June 30: On This Day in World History … briefly
Superman has sold more comic books over his publication history than any other American superhero character.
1938: Superman is sighted
Thanks to Action Comics, a new super crime-fighter from the distant planet of Krypton made his first appearance to the public.
He could leap taller than the highest building, run faster than a speeding train, was invulnerable and possesses the strength of 200 men. Most of the time his true identity was hidden behind the mild, unassuming persona of Clark Kent, a reporter on the Metropolis Daily Planet. But when action calls, he quickly materialises in a blue catsuit and red cape with a big ‘S’ emblazoned on his enormous chest. And what is his name? … Why, Superman, of course!
Superman was born on the planet Krypton and was given the name Kal-El at birth. As a baby, his parents sent him to Earth in a small spaceship moments before Krypton was destroyed in a natural cataclysm. His ship landed in the American countryside, near the fictional town of Smallville and he was found and adopted by farmers Jonathan and Martha Kent, who named him Clark Kent.
He developed various superhuman abilities, such as incredible strength and impervious skin, which his foster parents advised to use for the benefit of humanity, so he decided to fight crime as a vigilante. To protect his privacy, he changes into a colorful costume and uses the alias ‘Superman’ when fighting crime.
Clark Kent resides in the fictional American city of Metropolis, where he works as a journalist. Superman’s supporting characters include his love interest and fellow journalist Lois Lane, Daily Planet photographer Jimmy Olsen and editor-in-chief Perry White. He has many foes such as his archenemy, the genius inventor Lex Luthor. He is a friend of many other superheroes in the DC Universe, such as Batman and Wonder Woman.
Most notable historic snippets or facts extracted from the book ‘On This Day’ first published in 1992 by Octopus Publishing Group Ltd, London, as well as additional supplementary information extracted from Wikipedia.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
