100000 BCE
Kryptonian Civilization Flourishes
The advanced alien civilization on Krypton reaches its peak, developing technology and culture far beyond Earth's. #superman #krypton )
Chronological Storyline (40 Milestones)
Apr 18, 1938 CE
Superman Debuts in Action Comics #1
Superman first appears on newsstands, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The comic introduces his origin as an alien from a doomed planet. #superman #comics
Jan 16, 1939 CE
Superman Newspaper Strip Begins
A daily newspaper strip featuring Superman starts, expanding his audience and introducing early elements like Metropolis. #superman #comics )
May 1, 1939 CE
Superman #1 Introduces Krypton and Metropolis
The first issue of Superman's own comic reveals his Kryptonian origin and the city of Metropolis. #superman #comics )
Feb 12, 1940 CE
Krypton First Named on Radio
The Superman radio serial reveals the name 'Krypton' for Superman's home planet, a key lore addition. #superman #krypton )
Jun 1, 1943 CE
Kryptonite Introduced in Radio Serial
The Superman radio show introduces Kryptonite, a radioactive mineral from Krypton that weakens Superman. #superman #kryptonite
Jul 15, 1948 CE
Superman Movie Serial Released
The first movie serial 'Superman' starring Kirk Alyn is released, bringing the hero to film. #superman #movies )
Jun 1, 1949 CE
First Live-Action TV Superman Appears on The Adventures of Superman
George Reeves debuts as Superman on TV, bringing Metropolis and Krypton to small screens. #superman #tv )
Sep 25, 1951 CE
Superman and the Mole Men Film
The first Superman feature film, starring George Reeves, is released, later edited into TV episodes. #superman #movies
By Lippert Pictures Incorporated - https://www.comic-book-movies.com/2014/09/the-very-first-superhero-movie/1951-superman-and-the-mole-men-lobby-card-02/, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=67153446
Sep 19, 1952 CE
Adventures of Superman TV Series Premiere
The classic TV series starring George Reeves airs, cementing Superman's pop culture status. #superman #tv )
Oct 1, 1958 CE
Brainiac First Appears in Action Comics #242
The villain Brainiac, a Coluan android who shrinks cities, is introduced as a Krypton-themed foe. #superman #villain )
May 1, 1960 CE
Fortress of Solitude First Shown in Action Comics #241
Superman's Arctic hideaway, the Fortress of Solitude, is introduced, containing Kryptonian artifacts. #superman #fortress
Sep 1, 1961 CE
Krypto the Superdog Debuts in Adventure Comics #210
Superman's pet dog from Krypton, Krypto, is introduced as a mainstay of Kryptonian lore. #superman #krypto
Sep 10, 1966 CE
Superman Animated Series: The New Adventures of Superman
Filmation's animated series brings Superman to a new generation, expanding the lore. #superman #animation
Aug 6, 1969 CE
Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen Introduces the Donner Effect
The comic series explores Superman's supporting cast and Metropolis's daily life. #superman #comics
Dec 15, 1978 CE
Superman: The Movie Released
Richard Donner's film starring Christopher Reeve is a blockbuster, redefining the superhero genre. #superman #movies )
Dec 19, 1980 CE
Superman II Premieres
The sequel introduces General Zod and other Kryptonian villains, expanding Kryptonian lore. #superman #movies
Jan 1, 1985 CE
Crisis on Infinite Earths Reshapes Kryptonian Lore
The crossover event reboots Superman's history, unifying continuities and redefining Krypton. #superman #comics
Jan 1, 1986 CE
John Byrne Reboots Superman in The Man of Steel
A six-issue miniseries revamps Superman's origin, Krypton, and Metropolis for the modern age. #superman #comics )
Nov 18, 1992 CE
Death of Superman Storyline Begins
Superman dies fighting Doomsday in Superman #75, a major media event. #superman #comics
Jan 1, 1993 CE
Reign of the Supermen and Return of Superman
Superman returns after his death, introducing four replacement Supermen and new lore. #superman #comics
Sep 6, 1996 CE
Superman: The Animated Series Premieres
Bruce Timm's acclaimed animated series reimagines Metropolis and Kryptonian lore for a new generation. #superman #animation
Oct 31, 2000 CE
Superman: Last Son of Krypton Novel Released
Elliot S! Maggin's novel expands Kryptonian history and Superman's legacy. #superman #books
Nov 20, 2001 CE
Smallville TV Series Premieres
The prequel series explores Clark Kent's youth in Smallville and his Kryptonian heritage. #superman #tv
Sep 28, 2004 CE
Superman: Birthright Miniseries Revisits Origin
Mark Waid's series modernizes Superman's Kryptonian and Smallville origins. #superman #comics
Jun 28, 2006 CE
Superman Returns Released
Bryan Singer's film continues the 1978 movie continuity, exploring Superman's return to Metropolis. #superman #movies
Sep 1, 2011 CE
DC Reboot: The New 52 Superman
DC Comics reboots Superman with a new origin and younger character, updating Kryptonian lore. #superman #comics
Jun 14, 2013 CE
Man of Steel Released
Zack Snyder's film reboots Superman, focusing on Krypton's destruction and Kal-El's identity. #superman #movies )
Apr 20, 2015 CE
Supergirl TV Series Premieres
The show introduces Superman's cousin Kara Zor-El from Krypton, expanding the lore. #superman #tv )
By DC Entertainment - https://comicconholland.nl/en/guests/dean-cain-2/, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=149516892
Mar 25, 2016 CE
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Released
The film pits Superman against Batman, referencing Kryptonian lore with Doomsday. #superman #movies
Jun 1, 2016 CE
Superman Reborn: Rebirth Era Begins
DC Rebirth restores classic Superman elements, blending pre-New 52 Kryptonian lore. #superman #comics
Nov 17, 2017 CE
Justice League Film Features Superman's Resurrection
Superman is resurrected in Justice League, showcasing Kryptonian rebirth themes. #superman #movies )
Jul 20, 2018 CE
Superman: The Animated Series Re-released on Blu-ray
The complete series gets a Blu-ray release, preserving its impact on Kryptonian lore. #superman #animation
Oct 1, 2019 CE
Superman: Year One by Frank Miller Published
A reimagining of Superman's early days, exploring Kryptonian and Metropolis origins. #superman #comics
By DC Comics - https://www.dcuniverseinfinite.com/join/ultra, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=174351717
Jan 2, 2020 CE
Superman & Lois TV Series Announced
The spin-off series focuses on Superman and Lois Lane's family life in Smallville and Metropolis. #superman #tv
Feb 23, 2021 CE
Superman: Son of Kal-El Comic Series Debuts
Jon Kent, Superman's son, takes up the mantle, expanding the legacy to a new generation. #superman #comics
Mar 2, 2022 CE
Superman '78 Comic Sequel Announced
A comic sequel to the 1978 film explores Kryptonian lore in the classic continuity. #superman #comics
Jun 16, 2023 CE
Superman: Legacy Film Announced by James Gunn
The upcoming film aims to relaunch the DC Universe, focusing on Superman's Kryptonian heritage. #superman #movies
Jan 30, 2024 CE
Superman and Lois Final Season Airs
The series concludes, solidifying its contribution to modern Metropolis and Kryptonian family lore. #superman #tv
Jul 11, 2025 CE
Superman: Legacy Set for Release
James Gunn's film is scheduled to debut, promising a fresh take on Kryptonian mythology. #superman #movies