Fifteen Thoughts about Superman: the Movie

For no particular reason, I've been thinking about SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE recently. It's a film that I first saw new back in 1978 and that has been a favorite ever since. What's more, it is clearly the progenitor for all of the big-budget super hero movies' that have come after it, to one extent or … Continue reading Fifteen Thoughts about Superman: the Movie

HEMBECK 1980: Fred Hembeck Reviews SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE

One of my absolute favorite creators in the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s and beyond was Fred Hembeck. I first encountered his work as a single-tier strip on DC's in-house promotional page, the Daily Planet. Eventually, my friend Glenn Hauman showed me one of the collections of Fred's material that were being released by … Continue reading HEMBECK 1980: Fred Hembeck Reviews SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE

5BC: 5 Most Unlikely and Unprecedented Crossovers

These days, the concept of a crossover between two different fictional characters has become so entrenched in popular culture that it's difficult to come across a pairing that is truly noteworthy. In a world in which everybody is exploring a Multiverse, it seems strange to think that there was a time when the idea that … Continue reading 5BC: 5 Most Unlikely and Unprecedented Crossovers

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman 1966 Souvenir Program

It's one of the great lost pieces of Superman Americana. For three months in 1966, actor Bob Holiday starred as the Man of Steel in 129 performances of the Broadway musical It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman. While a cast recording was made and is readily available today, and a few promotional appearances … Continue reading It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman 1966 Souvenir Program

BHOC: SUPERMAN FAMILY #190

Another book that I picked up brand new was the next issue of SUPERMAN FAMILY. I followed this series right up until its demise, though I really couldn't tell you quite why. I wasn't especially enamored of any of teh characters who had solo strips within its pages, so it must simply be the allure … Continue reading BHOC: SUPERMAN FAMILY #190

BHOC: BATMAN FAMILY #18

At about this time, the next issue of BATMAN FAMILY came out, and I bought it at my trusty, reliable 7-11. I had been purchasing BATMAN FAMILY regularly almost since the beginning, and though I missed the vintage reprints in the transition over to the new Dollar Comics format, that didn't stop me from partaking. … Continue reading BHOC: BATMAN FAMILY #18

BHOC: G.I. COMBAT #206

My brother Ken was still picking up the occasional war comic, and I have a memory of this one coming home from the supermarket one day. DC's Dollar Comics initiative did make inroads into my local supermarket, at least for a while, so on that level it was a success. Even as a kid, I … Continue reading BHOC: G.I. COMBAT #206