A Brief History of Superman Comics
The Begining
Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian artist Joe Shuster, Superman first appeared in Action Comics published by comic giant DC Comics. In 1939 DC launched a self-titled comic series, the first episode of which featured reprinted antics from the previous Action Comics.
The Golden age of Superman
Superman comic no.30 marked the introduction of the fifth dimensional villain Mr. Mxyztplk (later spelled Mr. Mxyzptlk). An important character in Superman mythology Mr. Mxyzptlk can only be forced to leave this world by tricking him in to saying his name backwards forcing him back to the fifth dimension. Once tricked he cannot return for ninety days.
During this era Superman is featured in a magazine article titled 'How Superman Would end the war' and super villains the Prankster and former toymaker called Toyman antagonise our hero. In 1945 Mort Weisinger became the Editor of the Superman titles taking over from Vin Sullivan.
The Post Golden Age of Superman
During this time Superman and Batman appear in All-Star Comics no.36 as part of the 'Justice Society' and in a 1947 issue of Superman (no.48 ) Superman archives time travel for the first time by flying around the Earth at a super-speed. In 1949 the comic Superboy is launched and is published until 1979. In one 1949 comic the term 'Fortress of Solitude' is used for the first time describing Superman's home away from home located in the Arctic.
The Pre Silver Age of Superman
At this time Superman continues to flourish along with the publication of the now popular Superboy series. In the 1950 comic Superboy no.10 debuts comic book character Lana Lang who later becomes 'Insect Queen' in 1965. One 1953 comic charters a story of Batman and Superman working together in the fight against crime. Superman 3D features work by artist Curt Swan. Swan worked on Superboy, the Jimmy Olsen comic and Superman 3D. Curt Swan remained the Superman artist until 1986.
The Silver Age of Superman
In 1959 Superman's cousin Kara Zor-El meets Superman for the first time in Action Comic no.252. Kara has adopted the name of Linda Lee and is adopted by Fred and Edna Danvers. The comic 'Supergirl from Krypton' was illustrated by artist Al Plastino and written by talented Otto Binder. During this year Superman also encounters red Kryptonite and Bizarro is created by evil genius Lex Luthor. In a comic published in 1932 Daily Planet reporter Jimmy Olsen becomes Elastic Lad after consuming a powerful serum.
The Post Silver Age of Superman
1970 sees Julius Schwartz become the Editor of the Superman comic until 1986. In 1972 Supergirl gets her own comic which is successfully published for two years. The Lois Lane comic culminated with issue no.137 and proceeds to merge with the Supergirl and Jimmy Olsen comics to become 'Superman Family'. In rare cross promotion Superman meets the Marvel Comics superhero Spiderman in a newspaper cartoon titled Superman vs. The Amazing Spiderman. The cartoon was written by Gerry Conway with artwork by the duo of Dick Giordano and Ross Andru.
The Pre Modern Age of Superman
The year of 1982 welcomes the new comic 'Daring New Adventures of Supergirl' which is the second stand-alone comic of the female crime fighter. Publication runs for 23 issues. The still virile Action Comics marks the 45th anniversary of publication by re-inventing super villains Lex Luthor and Brainiac. During this era 'The New Adventures of Superboy' comic is launched and runs for a total of 54 issues.
The Modern Age of Superman
In 1991 Clark finally tells Lois that he is Superman in the still popular Action Comic issue no.662. 1992 will be remembered mainly for the year that co-creator Joe Shuster passed away. His life's work is still incredibly popular today. In January 1993 the massively popular DC comics created a storyline whereby Superman appears to perish battling the monster Doomsday. The comic Funeral for a Friend marks the funeral of the man of steel and chronicles the characters in Superman's life and their reactions in their everyday lives in Metropolis without the Superhero there to save the day. Until he returns that is.
The Modern Age of comic book has seen many changes for the Superman character. In Superman no. 123 from 1997 Superman's powers change dramatically, making him an energy-based being. He now wears a blue and white suit for him to be able to control his new powers. In 2001 Lex Luthor becomes the President of the United States of America and one year later Superman begins seeing a therapist. More recently Superman's Fortress of Solitude is destroyed in a battle with Blackrock. As of 2008 the comic 'All Star Superman' appears to be one of the most popular DC publications winning many awards including the Eisner Award for Best New Series in 2006 and the Harvey Award for Best Single Issue 2008.