Archive for January, 2011

January 28th, 2011  Posted at   News of Interest
,    |   Comments Off on Remembering Jerry Siegel

With today being the 15th anniversary of Jerry Siegel’s death, Cleveland.com has republished a 1996 article about Siegel, originally published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer just a few days after his death.

Unlike many of the modern comics whose heroes are as violent as the villains, Superman still fights for “truth, justice and the American way.”

“You can’t change him much,” said Michael Carlin, editor of the Superman comics line for DC. “Jerry got it right the first time.”

As they were kind enough to link to this site, specifically the Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster biography by Jamie Coville that I have hosted (with Coville’s generous permission) since I first launched the site several years ago, I thought it not only appropriate to not only bring attention to the article, but to also take a moment to remember one of Superman’s two creators.

Click over to Cleveland.com for the whole article.

January 25th, 2011  Posted at   The Thrilling Adventures of Superman

The Thrilling Adventures of Superman

Welcome to episode four of The Thrilling Adventures of Superman. The show’s mission is to explore the history and development of the Superman in his formative years by chronicling the Man of Steel’s Golden Age adventures in comics, radio and film.

Are you ready for some football? This episode, Michael takes a look at ACTION COMICS #4, which finds Superman hitting the gridiron in an adventure that involves assault, kidnapping, identity theft and dubious ethical decisions! And don’t worry, the villains engage in their own villainous hijinks, as well. So grab your leather helmet and suit up… it’s time for kickoff!

QUOTABLE:
Well, here goes! — Wonder if I’ll get away with it?
Superman

Action Comics #4

The cover to ACTION COMICS #4 by Leo E. O'Mealia


Mary, the crazy girlfriend

So cute... but so cruel


The sting of a needle

Did Superman just stab a guy?!


Man of Stealth

Superman: Man of Stealth

Download the episode directly. Or, you can subscribe to the show via iTunes or the RSS feed! The Thrilling Adventures of Superman is also a proud member of the Superman Podcast Network.

Questions or comments? Additions or corrections? Drop a line! Share your thoughts on the episode and the issue.

January 18th, 2011  Posted at   The Thrilling Adventures of Superman

The Thrilling Adventures of Superman

Welcome to episode three of The Thrilling Adventures of Superman. The show’s mission is to explore the history and development of the Superman in his formative years by chronicling the Man of Steel’s Golden Age adventures in comics, radio and film.

This time out, Michael examines the Superman story from ACTION COMICS #3, which finds our favorite hero leaping into action to save a miner after a cave-in; then Superman takes on The Man by giving him a taste of his own medicine. As well, Michael gives some of history on the practice of comic book ashcans, talks briefly about comic book reprints and introduces you to what may be the most under-appreciated character in comic book history: Sandwich Guy!

QUOTABLE:
I’ve half a notion to ‘crash’ this party… to bits!
Superman

Action Comics #3

The cover to ACTION COMICS #3 by Leo E. O'Mealia


Thornton Blakely

The many faces of Thornton Blakely


Sandwich Guy

Never party in a mine without first making sandwiches

Links mentioned in the episode:
ACTION FUNNIES aschan
ACTION COMICS aschan
SUPERMAN COMICS aschan
SUPERBOY aschan
SUPERWOMAN aschan
SUPERGIRL aschan

Download the episode directly. Or, you can subscribe to the show via iTunes or the RSS feed! The Thrilling Adventures of Superman is also a proud member of the Superman Podcast Network.

Questions or comments? Additions or corrections? Drop a line! Share your thoughts on the episode and the issue.

January 11th, 2011  Posted at   The Thrilling Adventures of Superman

The Thrilling Adventures of Superman

Welcome to episode two of The Thrilling Adventures of Superman. The show’s mission is to explore the history and development of the Superman in his formative years by chronicling the Man of Steel’s Golden Age adventures in comics, radio and film.

This episode, Michael dives into ACTION COMICS #2, which resolves the cliffhanger left in Superman’s debut and sends our hero into an adventure in the war-torn country of San Monte, where he deals with weapons manufacturers, confronts military leaders and leaps questionable logic in a single bound. All this, and Lois Lane is arrested and sentenced to die for espionage!

QUOTABLE:
Say! Wasn’t that fun? — Let’s do it again!
Superman

Action Comics #2

The cover to ACTION COMICS #2 by Leo E. O'Mealia


Private Superman

Private Superman, reporting for duty


It's impossible!

Superman: Doing the 'impossible' since 1938


A torturer's inquisition

If pointing doesn't work, the next step is tickling.

Download the episode directly. Or, you can subscribe to the show via iTunes or the RSS feed! The Thrilling Adventures of Superman is also a proud member of the Superman Podcast Network.

Questions or comments? Additions or corrections? Drop a line! Share your thoughts on the episode and the issue.

January 4th, 2011  Posted at   The Thrilling Adventures of Superman

The Thrilling Adventures of Superman

Welcome to the premiere episode of The Thrilling Adventures of Superman. The show’s mission is to explore the history and development of the Superman in his formative years by chronicling the Man of Steel’s Golden Age adventures in comics, radio and film.

This episode, the journey kicks off with an in-depth look at Superman’s debut in ACTION COMICS #1, the monumental issue that gave us our first look at the strange visitor from another planet, as well as the historic first meeting between Superman and Lois. Also in this episode, your host, Michael, also gives a bit of background on the podcast, the format and what you can expect in future episodes.

QUOTABLE:
Listen, chief. If I can’t find out anything about this Superman, no one can!
Clark Kent

Action Comics #1

The cover to ACTION COMICS #1 by Joe Shuster


Make yourself comfortable!

Criminals, beware! Superman has no time for your comfort!

You're not fighting a woman, now!

Champion of the oppressed


You needn't be afraid of me. I won't harm you.

The historic first meeting


Alex Ross's take

Alex Ross's take on the first meeting


And so begins...

And so it begins...

Links mentioned in the episode:
BIP Comics’ guide to Action Comics #1 reprints
Superman Fan Podcast episode #111: Who’s Who in Action Comics #1
Billy Hogan’s Superman Fan Podcast
Charlie Niemeyer’s Superman in the Bronze Age podcast

Download the episode directly. Or, you can subscribe to the show via iTunes or the RSS feed! The Thrilling Adventures of Superman is also a proud member of the Superman Podcast Network.

Questions or comments? Additions or corrections? Drop a line! Share your thoughts on the episode and the issue.