DC Comics: Superman Comic Books, Kent Clark and Lois Lane

Long hot rides in the back of the station wagon on vacation were made tolerable by comic books. Kids in the 50s, 60s and 70s valued a new comic book much as kids today value a new video game. The newest comic book of a favorite superhero was as hotly anticipated as the next Harry Potter book. Comic books are still enjoyed today by millions of kids as well as by adults who never lost the taste for superhero adventure.DC Comics first published comic books in 1935, and the first Superman comic was published in 1938. Superman was the first of the superhero DC comics. Today the original Superman comic book is worth a lot more than the ten cents it originally cost; a 1938 near mint condition Superman comic is valued between $350,000 and $440,000. DC Comics has been publishing Superman continuously since 1938, and the current issue number is #665.The success of Superman led DC Comics to develop many other superhero comic books as well. Superhero characters that DC Comics created include Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, and Plastic Man among others. Yet Superman remains the supreme superhero to this day.Superman’s story wasn’t complete when he first appeared in 1938, and has evolved over time. Before the Man of Steel hit the comic book scene, the creators of Superman originally cast Superman in the role of a villain. This story was rejected by publishers, so Superman was recast as a heroic figure. Through the years, Superman’s life story has been developed in DC Comics to include his early years involving his journey to Earth from the planet Krypton, and his adoption by the Kents, a childless couple in Smallville, USA. Superman is given the name Clark, his mother’s maiden name, and he is raised by the  Kents while learning to use his super powers.DC Comics place the adult Clark Kent at the Daily Star newspaper working as a reporter. Superman hides behind his meek and clumsy alter ego, dashing into closets and phone booths to change into his Superman costume whenever trouble arises. DC Comics integrated romance into the story from the very first issue by creating Lois Lane, Superman’s love interest and fellow reporter at the Daily Planet. They couple eventually married later in the series.The Superman of DC Comics personifies the American dream and exemplifies many American values. Superman is strong and handsome, kind and gentle, heroic yet humble. Superman hides his super powers and only uses them for good, but he is always ready to help and save the day. DC Comics has ridden the capes of their superheroes to the top of the world of comic books, radio, television, and movies. Superman may be 70 years old, but he is still the Man of Steel and DC Comics does not show any signs of letting him retire.Sources:

“Clark Kent.” Wikipedia. 17 July 2007. 20 July 2007.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clark_Kent

Comics: July ’07. Superman #664. DC Comics. 20 July 2007.

http://www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=7434

“Lois Lane.” Wikipedia. 19 July 2007. 20 July 2007.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lois_Lane

“History of Superman.” Wikipedia. 2007. Answers.com. 20 July 2007.

http://www.answers.com/topic/history-of-superman

“First Appearance.” Wikipedia. 28 June 2007. 20 July 2007.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_appearance

The Ten Most valuable Comic Books in the World. Your3DSource.com. 2006-2007. 20 July 2007.

http://www.your3dsource.com/most-valuable-comic- books.html

 About. DC Comics.20 July 2007.

http://www.dccomics.com/about/