Superman@70: And So It Ends

So there you have it. A solid month devoted to seventy years of Superman.

For my fellow Superman fans, I hope you've enjoyed the extended focus on "our guy". For readers who aren't as crazy about the character, thanks for sticking through an entire month of super-blather.  Who knows...maybe you appreciate the Old Boy a bit more after learning something new about him. I have to say, it's been quite a challenge doing thirty consecutive posts on a single topic (especially during a busy summer), but at the same time, it's been a fun way to express my enduring enthusiasm and fondness for the Superman character.

Where does that enthusiasm come from? I really don't know.  All I know is that, for as long as I can remember, I've been enthralled with the character and his world.  To be sure, I'm not one of those guys who own every piece of crap with an "S" on it, name their son "Kal-El" or who look to Superman as their primary "moral compass" or "role model" (my parents and Christian faith fulfilled that role)....but at the same time, I can't deny the character's enduring "presence" in my life. 

Keenly interested in Superman comics as a little boy (as well as his appearances on the Super Friends cartoon), it was the 1978 Superman movie that really fanned that spark into a flame that's never come close to dying out. 

However, even more than the film, it was its soundtrack by John Williams that became a continuing source of daydreaming and inspiration for me. As much as my life has changed since I bought the double-album soundtrack as a thirteen year-old, the music has never failed to calm me, inspire me, or quicken my pulse...even after all these years.

Hey, Superman even played a small role in the courtship of my future wife!  On our first date for a high school Halloween dance, we arrived as Superman and Lois Lane....and twenty-six years later, I'm still with my "Lois"!

Of course, through it all, I've continued buying and collecting Superman comics...which I'll probably continue doing for the rest of my days. You see, somewhat like a real-life friend, Superman's always seemed to "be around" during the high and low points...just as I've seen him at his highest, lowest, and goofiest points.

Plain and simple, if someone who never actually existed could be considered a friend, Superman would be it. So how could I ever stop buying the guy's comics?

Okay, that's crazier than I intended it to sound....but what do you expect from a guy who's cataloged 34 varieties of Kryptonite and all of the super-monkeys?

Anyway....happy 70^th, Big Guy. God willing, I'll be around for the 80^th, 90^th, and maybe even the 100^th anniversary of the Never-Ending Battle.

Comments

[Robby Reed]

Excellent series, in every aspect! Dare I say... super!

[Ralph C.]

Mark, wonderful job with Superman Month, I commend the effort and the fun you gave all of us readers. I found all of the posts fun and interesting. Thank you for a great Superman Month!

[Pat Curley]

Great job Mark. Like an idiot, I did my Superman's 70th anniversary posts in May (forgot to check Action #1's cover date).

:/

[Mark. Engblom]

My pleasure, guys. I'm happy you enjoyed it.

[Bearcat]

Another example of the quality of posts that sets this blog apart from so many other comics blogs. A fun labor of love. Thanks for the reading material!

[Kyle]

Great month of Superman, Mark. Thanks!

(Oh, and congrats on 26 years of wedded bliss -- that's one feat that even the vaunted Kryptonian can't claim!)

[Mark Engblom]

Thanks, Kyle...though a bit of clarification: While I first started dating my "Lois Lane" 26 years ago, we didn't actually get married until 1988. So later this summer we'll be celebrating our big 20th anniversary (I promise...no month long celebration of that on the blog).