Superman, the first comic-book superhero, debuted in Action Comics #1 in 1938. He has continued his never-ending battle for truth, justice, and the American way to the delight of his millions of fans ever since. The character established the model of an entire genre (category) of comic-book characters: superheroes, who remain at the core of the comic-book industry. The Superman legend has been retold countless times in comic books (see entry under 1930s—Print Culture in volume 2) and reinterpreted in virtually every creative medium, including films, television (see entry under 1940s—TV and Radio in volume 3), novels, radio (see entry under 1920s—TV and Radio in volume 2), theater, and animation. Superman is a true popular culture icon (symbol) who has persisted throughout the decades and remains the embodiment of all the possibilities of both the comic-book medium and America itself.

Superman, the original superhero, fights for truth, justice, and the...