The comic book experts at Treasure Hunters Roadshow (THR) often run across an extensive variety of superheroes. But none catches their eyes more than Superman. With his signature red cape and “S” logo splayed proudly across his chest, he is one of the most recognizable superheroes ever created, let alone a world renowned American pop culture icon. But from where did the Man of Steel’s creators draw their inspiration?
Before Superman was born, his creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, were hammering out the mold from which he would gradually be produced . In 1933, they published a short story named “The Reign of the Super -Man,” which featured a telepathic villain determined to dominate the world. Later on that year, Siegel rewrote the character as a hero, stripping away practically all of his earlier characteristics, including a bald head. The hero was given a full head of hair, one of many characteristics Siegel derived from the well-known film actor, director, producer and screenwriter, Douglas Fairbanks Sr. Known best for his roles in the silent films “The Mark of Zorro” and “Robin Hood,” Fairbanks had a particular quality of strength and morality Siegel found extremely favorable for a superhero. For Superman’s alter ego, Clark Kent, Siegel looked to the infamous film actor Harold Lloyd. His soft, unsuspecting demeanor was perfect for the gentle-mannered Daily Planet reporter. (Treasure Hunters Roadshow trivia bonus: the Daily Planet newspaper for which Clark worked was originally named Daily Star.) Clark Kent’s name was derived from actors Clark Gable and Kent Taylor.
Through the early years, Superman took an aggressive strategy to fighting scrappy villains. He would throw bad guys about with superhuman strength, exhibiting little worry for the consequences. In late 1940, editor Whitney Ellsworth created a code of conduct for Superman to follow. One facet of the code stated that Superman was to under no circumstances kill a human being, which had a great impact on the violent, animalistic nature of his original nature. Changes were made, and the new Man of Tomorrow took on a more controlled, Herculean approach to crime fighting, which included his old destructive fashion of combat.
Even kryptonite cannot keep the THR experts away from their beloved vintage Superman comics, which are highly sought after by collectors about the planet. THR desires to buy aged 10- and 12-cent comic books, precious metals, antiques and collectibles on behalf of their international network of buyers.
Items are purchased on the spot at the THR events, which are held throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe each and every week. A full listing of events can be found on the Treasure Hunters Roadshow site.
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