Man Of Steel: The History And Legacy Of Superman (Part 1)

By Kyle Murphy / June 3, 2013

Defying gravity has always been an amazing feat of the Man of Steel ever since his first adventure in 1938 by Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel in Action Comics #1. Superman's most-coveted ability, perhaps more so than any other - flight - has been depicted and showcased in a various number of ways and styles throughout his history. And although Superman would later be depicted exhibiting such immense strength he could move planets on a lark, as well as extinguish giant stars as if they were birthday candles, the Man of Steel was not originally quite as super as the man he would eventually become. For example, Superman's original diminished power set allowed him only to withstand "nothing less than a bursting shell", which could penetrate his skin. A far cry from taking a bullet to the eye without blinking. Most surprising, upon Superman's first comic book appearances, his now long-adored aerial skills were limited to only being able to "leap tall buildings in a single bound". Superman's 1/8-of-a-mile leap distance would quickly grow, along with the character, almost exponentially. For it was not long before Superman's ability to soar through the air was nurtured until the Man of Steel was able to rocket to the depth of space for an inter-galactic battle and return safely back to Metropolis with time to spare. The numerous creative minds and artists who have given launch to Superman's many illustrated, audio, animated, stage, live-action and cinematic adaptations have all contributed to the myth of Superman, along with possibly his greatest of superpowers: flight. Join me as we examine some of the great talent and how they have propelled Superman to the skies in Part 1 of "Up, Up, and Away!: A History of the Man of Steel in Flight", where we will look at the early stages of getting Superman off the ground from his first appearance in the comic books to his first live-action portrayal on-screen during the period from 1938 to 1950! And make sure to check back next week for Part 2!