Superman was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. His first appearance was in Action Comics #1 in 1938. Since his appearance Superman has become an American cultural icon. Credited with establishing the superhero genre in comic books, Superman celebrated his 70th birthday in 2008.
Superman was introduced in comic books but has also been featured in radio serials, movies, television series, novels, toys, and video games. Superman was famously portrayed on television by George Reeves and on the big screen by Christopher Reeve. Superman is one of a handful of icons who is recognized worldwide.
Superman's origin begins on the planet Krypton. Born Kal-El, his father Jor-El puts him in a rocket and sends him to the nearest planet whose atmosphere is similar to the one on Krypton. Moments after the rocket takes off, Krypton is destroyed. The rocket lands in
Smallville where it is found by Jonathan and Martha Kent. They raise Kal-El as their own son, and he grows up to become Clark Kent/Superman.
