Superman is a fictional character and is probably the most famous, and popular, comic book hero of all time.  He is the first real fictional superhero of modern time.  He is the creation of Siegel and Shuster who created Superman in the 1930's and his first appearance in print was in Action Comics #1 published in June 1938.  The Superman character has appeared in comic books, radio serials, newspaper cartoon strips, television programs, blockbuster movies and more lately video games.

  

Superman

 

From the early beginnings as a comic book hero, Superman quickly outgrew this format and progressed to a highly acclaimed and fully fledged movie stardom.  With this growth in public recognition, branding and merchandising followed and it is now possible to purchase a number of products which feature the Superman logo in any of its forms.  These products include a range of fancy dress costumes and fancy dress accessories for those who want to be even more like their hero, for more information visit; http://www.karnival-house.co.uk/acatalog/Superheroes.html.

 

Superman has had an enduring appeal from the early days – although his original persona was much darker than that portrayed following the adoption of Superman's 'Boy scout' code of conduct introduced in the 1940's.  This darker Superman, although not as sinister as the early Batman, handed out a much stronger justice although this was implicit rather than shown explicitly. 

 

Born on an alien planet – later to be named Krypton, Kal-El is rocketed to Earth by his father Jor-El just moments prior to Krypton's self-destruction.  Having reached Earth Kal-El is found and later adopted by a passing farmer and his wife – John and Mary Kent.   It is his adoptive parents who raise the young Kal-El, now named Clark, with his high sense of morality, compassion and justice.

 

With Clar

k's maturity comes the recognition of superhuman abilities – attributed primarily to Earth's yellow sun and lower gravity – which in keeping with his upbringing, he vows to use to help others.  Now Superman adopts his costume of blue costume under red ants and boots worn with a flowing red cape.  The chest of the blue costume is emblazoned with the highly stylised 'S' Superman logo.  Karnival Costumes has an extensive range of Superman Costumes and Accessories visit; http://www.karnival-house.co.uk/acatalog/Superheroes.html.

 

Since his original creation, the level of Superman's powers have increased considerably from his being able to leap to being able to fly, from having a skin that could withstand anything up to an artillery shell to now being indestructible – except for the effects of Kryptonite a green mineral flung on Krypton's destruction.  Exposure to Kryptonite nullifies all of Superman's special powers and if this exposure is prolonged will kill him.  Lastly on any discussion of Superman's powers, who can forget the immortal phrase, coined for the 1940's radio serials which described Superman as 'faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound'.    

 

Having become Earth's champion, Superman keeps his secret safe by adopting the persona of a mild mannered reporter on the Daily Planet newspaper in Metropolis and it is here that he becomes romantically involved with his co-worker and fellow reporter Lois Lane. 

 

There is something in our psyche that forces us to love superheroes and Superman, who has grown to become a national symbol, is probably the most loved of all these characters.  Whichever format you love the most, it is clear that the comic books, television shows, movies and associated merchandise will continue to enjoy huge success for years to come.

 

For more information about Superman, visit www.batman-superman.com for a wide selection of Superman costumes and accessories, visit; http://www.karnival-house.co.uk/acatalog/Superman___Supergirl.html