Today, February 29 is not only Leap Day, but it is also Superman’s birthday – fictionally anyway.
While Superman’s debut in Action Comics #1 actually hit newsstands on April 18, 1938, we celebrate Superman’s birthday on February 29. But why?
The idea that Superman’s birthday is February 29 initially began as a lark. DC editors explained tongue in cheek in comic book letter columns that Superman remained eternally youthful because he was born on Leap Day, February 29, which occurs only once every four years.
When DC celebrated Superman’s 50th anniversary in 1988, they treated February 29 as the Man of Steel’s birth date. Even a “TIME” magazine cover-story (March 14, 1988 cover dated magazine) commemorating the 50th anniversary (with a cover by John Byrne) declared for all of America that Superman’s birthday is February 29.
So, Superman the fictional character celebrates 86 years of fictional existence in 2024, and at the Superman Homepage, we’re happy to celebrate Superman on every day of the year! Happy Birthday Superman!
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Happy birthday to DC’s Man of Steel!
Thank you for keeping the universe safe and may you continue fighting for truth, justice and the American way!
Happy Birthday to the greatest superhero!
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