hit or murder by Reeves’ fiancee.
This has to be one of Hollywood's most perplexing mysteries. Was Reeves's death really a suicide? An accident? Ot murder?
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| Above, George Reeves's home in Benedict Canyon in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
It was 66 years ago today that Reeves died from a gunshot wound to the head in his Benedict Canyon home. Books and a movie (Hollywoodland in 2006) have covered the story.
Fan Brad Shey puts it this way:
June 16, 2025, the 66th anniversary of George Reeves' untimely passing. A day to remember not how he died, but to celebrate his life. Super hero, role model and father figure, his wink and smile created a bond with his fans. His legacy continues to create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
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| Above, George Reeves with his rifle collection about 72 hours before his death. |
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| Above, the Neal Adams cover of Batman no. 200. |
The third anniversary came yesterday. Adams passed at age 80 from sepsis (which also took my mother in 2010).
Yesterday, Dennis Hayes wrote this about Adams:
On this date April 28, 2022 Neal Adams died in New York City at the age of 80..
Adams was an American comic book and commercial artist known for helping to create some of the definitive modern imagery of the DC Comics characters Superman, Batman, and Green Arrow; as the co-founder of the graphic design studio Continuity Associates; and as a creators-rights advocate who helped secure a pension and recognition for Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.
Adams was inducted into the Eisner Award's Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 1998, and the Harvey Awards' Jack Kirby Hall of Fame in 1999.
When he came on the scene in the later 1960s, I didn't like his style at first. It was too jarringly different. But his artwork grew on me and he became one of my favorite comic book artists (just behind Curt Swan).
I had the pleasure of meeting him in 2012 at the Comikaze Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center. He was quite friendly and was easy to talk to. I was there to take part in a Godzilla panel.
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| Above, Neal Adams and I at Comikaze Expo in 2012. |
His influence in the comic book industry is still felt today.
R.I.P.
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| Above, George Reeves and Phyllis Coates photo from Superman and the Mole Men autographed by Coates. |
Last evening, I viewed this review of the "pilot" movie to the Adventures of Superman, "Superman and the Mole Men" (1951) starring George Reeves, Phyllis Coates, Jeff Corey and Walter Reed. It was the first Superman feature movie.
The story involves an oil well in Silsby, Texas that was the deepest oil well at six miles deep. The mole men came to the surface from the well.
Here's the review:
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| Above, a proposed design for the Superman coin. |
Other nations have featured pop culture characters in coins over the years.
A couple of years ago, I picked up Godzilla and King Kong silver coins issued from the island nation of Niue.
This year, several DC Comics super-heroes will be featured on coins to be issued by the U.S. Mint.
According to EIN Presswire:
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES, April 7, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- What do Homer Simpson, the Olympic games, Elvis Presley, and Superman have in common? They've all been featured or will soon be featured on coins. This year’s annual National Coin Week, April 20-26, 2025, explores the fascinating ways pop culture influences money.
The nonprofit American Numismatic Association (www.money.org), based in Colorado Springs, Colo., has sponsored National Coin Week since 1924. This year’s theme is “Iconic Change: Pop Culture & Coins Unite!”
“Coins are not just money,” explained Thomas J. Uram of Pennsylvania, president of the American Numismatic Association. “They're pop culture time capsules. From superheroes to sci-fi, sports legends to blockbuster movies, coins have captured the icons we love. National Coin Week 2025 celebrates the surprising ways money and pop culture come together.”
This year, the United States Mint will begin producing collectible coins and medals featuring three iconic DC superheroes “who reflect American values and culture,” according to the Mint. Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman will be the first characters featured.
To read more, go here.
The lawsuit by the estate of Superman co-creator Joe Shuster is moving along and the court battle is just beginning.
The lawsuit by the Shuster estate involves international copyright laws to Superman. Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Comics are vigorously fighting the lawsuit.
This comes at an interesting time since a new Superman movie will be opening in theaters July 11.
The Superman Homepage reported:
Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Comics have filed a motion to dismiss a new lawsuit over Superman’s copyright in foreign territories, arguing that the case has already been thoroughly decided in previous court battles.
The lawsuit, filed by the estate of Joe Shuster (co-creator of Superman) through representative Mark Peary, claims rights to the Superman character in several international territories. Their attorney, Marc Toberoff, argues that in overseas territories, copyright assignments automatically terminate 25 years after an author’s death under the “Dickens provision” of U.K. copyright law.
Warner Bros. responded forcefully in their motion filed Wednesday, pointing out that courts have repeatedly rejected similar claims in the past. The studio noted that Peary’s mother, Jean Peavy, signed away all rights to Superman after Shuster’s death in 1992.
The case centers on complex international copyright law. Toberoff filed the suit in New York federal court, claiming U.S. courts have jurisdiction because the United States is a signatory to the Berne Convention, an international copyright agreement. However, Warner Bros.’ attorney countered that the Berne Convention cannot be enforced in U.S. courts and that the court lacks jurisdiction over the matter.
To read more, go here.
A friend on a European vacation was recently in Rome and spotted this interesting cruise ship.
He didn't say who owns the ship, but it features a familiar comic book character.
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| Above, Superman cruise ship docked in Rome. Photo by Glenn Thornhill. |
MS Athara ferry is a Ro-Ro passenger vessel owned and operated by the Italian company TIRRENIA Navigazione. The ship has a max capacity of 2700 passengers and 820 cars (or 69 trucks). The vessel was launched in 2003 and currently operates on the Italy-Sardinia ferry route Genoa-Olbia-Arbatax (crossing time 10 hours). On rotation schedule, the boat also serves the routes Civitavecchia--Cagliari and Civitavecchia-Olbia-Arbatax, with crossing times 5,5 hours (day crossings) and 7 hours (night crossings).
It probably hit the newsstands a couple of months before (around November 1965). I got this comic at a liquor store on Normandie Ave. near 105th Street in Los Angeles when my dad and I went there one night. I think he bought it for me.
This comic contained several Golden Age Superman stores circa the 1940s. It was the first time I had ever read a Golden Age Superman story. I've read many more since then.
LiveAuctioneers estimated value of this issue was $400-$600 in near-mint condition. It sold for $600.
I still have it in my collection.
The first (1951) season of the Adventures of Superman starring George Reeves was definitely not a "kiddie show".
Here is episode 5, "The Monkey Mystery", which had Cold War and anti-atomic bomb themes. Along with that, violence against Lois Lane (Phyllis Coates) and the daughter of an Eastern European scientist (with blood) on a train and the murder of an organ grinder are featured.
Here's a clip from the episode (the conclusion):
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| 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.
Here's a bit of artwork of the Superman daily comic strip by the great Curt Swan (pencils) and Stan Kaye (inks) from 1958.
Thanks to Randy Sadewater for posting this on Facebook.
Jan 27 to Feb 1, 1958.
Strips 5967 to 5972, 1958
Continuing Episode 102: My Secret Romance with Superman
Strips 5877-5978 (October 14, 1957 to February 8, 1958)
Writer - Alvin Schwartz
Pencils - Curt Swan
Inks - Stan Kaye
The byline in the newspapers continued to say Wayne Boring.
