Superman Takes Flight - HISTORY This Week

Summary

Episode Summary: "Superman Takes Flight"

Podcast: HISTORY This Week
Host: Sally Helm
Guest: Brad Ricka, author of Superboys: The Amazing Adventures of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the Creators of Superman
Release Date: July 7, 2025

Introduction to Superman's Origin [00:00 - 12:58]

The episode begins with a vivid reenactment of the first appearance of Superman in 1938. Hosted by Sally Helm, the narrative sets the stage in Washington, D.C., where lobbyist Alex Greer attempts to push a war-inducing bill with Senator Barrows. Their encounter is abruptly interrupted by the emergence of Superman, marking his debut as a symbol of justice.

Key Moments:

Superman's First Appearance:
"Superman grabs him by the foot and whisks him out the window and into the air." ([07:15])
Brad Ricka's Insight:
Brad Ricka emphasizes the rapid rise of Superman's popularity, noting, "He is quickly becoming a household name today." ([08:06])

Early Lives of Creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster [12:58 - 11:38]

The story delves into the backgrounds of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, two high school friends from Cleveland, Ohio. Jerry, a passionate writer from a working-class Jewish family, discovers his love for storytelling despite struggling academically. Joe, on the other hand, is a shy aspiring artist obsessed with drawing and powerlifting.

Notable Quotes:

Brad Ricka on Jerry's Aspiration:
"Jerry writes all sorts of things. Science fiction, detective stories, humor, even the occasional poem for a girl." ([07:54])
On Joe's Artistic Drive:
"He's good, everyone thinks." ([09:20])

Creation and Struggles of Superman [11:38 - 23:04]

In a pivotal summer night, Jerry Siegel envisions Superman, which he eagerly shares with Joe Shuster. Together, they develop the character, blending elements from their lives, such as Superman's tights inspired by powerlifting attire and super speed influenced by local sports legends. Despite their passion, multiple rejections from magazines delay Superman's publication.

Key Highlights:

Superman's Autobiographical Roots:
"This was autobiography. And if it's autobiography, if you're trying to make a statement about the world through this medium, then it's art." ([12:58])
Brad Ricka on Persistence:
"They send it out to all the magazines they love and they're rejected over and over again." ([18:07])

The Infamous Contract and Rise to Fame [23:04 - 21:30]

With the onset of World War II and personal tragedies, including Jerry's father passing away, Siegel and Shuster finally receive an offer from National Comics to publish Superman. However, the contract severely limits their rights, granting ownership of Superman to National. Despite this, the first issue of Action Comics becomes an instant sensation.

Notable Insights:

Brad Ricka on the Contract's Impact:
"National owns Superman, not Jerry and Joe." ([20:34])
Superman's Debut Success:
"When the comic hits the stands, it's a sensation, a runaway hit." ([21:23])

World War II and Personal Struggles [21:30 - 28:37]

The attack on Pearl Harbor drastically changes the lives of Siegel and Shuster. Jerry is drafted into the army, while Joe remains in comics. The success of Superman brings financial stability but strains their personal lives, leading to marital issues and a rift between the creators.

Key Points:

Impact of Pearl Harbor on Jerry:
"Jerry is drafted, sent to Honolulu, and Superman continues." ([23:04])
Brad Ricka on Emotional Toll:
"The further Jerry gets from Superman, the more it hurts." ([23:14])

Legal Battles and Advocacy [28:37 - 34:27]

Decades of neglect and exploitation lead Siegel and Shuster to take legal action against National Comics. Their plight gains public attention, especially after Neal Adams champions their cause. This advocacy results in a settlement where they receive recognition and some financial compensation, although Superman's ownership remains with DC Comics.

Impactful Quotes:

Joanne's Determination:
"She really wants to get out of Cleveland. She really wants to make something of herself." ([16:06])
Brad Ricka on Legal Struggles:
"They sue for $5 million and the rights to Superman and Superboy." ([24:20])
Resolution through Activism:
"Neal Adams ends up on the phone with DC and they start negotiating." ([32:43])
Final Recognition:
"When it begins, it says, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster." ([34:00])

Legacy and Conclusion [34:27 - End]

Despite partial victories, Siegel and Shuster's lives end in obscurity, burdened by their struggles. Their legacy, however, endures through Superman, who continues to symbolize hope and the fight for justice.

Closing Reflections:

Brad Ricka on Superman's Symbolism:
"Superman offers hope. Hope that we can be saved, that good will triumph." ([34:14])

Notable Quotes and Attributions

Brad Ricka:
"Superman is quickly becoming a household name today." ([08:06])
"They send it out to all the magazines they love and they're rejected over and over again." ([18:07])
"National owns Superman, not Jerry and Joe." ([20:34])
"They sue for $5 million and the rights to Superman and Superboy." ([24:20])
"They sign... but they realize they've made a big mistake." ([20:40])
Unnamed Speaker:
"There's Superman." ([11:38])
"He shares the story of Superman's creation." ([12:58])
Sally Helm:
"This week, something big happened. You might have never heard of it, but this moment changed the course of history." ([00:00])

Conclusion

"Superman Takes Flight" offers a comprehensive exploration of the creation, rise, and enduring legacy of Superman through the lives of his creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Brad Ricka's insightful commentary, combined with compelling narratives, illuminates the personal and professional challenges faced by the duo, underscoring Superman's role as a beacon of hope born from adversity.

Stay Connected:
For more insights and episodes, visit historythisweekpodcast.com or email historythisweek@history.com.

Transcript

Sally Helm (0:00)

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Brad Ricka (1:27)

Financing. Right? That's what they said. You can spend time trying to pronounce financing or you can actually finance and buy your car. Today on Carvana financing, subject to credit approval. Additional terms and conditions may apply. The History Channel Original Podcast history this week, July 7, 1938. I'm Sally Helm, Washington, D.C. inside a tall apartment building with big glass windows, two men are deep in conversation. Something is up. The first is a slick lobbyist. Black bowler hat, burgundy suit, a tidy mustache. This is Alex Greer. He's talking to U.S. senator Barrows. More than talking, really bribing. Greer wants the Senator to support a bill, one that will lead the US to war with Europe. And Senator Barrows promises the bill will pass and make them both very, very rich. And then a man appears. He cuts a striking figure, dark hair, bulging muscles. And he's not dressed for Washington D.C. in fact, he is wearing tights and a cape and a skin tight shirt emblazoned with a giant S. He demands to know who Greer is working for. When Greer won't say, Superman grabs him by the foot and whisks him out the window and into the air. All that was in the first ever installment of the story of superman, published earlier in 1938, and now in July 1938. The new installment is here. This is the Superman comic that kids are picking up at newsstands and reading by flashlight in bed or while lounging at the community pool. It picks up right where the first installment left off, With Greer and superman flying through the air. They hit the sidewalk so hard it breaks into pieces, and Greer gives in. His boss is the scheming munitions manufacturer Emil Norvell, who's hell bent on starting a war. Superman has the information he needs. He leaves Greer behind, flies to the top of the Washington monument, and goes in search of Norville. Superman has only had these two appearances in print, but it's already clear bad guys aren't safe when he's around. He is quickly becoming a household name today. The creation of Superman. How did two friends in Cleveland. Cleveland, Ohio, Invent an icon? And how did he slip from their grasp? October 1929. The stock market has just crashed. The whole country is on edge. This is the start of the great depression. But Jerry Siegel has other things on his mind. It's his first year at Glenville high school, and he urgently, desperately wants to find his place. Siegel is short, has a lot of energy. He's the youngest of six kids from a working class Jewish family.