DC Entertainment and Warner plan a big birthday bash for his 75th anniversary.
Superman first appeared in the comic book Action Comics #1, on June 1938, and has since become an icon in films, TV shows, radio, videogames, publishing and merchandise.
The companies unveiled a new logo that will be used by Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Animation, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and Warner Bros. Consumer Products as they roll out Superman-related promotions, products and initiatives rolling out throughout the year.
“Warner Bros. is privileged to be home to the global Superman brand, which has had an unparalleled impact on popular culture for 75 years,” said Kevin Tsujihara, CEO, Warner Bros. Entertainment. “We are proud to commemorate this milestone with exciting entertainment across the entire studio and across the globe, ensuring this enduring icon reaches new generations of audiences.”
Superman-themed efforts this year include:
■ Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel,” on June 14, that will serve as the main event in theaters this summer, and reboot the character on the bigscreen. Studio hopes the film will lead to sequels as well as spinoffs like “Justice League,” that will feature the character for years to come the way Christopher Nolan’s Batman pictures breathed new life into the Caped Crusader.
■ Snyder will direct and produce an animated short that chronicles the 75-year history of the character. WB will preview the short at San Diego Comic-Con Intl. in July.
■ The videogame “Injustice: Gods Among Us” was released in April and pits DC’s iconic superheroes, including the Man of Steel, against supervillains like Superman foe Lex Luthor.
■ In the fall, Warner Bros. Interactive will launch “Infinite Crisis,” an all-new multiplayer online battle arena game.
■ “Superman: Unbound,” a new animated original movie from DC Universe, was released May 7, and has Superman battle Brainiac.
■ “Man of Steel” and Superman products are on retail shelves now, timed with the release of the new film.
■ Cartoon Network’s “DC Nation” block will air new animated Superman-themed shorts, produced by Warner Bros. Animation.
■ DC Entertainment’s “We Can Be Heroes” giving campaign will focus on Superman in June, and offer up limited edition merchandise and experiences to excite fans.
■ And DC Entertainment will be the first to feature the new Superman logo on the upcoming “Superman Unchained” comicbook by artist Jim Lee and writer Scott Snyder, on sale Wednesday, June 12. Series centers on a mystery that is frustrating the hero in both the Superman and Clark Kent aspects of his identity ultimately revealing a brand-new villain.
“Superman is undeniably the greatest Super Hero in the world and likely the most influential comic book character of all time,” according to Diane Nelson, president, DC Entertainment. “In addition to being an enduring presence in pop culture for the last 75 years, he continues to be a commanding global icon. DC Entertainment and all of Warner Bros. look forward to celebrating this important, year-long anniversary for Superman.”
