Currently in exhibition at the appropriately futuristic EMP (Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum) of Seattle, Washington are these two incredible artefacts from the Superman series. Since June 2012 the ‘Icons Of Science Fiction’ display has wowed visitors with an impressive collection of authentic props and costumes from Alien to Star Trek while offering an insight into Sci-Fi’s literary roots.
From the top; SuperFan and colleague Jason DeBord of the original prop blog photographed the original Superman costume from Superman IV: The Quest For Peace on a recent visit – though the belt stands out as reproduction and the squat nature of the mannequin lend the display odd proportions (third pic from google search)
The museum’s real coup, however, is the detailed miniature of the baby Kal-El Starship from Superman: The Movie preserved with its pylons and even some of its clear ‘flying’ lines intact. Though an unknown number of these type of miniatures were produced by Derek Meddings’ team, its scale makes me think it could be traced back to last being on public display in London’s Planet Hollywood. Still an impressive design, the amazing shot by Eric Skaar (bottom pic) depicts it in all its otherworldly glory.
Read Jason DeBord’s full report on the visit here…
SUPERMANIA is proud to present the latest works of SuperFan/artist ‘Jayce 76’ featuring more of his stunning retro-style ads/lobby cards (click on images for full-size wallpapers)
Today would have been Christopher Reeve’s 60th birthday. In honour of his memory and to celebrate his tenure as the Man Of Steel I present my collection of images signed at various stages by the man himself –
From the top – autograph dedicated ‘To Mark’ obtained in-person by a crew member at Pinewood Studios during 1978, hand signed index card from the mid-80’s matted with a print from Superman: The Movie, pre-printed card with a shot of Reeve in ’77 and another print taken from BRAVO magazine from 1979.
Forever missed, forever in our hearts & minds – Forever a Superman…
While I really wish the above were a new figure announcement from Hot Toys, it is in fact a fabulous piece of art illustrating what arguably should’ve been part of an abandoned DX release already.
Courtesy of SuperFan Michael Stribling comes this pitch-perfect manip of the MMS 152 Superman figure into Christopher Reeve’s bespectacled alter-ego in tailored Navy blue 3-piece pinstripe suit, screen accurate tie and horn-rimmed glasses. Accessories besides those pictured would possibly include briefcase, raincoat, alternate ‘shirt-ripping’ hands, one open hand (with caught bullet), copy of the Daily Planet with ‘Caped Wonder Stuns City‘ headline and best of all, Superman costume tunic under the shirt so the figure can be posed in ‘reveal’ mode.
Take this clear and simple brief, multiply by fan demand and there must be only one question remaining – Why haven’t Hot Toys made this yet…? Lets ask…!!!
Featured in the newest site of The London Film museum, Covent Garden is currently playing host to a treasure trove of cinematic artifacts including a rare opportunity to see the above as part of the Magnum On Set collection.
Originally on loan from the Propstore of London, this incredible exhibit was first unveiled in the County Hall site on the South Bank in 2010 (see my archived post) before being withdrawn some months later.
In the intervening years, however, there has been a curious revision that prompted a trip to view the display up close once again. Whereas the costume in County Hall was successfully screen-matched to specific scenes of both Superman: The Movie and Superman II, it was evident the costume tunic had been switched out for one arguably more instantly recognisable.
To clarify, all the Superman costumes were handmade and therefore share particular quirks as none were 100% the same. This costume, however, can be matched to a specific scene in Luthor’s Lair in Superman: The Movie and is clearly identifiable (despite two differing tunics being used in the same scene!) besides being used in promotional material (most notably in the Topps trading card sets as shown in the comparison above. The key identifier is the unique shape of the yellow triangle at the base of the chest shield giving the bottom curve of the \S/ its shape.
Quite why the top has been switched out is a mystery (as this is clearly a much older piece rightly showing its age and not a colour match to the tights) and there has clearly been amendments to the mannequin’s padding, making the body visibly more slender than before. The rest of the exhibit attributes (cape, boots, belt, etc.) appear unchanged.
The exhibition is in its closing weeks now so if you have an opportunity to go and see this genuine piece of Movie history I can’t recommend it highly enough. Vintage Superman costumes are becoming more rare in the public domain and it is unlikely we will ever see their kind (with such accurate provenance) again.
Further reading about the specifics of Christopher Reeve’s Superman costume will be available in the coming weeks with a updated version of my detailed analysis featured on the incomparable capedwonder.com where an extensive gallery of both the Propstore displays can be found…
UPDATE 12/09: Official Propstore feature on this piece here
(comparison pic courtesy of capedwonder.com & Chris King)
