“The Strongest Enemy…”

SUPERMANIA is overjoyed to present this ‘new’ discovery shared by Superfan and YouTube legend Oliver Harper –

This Japanese extended trailer for Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (a.k.a ‘The Strongest Enemy’ translated from Japanese) not only contains all the scenes shown in both US and International trailers, but also extra footage from the deleted scenes featuring Lex and Lenny Luthor, the Pentagon and the Kremlin and the kiss shared between Clark Kent & Lacy Warfield.  All this with Japanese text and the unique title card at the end.

Astonishing that after 35 years, finds like this are still being made – here’s to many more in the future..!

 

In The Monty Club…

Now that the site has been rebranded and revamped (thank you all so much for your support..!) its time to get back to what SUPERMANIA does best, showcasing rare and obscure collectables –

And they don’t come much better than this amazing curio from the Netherlands – a Superman – The Movie Promotional poster in four parts and over two metres long – making the figure of Christopher Reeve life-sized.  This package was only available as a mail-away for collectors of the Monty Gum Superman Trading Cards – where ten empty packets plus 50p in postage would also enlist you in the Monty Superman Club.

In absence of the Topps trading card sets in some European Territories, local confectionary companies like Monty Fabrieken (of Leiden, Holland) picked up the licence and produced packets containing 3 cards and the obligatory stick of bubble-gum.

Whereas the cards and wrappers (produced in two sizes) occasionally pop up on auction sites, this particular piece of ephemera (complete with card cover and four postcards) is notable for its rarity and few complete examples are known to exist –

The copy above came to be in the SUPERMANIA collection from a folder of Dutch/German clippings, its previous owner obviously passionate Superman devotee from childhood.  This set was pieced back together from the scrapbook with the posters in pristine condition tucked between the (mostly water damaged) pages.  Until recently I had no idea what its origin was until another collector proudly posted his copy on Instagram…

 

One World, 35 Years Later…

Superman reunited with his old pal Jeremy in Downtown Metropolis on the eve of the World Peace Summit – an event marking over three decades of sustained Nuclear disarmament (Photograph: Andy Hanton)

Jillan Freisen, DAILY PLANET 14:00 ET July 24th 2022 – 

History repeated itself in The city of Metropolis earlier today when The Man Of Tomorrow came face to face with a friend from yesterday.  For those who recall the bizarre chain of events leading to Superman’s campaign to rid the world of Nuclear Weapons exactly 35 years ago, they may also remember how it culminated in a global battle with a maniacal radioactive foe that almost triggered World War III less fondly.

Having hurled Earth’s Nuclear stockpile into the core of the sun and defeated criminal mastermind Lex Luthor’s monster, Superman later concluded world peace was ‘not his to give’ after all and has adopted a neutral stance ever since.  While the fallout and collateral damage across the globe may have been enormous (with Metropolis alone left with a regeneration bill in the Billions) Superman’s ‘Quest For Peace’ is nonetheless cited as one of the turning points in Mankind’s history, with the ending of the Cold War one of its lasting legacies –

 

The Man Of Steel poses outside the UN Building in 1987 with the youngster who’s simple plea prompted a change in Earth’s history (Photograph: James Olsen)

As for the young student whose impassioned words ushered in the winds of change, he stands by his actions all those years ago and says he’s do it over again.  Jeremy Brooke, now 48 and a leading force for UNICEF, maintains that some of the best wisdom still comes from the mouths of babes –

Its difficult for people to understand now, but in the mid to late 80’s a Nuclear Holocaust was a very real fear, with tensions rising on both sides it often felt to us that war was an inevitability rather than a possibility.  When I put pen to paper that day it just occurred to me that only one man could save us from ourselves ” 

And on the subject of his Kryptonian pal Brooke continued-

“Superman took a lot of criticism from all sides for what he did – people said he was mounting this big campaign but that was wrong – he was answering a call for help like he always does and that’s a very different thing.  I could tell he was conflicted about interfering in our destiny but he could also see how easily we could destroy ourselves.  Thank god – and I mean this – thank god he did as if the arms race had continued it could only have had one conclusion…”

 

The original letter as penned by Brooke during class 35 years ago is now regarded as a significant historical document, worthy of preservation in the Smithsonian where it is currently on display.

 

The Official Aficionado…

Like so many of us only last year, life as we knew it had changed and not for the better.  In the worst cases, we lost loved ones and for the rest of us – the world was on indefinite hold.  While I don’t pretend my situation was any worse than anybody else’s, by September of 2021 I was unemployed for the first time in over 20 years, bored and miserable with no motivation.

It was one of those days in the endless weeks staring into the abyss and avoiding job websites that the phone rang.  It was an International number.  My first instinct was simply to reject the call but something told me to pick up.  A booming voice with a broad US accent greeted me on the line, the kind that raises your spirits when you listen to the radio, for example.

“Hey Martin!  Its Jay.  How are ‘ya!?”

“Jay?  Wow. Hello.  To what do I owe the pleasure??

“So Jim and I are thinking of doing a thing at Motor City Comic-Con this year.  A little Superman IV reunion.”

“Well.  What a fantastic idea.  Would you like me to contribute or something?”

“Actually yes – we want you to come over.”

“Come over?”

“Ya!  To Detroit for the event.  It’ll be great.  Jim & I are dying to meet you”

“Are you serious?”

“Absolutely.  We want you there.  You’re gonna love it”

“Ah…you know I don’t think I’ve ever been so flattered to be asked about anything more.  I’m overwhelmed, but…”

“But what?”

“I’m really not a good flier.  I don’t like it at all. ironically…”

“Hey, I don’t like it either but what the hell.  Talk with your family and let me know by end of day”

“Wow.  Are you sure about this??”

“Absolutely.  Talk later”

And so months of intense planning ensued, and for my part there was little I could offer but I’ve watched and listened in awe at how Jay & Jim have turned what was planned as a modest celebration into probably the ultimate (and maybe final?) unique gathering of celebrities from the classic Superman Movie series to date.  And I will be part of it.  In what capacity yet I still don’t really know beyond representing Capedwonder Europe but I’m so honoured to have been asked that it didn’t seem real.  Then a few weeks ago, I was sent this –

 

Which not only made the whole thing real but is also in my opinion, one of the best Reeve tribute videos ever made.  Then there’s this –

Where, unbelievably, I get a mention.

I can’t begin to express my gratitude to these guys for everything they’ve given me – both previously with the guest spots on the Capedwonder Podcast and in advance of this event.  Its hard to express just how the invite alone back then went a long way to pull me out of the mire and I’m glad to report everything has gotten better for me since then.  Hopefully that goes for the rest of you too.  Just like the guys say, I can talk about this stuff all day so if you do attend (and you really should!!) come seek me out, it will be my pleasure to speak with you and maybe help do for you what’s already been done for me.  I plan to document the whole trip and upload several YouTube videos on my channel but be sure to watch for live coverage during the event.  Details are all below and updates will follow but for right now as Jim would say – Stay Super.

 – Martin Lakin, Feb 2022.

 

35 Years after his Final Flight in Superman IV: The Quest For Peace, the Love and Admiration For Christopher Reeve, both on Screen and in Life, are Stronger and more Inspiring than ever!

Jay Towers and Jim Bowers make the BIG announcement! This Spring, Motor City Comic Con and The Caped Wonder Superman Podcast proudly present The Christopher Reeve Legacy Reunion, May 13-15, 2022, in Michigan!

A 3-day celebration with 6 stars from the four Christopher Reeve Superman movies, spanning 1978-1987 – Sarah Douglas, Jack O’Halloran, Aaron Smolinski, Marc McClure, Mark Pillow, and Mariel Hemingway – will unite together for the first time in Detroit to meet fans and promote a Motor City Comic Con exclusive! A LIMITED-EDITION VARIANT COVER of the spectacular Superman ’78, Issue #1 comic book, only available at Motor City Comic Con this coming May…with a portion of proceeds benefiting The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

Plus, Superman ’78 comic book series writer Robert Venditti and artist Wilfredo Torres will be at the CapedWonder booths to meet you and sign autographs!

The celebrities, Jay, and Jim are so excited to meet you at The Christopher Reeve Legacy Reunion at Motor City Comic Con, May 13-15, 2022! Make plans to be there! Tickets are available now…click here!

This is the Superman Celebration you’ve been waiting for!

 

69…

Today would have been Christopher Reeve’s 69th Birthday.  Here at SUPERMANIA, and similarly with Superman websites all across the globe, we honour his legacy by remembering him as a husband, father, actor, humanitarian and the actor who would forever personify the original comic book hero.

Over forty years since he set the standard by which all other comic-book based performances would be judged, his BAFTA-winning portrayal still resonates, his powerful influence still echoed in the many live-action interpretations produced since.  For many fans though, his timeless combination of sincerity, physicality, compassion and overall righteousness have made Christopher Reeve virtually incomparable.  The story of his casting is now as big a part of cinematic history as when Vivien Leigh was cast as Scarlett O’Hara as was his ascension to to Superstardom and ultimately, tragedy.

Such was the impact made on a generation that most refuse to consign his memory to history, instead honouring him through media for later generations to enjoy.  One of the best recent examples is DC Comics Superman ’78, a six-part series with written by Robert Venditti and illustrated by Wilfredo Torres that perfectly echoes the Donnerverse by emulating the late Geoffrey Unsworth’s cinematography on paper accompanied by dialogue delivered in clear homage to writer Tom Mankewicz.  At the centre, of course, is Reeve’s dual characterisation back in action again, delighting its core audience whilst appealing to the new.  This, with new licensed merchandise appearing regularly ensures that the definitive Man of Steel remains at the forefront of popular culture and, through the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, a significant contribution to humanity left by a super man.

Rest in peace, ‘Toph…