Look up in the sky! It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no… it’s Superman! Every June 12 since 2013, fans have taken to social media to celebrate the world’s first superhero, Superman.
June 12 is officially recognized as Superman Day, but the Man of Steel technically celebrates two major dates on the calendar. April 18 is also recognized, but why?
Superman, also known as Kal-El, has captivated and inspired multiple generations of fans since his groundbreaking and heroic debut in 1938. His emergence into pop culture sparked a revolutionary new concept—the superhero—and paved the way for thousands of vibrant and memorable characters who followed in his trailblazing wake.
Superman was first created as a villinous concept (unfamiliar compared to today’s version) in “The Reign of the Superman” by Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel in 1933, however the character wasn’t popularized until his successful heroic debut in “Action Comics no. 1.”
The Metropolis Marvel made his heroic first appearance in his iconic red and blue ensemble in the pages of “Action Comics” no.1. This monumental issue, which first hit stands in April 1938, introduced the world to the timeless character of Superman, a symbol of hope and strength for generations of fans. With his striking appearance and extraordinary abilities, Superman quickly soared to become one of the most beloved and enduring superheroes in the history of popular culture.
Many speculate that Superman is celebrated in June due to the iconic first issue’s publication date, but that’s only a small coincidental portion of this date’s history.
Before DC Comics made the date official in 2013, June always saw some celebration in honor of the Man of Tomorrow.
The actual city of Metropolis, Illinois, has celebrated their favorite son every June since 1978 in anticipation of “Superman: The Movie.” The 46th annual Superman Celebration was recently celebrated June 7-9, with “Superman Returns” and The CW actor Brandon Routh (Superman/Clark Kent, Ray Palmer/The Atom), “Superman & Lois” and The CW actor Elizabeth Tulloch (Lois Lane), producer Gil Adler (“Tales of the Crypt,” “Superman Returns”) and “Superman IV: Quest for Peace” actor Mark Pillow (Nuclear Man) making appearances.
Due to the historical dates of the Superman Celebration almost always taking place in June, Metropolis’ Superman Celebration could also play a small part of June 12 being decided as Superman Day. Still, their celebration date was just a lucky coincidence.
However, Superman Day’s secret origins actually started with Zack Snyder’s 2013 blockbuster, “Man of Steel.” Due to excitement for 2013’s “Man of Steel,” DC Comics listed June 12 as “Man of Steel” Day, which later evolved to Superman Day.
Since “Man of Steel” and the following films and shows, fans have celebrated the date annually, influenced by a rich history spanning nearly a century.
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