2009 Merchandise & Miscellaneous News Archives
January 28, 2009: Filmusik - The Superman Orchestra
By Neal Bailey.One of the joys of moving from my old hometown of Tacoma, WA to Vancouver, WA is the proximity to Portland, a city with a broad and rich cultural history. Not that Tacoma lacks it, but Portland's appears, at least on the surface, to be easier to grasp.
I had the good fortune of being invited to the Filmusik Superman Orchestra last weekend. I'd heard them previously on NPR, and thanks to Galen Huckins, one of the composers and the director of the program, I got to see a modern reinterpretation of all the things that initially made Superman great, with live music and an awesome live vocal cast.
You may or may not follow the Last Son of Krypton audio drama, where I play Dr. Anderson, but frankly, I've become a radio nerd over the last few years. I listen to podcasts, I do Radio KAL here at the Homepage, and one of the things that I have yet to really experience is the Superman radio dramas. It was my pleasure to start that experience here, where Filmusik started their presentation with voice actors over an orchestra describing Superman's origin.
The voice actors were superb, and it's hard to explain the exact feel of the presentation, you almost have to be there to believe it. There's the origin, in kind of classic, campy fashion, covered by an orchestra that includes string instruments, a trumpet, a piano, all of the classic instruments you expect to see when you go to see a recital. It was like watching a multimedia silent movie.
Progressing to Fleischer cartoons, the voice actors overdubbed the original stories, but live music re-imagined the soundtrack, giving a vital, sometimes dark, sometimes playful, and often exciting journey into cartoons that I've seen so many times I didn't think they could possibly be new to me, and yet there I was, getting goosebumps.
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In between, awesome old-style commercials bookended the different re-imaginings, with the players mouthing the words, enjoying the performance as much as the audience.
If you have a chance and are in Portland, I can't recommend a better night out for a Superman fan. Awesome on every level. I sat behind kids who were staring, rapt, and saw adults to my left and right absolutely astonished. I myself will go see this again, if I get the chance.
Definitely incredible.
Photos: Ashley Mitchell
2009 Merchandise & Miscellaneous News
Listed below are all the Merchandise & Miscellaneous News items archived for 2009.- January 2, 2009: Superheroes in Iraq
- January 7, 2009: Update on Siegel House Restoration
- January 7, 2009: The Superman Orchestra Performs Again
- January 7, 2009: Superman in Vogue Fashion Feature
- January 8, 2009: Philip Pearlstein's Superman Painting
- January 10, 2009: Wizard World to Postpone LA Show & Cancel Texas Show
- January 10, 2009: Fan Input Wanted for Superman Biography Book
- January 12, 2009: “Superman's House Doomed” on Iowa Public Radio
- January 14, 2009: “Secret Identity” Book Examines Shuster Work After Superman
- January 15, 2009: Boston's “Drink” Creates Fortress of Solitude Cocktail
- January 16, 2009: Mattel NYCC Panels to Discuss DC Action Figures
- January 20, 2009: “DC Universe Online” Artwork and Screenshots
- January 20, 2009: Superman of Earth-2 is a Black Lantern?
- January 21, 2009: See Andy Warhol's Superman in New York
- January 23, 2009: “Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe” - Fans vs. Developers
- January 24, 2009: Black Lantern Kal-L Action Figure Revealed
- January 24, 2009: Warner Bros. Cuts Jobs - DC Layoffs
- January 24, 2009: “Superman/Batman: Heroes United” Phone Game
- January 27, 2009: “DC Universe Online” at New York Comic-Con
- January 28, 2009: Filmusik - The Superman Orchestra
- January 29, 2009: Superman Ride Improvements Approved for Six Flags New England
- January 29, 2009: Supergirl Deluxe Figures Headline New Tonner Doll Series
- January 30, 2009: Marv Wolfman Special Guest at NYC Comic Con DCU Online Panel
- January 30, 2009: X-Ray Vision Coming?
- February 2, 2009: DC Rush Solicits Marlon Brando Jor-El Figure
- February 4, 2009: Chicago Expo in 2010
- February 4, 2009: Lex Luthor from DCU Online Unveiled
- February 7, 2009: Wizard Magazine Examines “DC Universe Online”
- February 9, 2009: Playing the Demo of “DC Universe Online”
- February 9, 2009: Patricia Marand Remembered on SupermanBobHoliday.com
- February 11, 2009: NYCC - “DC Universe Online” Exclusive Fan Party Report
- February 16, 2009: Stone Arch Books Collaborate with DC Comics
- February 16, 2009: KryptoNate Slam Dunks Superman Howard
- February 18, 2009: Superman Joining Internet Casinos
- February 19, 2009: “Heroic Ambition” Website and Trailer Online!
- February 23, 2009: Golden Age Superheroes at Skirball Center, LA
- February 25, 2009: “Superbman: The Other Movie” Coming to DVD
- February 26, 2009: Doomsday Scenario in “DC Universe Online”
- February 26, 2009: Rare “Action Comics #1” Up For Auction
- February 27, 2009: CNN References Superman Homepage
- March 1, 2009: Michael Jackson Auction Includes Superman Items
- March 2, 2009: Luthor's Evil Plan for Superman Rollercoaster
- March 3, 2009: Metropolis Named “Extreme” Town
- March 3, 2009: DC Comics Stops Krypto-Nate
- March 6, 2009: “DC Universe Online” Customized Characters Trailer
- March 9, 2009: Commemorative Bricks On Sale for Noel Neill Statue
- March 10, 2009: Factor 5 Cancels Superman PS3/Xbox Game
- March 10, 2009: Metropolis Superman License Plates Now Available
- March 12, 2009: Lex Luthor Wants a Bailout
- March 12, 2009: Neal Bailey in Bluewater Comics
- March 13, 2009: WBshop.com Grand Opening
- March 13, 2009: Mattel Announces DCU Classics Series 9 Action Figures
- March 14, 2009: “Action Comics #1” Sells for $317,200
- March 14, 2009: NBA Cashing in on Superman Phone Booth Auction
- March 17, 2009: Mattel's DCU Classic Ultraman and Alex Luthor Action Figures
- March 17, 2009: Entertainment Weekly Compiles Favorite Pop-Culture Heroes
- March 19, 2009: Special Guests Announced for 2009 Superman Celebration
- March 20, 2009: Travel Channel's Metropolis Segment
- March 25, 2009: Jerry Siegel “History of Invulnerability” Stage Production
- March 27, 2009: Tickets Required for Celebrity Guests at Superman Celebration
- March 27, 2009: Superman Showbags at Sydney Royal Easter Show
- March 27, 2009: Monty Python - Bicycle Repair Man
- March 30, 2009: Superman Celebrities at Emerald City ComicCon
- March 30, 2009: Metropolis to Benefit From I-24 Signage
- March 30, 2009: EW Names Coolest Heroes in Pop Culture
- March 31, 2009: Another “Action Comics #1” Issue on Auction
- March 31, 2009: Warner Bros. Animation Celebration
- March 31, 2009: Bizarro to Take Over Ride of Steel?
- March 31, 2009: Interview with “Superman: A Biography” Author Larry Tye
- April 1, 2009: Kevin J. Anderson's “Enemies & Allies” Novel
- April 1, 2009: Superman Homepage Pranks for April Fools Day 2009
- April 2, 2009: Wonder Twins 2-Pack at San Diego Comic Con
- April 2, 2009: Superman Homepage Hidden Gems
- April 2, 2009: Indian Superman and Spider-Woman Music Video
- April 3, 2009: Beverly Washburn Coming to Metropolis Superman Celebration
- April 3, 2009: School Student Wins Role in Superman Book
- April 3, 2009: Katz Talks About Jerry Siegel Stage Production
- April 3, 2009: Superman Figure in Wax Museum Auction
- April 7, 2009: Collect Your Superman Diesel Locomotive
- April 7, 2009: SuperHeroes: A Group Exhibition
- April 8, 2009: Superman and Supergirl Airbrush Tattoo Stencils
- April 9, 2009: Exclusive Interview with Kevin J. Anderson
- April 9, 2009: WB Animation Unveils New Cartoon Studio Mural
- April 10, 2009: Supergirl and Lois Lane in Boston Stage Production
- April 10, 2009: Annual George Award and Superheroes Auction
- April 14, 2009: “Superman” Punch Helps Set MMA Record
- April 15, 2009: “Heroes, Dreamers and Lovers” Concert
- April 16, 2009: New Book For Superman Musical
- April 16, 2009: Dress like Superman for Hospitality Action Week
- April 18, 2009: Kevin Moriarty on Updating the Superman Musical
- April 22, 2009: Craig Yoe Talks “Secret Identity” Book on NPR Radio
- April 23, 2009: A Sneak Peek at Kevin J. Anderson's “Enemies & Allies”
- April 23, 2009: Trade In Your HD-DVDs for Blu-Rays at Warner Bros.
- April 23, 2009: Superman Sketch from “Ronnie Johns Half Hour”
- April 27, 2009: Follow the Superman Homepage on Facebook and Twitter
- April 27, 2009: New Toyota Prius “Superman” Commercial
- April 29, 2009: “DC Universe Online” Environments
- April 30, 2009: Cleveland Set to Celebrate Superman
- April 30, 2009: Superman Meets The Dark Knight - Part 2
- April 30, 2009: Doomsday in “DC Universe Online”
- May 2, 2009: Superman Homepage Hidden Gems
- May 7, 2009: Gail Simone and Mike Norton at Superman Celebration
- May 12, 2009: Justice League of America Archives Trading Cards
- May 15, 2009: DC Dynamics - New Statues for 2010
- May 15, 2009: DC Blammoids - Cubed Characters
- May 20, 2009: A Closer Look at the “DC Dynamics” Superman Statue
- May 20, 2009: Toyota Japan Unveils Second Superman Prius Commercial
- May 21, 2009: Who's the Longest Running Fictional Character Ever?
- May 23, 2009: Joan Alexander Dies at 94
- May 25, 2009: Superman and Luthor Voice Actors Compared
- May 27, 2009: Bizarro Rollercoaster Now Open!
- May 28, 2009: New Superman vs. Brainiac Action Figure 2-Pack
- May 29, 2009: Brad Meltzer on Restoring the Siegel House
- June 2, 2009: Official “DC Universe Online” Website Updated
- June 3, 2009: Become an Honorary Citizen of Metropolis
- June 3, 2009: Superheroes at the Symphony
- June 4, 2009: WGBS-TV Covers Superman Celebration in Metropolis, Illinois
- June 5, 2009: DC Universe Online “Join The Battle” Game Trailer
- June 5, 2009: Superman Celebration Schedule
- June 5, 2009: “The Ninja” Raising Funds for Christopher Reeve Foundation
- June 6, 2009: Breaking Ground for the Noel Neill Statue
- June 6, 2009: Supanova Pop Culture Expo
- June 6, 2009: Mattel JLU 3-Pack Action Figures Now Shipping Internationally
- June 10, 2009: Music, Tribute Films and More at Superman Celebration
- June 12, 2009: Reports from the 2009 Superman Celebration
- June 12, 2009: Metropolis Committed to Noel Neill Statue Despite Economic Crisis
- June 12, 2009: Superman Celebration - WGBS-TV Report
- June 16, 2009: Superman Celebration - Celebrity Q&A
- June 16, 2009: Superman Celebration Fan Film Contest Winner
- June 17, 2009: Superman Celebration 2009 Report
- June 24, 2009: “The Kid Who Saved Superman”
- June 24, 2009: Meet the “DC Universe Online” Continuity Designer
- June 25, 2009: Superman Celebration - Day 1 Video Reports
- June 26, 2009: Cleveland SuperCon Schedule of Events
- June 27, 2009: New JLU 6-Packs in Target from August
- July 4, 2009: Superman Rarities Screening at Skirball Cultural Center
- July 6, 2009: Superman Celebration Video Reports - Day 2
- July 6, 2009: All Aboard the Super Cruise!
- July 6, 2009: Japanese Toyota Prius Newspaper Ads
- July 8, 2009: Superman's Creators Honored at Landmark Cleveland Events
- July 9, 2009: DC/WB Cleared of Any Violation in Superman Licensing Agreement
- July 9, 2009: Mattel Launches Wonder Twins Action Figure Video
- July 9, 2009: Super Teen Thrills Metropolis
- July 10, 2009: Siegel Family Response on Superman Court Ruling
- July 11, 2009: Superman Celebration Video Reports - Day 3
- July 11, 2009: Police Arrest Superman and Batman
- July 13, 2009: Your Questions About Superman Court Ruling
- July 13, 2009: Superman Celebration Video Reports - Day 4
- July 14, 2009: Cleveland Screaming Tiki Super-Con Report
- July 14, 2009: Michael J. Hayde Talks “Flights of Fantasy”
- July 15, 2009: Jerry Siegel's Home Restored
- July 15, 2009: Mike Kelley's Kandors Exhibit
- July 15, 2009: Ethiopian Boy's Superman Wish Comes True
- July 15, 2009: New York Superman Back on the Streets
- July 16, 2009: Superman Mannequin Stolen
- July 17, 2009: Siegel & Shuster Society T-Shirts
- July 17, 2009: Superman 3D Chalk Drawing
- July 18, 2009: “DC Universe Online” Video Contest
- July 18, 2009: Brad Meltzer on Siegel House Restoration
- July 23, 2009: Siegel and Shuster Family Q&A Panel
- July 23, 2009: “DC Universe Online” - Jim Lee and Fan Event
- July 24, 2009: iGoogle Superman Themes
- July 25, 2009: Exclusive DC Direct Photos from SDCC
- July 26, 2009: SDCC DC Direct & Mattel Product High-Res Images
- July 28, 2009: The Mystery of the Strange Superman Money
- July 31, 2009: Press Release - Third Annual “Supergirl Jam”
- August 1, 2009: Noel Neill Forword in “Capes, Crooks & Cliffhangers” Poster Book
- August 1, 2009: Win Seth Rogen's Superjew T-Shirt
- August 3, 2009: Superman Celebration Essay and Photos
- August 5, 2009: Superman Homepage at Wizard World Chicago Comic-Con
- August 6, 2009: Men's “Superman Urban Red” Watch From Fossil
- August 6, 2009: MTV Cribs - Shaquille O'Neal
- August 8, 2009: More DC Toon Tumblers
- August 9, 2009: DC Comics a No-Show at Chicago Comic-Con & Tonner Update
- August 9, 2009: Photos from Chicago Comic-Con
- August 13, 2009: New Superman and DC Comics T-Shirts
- August 14, 2009: Siegels Win Additional Rights Including “Action Comics #4”
- August 17, 2009: JLU Happy Meals at McDonalds Australia & NZ
- August 18, 2009: Pima County Library Celebrates Supergirl
- August 21, 2009: “DC Universe Online” SDCC Highlights Video
- August 21, 2009: First Look at “Superman/Batman: Public Enemies” Action Figures
- August 26, 2009: Siegel Judge Orders New Settlement Negotiations
- August 27, 2009: Superman Coming to a Laundry Near You
- August 29, 2009: Michael J. Hayde Talks “Flights of Fantasy”
- August 30, 2009: Justice League Paper Bobble Heads Coming to Arby's
- September 1, 2009: Superman Celebrities at Dragon*Con
- September 1, 2009: Marvel Acquired By Disney
- September 7, 2009: Fan Expo Canada 2009 Reports
- September 8, 2009: DC Stars Supergirl Collector Doll from Tonner
- September 10, 2009: Superman and Batman Coming to Cricut
- September 10, 2009: No Subscription Fee for “DC Universe Online”
- September 10, 2009: Siegel House Restoration Thank You Video
- September 11, 2009: A Report on Mike Kelley's Kandors Exhibit
- September 16, 2009: Dragon*Con 2009 Report
- September 17, 2009: More Dragon*Con Photos
- September 19, 2009: Vote for Your Favorite DCUO BFF Video
- September 22, 2009: Fan-Made 3D Bizarro Animation
- September 26, 2009: Superman Litigation Update
- October 1, 2009: A Unified Theory of Superman's Powers
- October 7, 2009: “Faster Than a Speeding Bullet: The Art of the Superhero” Exhibition
- October 8, 2009: DCU World's Greatest Superheroes Action Figures
- October 8, 2009: Joanne Siegel Nominated for Lulu Award
- October 13, 2009: Bloomingdales Helps DC Celebrate 75 Years
- October 15, 2009: Superman Homepage Rated No. 1 Superhero Fan Website
- October 19, 2009: Extra! Extra! Read All About It at SupermanBobHoliday.com!
- October 21, 2009: Voices From Krypton: The Magazine
- October 24, 2009: DC Universe Online - Introducing Bizarro
- October 24, 2009: Bizarro Rollercoaster Named Best in the World
- October 26, 2009: “DC Universe Online” Behind-the-Scenes Video Interview
- October 29, 2009: Update on Superman Slot Machine
- October 30, 2009: Marc McClure Joins Super Cruise
- November 1, 2009: Centennial Park Superman Figurine
- November 4, 2009: Win a Super Rabbit Framed Print
- November 8, 2009: Superman Parody in “Dragon Age: Origins” Video Game
- November 10, 2009: Dwight Howard's New Superman Shoes
- November 12, 2009: State Grant Awarded for Noel Neill Statue
- November 12, 2009: Broadway's Superman Turns 77
- November 14, 2009: Kryptonite Used In Heart Surgery
- November 16, 2009: Joanne Siegel Wins Lulu Award
- November 17, 2009: Stan Berkowitz Receives WGAW Lifetime Award
- November 17, 2009: “DC Universe Online” Animation Contest on Facebook
- November 25, 2009: An Update on the Updated Superman Musical
- November 26, 2009: Siegel House Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on DVD
- December 4, 2009: Discapa Mini Superman Figures
- December 8, 2009: Zod Invades Wedding Reception
- December 10, 2009: Mattel Announces “Retro-Action DC Super Heroes” Action Figures
- December 10, 2009: A Look Back at Superman Public Service Announcements
- December 12, 2009: Superman Fan Builds Fortress of Solitude Office
- December 15, 2009: CryptoLogic Launches Superman Internet Casino Game
- December 16, 2009: Mattel Releases General Zod 12 inch Figure
- December 17, 2009: Super-Earth Discovered Orbiting a Red Sun
- December 21, 2009: Superman Saves Hostess “Twinkies” Cakes
- December 24, 2009: Lost Sunsoft NES Superman Game?
- December 24, 2009: Superman Takes Over Amway Arena on Christmas Day
- December 31, 2009: Comic Book & Toy Show in Metropolis, Illinois
- December 31, 2009: Superman's Promotion of the “American Way”
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