| Posted: 26 Oct 2009 18:09 |
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To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Allison Gatlin, I'm a journalism student at Arizona State University. The reason I'm writing here is because I'm working on a story about the progression of Superman from the original comics books up through Smallville, how his character has changed and any major changes to the storyline.
I'm hoping that everyone here at supermantv.net will be ver familiar with the Superman timeline and be able to give me some more information for the story. I'd really just like the chance to pick your brains and find out what you think of how the Superman concept has changed throughout the years.
If you could post here or send me an email when you get a chance, that'd be great. My deadline is Monday, Nov. 2, but I would like to have all my information compiled by the end of the day Friday, Oct. 30. I'd really appreciate your input if you have the chance to post here or to send me an email.
You should also know that this piece has the chance of being published in CBS Watch! magazine.
Thank you,
Allison
allison.gatlin@asu.edu
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| Posted: 26 Oct 2009 18:36 |
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What questions do you have about Superman exactly?
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| Posted: 27 Oct 2009 00:27 |
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I'm interested in how his background was developed, when major characters were introduced, how characters are portrayed in each era of Superman (comics, tv, movies and Smallville), a comparison and contrast between all the eras of Superman.
Since the piece is for possible publication with CBS Watch! I need to tie everything back to Smallville which, being a CW publication, is owned by CBS.
Any information or insights you can give me would be really great.
Thanks,
Allison
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| Posted: 27 Oct 2009 03:17 |
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Hey Allison, for one, I wish I could be in that class instead of Calculus 1.
There is SO much stuff about Superman's progression through the ages that it's mindboggling. The following two sites, including our own here at SupermanTV.net have some very good information.
http://theages.superman.nu/creators.php
http://theages.superman.nu/TheMovie/intro.php
I'll try and sum up major points about Superman. He started out nothing like what he is today. Originally, he created similar to Hercules but the fact that he wanted more to the character then myth helped give birth to the Superman we know today. The world was bleak when he was created and because of this, a generation saw light at the end of the tunnel because of his capacity for good. His powers have always been varied throughout the years and even today.
One main detail is that mainstream Superman started out with a LOT more abilities then he does now, i.e. telepathy (a homage to this recently aired on Smallville) as well as his regular powers were greatly increased, flying around the world was almost instant for example.
There are 4 major articles Superman has been featured in: Comics, Books, TV Shows, and Movies. Each one of these has to use Superman a little differently in order to make the article run smoothly. Comics set Superman on his path to becoming the "boy scout" he is today. They also help create changes for both good and bad to the present day version. Books are usually the same as the comics, some say "what if?" and other say, "what happened". TV Shows are where things get a little interesting. Usually, the cartoons, and shows don't go outside the parameters and introduce something radically new. They stay in the boundaries. However, Smallville said, "let's change that" and introduced Chloe Sullivan (Allison Mack). Many are concerned about the radical change, while others believe it played out, and is playing out rather nicely (I'm definitely the later). Movies include all 5 (yes 5, 4 Christopher reeve and 1 Brandon routh) movies about Superman. These, so far, have not gone outside the bounds with the majority of it being Superman Vs. Lex.
Superman's identity has always been the subject to controversy. Most superheroes, one would argue, are the alias to their normal selves. Clark Kent however is more of Superman's alias. For this reason, Superman and Clark Kent have always been very intriguing characters to the comic book universe.
There's much much more but I believe this should help you out for your story. I also HIGHLY recommend "Look, Up in the Sky - The Amazing Story of Superman" directed by Kevin Burns in 2006. It's not long, not expensive, and will cover pretty much everything you need to know. You should probably be able to find it at your local movie store/online.
Good luck!
__________________"Any man can overcome adversity. If you truly want to test a man's character, give him power."
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| Posted: 27 Oct 2009 07:16 |
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Thank you so much, this is all very helpful! Yes, calculus sounds horrible, I'm very sorry for you lol
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| Posted: 27 Oct 2009 12:27 |
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Considering that there were no 'superheroes' before this particular one, perhaps your article should start with the creators.
Wikipedia entry(if you didn't go there already):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_Comics
Looking forward to your questions.
__________________Beneath this mask is more than flesh. Beneath this mask there is an idea Mr Creedy and ideas are bulletproof.
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| Posted: 27 Oct 2009 15:36 |
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I would consider watching the documentary "Look Up In The Sky: The Amazing Story Of Superman"  Which would in my opinion help you out the most, like Aerolectric said, which is an Awesome documentary.
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| Posted: 27 Oct 2009 17:40 Last Edited By: Tim |
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Some things that pop into my mind that have changed in Superman's character over the years.
At first Superman didn't have a never kill anyone policy. In fact in the old George Reeves Superman TV show he puts a criminal on top of a mountain that knows his identity. The next scene the bad guy falls to his death. These days Superman has sworn to never take another human life for any reason which to my knowledge was broken only once in the modern era when he killed an alternate world's Zod for having destroyed an entire planet's population.
His view on sex seemed to change from Superman II to Lois and Clark the series where Clark was firmly waiting till marriage. Smallville changed that attitude back again with Clark and Lana clearly not waiting till marriage.
One of the biggest changes with Clark on Smallville is the question of where the glasses are. Here he is a reporter and still no glasses to help support his secret identity.
And of course the big controversial subject for old school Superman fans. Why the heck is Metropolis in Kansas on Smallville when it's always been understood to be a stand in for New York?
Jonathan Kent killed in Smallville before Clark becomes Superman. Another difference although it was accepted before the 80's with the comics and Superman the movie, John Byrne the comics writer changed that with the 80's revamp, which was shown later on the TV series Lois and Clark as well. His parents appeared on several episodes still alive and happy together.
Lots of Superman facts and history
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