If you were of school age in the 70’s and 80’s, there is a strong possibility you will have carted your dinner around in a lunchbox from Aladdin industries. With licenses ranging from ‘Annie’ all the way through to ‘Zorro’ their sets (including matching thermos flask with one gulp capacity) were robust and distinctive, often adorned with exclusive artwork on the lid.
Though boxes had been produced by Aladdin for both Superman: The Movie and Superman II, shown above is the inexplicably scarce Superman III edition. As almost all of these were put to good use back in the day (I last saw one through envious eyes in possession of a school pal) it is also rare to find one in such good condition – a testimony to their resolve. Photograph’s by me with the exception of the graphic at bottom courtesy Jim Bowers.
Second in a series of scans from BRAVO magazine featuring more pieces to assemble a giant Superman poster – Print and enjoy!
From cover to (backward) cover, this quartet of publications above may have text in Japanese but are easily the definitive photo reference for the first three Superman Movies –
From the top; Starlog Publications Superman: The Movie Companion, Japanese Starlog magazine June 1979, Superman II Roadshow booklet and Superman III Companion. Occasionally popping up on popular auction sites for ever-increasing amounts, my recommendation for starting a Superman Collection (besides Series 1 the Topps Trading Cards) will always be Book One…
This pair of unassuming tortoiseshell eyeglasses in the style of our favourite mild-mannered Daily Planet journalist was recently discovered by SuperFan Alexei Lambley-Steel –
Closer inspection reveals the familiar crest of his famous alter-ego on the arms and fine print confirming DC Comics endorsement in the year of the release for Superman: The Movie. I can find no other record of this product anywhere nor any other tie-in for eyewear related to the movies so this find is pretty unique…
Fans all over the world recently said a fond farewell to another one of its national treasures. You can read all about Ms. York’s incredible life and career here but to many she will always be remembered as Lara – Wife of Jor-El and Mother of Kal-El in Superman: The Movie, Superman II and Superman IV: the Quest For Peace.
With her role unexpectedly expanded thanks to Marlon Brando’s refusal to appear, her reassuring and sensitive appearance coaching her son in matters of the heart was one of the highlights of Superman II.
The autograph above was obtained for me in person by my good friend Steve Cambden while Ms. York was appearing in a play in London in the mid-2000’s and is a gift very much like the lady herself…
