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DC COmics
1938
Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster release a new character to the world, which not only unleashes the dawn of the superhero, but would inspire many generations to come. His name: Superman!
1940
The popularity of The Man of Steel has risen so much, he's now introduced to the American public through the world of animation in his own show, which was animated by renowned artist and inventor Max Fleischer!
1950
When WW2 ended, superheroes took a dive in popularity due to the rising popularity of genres such as romance, horror, sci -fi, and wild west comic books. Superheroes were still around, however, and Superman still remained in a generous capacity. But it wouldn't be until the late 50s with revamped versions of the Flash and Green Lantern that the superhero would rise in popularity again in what would be called the Silver Age of Comics.
With the increase in technological advancements such as the atomic bomb and the Cold War, so too did the Man of Steel's powers grow, with him being able to destroy entire solar systems with just a sneeze and being able to make smaller clones of himself.
With the increase in technological advancements such as the atomic bomb and the Cold War, so too did the Man of Steel's powers grow, with him being able to destroy entire solar systems with just a sneeze and being able to make smaller clones of himself.
1960
The 1960s saw the Man of Steel continue in the zany stories of the 50s, with Superman returning to Krypton before its destruction, and even introducing readers to the concepts of multiple Earths with alternate versions of Superman (Earth 1 would be named Kal -El, while Earth 2 would be Kal - L, with the latter being older).
1970
With the advent of the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War still raging on, the lighthearted era of the Silver Age would draw to a close, and the Bronze Age of Comics would begin.
Although he fought against some of his greatest enemies- such as Lex Luthor, Brainiac, and the Parasite-Superman also began to address societal issues and philosophical questions in these stories. In some stories with social conscience tones, Lois Lane changes color and experiences life as an African American, Superman loses his vulnerability to Kryptonite and questions his role as Earth's protector.
Although he fought against some of his greatest enemies- such as Lex Luthor, Brainiac, and the Parasite-Superman also began to address societal issues and philosophical questions in these stories. In some stories with social conscience tones, Lois Lane changes color and experiences life as an African American, Superman loses his vulnerability to Kryptonite and questions his role as Earth's protector.
1980
After the Bronze Age, the Dark Age of Comics began, and the Man of Steel would start to see a decline in popularity with darker titles such as Alan Moore's Watchman and Frank Miller's the Dark Knight Rises, and as a result, would be revamped. With John Byrne's "Superman" series, audiences would see the Man of Steel's famous might toned down so as to make stories more engaging, with him having a more "realistic" level of power compared to ages before (see Silver Age for more).
Certain story and origin elements were also retconned. Krypton, while an advanced race in the past, is now a cold and sterile planet, with its inhabitants emotionless due to their growing use of technology. Other characters such as Supergirl and Krypto would also be erased, as well.
Certain story and origin elements were also retconned. Krypton, while an advanced race in the past, is now a cold and sterile planet, with its inhabitants emotionless due to their growing use of technology. Other characters such as Supergirl and Krypto would also be erased, as well.
1990
By the time the 90s rolled around, the superhero had been going through an "angsty" phase. Traditional heroes such as the Man of Steel were out and would be killed off in "The Death of Superman" by Dan Jurgens, which ended up becoming one of the best-selling comics of the 1990s. What made this story so shocking was that it was highlighted on national television, with the effects of Superman's death being felt throughout the entirety of the DC Universe and would stay dead for a period of time. During that time, four impostors dubbing themselves Superman would appear in "Reign of the Supermen". It wouldn't be until 1993's "The Return of Superman" that the real deal would return (albeit with long hair and a black suit.)
1990 (Red and Blue)
After the Return of Superman storyline, the Man of Steel would return in an updated version of his red and blue costume.
2000
The dawn of the 21st century has begun, and already the Man of Steel faces many challenges. Showcased in media such as the DC Animated Universe, we see a Superman struggle to maintain his values as the battles he fights wear him down physically and mentally. Events like the Imperiex War (an entity called Imperiex who embodied entropy) would also affect him in where he changes his iconic S-shield to mourn the lives he couldn't save.
2000 (Red and Yellow)
The 2000s weren't all doom and gloom, however, and television shows like Justice League and Justice League Unlimited would bring us a Superman who despite his struggles in a modern world, brings hope to everyone he encounters.
2010
In an attempt to draw in new audiences and reset everything from before, DC Comics would revamp the DC Universe in its entirety with The New 52, which made characters like the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel younger and still new to their respective roles as heroes. In Superman's case, the previous decade gave audiences a younger and more brash Superman, in contrast to the more experienced Man of Steel we've come to know and love.
2020
Now in the current decade, the Man of Steel of Steel has been around for over 80 years at this point, and he's showing no signs of slowing down. Ever since the end of the New 52, he's since started his own family with Lois Lane, having a son named Jon Kent, who lives up to his father's legacy with powers of his own, so we see how he deals with being a parent as well as a superhero.
Superman Through the Years
Justice League
The Savior
The Knight
The Goddess
The Light
The Speedster
The Captain
The King
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