Superman Day
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Overview
Superman Day, observed annually on June 12th, celebrates the iconic DC Comics superhero, commemorating the release date of Action Comics #1 in 1938, which marked Superman's first appearance. It's a day for fans worldwide to honor the Man of Steel, his enduring legacy, and his unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and the American way, recognizing his significant impact on pop culture and the superhero genre.
Origin and story
June 12th was chosen for Superman Day because it is the generally accepted cover date of Action Comics #1 (though it hit newsstands earlier), the comic that introduced Superman.
Superman was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, first appearing in 1938.
Quick facts
- DateJune 12
- TypeCultural / community observance
- Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams
Also on this date
Ways to celebrate
Superman's creators didn't get rich off him. Cleveland teenagers Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster spent years developing the character before finally selling all rights to Superman to his publisher in March 1938 for $130 — a decision that, once the character became a cultural phenomenon, both men spent much of the rest of their lives fighting, largely unsuccessfully, to reverse.
Read the actual creation story
Helpful resources: Ohio History Connection tells Siegel and Shuster's story, from Cleveland teenagers to a $130 contract, in "Origin Story: The Creation of Superman."
Track down the original comic
- Look up images of Action Comics #1 from 1938 to see Superman's first-ever cover appearance, lifting a car over his head.
Trace the character's evolution
- Compare an early Golden Age Superman comic to a modern one — his powers, costume details, and even his personality have shifted considerably since 1938.
Did you know?
Siegel and Shuster's original 1938 payment, adjusted for inflation, comes out to roughly $3,000 today — a fraction of what the character has since generated for the company that bought the rights.
Fun facts
- June 12th was chosen for Superman Day because it is the generally accepted cover date of Action Comics #1 (though it hit newsstands earlier), the comic that introduced Superman.
- Superman was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, first appearing in 1938.
- Initially, Superman did not possess the power of flight; he could only 'leap an eighth of a mile' and was described as 'faster than a speeding bullet' but not flying.
Sources and attribution
External links may lead to third-party websites.
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FAQ
- When is Superman Day?
- It is observed on June 12 each year.
- What is Superman Day?
- Superman Day, observed annually on June 12th, celebrates the iconic DC Comics superhero, commemorating the release date of Action Comics #1 in 1938, which marked Superman's first appearance. It's a day for fans worldwide to honor the Man of Steel, his enduring legacy, and his unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and the American way, recognizing his significant impact on pop culture and the superhero genre.
- How do people celebrate Superman Day?
- Look up Action Comics #1 from 1938 and compare an early Superman story to a modern one, and read up on how creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster sold all rights to the character for just $130.
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