Superman, also known as Clark Kent or Kal-El, is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, and first appeared in Action Comics #1 in 1938.
Superman makes his debut in Action Comics #1, published by DC Comics. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, he is introduced as a superpowered hero fighting for truth and justice. #comics #superhero
The first solo Superman comic book, Superman #1, is released. It reprints stories from Action Comics and establishes Superman as a major character. #comics #superhero )
Kryptonite, Superman's primary weakness, is introduced in the Superman radio serial. It becomes a staple element in the comics. #comics #superhero
Superman becomes a member of the Justice Society of America, the first superhero team, in All-Star Comics #8. #comics #team
Superman's origin is expanded in Superman #53, detailing Krypton's destruction and his journey to Earth. #comics #origin )
The first live-action Superman serial, starring Kirk Alyn, is released. It popularizes the character beyond comics. #film #superhero )
The first Superman feature film, starring George Reeves, is released. It leads to the Adventures of Superman TV series. #film #superhero
The television series Adventures of Superman, starring George Reeves, debuts. It runs for six seasons and cements Superman in pop culture. #tv #superhero )
Supergirl, Superman's cousin Kara Zor-El, is introduced in Action Comics #252. She becomes a major supporting character. #comics #superhero )
The story 'Flash of Two Worlds' in The Flash #123 introduces the concept of the multiverse, allowing Superman to meet alternate versions. #comics #multiverse
The special comic Superman vs. Muhammad Ali is published, featuring a boxing match between the two icons. #comics #crossover
Richard Donner's Superman: The Movie, starring Christopher Reeve, is released. It becomes a landmark superhero film. #film #superhero )
Superman II, also starring Christopher Reeve, is released. It features the villain General Zod. #film #superhero
The limited series The Man of Steel by John Byrne reboots Superman's origin and continuity after Crisis on Infinite Earths. #comics #reboot )
The animated series Superman (1988) airs, but is short-lived. A more successful series later debuts in 1996. #tv #animation )
Superman dies fighting Doomsday in Superman #75. The event becomes a major media sensation. #comics #death
Four new Supermen appear after Superman's death, leading to his eventual return in the 'Reign of the Supermen' storyline. #comics #comeback
The acclaimed animated series Superman: The Animated Series debuts on Kids' WB. It is part of the DC Animated Universe. #tv #animation
The television series Smallville, focusing on a young Clark Kent, premieres. It runs for ten seasons. #tv #origin
Superman Returns, directed by Bryan Singer and starring Brandon Routh, is released as a sequel to the 1978 film. #film #superhero
DC Comics reboots its continuity with The New 52, giving Superman a new origin and costume. #comics #reboot
Man of Steel, directed by Zack Snyder and starring Henry Cavill, is released. It launches the DC Extended Universe. #film #superhero )
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice features Superman facing Batman and Doomsday. It continues the DCEU. #film #superhero
Superman returns from the dead in Justice League, uniting with other heroes. #film #team )
The complete series of Superman: The Animated Series is released on Blu-ray, celebrating its legacy. #tv #animation
The animated film Superman: Red Son, based on the Elseworlds story, is released. It explores an alternate Superman raised in the Soviet Union. #film #alternate )
The animated film Superman: Man of Tomorrow is released, starting a new animated universe. #film #animation
Zack Snyder's director's cut of Justice League is released on HBO Max, featuring a more prominent Superman arc. #film #superhero
The television series Superman and Lois, starring Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch, debuts on The CW. #tv #family
The comic series Superman: Son of Kal-El features Jon Kent, Superman's son, taking up the mantle. #comics #legacy
The 45th anniversary of Superman: The Movie is celebrated with special screenings and releases. #film #anniversary )
James Gunn announces Superman: Legacy, a new film set to reboot the DC Universe, with David Corenswet as Superman. #film #reboot
Superman: The Animated Series is released in 4K Ultra HD for the first time. #tv #animation
Superman: Legacy is scheduled to be released in theaters, marking a new era for the character in film. #film #superhero