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Superman: Then and Now

December 6, 2011
By

It’s a bird… it’s a plane… it’s SUPERMAN! While his sense of fearlessness and charisma have remained unchanged over the years, the striking features of this superhero have not. From post-war strength to a greasy 90’s mullet (not the proudest of moments), Superman has endured trends and cultural changes since conception in 1938.

Original Superman

The original Superman - by Joe Shuster

With over 100 artists taking a stab at Superman’s studly features over the years, he has taken the shape of many different cultures, personalities, and eras. You can see this even in the early 70’s version, when Superman’s hair grew a bit and his facial expression took on the trials and tribulations of the times with their war protests.

Superman 1972

Superman 1972 - by Curt Swan

Superman’s facial expressions have been everything from stern and serious to understanding and relatable, when he’s not laughing in the face of danger that is. For his next makeover (and 75th anniversary/birthday in 2013), his face has gone back to its stern roots, showing him as a more formidable force to his enemies as he fights crime and saves lives. Superman has also lost the loyal tights and is sporting a more intimidating and modern armorlike suit.

Superman 2002

2002 Superman - by Ed McGuinness face

From cartoony to realistic, exaggerated to subdued, the Man of Steel will forever be an iconic figure of what Americans would like to believe their heroes to be.

Superman

Superman 2009 - by Gary Frank

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One Response to Superman: Then and Now

  1. Josh on December 6, 2011 at 1:48 pm

    Your twitter post reads “We chronicle the evolving features and artists of the iconic Man of Steel.”

    You mention 100 artists have rendered him, yet you show only 4 pictures and 2 links (one of which is broken).

    The post is misleading.

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