The Evolution of Superman in Pop Culture

From mild-mannered comic book hero to blockbuster movie star, see how the Man of Steel has changed over the years.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman stands tall as the godfather of the entire genre. With his trademark S emblazoned across his chest, bright red cape and trunks, and legendary spit curl, the Man of Steel burst onto the pop-culture scene during the waning days of the Great Depression, just a few years before the U.S. entered WWII. He was seen as a hero for the times, a working-class orphan who used his immense power to help those in need.

Over the years, Superman has freed himself from the chains of the comic book industry to become a symbol of hope and heroism in every medium, for fans around the globe. He transcends superheroes and comics; he’s a part of American folklore.

This Friday, Superman makes his triumphant comeback on the big screen in Man of Steel, starring Henry Cavill as the last son of Krypton. To give you a rundown on how the character has progressed from his humble origins to this new $225 million blockbuster, we’re taking a look at The Evolution of Superman in Pop Culture.

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Superman makes his first appearance in Action Comics #1 (June, 1938).

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The Adventures of Superman radio show debuts (February, 1940).

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The Fleischer Studios cartoon shorts debut (September, 1941).

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The first Superman serials arrive (January, 1948).

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Superman makes his big screen debut (November, 1951).

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The Adventures of Superman TV series hits the small screen (September, 1952).

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The Super Friends begins its legendary run (September, 1973).

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Superman: The Movie brings the Man of Steel back to theaters in a big way (December, 1978).

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Superman II ups the action of the original (June, 1981).

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Superman III shows cracks in the foundation (June, 1983).

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Superman gets reinvented for the '80s (1986).

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Superman IV ends the Christopher Reeve era (July, 1987).

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Superboy carries on the character’s small screen mantle (October, 1988).

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The Death of Superman shocks comic book readers worldwide (October, 1992).

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Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman re-imagines the classic comic book love story for the ‘90s (September, 1993).

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Superman: The Animated Series begins (September, 1996).

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Smallville introduces a Clark Kent for the digital age (October, 2001).

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Justice League carries on the animated Superman tradition (November, 2001).

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Superman’s early days get three major revamps (2003-2010).

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Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely revolutionize the Man of Steel in All-Star Superman (November, 2005).

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Superman Returns offers nostalgia, but not enough to win over new fans (June, 2006).

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The New 52 imagines a Superman for modern audiences (August, 2011).

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Man of Steel gives Superman a much-needed big screen makeover (June, 2013).

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