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Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Marvel vs. DC: Superman nominated as 'Ohio's official superhero,' snubs Incredible Hulk's Dayton connections
May 28—A proposal at the Ohio Statehouse would proclaim Superman as the state's official superhero, but DC Comics' "Man of Steel" isn't the only superhero with Ohio connections, including a certain angry green scientist who's from Dayton. Reps. Adam Mathews, R-Lebanon, and Terrence Upchurch, D-Cleveland, are cosponsors of the bill, which would designate Superman as the "official superhero of the state," beginning on April 18, 2033, a year before Superman enters the public domain. "Superman is the first and greatest of superheroes, even though personally I do prefer Batman," said Mathews. "But Superman was created in Cleveland and this summer is a great time to highlight this fact, because the newest movie was filmed primarily in Cleveland and Columbus, highlighting the art deco architecture that's become just as much a character of the DC Universe as Green Arrow, Green Lantern or the others." Ohio isn't the only state to memorialize Superman in some fashion. Kansas — the home of the fictional Smallville, where Clark Kent was raised — inducted Superman into its state Hall of Fame in 2013. Additionally, Metropolis, Illinois, styled as "Super City," hosts the annual Superman Celebration each June. Superman first appeared on the page of Action Comics #1, on April 18, 1938. The character was originally created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, both of whom were born in Cleveland to immigrant Jewish parents. Siegel and Shuster's origins were a major influence on the earliest portrayals of Superman, as were the political and economic conditions of the time, said Jared Whittaker, manager of Super-Fly Comics and Games in Yellow Springs. Superman's earliest adversaries included greedy mine owners, crooked politicians, and labor racketeers. Lex Luthor's first appearance in the comics in 1940 casts him as a war profiteer who wishes to take over the world once Earth's nations have been weakened in conflict. " At the time, you had a very depressed economic state," Whittaker said. "In the very first (issues), Superman is a hero for low-income people. Some of that includes people who are holding common people down." As the world entered World War II, Spiegel and Shuster shifted to portraying Superman as a character that stood up for the defenseless, and even on occasion to Hitler himself, according to the Ohio History Connection. "World War II had a big part in creating fictionalized battles, where the superheroes could go and fight," said Peter Bell, owner of Bell Book and Comic in Dayton. "Captain America was Marvel's symbol of freedom from the Nazis, and so Superman, even though he was not 'American,' but grew up in the US, and he was raised as a US person ... it made sense that Superman was their flagship at the time." Hulk origin story in Dayton Superman, however, isn't the only superhero with connections to Ohio. Bruce Banner, the alter ego of Marvel's The Incredible Hulk, was born in Dayton. Given the choice, Bell said, he would have voted for the Hulk as Ohio's superhero, but "I'm a little biased towards my city," he said. "When Marvel got started, Stan Lee and everybody wrote into our real world," said Bell. "Spider Man's from Queens, Captain America is from New York City too, and they actually used real cities in our country to ground those heroes in our reality. That's one reason why Marvel took off so well, because, 'Oh my gosh, Spider-Man, this is a kid who's just like me.'" The Incredible Hulk was created by the legendary Marvel writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, and made his first appearance in his namesake comic in 1962. The series ran for only six issues, but the Hulk went on to appear in other comics, and the Incredible Hulk was relaunched in 1968. Later, in the 80s and 90s, other Marvel writers including Bill Mantlo and Peter David fleshed out Bruce Banner's origins, including establishing his roots as the child of an alcoholic father in Dayton, Ohio. The Hulk returns to Dayton in later issues of the comics, including one where he attempts to infiltrate a facility at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. As comics matured as a medium, Superman's "truth, justice, and the American way," gave way to darker stories with more complex themes in the broader comic landscape. However, Superman's simplicity makes him the better pick for a symbolic role, said Whittaker. "Superman, for what this is supposed to represent, I guess it's probably better ... being the first superhero, and kind of being this kind of very revered character versus the Hulk. The Hulk isn't bad, but the whole 'gets mad and breaks stuff' thing doesn't really have a lot of the iconic, relatable feel to it," Whittaker said. Other superheroes and comic book characters from Ohio include Black Alice, a teenage superhero from Dayton who appears in Gail Simone's Birds of Prey. Additionally, the cast of Scooby Doo is said to be from the fictional town of Coolsville, Ohio, and secondary character Tommy Glass — appearing in Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque's American Vampire — is from Dayton. "We are excited that Ohio is being shown off. As Superman enters the public domain in 2034, Ohio needs to be prepared to highlight to the whole world that, while the Cleveland native sons of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster have said he was born in Smallville, Kansas, Superman is from Ohio and he's ours," Mathews said.
The Independent
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Takeaways from AP's report on the religious and moral undercurrents in Superman comics
Superman comics are not overtly religious. Yet faith and morality have been baked into this superhero character who was born Kryptonian, raised Methodist and created by two young Jewish men in 1930s Cleveland. Superman's character has been portrayed in the mold of Christ and Moses given how he constantly upholds the ideals of self-sacrifice, powerful leadership and compassion. While scholars, comic book writers and fans alike are struck by the religious undertones in Superman comics, they all agree that what sets Superman apart is his ability to bring hope in a hopeless world. Superman Day and the 'Superman' summer movie release Friday (April 18) marks the 87th anniversary of the original superhero's birth. It also is the date Superman made his debut in an Action Comics issue. There is much excitement in the Superman fanverse this year because of the much-anticipated 'Superman' movie directed by James Gunn, starring David Corenswet, the first Jewish actor to play Superman in a major film. On his Instagram page on April 18, 2024, Gunn shared a photo of himself, Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan who plays Lois Lane in the upcoming film, reading among several comic books, a reproduction of Action Comics #1 — the very first one featuring the Man of Steel. In his Instagram post, Gunn also paid tribute to the superhero, saying: 'He gave us someone to believe in, not because of his great physical power, but because of his character and determination to do right no matter what.' Gunn's film promises a return to a version of a vulnerable Superman who is rooted in values espoused by most faiths — goodness, compassion and hope. Superman's Jewish roots Samantha Baskind, professor of art history at Cleveland State University, is Jewish and sees numerous parallels between Superman's origin story and the history of Jews. She says Superman's solitary flight from Krypton in a small spacecraft is reminiscent of how Moses' mother placed him in a papyrus basket and left him on the Nile, seeing it as his best chance of survival. Some also compare Superman's backstory to the Kindertransport, she said, referring to a humanitarian rescue program that transported nearly 10,000 children, mostly Jewish, from Nazi-controlled territories to Great Britain in 1938 and 1939. In Superman's Kryptonian name, Kal-El, chosen by his original Jewish creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the 'El' in Hebrew connotes God. 'There's also the thinking that Siegel and Shuster created Superman because they were these two, skinny, young Jewish men who couldn't go out and fight Hitler, but Superman fought Nazis on the cover of their comic books,' Baskind said. In some early editions, Superman held Hitler by his Nazi uniform as he begged for mercy. Strong appeal to diverse groups Superman is relatable to diverse populations regardless of religion, race or ethnicity. Gene Luen Yang, who has written several Superman comics, sees his own experience as a Chinese American mirrored in Superman's story — caught between two worlds and two cultures. Yang says he had one name at home and another at school, just like Superman. So, even though he is a practicing Catholic, Yang says he relates more to Superman's Jewish roots. Despite the religious undertones, Superman also appeals to those who are religiously unaffiliated, said Dan Clanton, professor of religious studies at Doane University in Nebraska, adding that the superhero's story 'truly encapsulates American civil religion.' Neal Bailey, a longtime contributor to Superman Homepage, a fan site, is an atheist. He views Superman as a 'philosophical pragmatist' with the ability to solve the most complex problems with the least amount of harm. 'He actually goes beyond religion to see our commonalities,' Bailey said. 'Superman wouldn't care about people's religious beliefs. He would care more about whether they are living up to their human potential.' Superman inspires humans to do better Grant Morrison, one of the best-known writers of Superman comic books, said in a 2008 interview that humans become what they imitate, which is why he made Superman an inspirational character. Superheroes have received less-than-flattering treatment in recent films and television shows. For example, in 'The Boys,' a comic book turned Amazon Prime series, the Superman-like character, Homelander, is a government-sponsored hero whose smiling exterior conceals the heart of a sadist. Gunn's Superman is expected to change that trajectory with a superhero who will reinforce the character's core value of preserving life at any cost. An altruistic view of Superman can be found in the recently concluded 'Superman & Lois' television series on the CW Network in which after defeating Lex Luthor in a final battle, the couple settles down in a small town and starts a foundation to help others. 'I didn't just want to be a hero that saves people,' the Superman character played by Tyler Hoechlin says in an epilogue to the series. 'I wanted to connect with them. To change their lives for the better.' ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Associated Press
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Takeaways from AP's report on the religious and moral undercurrents in Superman comics
Superman comics are not overtly religious. Yet faith and morality have been baked into this superhero character who was born Kryptonian, raised Methodist and created by two young Jewish men in 1930s Cleveland. Superman's character has been portrayed in the mold of Christ and Moses given how he constantly upholds the ideals of self-sacrifice, powerful leadership and compassion. While scholars, comic book writers and fans alike are struck by the religious undertones in Superman comics, they all agree that what sets Superman apart is his ability to bring hope in a hopeless world. Superman Day and the 'Superman' summer movie release Friday (April 18) marks the 87th anniversary of the original superhero's birth. It also is the date Superman made his debut in an Action Comics issue. There is much excitement in the Superman fanverse this year because of the much-anticipated 'Superman' movie directed by James Gunn, starring David Corenswet, the first Jewish actor to play Superman in a major film. On his Instagram page on April 18, 2024, Gunn shared a photo of himself, Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan who plays Lois Lane in the upcoming film, reading among several comic books, a reproduction of Action Comics #1 — the very first one featuring the Man of Steel. In his Instagram post, Gunn also paid tribute to the superhero, saying: 'He gave us someone to believe in, not because of his great physical power, but because of his character and determination to do right no matter what.' Gunn's film promises a return to a version of a vulnerable Superman who is rooted in values espoused by most faiths — goodness, compassion and hope. Superman's Jewish roots Samantha Baskind, professor of art history at Cleveland State University, is Jewish and sees numerous parallels between Superman's origin story and the history of Jews. She says Superman's solitary flight from Krypton in a small spacecraft is reminiscent of how Moses' mother placed him in a papyrus basket and left him on the Nile, seeing it as his best chance of survival. Some also compare Superman's backstory to the Kindertransport, she said, referring to a humanitarian rescue program that transported nearly 10,000 children, mostly Jewish, from Nazi-controlled territories to Great Britain in 1938 and 1939. In Superman's Kryptonian name, Kal-El, chosen by his original Jewish creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the 'El' in Hebrew connotes God. 'There's also the thinking that Siegel and Shuster created Superman because they were these two, skinny, young Jewish men who couldn't go out and fight Hitler, but Superman fought Nazis on the cover of their comic books,' Baskind said. In some early editions, Superman held Hitler by his Nazi uniform as he begged for mercy. Strong appeal to diverse groups Superman is relatable to diverse populations regardless of religion, race or ethnicity. Gene Luen Yang, who has written several Superman comics, sees his own experience as a Chinese American mirrored in Superman's story — caught between two worlds and two cultures. Yang says he had one name at home and another at school, just like Superman. So, even though he is a practicing Catholic, Yang says he relates more to Superman's Jewish roots. Despite the religious undertones, Superman also appeals to those who are religiously unaffiliated, said Dan Clanton, professor of religious studies at Doane University in Nebraska, adding that the superhero's story 'truly encapsulates American civil religion.' Neal Bailey, a longtime contributor to Superman Homepage, a fan site, is an atheist. He views Superman as a 'philosophical pragmatist' with the ability to solve the most complex problems with the least amount of harm. 'He actually goes beyond religion to see our commonalities,' Bailey said. 'Superman wouldn't care about people's religious beliefs. He would care more about whether they are living up to their human potential.' Superman inspires humans to do better Grant Morrison, one of the best-known writers of Superman comic books, said in a 2008 interview that humans become what they imitate, which is why he made Superman an inspirational character. Superheroes have received less-than-flattering treatment in recent films and television shows. For example, in 'The Boys,' a comic book turned Amazon Prime series, the Superman-like character, Homelander, is a government-sponsored hero whose smiling exterior conceals the heart of a sadist. Gunn's Superman is expected to change that trajectory with a superhero who will reinforce the character's core value of preserving life at any cost. An altruistic view of Superman can be found in the recently concluded 'Superman & Lois' television series on the CW Network in which after defeating Lex Luthor in a final battle, the couple settles down in a small town and starts a foundation to help others. 'I didn't just want to be a hero that saves people,' the Superman character played by Tyler Hoechlin says in an epilogue to the series. 'I wanted to connect with them. To change their lives for the better.' ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Takeaways from AP's report on the religious and moral undercurrents in Superman comics
Superman comics are not overtly religious. Yet faith and morality have been baked into this superhero character who was born Kryptonian, raised Methodist and created by two young Jewish men in 1930s Cleveland. Superman's character has been portrayed in the mold of Christ and Moses given how he constantly upholds the ideals of self-sacrifice, powerful leadership and compassion. While scholars, comic book writers and fans alike are struck by the religious undertones in Superman comics, they all agree that what sets Superman apart is his ability to bring hope in a hopeless world. Superman Day and the 'Superman' summer movie release Friday (April 18) marks the 87th anniversary of the original superhero's birth. It also is the date Superman made his debut in an Action Comics issue. There is much excitement in the Superman fanverse this year because of the much-anticipated 'Superman' movie directed by James Gunn, starring David Corenswet, the first Jewish actor to play Superman in a major film. On his Instagram page on April 18, 2024, Gunn shared a photo of himself, Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan who plays Lois Lane in the upcoming film, reading among several comic books, a reproduction of Action Comics #1 — the very first one featuring the Man of Steel. In his Instagram post, Gunn also paid tribute to the superhero, saying: 'He gave us someone to believe in, not because of his great physical power, but because of his character and determination to do right no matter what.' Gunn's film promises a return to a version of a vulnerable Superman who is rooted in values espoused by most faiths — goodness, compassion and hope. Superman's Jewish roots Samantha Baskind, professor of art history at Cleveland State University, is Jewish and sees numerous parallels between Superman's origin story and the history of Jews. She says Superman's solitary flight from Krypton in a small spacecraft is reminiscent of how Moses' mother placed him in a papyrus basket and left him on the Nile, seeing it as his best chance of survival. Some also compare Superman's backstory to the Kindertransport, she said, referring to a humanitarian rescue program that transported nearly 10,000 children, mostly Jewish, from Nazi-controlled territories to Great Britain in 1938 and 1939. In Superman's Kryptonian name, Kal-El, chosen by his original Jewish creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the 'El' in Hebrew connotes God. 'There's also the thinking that Siegel and Shuster created Superman because they were these two, skinny, young Jewish men who couldn't go out and fight Hitler, but Superman fought Nazis on the cover of their comic books,' Baskind said. In some early editions, Superman held Hitler by his Nazi uniform as he begged for mercy. Strong appeal to diverse groups Superman is relatable to diverse populations regardless of religion, race or ethnicity. Gene Luen Yang, who has written several Superman comics, sees his own experience as a Chinese American mirrored in Superman's story — caught between two worlds and two cultures. Yang says he had one name at home and another at school, just like Superman. So, even though he is a practicing Catholic, Yang says he relates more to Superman's Jewish roots. Despite the religious undertones, Superman also appeals to those who are religiously unaffiliated, said Dan Clanton, professor of religious studies at Doane University in Nebraska, adding that the superhero's story 'truly encapsulates American civil religion.' Neal Bailey, a longtime contributor to Superman Homepage, a fan site, is an atheist. He views Superman as a 'philosophical pragmatist' with the ability to solve the most complex problems with the least amount of harm. 'He actually goes beyond religion to see our commonalities,' Bailey said. 'Superman wouldn't care about people's religious beliefs. He would care more about whether they are living up to their human potential.' Superman inspires humans to do better Grant Morrison, one of the best-known writers of Superman comic books, said in a 2008 interview that humans become what they imitate, which is why he made Superman an inspirational character. Superheroes have received less-than-flattering treatment in recent films and television shows. For example, in 'The Boys,' a comic book turned Amazon Prime series, the Superman-like character, Homelander, is a government-sponsored hero whose smiling exterior conceals the heart of a sadist. Gunn's Superman is expected to change that trajectory with a superhero who will reinforce the character's core value of preserving life at any cost. An altruistic view of Superman can be found in the recently concluded 'Superman & Lois' television series on the CW Network in which after defeating Lex Luthor in a final battle, the couple settles down in a small town and starts a foundation to help others. 'I didn't just want to be a hero that saves people,' the Superman character played by Tyler Hoechlin says in an epilogue to the series. 'I wanted to connect with them. To change their lives for the better.' ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
