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Before CURT SWAN came to be regarded as the 'definitive' SUPERMAN artist for a generation or two, he had competition - in the form of WAYNE BORING. The main MAN Of STEEL figure on the above cover is probably one of the most iconic images of the LAST SON Of KRYPTON known to comics fandom, and is probably as famous as anything Curt Swan (or any other artist) ever drew of KAL-EL, being used on a million items of merchandise since it was first drawn to the present day.
The figure first appeared on the 10th Anniversary issue of Superman #53, but was clearly inspired by JOE SHUSTER's drawing on #6, nearly a decade before. There had probably been other variants of the heroic stance in between, but these two versions represent the first and the best of them, respectively. Boring's is clearly the latter example - with Superman striking a confident pose (cape billowing out behind him), as opposed to the somewhat cocky one that Shuster portrays.
Finally, facing the other way perhaps, but undoubtedly the finest personification of any superhero on the silver screen - the late CHRISTOPHER REEVE as the magnificent MAN Of TOMORROW. Talking of whom, did you know that writer JERRY SIEGEL's original concept for the character, prior to the 'finished' version, involved Superman being sent back in time from a far-flung future Earth on the point of destruction, rather than the doomed planet KRYPTON? Personally, I think I'd have preferred it that way. What do the rest of you think?
And below is a cold-cast porcelain statue of this iconic image, produced in 2006. Rather nifty, eh? Wish I had one.
4 comments:
cocky?
That would be the rocket in his pocket then.
i was just discussing Curt Swan and Wayne Boring with one of my sons yesterday,He is going through a wee comics history research phase.
He is only eight,gotta love him.
(That's no rocket - he's just pleased to see you.)
Aw, there speaks the proud father. I hope you're feeding him plenty of early Marvel?
I have twin boys,both show an interest,but one is memorising the facts and figures and the other is looking at the artwork.
Ive encouraged them to look at the classics but they want current stuff and really love amalgamations and dc/marvel crossovers.
Their world is mixed in with lego figures and animated series like the marvel superhero squad which is for kids although it definitely identifies the characters.
But now the comic history books are moving from my shelves to theirs.
I look on my humble collection as a wee history lesson when they are ready to soak it up.
You're a better parent than I'd be. No way would I let any 8 year old kids touch my Masterworks and Omnibus volumes. They're too expensive to be soiled by butter and jam-stained little fingers. I gasp at the mere thought. You're a contender for 'Dad of the year' and no mistake.
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