Superman's Evolution (2/2) | A Visual Journey through DC Comics' Heroic History

The first Superman TV series started making episodes in 1951 with George Reeves as the lead, and it premiered in 1952. The first two seasons had 52 episodes filmed in black and white. After that, from seasons 3 to 6, they started filming in color, but the episodes were still shown in black and white on TV until 1965. This was when audiences finally saw Superman in color on television. Even though George Reeves didn't like the superhero costume much, he still played the role well, and people really liked him for it.

In December 1978, under director Richard Donner and scripted by "The Godfather" writer Mario Puzo, the film "Superman" held a grand premiere in Washington, D.C. Following an investment of $12 million in production, the team reaped an epic harvest as the film's global box office reached an astounding $300 million in a single day. This wave swept through the entire 1970s, solidifying Superman as a household name, while Christopher Reeve, who played Superman, became a beloved star among millions of American audiences.

Various methods were experimented with during the filming process for presenting flying effects, resulting in a significant advancement in the final display. These methods included launching a dummy resembling the character into the sky with a slingshot and using a remote-controlled model airplane to depict simple yet vivid flying activities. A specially designed movable camera lens, mounted with a projector, allowed for the illusion of Christopher Reeve's movement during filming. In reality, the projector on the camera swiftly receded.

From the 1930s to the 1950s, 1950s to 1960s, and 1970s to 1980s, Superman's image transitioned from black and white comics to radio dramas, live-action T.V. series, and later, to the big screen. The initial sporty costume style gradually evolved into the "Man of Steel."

Works during this period include: Richard Donner's "Superman I" and "Superman II," followed by sequels "Superman III" and "Supergirl" (1978-84); "Lois & Clark" (1993-97); "Smallville" (2001-10); Bryan Singer's "Superman Returns" (2006); along with spin-offs and a plethora of imitations and tributes.

In 1966, Superman stepped onto Broadway's stage in the production "It's a Bird... It's a Plane... It's Superman," starring Bob Holiday, receiving unprecedented applause. Similarly, in 2013, Zack Snyder's directed film "Man of Steel" propelled the "Superman" film series' North American box office earnings past $1 billion.

Superman's imaginative legacy has endured for 80 years regardless of the medium. Similar to Jesus, having experienced centuries of change, each iteration of Superman reflects global events, society, culture, and technological trends while inheriting a rich visual heritage.

Initially created by two Jewish teenagers, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, this hero not only carries the duties of a social activist but also embodies immense strength and the American spirit of truth and justice. He symbolizes the desire of American immigrants to integrate into society, constantly inspiring innovation among subsequent generations, reciprocally feeding the world's projection into the character of Superman.

Superman is a collection of virtual works where numerous artists contemplate today's society, culture, anthropology, and phenomena. Simultaneously, he remains subject to continuous imitation, tribute, and reshaping.

Superman's Evolution (1/2) | A Visual Journey through DC Comics' Heroic History