The quest for global box-office domination through promotion – Daniel Goozee’s definitive original painting for the marketing of Superman IV: The Quest For Peace was adapted for overseas markets with wildly varying results (and replaced altogether in France). Translations of the title would also yield some interesting interpretations of the theme – In Germany ‘The Quest For Peace’ would become ‘World On The Brink’ and ‘The Strongest Enemy’ for the Japanese campaign.
From the top; German poster (‘artist’ unknown) alternative artwork for the French poster (artist unknown) a magazine ad for the Brazillian home video release and the Japanese one-sheet. Despite the customarily glossy marketing the movie would go on to gross $15,681,020 worldwide and would be considered the flop that ended the franchise…
These awesome Japanese Movie flyers or ‘Chirashi’ (measuring approx. 25 1/2 x 18 1/2cm) are notable for their unique compositions, often differing greatly from their western counterparts. They are double-sided and exhibit more images and movie synopses and/or cast information on the rear. This is a rare and very collectable set from all four movies from my collection…
In response to an ad from the pages of Toyfare magazine and back when action figure customs were in their infancy – The above item was borne out of frustration at the lack of an official Superman action figure line. The Andgor Toy Co’s pledge that they could customise any figure you could think of was too good an opportunity to miss (or so I thought) so I hurriedly commissioned one based on Christopher Reeve (requesting the likeness from the Superman IV poster but incorporating the kiss-curl).
Over a year later and after hundreds of ignored emails requesting progress reports, the above is what I finally received. I recall it was very expensive for something I thought barely passable at the time but sufficed until Kris Meadows version erased all memory of it. Although the headsculpt shown here would be available on their website for years afterward, it would appear I wasn’t the only unsatisfied customer as Andgor’s name would be met with derision in the collecting community and would eventually disappear altogether…
“Lunchtimes at the studio saw other regulars too – one being Christopher Reeve who’d walk in for his meal in full Superman costume. He was so polite and would almost always stop at the tables he passed to say hello to fellow diners. many a waitress swooned after him…”
Roger Moore – Last Man Standing
Pinewood Studios, England, 1977. The two fresh-faced young leads from Superman: The Movie take their seats in the canteen during a break from filming. At the height of his fitness regime for the part, Christopher Reeve would eat over four meals a day. Reeve is also pictured here wearing his custom ‘Stunts Inc’ jacket given to him by Vic Armstrong which he would wear throughout production…
Printed Marionette and paper figure circa 1979 – From magazines ‘Super Pop’ and ‘BRAVO’ respectively…
