The Superman exhibit in the Six Flags Movieland Wax Museum Of Buena Park, CA. had the distinction of being the first (and most expensive) installation in the Stars Hall Of Fame for the blockbuster movie of 1978. Christopher Reeve himself attended sittings with renowned sculptor Logan Fleming (second pic) to capture his likeness and the finished figure would stand proudly atop an elaborate custom-made Fortress Of Solitude set in an original costume gifted by Warner Bros.
A top attraction for many years, time and dwindling numbers meant the Museum would close its doors forever in 2005, by which time the Superman figure (in similar fashion to the waxwork figure from London’s Madame Tussauds) had been stripped of its original costume (Bottom pic) before being sold in auction for $16,000 just days after the untimely death of Dana Reeve…
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…
More the Big Red Book and the continuation of the first round the world encounter with Nuclearman II. These scenes were among those omitted for the US release but present in the European cut.
Printed in blue (presumably as a revision), this is the first instance of incorporating stills from footage already shot into storyboards I’ve ever seen..!
Second in a series of Movie-faithful replicas in 1/6 scale beginning with General Zod and concluding with Lex Luthor – Pictured above is the landmark first-ever officially licensed action figure bearing the likeness of Christopher Reeve.
Though specially produced for the adult collector, for $60, these figures are somewhat basic and doll-like in their execution. While the headsculpt is passable, the paintwork is sub-standard and the body (revised by Mattel after disastrous reception of the prototype revealed at SDCC ’09) is still disproportionately top-heavy. As stated with Zod, these are not figures for cynics and if nothing else, fill a 30-year void.
Nonetheless it is beautifully presented, the graphics of the box suitably retro and the accessories stellar (there’s something very exiting about a 1/6 Green Crystal!) with the exception of the boots (which should’ve be made from vinyl).
The costume is also an arguably reasonable representation of the screen-worn version, with nice bold chest shield replicated in yellow on the cape. Just pulled from sale by mattycollector.com, expect both this and Zod to re-appear on the site for the release of Lex Luthor in the coming months. With Hot Toys release (hopefully) fast approaching, this line will probably be notable for producing the first rather than definitive versions of these iconic characters.
My sincere thanks to Jim Bowers of Capedwonder.com who ensured this figure made a safe flight across the pond for the SUPERMANIA collection..!
