2022 Merchandise & Miscellaneous News Archives
February 15, 2022: Superman: American Icon or Global Icon?
By Badr Bally
There was some discourse recently regarding certain scenes in The CW's "Superman & Lois". The scenes in question involve Superman openly stating that he's not going to give his full, unquestioned commitment to the US government stating that he's gave his "allegiance to the world a long time ago".
The reaction to this was divisive and, though the discourse regarding this waned, there is still rumblings regarding this, with one side arguing that this goes against the image of Superman as an American icon, while the other argued that this makes sense considering Superman is a global icon.
The first group see this as corporations trying to distance Superman from his Americana roots especially in the wake of DC Comics replacing Superman's iconic "Truth, Justice and The American Way" slogan with "Truth, Justice and a Better Tomorrow". To them, this is a betrayal of Superman as an icon of American popular culture.
The other group, however, argues that this is simply acknowledging Superman as a figure with a universal appeal. Due to the character's popularity worldwide, centering more on Superman as a global figure makes a lot more sense than portraying him as an American icon.
Both takes are somewhat valid but are also oversimplifying Superman's legacy and appeal.
The reality is, Superman is both.
No matter who says otherwise, a huge part of Superman's DNA is connected to his Americana roots. Raised as Clark Kent, he grew up within the heartland of America, specifically Kansas, in the form of the fictional town of Smallville, where young Clark was raised on the values taught by the Kents who raised the orphaned child as their own.
However, his connection to the "American Way" has a more meta connection. His creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, were obviously influenced by the fact they were children of Jewish immigrants when crafting the story of this "strange visitor from another planet," which makes Superman into the "Ultimate Immigrant" story, especially within American culture. What's not as commonly known is that, according to several sources, both Siegel and Shuster were supporters of then President Franklin D. Roosevelt and had strong faith in his "New Deal" plan and how it would lead to social reforms and fix many issues caused by systematic injustice, particularly after the effects of the Great Depression. So, several studies believe that the early stories of the Golden Age Superman, referred early on as a "Champion of the Oppressed," where he took on corrupt businessmen, politicians and war profiteers, was the result of the duo injecting their social views and their faith in the New Deal through the character. Comic book scholar Roger Sabin sees this as a reflection of "the liberal idealism of Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal," with Shuster and Siegel initially portraying Superman as champion to a variety of social causes occurring in America at that time.
During World War II, Superman was one of the fictional characters, along with Bugs Bunny and Popeye, who enlisted to serve as morale for American citizens and troops during that period. Many of his adventures dealt with him taking on the Nazi threat, mostly dealing with saboteurs and spies back home. It was also the period when the iconic "Truth, Justice and The American Way" slogan was first introduced on the airwaves of the classic Superman radio series with Superman voiced by Bud Collyer, as a way to support the efforts of US troops during the war.
Though the slogan was dropped from the radio series once the war ended, it was brought back in the "Adventures of Superman" TV series starring George Reeves as the Man of Steel, popularizing the slogan to TV viewers before being immortalized to cinema goers after Christopher Reeve's Superman uttered the phrase in the famous balcony scene from 1978's "Superman: The Movie".
Throughout the comic books and other mediums, Superman has shown to be patriotic and have national pride in his country. However, Superman has gone against the government's wishes in the comic books for decades and has rejected the notion that he blindly follows the government's orders. Being patriotic doesn't mean you turn a blind eye when your government crosses the line.
There are a number of examples where Superman just said no to the US government, sadly the most well-known example of this was David S. Goyer's contribution to the then milestone "Action Comics #900" issue. (Yes, the same David S. Goyer who worked on films like "Dark City," the Nolan "Batman" trilogy, and "Man of Steel"). In Goyer's short story "The Incident", Superman renounces his US citizenship firmly stating that, Truth, Justice and The American Way is not enough anymore. Personally, I feel that Goyer was trying too hard to subvert the "Champion of the American status quo" image the character had hanging over his head for many years. Personally I think we have better examples of this idea in stories written decades prior.
One such story was from the March 1991 issue of "Superman," where Superman was asked by the US government to help escort a Middle Eastern dictator so he would stand trial for his crimes. During the story Superman uncovers a secret conspiracy involving shady dealings and a group of American nationalist zealots. This issue is a classic example that show's Superman isn't some government stooge who would blindly follow orders as he felt uneasy dealing with a sensitive task that involves international relations and by the end gives a good talking down to the government's representatives after what occurred in the story.
Simply put, Superman is proud to be an American, however he also views himself as a citizen of the world, willing to help out in any way he can regardless of political boundaries, even those set up by his own government.
Superman has broken through these boundaries outside the comic books as well, as the character continues to have a massive appeal and awareness around the world. Superman has gained fans the world over, from a young kid buying a comic or merchandise with Superman's S logo on it, to major comic book and media figures in their respective countries, such as Japan's Osamu Tezuka (the Godfather of Manga and Anime and creator of Astro Boy), who viewed the character as a major influence and at one point was made honorary member of the Japanese Superman Fan Club. Superman also gained a following from figures outside of media, such Emperor Hirohito of Japan, who was such a fan of the "Adventures of Superman" TV series that he sent actor George Reeves a fan letter in 1958.
Superman is a global icon.
A global icon to my definition is someone who has an international appeal regardless of nationality, and that fits Superman perfectly. Even people from many developing countries are at least familiar with the concept of Superman, growing up in Egypt during the 1990s, I can confirm that even taxi drivers and porters were at least familiar with the character. The same thing applies to other fictional characters like Batman, Spider-Man, Sherlock Holmes, James Bond, Goku and Tintin. They're icons of their respective countries but have also become universal icons due to their international appeal.
I think DC themselves realized this, during the Silver Age one issue featured the United Nations awarding Superman with honorary citizenship of every UN registered nation. This scene was revisited again in the Bronze Age by writer Elliot S! Maggin and artist Curt Swan, in a panel that most people are familiar with whenever this bit of trivia is brought up among Superman fandom.
This might also explain why the "Truth, Justice and The American Way" slogan has been either referenced less or had attempts to change it over the years. It would be referenced a number of times but not as frequently, there were also different variations of the slogan such as "Truth, Justice and Peace" that was used in the intro to the "Super Friends" cartoons or in 2006's "Superman Returns," which features a scene where Perry White asks if Superman still stands for "Truth, Justice and all that stuff," which did receive some backlash for a while. And of course, there was the recent update to "Truth, Justice and a Better Tomorrow," which caused a lot of discourse. This is seen as DC trying to downplay the Americana element of Superman to appeal to international audiences, ignoring the fact that the very same audience is already a fan of the character even when the "American Way" phrase was still prevalent.
So, the way I see it, Superman is both an American icon and a global icon. He is a long-standing icon of American pop culture, and Americana as a whole, but has also captured the hearts of people worldwide due to his universal appeal.
I would like to end this piece on this quote that I think sums up Superman perfectly:
"Superman is universal. There isn't a country in the world that doesn't know who Superman is... Because of the problems of today, the world's in desperate need of a hero. Run for president Supey, because God knows we need you now." - Richard Donner ("Look Up In The Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman").
2022 Merchandise & Miscellaneous News
Listed below are all the Merchandise & Miscellaneous News items archived for 2022.- January 4, 2022: Superman Rings
- January 10, 2022: DC “The Dark Knight Returns” Superman vs. Batman 7-Inch Scale Action Figure 2-Pack
- January 10, 2022: Metropolis, Illinois Superman Celebration 2022 Dates
- January 11, 2022: Superman Bendable Figures
- January 12, 2022: DC Super Friends “Lex on the Loose” Kids Commentary
- January 13, 2022: Fan Confidence on Returning to Comic Conventions - Poll Results
- January 16, 2022: Video - DC Beyond the Panels: “House of El”
- January 18, 2022: Superman Keychains/Keyrings
- January 20, 2022: What's Promising in 2022? - Poll Results
- January 24, 2022: McFarlane Toys Reveals Superman of Earth-3 (Ultraman) Action Figure
- January 24, 2022: Last Son of Krypton Black Superman Hoodie
- January 24, 2022: “Crisis on Infinite Earth” Collector Cards Now Available!
- January 25, 2022: Superman Valentine's Day Gift Ideas
- January 28, 2022: “Superheroes, Orphans and Origins - 125 Years in Comics” Exhibition at London's Foundling Museum
- February 1, 2022: Superman Cake Toppers
- February 6, 2022: “Draw Superman & Help Kids” Charity Auction
- February 8, 2022: Superman LEGO Figures and Playsets
- February 10, 2022: New Book - “I am Superman” (Stories Change the World) by Brad Meltzer
- February 15, 2022: Superman: American Icon or Global Icon?
- February 15, 2022: Superman and Justice League You Choose Stories
- February 22, 2022: Superman Tablecloths
- March 1, 2022: Six Flags Announces 2022 DC Super Hero Run
- March 1, 2022: Book Review - “Adapting Superman: Essays on the Transmedia Man of Steel”
- March 1, 2022: Superman Tin Signs
- March 8, 2022: Superman Medical Accessories
- March 10, 2022: Amazing Yamaguchi Revoltech Black Suit New 52 Superman Figure
- March 10, 2022: Cartamundi and Warner Bros. Launch DC Hybrid Physical and NFT Trading Cards
- March 12, 2022: Tom Welling & Michael Rosenbaum Attending Superman Celebration 2022
- March 12, 2022: George Newbern Attending Superman Celebration 2022
- March 12, 2022: Circle K Debuts Exclusive DC Comics HeroStix Collectibles
- March 13, 2022: Iron Studios Superman Black Suit Legacy Replica 1/4 Statue
- March 14, 2022: Iron Studios Superman Unleashed (Deluxe) Art Scale 1/10 Statue
- March 15, 2022: Superman Soundtrack CDs
- March 16, 2022: Superman Celebrities Attending Toronto Comicon & GalaxyCon Richmond This Weekend
- March 18, 2022: McFarlane Toys DC Multiverse Superman Jonathan Kent Future State 7-Inch Scale Action Figure
- March 18, 2022: DC Comics Official Oodie Range
- March 22, 2022: McDonalds Malaysia DC Super Heroes Happy Meal Toys
- March 22, 2022: Superman USB Flash Drives
- March 23, 2022: HeroicWorld Productions Releases Debut Comic Book Publication
- March 23, 2022: “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League” Video Game Delayed
- March 23, 2022: Samoan DC Comics Justice League Silver Coin Collection
- March 24, 2022: Most Expensive Superman Collectible - Poll Results
- March 24, 2022: Are Superman or Batman Villains More Dangerous?
- March 29, 2022: DC Comics Dynamic 8ction Heroes Superman (Black Suit) BBTS Exclusive Figure
- March 29, 2022: Nolan North Attending Fan Expo Cleveland
- March 29, 2022: Fleischer Superman Cartoons Free Webinar
- March 29, 2022: Superman Caps - Latest Arrivals
- April 1, 2022: Our April Fools Day Pranks
- April 1, 2022: Hot Wheels Unleashed - DC Super Heroes Racing Season
- April 4, 2022: Superman Cider Hits Conveniences Stores in Korea
- April 5, 2022: Is Superman Fandom Toxic? (Great Debate)
- April 5, 2022: Steve Younis Answers Superman Questions on SBSÕs “Mastermind” Trivia Gameshow
- April 5, 2022: Superman Travel Mugs
- April 6, 2022: DC Battle Superman vs. The Flash Racing Statue
- April 8, 2022: TwoMorrows “Back Issue #135” Focuses on Superman Villain Silver Banshee
- April 12, 2022: Superman Zip-Up Hoodies
- April 12, 2022: New Zealand Mint Announces New Superman Classic Gold and Silver Coins
- April 12, 2022: Superman's Adventures in the Multiverse
- April 13, 2022: “DC Worlds Collide” Mobile Video Game
- April 14, 2022: Superman Team Ups - Poll Results
- April 15, 2022: McFarlane Toys Previews Blackest Night Superman Action Figure
- April 15, 2022: DC Wedding Rings Now Available
- April 19, 2022: Superman Pins
- April 21, 2022: Superman Video Game Console Preference - Poll Results
- April 23, 2022: The “Return of Superman” MAFEX Steel Action Figure
- April 23, 2022: New Superman BBQ Accessories and Cooler Bags
- April 25, 2022: Last Son of Krypton by Alex Ross Lithograph
- April 26, 2022: Heroes of Goo Jit Zu DC Superheroes
- May 3, 2022: Superman Necklaces
- May 5, 2022: “Smallville” Celebrities Attending Niagara Falls Comic Con
- May 6, 2022: Superman Celebrities Attending Comic Con Liverpool
- May 7, 2022: Mark Waid Attending Comic Con Revolution
- May 10, 2022: Superman Baby Bodysuits
- May 12, 2022: Superman Page Punchers 3-Inch Scale Action Figure With Comic
- May 12, 2022: MultiVersus Closed Alpha Announced for May 19-27
- May 12, 2022: Superman's “S” Shield on the Cape - Poll Results
- May 16, 2022: New “MultiVersus” Cinematic Trailer - Open Beta Coming July 2022
- May 17, 2022: Superman Fire and Flames T-Shirts
- May 18, 2022: Superman Helmet Design Included in Ruroc's ATLAS 4.0 DC-Themed Collection
- May 18, 2022: Streets Named After Superheroes in Corpus Christi, Texas
- May 19, 2022: “MultiVersus” Closed Alpha Begins Today
- May 20, 2022: Black Adam Superman Page Punchers 7-Inch Scale Action Figure with Comic Book
- May 21, 2022: DC Justice League Video Game Teaser Trailer
- May 24, 2022: Superman Flying T-Shirts
- May 25, 2022: Original Superman Art to Sell in “Kindred Spirits: The Super Auction”
- May 31, 2022: Superman Beach Towels and Swimwear
- June 3, 2022: AAA Anime Exclusive “Justice League” Superman Pop! Vinyl Figure
- June 7, 2022: Merchandise Featuring Superman Villain - Parasite
- June 9, 2022: Favorite Superman Universe Police Officer - Poll Results
- June 10, 2022: Annual Superman Celebration Begins in Metropolis, Illinois
- June 14, 2022: Historic Superman Collection Goes Under the Hammer at Heritage Auctions
- June 14, 2022: Superman (Version B) Q Posket Statue
- June 14, 2022: Superman Phone Covers and Cases
- June 15, 2022: Reminder - “Superheroes, Orphans and Origins - 125 Years in Comics” Exhibition at London's Foundling Museum
- June 15, 2022: Can There Be More Than One Version of Superman?
- June 16, 2022: Superman Celebration 2022 Videos
- June 16, 2022: DC Comics Superman Bendyfigs Action Figure
- June 17, 2022: Superman, Supergirl & The Flash Takeover Cap'n Crunch
- June 19, 2022: DC Short Sleeve Shirts by RSVLTS
- June 20, 2022: boAt Partners Releases New Super Hero-Themed Audio Devices for India
- June 21, 2022: Vintage Superman T-Shirts
- June 21, 2022: New “MultiVersus” Video Features 2 vs. 2 Matches
- June 22, 2022: XM Studios Previews Upcoming Classic Superman Statue
- June 23, 2022: Superman Celebration 2022 Attendance - Poll Results
- June 28, 2022: Warner Bros. Discovery Takes Flight at San Diego Comic-Con
- June 28, 2022: Superman and Batman Takeover Quaker's Instant Oatmeal
- June 28, 2022: Superman Dinner and Dessert Plates
- June 30, 2022: Superman Leaping Tall Buildings - Poll Results
- July 1, 2022: XM Studio Previews Superman (Justice) David Finch 1/6 Scale Statue
- July 1, 2022: New Zealand Mint Announces COMIX - “Action Comics #1” 1oz Silver Coin
- July 3, 2022: Get 5% Discount on New Zealand MintÕs COMIX - “Action Comics #1” 1oz Silver Coin
- July 6, 2022: Superman Car Seat Covers and Head Rests
- July 7, 2022: McFarlane Toys Unveils “Future State: Worlds of War” Superman Action Figure
- July 8, 2022: Hershey's Milk Chocolate DC Super Hero Candy Bars Are Back!
- July 8, 2022: Unboxing New Zealand Mint's COMIX - “Action Comics #1” 1oz Silver Coin
- July 11, 2022: St. Louis Cardinals Host DC Comics Super Hero Night
- July 11, 2022: Superman Hello! Good Smile Mini-Figure
- July 12, 2022: Pre-Order McFarlane Toys “Future State: Worlds of War” Superman Action Figure
- July 12, 2022: Superman Panels at San Diego Comic-Con 2022
- July 12, 2022: Superman Tank Tops
- July 14, 2022: McFarlane Toys Relaunches Classic DC Super Powers Line of Action Figures
- July 14, 2022: “MultiVersus” Open Beta to Begin July 26 - First Look at Iron Giant
- July 18, 2022: Pre-Order the Superman Silver Miniature Silver Collectible by New Zealand Mint
- July 19, 2022: Superman Dog Toys
- July 21, 2022: Fan Interest in “Future State: Worlds of War” Superman Action Figure - Poll Results
- July 26, 2022: TwoMorrows “Back Issue #137” Focuses on 1980s Pre-Crisis DC Miniseries
- July 26, 2022: Warner Bros. Games Announces Multiversus Open Beta is Available Now
- July 28, 2022: Superman Celebrities Attending Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo C2E2
- July 31, 2022: Superman Celebrities Attending Fan Expo Boston
- August 2, 2022: Superman Coloring Books
- August 14, 2022: SDCC 2022 Superman Gallery
- August 15, 2022: “MultiVersus” Season 1 Begins Today
- August 16, 2022: Superman Cookie Jars and Food Containers
- August 18, 2022: XM Studios Previews Upcoming Classic Superman Statue
- August 20, 2022: Pre-Order XM Studios Superman Classic 1/4 and 1/6 Scale Statues
- August 22, 2022: “MultiVersus” Surpasses 20 Million Players
- August 23, 2022: Superman Rugs and Mats
- August 24, 2022: DC Character PRESTO Cards Available in Canada
- August 26, 2022: Pre-Order the Krypto Maquette by Tweeterhead
- August 27, 2022: Iron Studios Announces Superman and Lois 1/6 Scale Diorama
- August 28, 2022: Superman Celebrities Attending Dragon Con
- August 29, 2022: DC Heroes Red Son Superman 8-Inch Action Figure - Previews Exclusive
- August 30, 2022: Let's Talk About Superman! - A Virtual Graphic Novel Book Talk
- August 30, 2022: Superman Aprons
- August 31, 2022: Brazilian Festival of Comics 2022
- September 1, 2022: DC Has No Plans for DC FanDome 2022
- September 1, 2022: Hush: Superman w/Angry Laser Eyes Gold Label Action Figure
- September 1, 2022: Preferred Medium for Collecting Movies/TV Shows - Poll Results
- September 2, 2022: DC Heroes: Gingerbread Superman Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure
- September 5, 2022: Superman Celebrities Attending Conventions This Weekend
- September 6, 2022: Funko Reveals POP! Heroes: DC - Superman Red Vinyl Figure
- September 6, 2022: Superman Boxer Briefs
- September 8, 2022: Purchasing Price for Superman Statues - Poll Results
- September 13, 2022: Superman Pants
- September 15, 2022: Fan Feelings Towards No DC FanDome in 2022 - Poll Results
- September 15, 2022: When Did Superman and Lois Lane First Kiss?
- September 20, 2022: Superman Beanies and Knit Hats
- September 22, 2022: Australia Post Releases DC Comics Stamp Pack
- September 23, 2022: New Superman Merchandise - Can Coolers, Hair Wraps, Socks and More!
- September 24, 2022: New Book - “With Thanks to Superman: 40 Years of Interviews, Reports, and Observations”
- September 27, 2022: Superman Bar Glasses
- September 28, 2022: Superman Art Featured in TaylorVision - The Art of Des Taylor
- September 29, 2022: Superman Panels, Events and Guests at New York Comic Con
- October 2, 2022: Superman's Kryptonian Name Explained - Kal-El's Origin and First Use
- October 3, 2022: Writer Sarah Kuhn Talks “Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story”
- October 4, 2022: Superman Halloween Costumes for Adults
- October 5, 2022: The Origins and History of the Superman-Tim Club
- October 6, 2022: New Zealand Mint Release “Superman #1” 1oz Silver Coin
- October 10, 2022: Unboxing New Zealand Mint's COMIX - “Superman #1” 1oz Silver Coin
- October 11, 2022: Superman Halloween Costumes for Kids
- October 12, 2022: Buy One, Get One 50% Off Select Superman Funko Collectibles
- October 12, 2022: Limited Edition Superman “The Dark Knight Returns” Figures by Royal Selangor
- October 13, 2022: Giveaway Contest Winner - “I am Superman” and “I am Batman” by Brad Meltzer
- October 18, 2022: Superman vs. Black Adam Merchandise
- October 25, 2022: Cotton Kids USA Launches Superman Clothing Capsule
- October 25, 2022: Superman Car Decals and Stickers
- October 27, 2022: Superman's Super Breath Explained - Origins and Evolution
- October 28, 2022: New Book - “The American Way: A True Story of Nazi Escape, Superman, and Marilyn Monroe”
- October 29, 2022: When was Superman first referred to as the “Man of Steel”?
- October 30, 2022: Ray Middleton - First Actor to Portray Superman in Public
- October 31, 2022: Looking Back at the Superman Pinball Machine (Atari 1979)
- November 1, 2022: Superman Socks
- November 3, 2022: Superman: Prince of Krypton 15-Inch Statue
- November 4, 2022: Superman Demo Video Game Allegedly Stolen by Scammers
- November 8, 2022: Superman Christmas Ornaments
- November 9, 2022: Superman's 10 Weirdest Superpowers
- November 13, 2022: Opinion: The real-life Clark Kent never got his Lois Lane
- November 15, 2022: The Death of Superman
- November 17, 2022: What Superman Content Do You Watch Online? - Poll Results
- November 19, 2022: Target Exclusive Funko POP! Heroes: Justice League Comics - Superman Figure
- November 20, 2022: First Look at McFarlane Toys DC Multiverse Kon-El Superboy Action Figure
- November 21, 2022: XM Studios Previews Superman “Dark Nights: Death Metal” 1/4 Scale Statue
- November 23, 2022: Video - “Injustice 2” - The Table
- November 24, 2022: Superman's Most Popular Eras Ranked
- November 25, 2022: Black Friday Superman Specials
- November 28, 2022: Cyber Monday Superman Deals
- November 29, 2022: Limited Edition Superman and Wonder Woman Gym Gear
- December 2, 2022: DC Comics Composite Superman Pop! Vinyl Figure
- December 2, 2022: Superman & Lois Lane Fine Art Print
- December 3, 2022: DC Comics Baby Meerkat Garden Figures
- December 6, 2022: 2023 DC Comics Justice League Wall Calendar
- December 7, 2022: First Look at McFarlane Toys DC Multiverse Eradicator Action Figure
- December 9, 2022: Top 10 Best Superman Villains
- December 9, 2022: MAFEX Superman “TDKR: The Dark Knight Falls” Action Figure
- December 12, 2022: Outright Games Announces “DC's Justice League: Cosmic Chaos” Video Game
- December 13, 2022: Superman Christmas Clothing
- December 14, 2022: XM Studios Presents Superman Justice 1/6 Scale Premium Collectibles
- December 27, 2022: Video - Justice League - Superman Takes Down Deadshot
- December 31, 2022: Dark Nights: Metal Superman Museum Masterline 1:3 Scale Statue
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