Tagged: Jerry Siegel

Joanne Siegel, R.I.P.

  • News
  • February 15, 2011

Joanne SiegelJoanne Siegel, the widow of Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel and model for the original likeness of Lois Lane and the person who inspired Lois’s middle name, has passed away at 93. Word hit the comics community yesterday through a Tweet from Brad Meltzer and was later confirmed by the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

CBR quoted Meltzer:

“I got the word from the people at the Siegel and Shuster Society. I met her when I was doing [my novel] ‘The Book of Lies’ because I was researching who killed Jerry Siegel’s father. I met Laura first, who is Jerry and Joanne’s daughter. We became really good friends, and she said to me ‘Of all the people who have ever researched Jerry Siegel, you’re the only one who’s ever called us.’ I became really close with the family, and they seemed really excited that someone was going to tell their story.”

“The crazy part is– of everyone I’ve ever spoken to in my life, there’s nothing like speaking to Lois Lane. When I finally met her at the unveiling of the repaired Siegel and Shuster house, which I flew to because I wanted to meet her face-to-face and see all the work everyone in Cleveland had done, everyone said to me ‘She’s beautiful. You won’t believe how beautiful she is.’ And I was thinking that this is a 90-year-old woman…how beautiful can she be? But she was beautiful. It was the only way to describe her. You saw here, and there was this stunning, elegant, amazing woman that was a spitfire.”It wasn’t like talking to your grandmother. You really saw ‘intrepid reporter’ as part of her personality. I just got a note from her in December talking about everything we’ve been doing on the [History] show and it’s still amazing to see how much she had going even at that age.”

The former Joanne Carter met her future husband and his artist partner Joe Shuster in Cleveland in the late ’30s when she responded to an ad the two had placed looking for local models. The original sketch Shuster did of her grew to become the foundation for fast-talking reporter Lois Lane, and Joanne later married Jerry in 1948. In the years since, she stood by the struggling writer as he saw the financial benefit and artistic credit for Superman pass him by while his publisher pushed the character to wider cultural acceptance, and later took a very public and prolific role in fighting DC owner Warner Bros. for the rights to the character after her husband’s passing in 1996. Along with her family and the family of Shuster, Siegel teamed with well-known intellectual property lawyer Marc Toberoff to push for more rights on the character than Superman’s creators had ever been able to earn in their lifetimes, which led to various reversions and much wrangling over settlements and compensation. The suit has been on hold since October, and it is unknown how Siegel’s death will affect the proceedings.

Here’s a photo from Alan Light of the Siegels (Jerry, Joanne, and daughter Laura) from the 1976 San Diego Comic Con.

Jerry Siegel, Joanne Siegel, Laura Siegel Larson

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Cleveland is Krypton– The True Birthplace of Superman

Cleveland is Krypton– The True Birthplace of Superman

  • News
  • September 3, 2010

Tip of the hat to Anne Trubek at the Smithsonian online magazine for her nifty article on Cleveland, the true birthplace of Superman. For those not in the know, the myth of comicdom’s biggest hero began in suburban Cleveland. While many are familiar with the names Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, many don’t know much about their humble beginnings. Back in 1933, two sons of Jewish immigrants conceived the origins of the Man of Steel. Living in Glenville, minutes from the bustling city (as Trubek notes, Cleveland at the time was the fifth most populous city in the country!), these two funnies-addicted men built what would become perhaps the single most recognized icon in comic books.

However, the fine folks of Cleveland have done little in the way of promoting their city as the birthplace of the Last Son of Krypton. In fact, when Joanne Siegel wanted to donate her husband’s typewriter, among other artifacts, to the city, not a single Cleveland-ite stepped up to accept. The home of Joe Shuster was torn down. If not for the hard work of comic critic Michael Sangiacomo and comic/novel scribe Brad Meltzer, Siegel’s home might not even be standing today. With much of the home in disrepair, the remaining legacy of Siegel and Shuster was seemingly doomed, much like Krypton. Meltzer and Sangiacomo formed the Siegel and Shuster Society, and raised over 100,000 dollars to help restore the home to its former glory. But since then, not much else has been done. The now-restored home is still used as a residence, and Cleveland has done little in the way of homage to the men who gave us the world’s first superhero.

No need for us to rewrite Anne’s thoughts, though. Click on the link above, and follow the continuing Superman saga. We must say we agree wholeheartedly that the city of “King James” should be reclaimed for Kal-El.

Meltzer and Friends Raise $117,222

Meltzer and Friends Raise $117,222

  • News
  • October 2, 2008

The four-week auction to raise $50,000 to fix up the exterior of Jerry Siegel’s boyhood home ended on Monday and raised a total of $110,772.  Additional funds were raised through t-shirt sales and general donations which brought in another $6450.  As a result, a total of $117,222 with more expected.

The most money earned by a single item during week four was $14,100 for a walk-on part during this season of NBC’s Heroes. At $14,101, the largest donation made for any time was the original commission from Jim Lee depicting the winner with the Man of Steel. The same bidder won both items.

Jefferson and Hattie Gray, currently occupying the house, will be the immediate beneficiaries as renovation work has already begun.  This past weekend, some 100 volunteers arrived to clean and paint.  Kimberly Avenue is scheduled to be renamed Jerry Siegel Lane while Amor Avenue, where Joe Shuster grew up, will be renamed Joe Shuster Lane.

The Siegel & Shuster Society will have first rights to purchase the home whenever the Grays are ready to sell.

Brad Meltzer, who used the death of Jerry’s father Mitchell to propel his latest novel, The Book of Lies, spearheaded the campaign.  He made a moving video to make people aware of the situation then called on friends throughout the comic book community to participate,  Not only did his efforts work, but many other creators contacted Meltzer to offer their wares.

And if you’re wondering, naming rights to a character in my 2009 Iron Man went for $512. Not bad.
 

Siegel Murder Propels Book Of Lies

Siegel Murder Propels Book Of Lies

  • News
  • August 26, 2008

Today’s USA Today features a story from David Colton detailing the background for Brad Meltzer’s forthcoming novel, The Book of Lies, which was inspired by the death of Jerry Siegel’s father, Mitchell. The article explores how this tragic event may have been the catalyst for Siegel to go on and create Superman. 

The story discusses how the murder was largely kept under wraps until Gerard Jones covered it in his 2004 book Men of Tomorrow. "It had to have an effect," Jones said in the piece. "Superman’s invulnerability to bullets, loss of family, destruction of his homeland – all seem to overlap with Jerry’s personal experience. There’s a connection there: the loss of a dad as a source for Superman."

The actual events involved a robber who either shot the 60-year-old Siegel or the event triggered a fatal heart attack. Meltzer’s novel, on sale next Tuesday, uses the gun shot but in an afterward he explores the issue and admitted to Colton the truth was more likely a heart attack.

"In 50 years of interviews, Jerry Siegel never once mentioned that his father died in a robbery," Meltzer said in the piece. "But think about it," Meltzer says. "Your father dies in a robbery, and you invent a bulletproof man who becomes the world’s greatest hero. I’m sorry, but there’s a story there."
 

Supermoney: The Superman Trial and Jerry Siegel’s Estate

Supermoney: The Superman Trial and Jerry Siegel’s Estate

  • News
  • March 30, 2008

For those who came in late… As has been widely reported, the Federal District Court ruled somewhat in favor of the estate of Jerry Siegel in its lawsuit to have all publishing rights to the Superman story in Action Comics #1 be taken from Time Warner’s DC Comics subsidiary and given to Jerry’s heirs. The decision runs 72 pages, but at heart is the judge’s ruling that because the property existed before Action#1, “work for hire” stipulations do not apply.

The New York Times did a good job covering the story; Mark Evanier, as would be expected, did a better job. For one thing, Mark got co-creator Joe Shuster’s first name right. The New York Times did not.

Whereas there is much cause for celebration, before we start dancing in the streets we should look at what’s at stake here.

Only the original concepts – only Superman, Clark Kent, the costume as portrayed in that initial story, and the abilities unique to Superman in that story – are in play. Perry White, the Daily Planet, Lex Luthor, the Legion of Super-Heroes, Bizarro, kryptonite, Jimmy Olsen and the rest are not on the table. Only the domestic rights are in play, and even then the estate would be in something of a co-ownership position with DC Comics. So don’t look forward to that Eros Comics Superman series quite yet.

Sadly for the Siegel family, this does not bring to an end a fight started by Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster 60 years ago. Actually, it’s just warming up.

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The Many Loves of Jimmy Olsen

The Many Loves of Jimmy Olsen

  • News
  • February 14, 2008

Over at ISB (otherwise known as "Chris’s Invincible Super-Blog" for you late-arrivers), love is in the air this week, as Chris Sims casts the spotlight on some of comics’ questionable romantic storylines and dialogue.

Among the highlights of ISB’s "Romance Special" series are a few scary/romantic encounters by Superman’s pal Jimmy Olsen, including an experience that gives new meaning to the term "male enhancement" and a tryst involving Jimmy Olsen Jr. and none other than… his super-cousin?

Seriously, it blows my mind every time I see this thing that this cover went through at least three people–including Jerry Siegel, Kurt Schaffenberger and editor Mort Weisinger–saw this and thought it would be a fine idea to just slap up a cover with two people in the throes of passion while their mothers–who are sisters–look on with emotions that are far more mild than the situation warrants. And what’s more, not only isn’t it mentioned on the cover, but nobody even thinks to bring it up in the actual story, either. Truly, 1961 was a different time.

Ah, Valentine’s Day.

 

Costumes, by Dennis O’Neil

Costumes, by Dennis O’Neil

  • News
  • October 16, 2007

My beloved has just been pushed out of a fourteenth story window and is plummeting toward certain doom. I must rescue her and I will – as soon as I change clothes…

We were discussing, last week, how superheroes are evolving and we agreed – didn’t we? – that, on the whole, with a few notable exceptions, they’re getting grimmer.

They also seem to be changing their taste in wardrobes. None of the current television superdoers wear anything more than normal clothing, albeit sometimes very spiffy normal clothing. Time was, and not so long ago, when…shall we call it unconventional garb was an indispensable part of the superhero thing. Capes, masks, tights, all kinds of bizarre raiment, often in the primary hues that were friendly to the aniline dyes and rather primitive printing presses used to color them.

It began, as did so much superheroish stuff, with Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster’s Superman. To the best of my knowledge, these pioneers never went on record regarding exactly why they chose this particular visual strategy, but it was a good idea. It gave the their character and immediate and utterly unmistakable image and it separated him from his ordinary brethren as a police uniform or priestly vestments separate the wearers from plain joes and janes, at least when performing unique services. As Peter Coogan wrote, Superman’s outfit “does proclaim his identity.” The costume was obviously a part of Superman’s appeal, and immediate success, and, being no fools, Siegel and Shuster’s army of imitators copied it.

Consider that, for now, the why of superhero costumes. As to the whence…

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DENNIS O’NEIL: Do You Believe In Magic?

DENNIS O’NEIL: Do You Believe In Magic?

  • News
  • July 17, 2007

Here it is Tuesday evening and we’re still debating. Should we go to the 11:59 showing of the new Harry Potter flick at the local 21-plex or catch one of the early showings in the morning?  Pros and cons on both sides.  But we will see the movie within the next 24 hours; count on it.

Although I’ve enjoyed the previous films, I can’t call myself a Potter fan.  I haven’t read any of J.K. Rowling’s novels, though I love Ms Rowling’s bio: single mom writing in a café becomes hugely successful author, celebrity, and megamillionaire within about a decade, without becoming a robber baroness.  But Marifran’s read the books.  Oh yes indeed.  And so have daughters Meg and Beth.  So I’m pretty up on the Hogwarts scene and when the final volume in the series arrives in a couple of weeks, I expect my conversations with my wife to be conducted in monosyllables until she reaches the last page and learns Harry’s fate.

I’m surprised that these things are so popular, as I was surprised at the resurgence of interest in J.R.R. Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings saga and the huge success of the movies made from Tolkein’s trilogy. The reason is, I thought we were past believing in magic. 

Oh, sure, you don’t have to actually believe in something to enjoy stories about it.  But we do have to be able to accept it on some level. It helps the willing suspension of disbelief your English teacher told you is necessary to the enjoyment of fiction if you can allow that what you’re being told about exists, or could exist, or at least might have existed. Hero stories are about as old as civilization, and the tale-tellers always supply a reason why their protagonists have extraordinary powers.  In classic Greece, for example, and later in Rome, superpowers were explained by their possessors either being gods, or half-gods, or children of gods, or gods’ special pals.  Then plain ol’ magic, origin unknown, was used to rationalize superhuman feats in folk tales like those in A Thousand and One Nights. 

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STUFF REVIEW: Arf, Arf, Arf

STUFF REVIEW: Arf, Arf, Arf

Craig Yoe is not the most unusual man I’ve ever met. However, this is a statement that reveals more about me than it does about him, and since this is a review of his work I’ll try to stop scaring people.

Craig Yoe runs this place called Yoe! Studios, which is really just one single studio filled with talented people, a lot of energy, and great fun. They do all kinds of stuff: they create the Big Boy Comics (yes, they’re still being published), they do those astonishingly packaged comics figurines that Dark Horse sells and they do design work and create toys and sundry chachkis for such clients as Kraft, Warner Bros. and Microsoft. They hand out Yoe! Studio whoopee cushions and thongs at important business trade shows. He used to run the Muppet Workshop. He actually looks like the Kelly Freas drawing, slightly dispelling the myth that if you don’t look like Corporate America, you won’t fit into Corporate America.

Craig Yoe is also a major, long-time comics fan, among the best and brightest Ohio has had to offer comics, which is saying a lot (the tip of the iceberg: Jerry Siegel, Tony Isabella, Maggie Thompson, Mike W. Barr, Harlan Ellison, ComicMix’s own Martha Thomases and Mike Raub). But, to no one’s surprise, his tastes are as unusual as he is.

For the past couple years, he’s been foisting his line art fantasies on the general public with his Arf series, published by Fantagraphics. There are three such books out right now – in order, Modern Arf, Arf Museum, and Arf Forum. No matter how hardcore a comics enthusiast you might be, there’s a lot of weird stuff in these volumes that you should see, that you would want to see.

His roster of reprinted talent includes (in alphabetical order): Ernie Bushmiller, Charlie Chaplin, Robert Crumb, Salvadore Dali, Dan DeCarlo, Jack Davis, Rudolph Dirks, Max Ernst, Jimmy Hatlo, Hugh Hefner, Reamer Keller, George Herriman, Frank King, Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, Patrick McDonnell, Pablo Picasso, Artie Spiegelman, Mort Walker, and Wally Wood. That’s a really eclectic group of cartoonists; and, yes, I meant cartoonists. You might not have perceived some of the above as such.

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