Wed 9/6-Thu 11/2
Wed 9/6 @ 1-2PM
Thu 9/7 @ 6:30-7:30PM
For the next two months, multiple organizations — educational institutions, arts groups, museums, businesses — will be marking the 85th anniversary of a Cleveland icon: Superman. Superman’s Cleveland: Lineage and Legacy will feature more than 20 events, including talks, informal conversations, book signings, a superhero trivia session, comic-making workshops and a daylong Superman conference at the downtown Cleveland Public Library.
It kicks off this week with a book discussion, featuring Brad Ricca, author of the 2013 book Super Boys: The Amazing Adventures of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster — the Creators of Superman. It takes place on Wednesday September 6 @ 1-2pm at Ursuline College. On Thursday September 7 @ 6:30-7:30pm there’ll be a discussion of Superman — The One Who Fell at Bookhouse Brewing in Ohio City.
Superman was created by a pair of Glenville High School students, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, both of whose parents were Jewish immigrants from Europe, in 1938. Their creation grew into a character known worldwide, a symbol of power and care for humanity known even those who never read the comics that established his initial popularity. And Superman, like so many immigrant Jews, was a refugee — from another planet.
“There have been so many blockbuster movies based on comic book series,” says graphic novels scholar Dr. Valentino Zullo, PhD. Dr. Zullo who co-organized the event with Don Boozer, Cleveland Public Library’s manager of the Ohio Center for the Book. “People often forget all those films can trace their roots to Superman and Cleveland. This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate our city and its unique contribution to pop culture.”
Find a schedule of events and more information at www.supermanscleveland.com.
Cleveland, OH 44124