On April 18,1938 Superman first appeared in Action Comics #1 and in the 80 years since then he has become an American icon. To celebrate this amazing milestone I would like to rank the most relevant and iconic Superman appearances in film and television.
CHRISTOPHER REEVE IN SUPERMAN:THE MOVIE
Christopher Reeve as Superman
In 1978, Christopher Reeve made you believe a man could fly. Reeve with his great acting ability made Superman and Clark Kent two distinct personalities. His Clark Kent was shy, quiet, and unassuming while his Superman was strong, confident, and personable. Christopher Reeve's Superman is the most iconic interpretation of the character since he was created in 1938.
GEORGE REEVES IN THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN
George Reeves as Superman
Before there was Christopher Reeve, George Reeves portrayed Superman in The Adventures of Superman from 1951 to 1957. In the 1950's comic books and superhero popularity were on the decline after World War II ended in 1945. When The Adventures of Superman debuted in 1951 kids loved it because of the action and adventure. Superman fought gangsters, scientists, and rescued Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen from peril. The Adventures of Superman became one of the most popular shows of its time along with I Love Lucy and The Honeymooners. It also cemented Superman as "The Big Blue Boy Scout" and paved the way for other superheroes on TV like Batman in 1966 and The Incredible Hulk in the 70's.
TOM WELLING IN SMALLVILLE
Tom Welling as Superman
In 2001, Smallville debuted on the WB Network (now the CW Network) and focused on Clark Kent in his teens and young adulthood. Smallville was a teen soap opera mixed with science fiction and action adventure that defined Superman for a new generation of fans. The teen soap opera element was the focal point of the show as Clark dealt with love, puberty, and superpowers. Clark had to deal with his feelings for Lana Lang and he had to stop the machinations of his friend, Lex Luthor. In the 17 years since its debut, Smallville was the precursor to the cultural explosion of superheroes that we see today.
In the eight decades since his debut in Action Comics #1, Superman has appeared in every major medium in the world from newspapers to radio,TV, and movies. Superman is the most iconic and beloved superheroes in the world because of his never-ending battle for truth and justice. Here's to another 80 years.
Class Dismissed,
THE PROFESSOR
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