In my new book “Man of Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow: A Calendar of Significant Birthdays, Premieres, and Milestones in Superman’s History” I call December “The Season of Wonder and Homecoming”, from which I want to share another interesting date from Superman’s expansive history.
Today, December 15, we honor two figures who were foundational in defining the Man of Steel’s world, from the definitive look of the Silver Age comics to the pioneering live-action portrayal of his cousin, Supergirl.
The Girl of Steel Takes Flight
Born on this day in 1963, Helen Slater became the first actress to portray Supergirl in live-action through her starring role in the 1984 film. Slater’s performance established many of the visual and character elements that would define Supergirl across different media, making her an influential figure in the character’s evolution. Her portrayal successfully balanced the character’s strength and confidence with moments of vulnerability and wonder.
Although the 1984 “Supergirl” movie received mixed reviews, its release was a significant milestone in superhero cinema because it proved that female superhero characters could carry their own films.
Slater’s involvement with the mythology extends far beyond her singular film appearance:
– She later played Lara, Superman’s Kryptonian mother, in the television series “Smallville” (2004-2011).
– She had a recurring role as Eliza Danvers, the adoptive mother of Kara Zor-El/Supergirl, in the 2015-2021 “Supergirl” television series.
This continuous involvement solidified her status as a pioneering figure who helped shape the “Supergirl” character for multiple generations.
The Masters of the Silver Age
December 15th is also a crucial day for recognizing the artists who laid the visual groundwork for Superman’s most celebrated era in comics.
We honor Al Plastino, born in 1921, who stands as one of Superman’s most prolific and beloved comic book artists. Plastino’s extensive work, spanning from the 1940s through the 1980s, helped define Superman’s visual appearance during the Silver Age of comics.
During his long career, Plastino contributed to nearly every major Superman storyline and development. He is credited as the artist who co-created both Supergirl and Brainiac. His signature style was clean and dynamic, allowing Superman’s incredible powers to be visually comprehensible while maintaining the character’s essential heroic dignity. Plastino contributed to the character’s visual mythology for over seven decades before his passing in November 2013 at age 91.
The date further celebrates artist Kurt Schaffenberger, born in 1920. Schaffenberger also contributed significantly to Superman’s visual evolution, particularly through his clear, expressive art style evident in his work on “Lois Lane” and “Superboy” comics. His artistry helped define how these key supporting characters should look on the page.
Today’s milestones perfectly encapsulate how the enduring appeal of Superman’s world is built upon the collaboration between visual artists who define the look and talented performers who bring that vision to human life.
This is just a sample of over 150 milestones, premieres, and birthdays you can explore, month by month, in “Man of Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow”.
Don’t miss out on exploring the full scope of Superman’s journey! The book makes a perfect gift for any fan of myth, comics, and cinematic history, especially now during December’s “Season of Wonder”.
Order your copy of “Man of Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow” on Amazon today and discover the collaborative creativity that built a legend!
