As Smallville returns with a landmark new episode tonight, its fictional hero is about to get some major star treatment here in Cleveland. Superman was, of course, created by Glenville youngsters Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster nearly eight decades ago, but 2008 marks the 70th anniversary of the Man of Steel’s very first appearance in Action Comics, a long-running series published by D.C. Comics. Ten years ago, Superman was honored with his first image on a 32-cent U.S. postage stamp, unveiled with much fanfare at Public Square. Now, however, city leaders want to truly embrace their “native son” with a Summer of Superman celebration that may become an annual event. According to the Plain Dealer, a plaque will be placed on Siegel’s childhood home; a Superman statue is planned for East 105th Street; and a traveling Superman show is booked from September thru January at Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage. Leaders also favor honoring the superhero at a series of area events this year, including the Ingenuity festival—with an ultimate long term goal of establishing a Superman Museum in Cleveland. For those interested in classic videos, click here to see the original Superman cartoon from 1941, and notice the slick animation of those early days. Tonight on WBNX, Smallville picks up with Clark Kent frozen in the Fortress, while Bizarro Clark takes over his life. The episode also marks the return of James Marsters as Brainiac, a guest-appearance by Superman film co-star Marc McClure (Jimmy Olson), and a wild twist in the Julian Luthor clone drama.
Smallville / All New! Thursday 8pm
