2022 Merchandise & Miscellaneous News Archives
October 5, 2022: The Origins and History of the Superman-Tim Club
Superman-Tim magazines, membership cards, stamps and pins are highly sort after items amongst fans and collectors. But what was the Superman-Tim joint venture all about?The Superman-Tim Club existed in the USA from 1942 to 1950. It was a franchise for local independent clothing stores that sold clothing for boys. Superman-Tim was a company in New York City that operated under a license from National Comics (later renamed DC Comics) to publish a monthly newsletter, copies of which were provided to department stores and independent retailers. Those stores would then mail monthly Superman-Tim newsletters to their local Superman-Tim Club members.
Boys would be enrolled in the Club and receive the monthly Superman-Tim newsletter, which included stories, puzzles, jokes, and contests, all for the purpose of making clothes shopping more tolerable for boys (and less challenging for parents and merchants).
Superman-Tim is a boys' clothing catalog, activity book, and comic book all rolled into one, featuring Superman illustrations throughout. All issues are 16 pages unless a Superman story is inserted (bringing page count to 24 or 36 pages). Every issue encourages boys to not be a "Woo-Shoo" - a boy who reads "Superman-Tim" but doesn't buy clothes from the Superman-Tim Store.
Each issue of Superman-Tim reflected seasonal activities and monthly holidays. Superman-Tim was in fact a rare example of a Superman publication that was not published by National Comics.
So who was Tim?
Tim was a comic mascot created by Herman "Kay" Kamen, who would go on to become a marketing executive for the Walt Disney Company. A typical all-American boy, Tim was not only a brilliant inventor, he could travel through time using his "Whirlaway Watch." Initially licensed to boys clothing retailers in August 1922, Tim and his dog Pup first appeared at Woolf Brothers locations in Kansas, and would go on to be featured in department stores across the USA.
After the success of Macy's "Superman Day" and other department store tie-ins, Superman and Tim would join forces to promote boys clothing through the Superman-Tim Club starting in July 1942. The Superman-Tim logo was designed by Ira Schnapp.
Every member received an official membership card, a button pin, and a monthly subscription for the Superman-Tim magazine. The first issue has a cover date of August 1942.
The Superman-Tim booklets were printed in black with a one-color overlay, and ranged in size from 5 3/8" x 8 1/4" to 6" x 9". Superman-Tim members received an official membership card which contained the non-alphabetical secret code and its translation, and enabled the member to pick up (in person only at the sponsoring store) the appropriare four-color stamp of Superman which was to be pasted into the official booklet each month.
The first issue of Superman-Tim was issued about four years after Superman's debut in ACTION COMICS #1, and it was very clear that the purpose of Superman-Tim was not to compete with the regular comic books, but rather to complement them.
The Superman-Tim publications were published for almost five years before entering their second stage, which is clearly the most desirable stage from the point of view of collectors. This second stage began somewhere between September and November 1946, and lasted until December of 1947. The Superman-Tims issued during this time are particularly desirable because they featured actual comic strip stories of Superman and Tim together.
Originally 16 pages each (the last few were only 8-pagers) the stories are clearly from the Siegel and Shuster studios, as are most, if not all, of the illustrations.
The actual comic-strip adventures of Tim and Superman are of two types. The first, which lasted from 1946 until August of 1947 follow the adventures of Tim as he uses the "Whirlaway Watch" that he and Superman invented to travel to exciting lands in the past. This series of adventures, each of which are 16 pages long, take Tim to such exotic locales as Ancient Rome and Egypt, Bagdad of the Arabian Nights, Peru in 1492, Arizona in 1447, and the Barbary Coast in 1650. Although the stories focused on Tim, Superman was a necessary plot element.
The second type of comic-strip story that appeared in Superman-Tim took place in 1947 and featured Tim's attempted rescue of an American pilot trapped on "The Floating Island". Tim sets off to rescue the trapped pilot in the September 1947 issue, and he remained on the floating fantasy island until the Superman-Tim comic strip's demise, which occurred in December of 1947. Readers were advised to be watchful for the next instalment of the story which was to be printed in the January 1948 issue, but it was never published.
Superman-Tim entered its final phase in January 1948 and continued for about two more years.
The Superman-Tim Club issued eight different sets of twelve collectible "Poster Stamps," with a new stamp available to members every month. The first series of twelve stamps were issued starting in September 1942, with the final set ending in September 1950.
Redbacks were coupons issued by the Tim Store starting in 1932. The first Superman Redbacks were first released in 1944, and could be redeemed at participating retailers. These coupons were issued in denominations of 1, 5, and 10. One Redback was equivalent to one cent.
In its entirety, the Superman-Tim joint venture ran from 1942 to 1950.
Many thanks to Brian McKernan and KandorArchives.com for additional research information.
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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