Superman

[Shaka Zulu]

Superman has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember.

I never saw the theatrical serials, but to me, this is Superman:

George Reeves was my childhood Superman. In the early 60s, I had the Superman pajamas and I'd climb up on furniture to jump off and let my cape fly. I'm in Medicare territory now, and my family still ribs me about it.

To me, this is Superman:

In December 1978, Christopher Reeve renewed my belief that a man could fly.

To me, this is Superman:

In 2006, Brandon Routh did an awesome job of carrying the torch, and this year slammed it again.

To me, this is Superman:

2013's Man of Steel showed another take on the Superman story.

Not quite my Superman, but close enough:

Now, in the Supergirl continuity Superman is something else.

This is not my Superman:

Sorry, not sorry.

Unlike you, all of these men are Superman to me (although I've not ever seen the Kirk Alyn Superman serial.)

 

[Tosk]

This has mostly been an appreciation thread of all the Supermen, despite OP attempting to shit on Hoechlin. So that's nice.

 

[Kai "the spy"]

At least, they mentioned Hoechlin. They must really hate Dean Cain.

 

[TREK_GOD_1]

(although I've not ever seen the Kirk Alyn Superman serial.)

Honestly, do yourself a favor and watch the Alyn serials. He was pitch perfect as a Superman for the world of that time, and one of the greatest overall.

 

[The Realist]

The serials are definitely worth a watch (or two). I don't think as highly of Alyn in the role as TREK_GOD_1 does, but I'm not here to diss any Superman, and Alyn brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm to a pioneering performance. Noel Neill is fun as Lois, and not as nice as she was in Adventures of Superman -- she pulls a couple of spectacularly nasty tricks in the serials to scoop Clark, which are hilarious. And Lyle Talbot has a fine turn in the second serial as the very first live-action Luthor.

 

[Shaka Zulu]

A running joke would be overkill, and would play into a non-issue that is already long past its sell-by date. But I wouldn't mind an affectionate one-off wink-and-nod. I always enjoyed this bit:

The trunks mean hope.

The trunks are stupid crap and I was glad that they were removed in the New 52 period/epoch (and were not included by Zach Snyder in the costume of Henry Cavil's for Man Of Steel) but was disappointed that they were brought back by Grant Morrison 'just because'. I was also supportive of the skirt being removed for the final two seasons of Supergirl, mainly because it was giving Melissa Benoist a cold when she had to do flying sequences.

Honestly, do yourself a favor and watch the Alyn serials. He was pitch perfect as a Superman for the world of that time, and one of the greatest overall.

I would like to watch them, but my possible watching of them has been spoiled by Alyn's nasty attitude towards Chris Reeve and Superman: The Movie that he expressed during an interview he did in an issue of Comics Scene (I don't know or understand what exactly the Salkinds, [Mario] Puzo or Reeve did for him to be so offended at the movie; it was quite true to the character as people of his age and generation would want, and there was nothing 'cynical' about it at all.)

 

[The Realist]

Alyn also filmed a cameo for the movie, so it makes even less sense for him to slam it. Maybe he was just bitter that his scene was mostly cut out of the theatrical release (including what I believe was his one line), though it was restored in the subsequent "Special Edition." Pretty petty if so.

 

[Shaka Zulu]

At least, they mentioned Hoechlin. They must really hate Dean Cain.

Hoechlin-hate I don't understand, but I do understand Cain-hate due to what he said that's offended people (he's also suffered for it, and is now a cop instead of an actor.)

BTW, speaking of Hoechlin, I've got video I shot of him at a con (Fan Expo Toronto) in 2019:

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[Tosk]

Alyn also filmed a cameo for the movie, so it makes even less sense for him to slam it. Maybe he was just bitter that his scene was mostly cut out of the theatrical release (including what I believe was his one line), though it was restored in the subsequent "Special Edition." Pretty petty if so.

Realist, read your book.

 

[USS Firefly]

Hoechlin-hate I don't understand, but I do understand Cain-hate due to what he said that's offended people (he's also suffered for it, and is now a cop instead of an actor.)

I have read most of your link and honestly I don't understand why people hate him for this. Dislike ok but hate and to curse to him like Tom King and some other people do unnecessary

 

[The Realist]

Realist, read your book.

?

 

[Tosk]

?

Just paraphrasing the Kirk Alyn line from Superman The Movie that you were referencing. A poor joke, it seems.

 

[The Realist]

Nope, just one I failed to get. Needed more than that half cup of coffee this morning, apparently.

 

[theenglish]

The trunks are stupid crap and I was glad that they were removed in the New 52 period/epoch (and were not included by Zach Snyder in the costume of Henry Cavil's for Man Of Steel) but was disappointed that they were brought back by Grant Morrison 'just because'. I was also supportive of the skirt being removed for the final two seasons of Supergirl, mainly because it was giving Mellissa Benoist a cold when she had to do flying sequences.

I agree with Benoist's costume, but primarily because Kara doesn't need a skirt or short shorts or a bathing suit in modern times. Why not give her a suit that is closer in style to her cousin?

Grant Morrison was the first New 52 Action Comics writer and did a great job of re-writing the early days of the character. His run introduced the red shorts-less version of the costume. It was Bendis who brought them back when his run started -- although I am unclear if that was Bendis idea or if it was a mandate.

 

[Nerys Myk]

I like the "working man" uniform Superman sported in the flashback stories of Morrison's run.

 

[JD]

I used to think the trunks were kinda goofy looking, but after seeing all of the designs without them over the last few years, I think it looks better with them. Without them there's just too much blue, the red trunks help break it up.

 

[fireproof78]

I like the "working man" uniform Superman sported in the flashback stories of Morrison's run.

If he's working, that's super, man.

 

[urbandefault]

Superman has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember.

I never saw the theatrical serials, but to me, this is Superman:

George Reeves was my childhood Superman. In the early 60s, I had the Superman pajamas and I'd climb up on furniture to jump off and let my cape fly. I'm in Medicare territory now, and my family still ribs me about it.

To me, this is Superman:

In December 1978, Christopher Reeve renewed my belief that a man could fly.

To me, this is Superman:

In 2006, Brandon Routh did an awesome job of carrying the torch, and this year slammed it again.

To me, this is Superman:

2013's Man of Steel showed another take on the Superman story.

Not quite my Superman, but close enough:

Now, in the Supergirl continuity Superman is something else.

This is not my Superman:

Sorry, not sorry.

So four and half years after the fact, it has come to my attention that I inadvertently overlooked Dean Cain.

Other than some early episode costume weirdness, this is my Superman.

 

[fireproof78]

So four and half years after the fact, it has come to my attention that I inadvertently overlooked Dean Cain.

Other than some early episode costume weirdness, this is my Superman.

Same here.

 

[ichab]

I have read most of your link and honestly I don't understand why people hate him for this. Dislike ok but hate and to curse to him like Tom King and some other people do unnecessary

I don't get the issue either. "Truth, justice and the American way" was a part of the Superman character for many years. It's even directly quoted in the first Chris Reeves movie. If you don't like it fine, but wanting to cancel someone for liking it? Get a friggin life man.