From the pencil of Martin Asbury – this sequence on the balcony of Lex Luthor’s Penthouse made it more or less completely intact in the finished picture save for a Nuclearman gimmick or two.
Notice how Nuclearman himself is rendered as a featureless Golem as intended in the script back when Christopher Reeve was to portray both characters. Nuclearman was cloned from Superman’s DNA after all…
The first exclusive images of the third figure from the Superman: The Movie Movie Masters Collection reveal Gene Hackman’s incarnation of Lex Luthor appeared in Toyfare magazine this week –
While I fully support the line I think this looks the weakest offering so far but then I thought the same of the Superman before it was revised so changes may still occur. As I mentioned in my review of the General Zod figure, these would be outstanding figures for the time if it was 1980.
Adorned in his iconic bad-taste suit, the headsculpt is a passable Hackman and the hairpieces are reasonable sculpts also. The Kryptonite chain is a great touch, however, and will be a fine addition to the Superman figure when that is offered by mattycollector.com on Dec 15th…
Another SUPERMANIA exclusive – Starting above is a serialisation of storyboards from Superman IV: The Quest For Peace by acclaimed UK artist Martin Asbury.
These never-before-published sequences are from the longest cut of the movie and feature the script in its entirety and much more detail of the various Nuclearman battles. Collected in a handsome red binder, this significant find was rescued from a skip at Elstree Studios some years ago. Sadly, only the second binder of two survived (picking up from the gym scenes) but nonetheless feature the majority of the action.
Keep checking back for more updates…!
SUPERMANIA presents a selection of promotional material dedicated to Richard Lester/Donner’s Superman II –
From the top; UK theatrical release Programme, UK cast & crew folio, Special Salutes Program (both Superman I&II premieres benefited the Special Olympics) and German Panphlet…
More exclusive photographs from the Superman hall in the Mostra de Valencia showing Marlon Brando’s Kryptonian robes from the Council scenes in Superman: The Movie.
This exhibit marks the very first time the costume has been available to view so intimately by the public – From the top; Note the complete ensemble (having been taken with a flash) showing off the properties of the 3M material exactly how it appeared in the movie – the fabric being composed of beaded glass to reflect light to great effect. A close-up of The ‘S’ insignia on Brando’s tunic – this feature initially confused audiences until it became apparent all Kryptonian society have crests emblazoned on their chests – These black velvet symbols were encrusted with rhinestones under costume designer Yvonne Blake’s instruction to further enhance their impact.
The costume shot without flash reveals the detail of the 3M material cut into uneven pieces and applied by hand to construct the garments. This had to be done with cotton gloves as the material was sensitive and would lose its reflective property when mis-handled…