Superman
| Superman | |
|---|---|
 Hiro tears a copy of Action Comics, Issue #1. | |
| First reference: | The Crane |
Superman is a fictional comic book character owned by DC Comics. The character and the graphic novels in which he appears are frequently referenced on Heroes.
About
Superman was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1932. The character first appeared in Action Comics, Issue #1 on June 30, 1938. Superman has a multitude of abilities, including superhuman strength, super speed, super durability, regeneration, and flight. His alter ego is Clark Kent, the mild mannered reporter who works for The Daily Planet. Superman's greatest weakness is Kryptonite, the radioactive green material from his home planet.
References
Hiro keeps a figurine and a poster of Superman in his apartment in Tokyo, Japan. While there, he rips up his copy of Action Comics, Issue #1, when Superman, the first major comic book superhero, debuted his powers of super strength, invulnerability, and super speed.
Hiro sees Nathan fly outside the Fly By Night Diner. Referencing Superman, he says, "Up, up, and away!"
When Micah asks D.L. how he escaped from prison, D.L. tells his son he has a secret, "just like Superman".
Before Gabriel Gray became Sylar, his appearance resembled Clark Kent. Additionally, Gray & Sons has a collection of crystals similar to the structures seen in Superman comics.
Dale compares her enhanced hearing to that of Superman.
When Sylar prepares to meet his mother, he wears his glasses and visits her as a normal watchmaker, looking very much like Clark Kent. This refers to Clark Kent wearing and being a normal reporter. When Clark Kent takes off his glasses and reveals his costume, he becomes Superman. When Gabriel Gray takes off his glasses and reveals his true identity, he becomes Sylar.
Ando tells Hiro that his whole life he talked about his favorite stories of heroes he wanted to be, Superman being one of them.
Ando compares himself to Clark Kent by saying that they both have public personas and are heroes.
Micah explains to Damon and Monica why St. Joan wears a disguise. When she understands, Monica exclaims, "That's why Clark Kent wears those glasses!"
During a talent show at Matt Neuenberg's high school, a person from the audience calls Matt "Brainiac", a villain of Superman who has artificial intelligence of advanced alien origin.
When Elle boards the tube in London, a man in the subway wears a Superman outfit under his clothes.
Sam explains to Hiro that he doesn't need to be an alien like Superman in order to be a hero.
The Costa Verde branch of Sam's Comics sells issues of Superman.
Disappointed with the choices her biological father has made, Claire tells Nathan that he was supposed to be Superman.
Ando calls Hiro "Superman", and then precedes to list the qualities the two share.
When Ando doesn't freeze with Danko's team, he says it's like Batman invading Superman's Fortress of Solitude.
Hiro's scrambled brain makes him see a Superman-like character.
- In a blog entry, Hiro says that Nathan Petrelli "is Clark Kent without the glasses. Instead of a cape, he wears pajamas when he flies. Very cool." Hiro then signs his post, "Up, up and away".
- In Hiro's Blog 1784.0 Hiro says, "To fly like Superman, to heal like Wolverine, to be strong like the Hulk. Who would have thought all my dreams would come true."
- Charlie, trying to convince Hiro that being able to stop time is "a thousand time cooler" than time travel, says, "Even Superman wasn't able to freeze time." (Chapter 23)
Memorable Quotes
"Up, up and away!"
"Your whole life you talked about your favorite stories... Star Wars, Star Trek, Superman, Kensei... All the heroes you wanted to be."
- - Ando (to Hiro) (How to Stop an Exploding Man)
Notes
- Sam and Sam's Comics are named after Sam Loeb, Jeph Loeb's son, and the writer of Superman/Batman, Issue #26, The Boys Are Back in Town.
- A number of the Heroes crew have also worked on Superman.
- Props: Tim Sale, Dave Stewart
- Artists: Tom Grummett, Phil Jimenez, Jim Lee, Alex Ross, Koi Turnbull, Michael Turner
- Colorists: Brian Buccellato, Edgar Delgado, David Moran, Beth Sotelo, Peter Steigerwald
- Writers: Christine Boylan, Joe Casey, Joe Kelly, Chuck Kim, Duncan Rouleau, Steven T. Seagle
Trivia
- Various Heroes crew members, including Greg Beeman, Michael Green, John H. Han, Chris Hanada, Tanner Kling, Jeph Loeb, Foz McDermott, Josh Miyaji, Terrence O'Hara, Paul Shapiro, Jeannot Szwarc, Mark Verheiden, and Mark Warshaw, have also worked on Smallville, a television series about Superman. Actors who appeared on the show include John Glover, Leonard Roberts, Missy Peregrym, Chad Faust, Rick Peters, Paul Perri, and Link Baker. There were also episodes of Smallville titled Fallout and Exposed.
- K Callan portrayed Martha Kent on Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.
- Joanna Cassidy, Michael Dorn, John Glover, Ernie Hudson, and Malcolm McDowell have all lent their voices to the 1996 animated show Superman.
- Breckin Meyer portrayed Superman in a number of episodes of Robot Chicken.
- Jeannot Szwarc directed the 1984 film Supergirl.
- Tawny Cypress, Frank Maharajh, and Dan Warner appeared in the television series Supergirl.
- In its June 1938 debut, Action Comics, Issue #1, cost 10¢. According to Wikipedia, the present-day value of a near-mint condition issue is about $440,000. However, in 2010, a copy of the issue sold at an auction for $1 million.
Gallery
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Superman paraphernalia can be found in Hiro's apartment alongside a Spider-Man poster. -
Hiro has a copy of Action Comics, Issue #1. -
Superman's debut is found in Action Comics, Issue #1. -
Hiro destroys the valuable comic book in honor of his grandfather. -
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Gabriel Gray resembles Clark Kent. -
A crystal at Gray & Sons is similar to the structures seen in Superman comics. -
Superman lurks in a London subway. -
Sam's Comics in Costa Verde displays Superman issues. -
Hiro sees a character who is meant to resemble Superman.
