Capítulo 26: Chapter 25: The Birth of Superman
Superman.
As the first superhero in the history of American comics, he undoubtedly stands as a milestone.
He is also the cornerstone of a series of subsequent "superheroes" born from comics. The name Superman embodies the basic concept of a superhero: a person with super abilities, far superior to ordinary individuals.
The character of Superman encompasses all of Colin's imaginative aspirations.
...
"Can The Messenger Newspaper serialize comics?"
After making a decision, Colin immediately asked Old John.
"Serialized comics are usually only published in daily newspapers."
Facing the inquiry, Old John's face didn't show much surprise. In fact, he had vaguely predicted when he saw Colin's interest in "Dick Tracy" earlier.
"But recently, The Messenger Newspaper has received some submissions from comic artists, inquiring whether the newspaper is willing to serialize their comic works. If you're interested, I can contact these artists and have their works sent to the newspaper..."
So far, Old John thought Colin only intended to serialize comics in The Messenger Newspaper.
"No submissions. We don't need submissions."
Shaking his head, Colin rejected Old John's proposal.
"No submissions, then..."
Hearing this, Old John raised his head with some confusion.
Meanwhile, amidst the puzzled gazes of the two in the newspaper office, Colin spoke slowly and confidently, "I will personally create the comics serialized in The Messenger Newspaper."
Thank goodness I learned how to draw before I crossed over; otherwise, I might not have been able to say that.
As he spoke, Colin had a fleeting thought in his mind.
...
"...So, this is the comic protagonist you created, boss. Supe... um, Super..."
Old John, at The Messenger Newspaper, looked at the figure Colin drew on the manuscript paper, dressed in a peculiar circus-like costume with a cape, hesitating as he spoke.
"Superman."
Turning the pen in his hand, Colin outlined the complete image of Superman on the manuscript paper and added.
"Well, Superman."
Pushing up the brass reading glasses hanging on his nose, Old John observed the 'Superman' on the page, then looked up at Colin in front of him and continued to inquire, "So, what is the main storyline of the comic? Is it like 'Dick Tracy,' telling detective stories?"
Detective comics were the mainstream during this period, and many newspapers were publishing comics of this type.
However, Old John discreetly glanced at the 'Superman' on the manuscript paper. No matter how he looked at it, he didn't seem like a private detective.
"No."
Shaking his head and putting away the pen in his hand, Colin pointed at the 'Superman' on the manuscript paper and presented the comic's premise. "Superman was born on the planet Krypton, his real name is Kal-El. When he was still a baby, his parents put him in a spaceship alone, as his birth planet was going to explod..."
"...Upon reaching Earth, the infant Superman landed in a field and was discovered and adopted by a farmer couple who renamed him Clark Kent. As an adult, Superman came to work as a news reporter for the Daily Planet in Metropolis..."
"So, the comic tells the story of Superman working as a journalist at the Daily Planet!"
Unlike his father, Old John, who usually enjoys reading comics, young John was immediately intrigued by Colin's portrayal of Superman. When he learned that Superman had become a reporter just like himself, he couldn't help but interject.
"A reporter is only a part of Superman's public persona,"
Colin welcomed John's interruption and noticed the excitement on his face. With a smile, he gently reminded him, "Remember, Superman is actually an alien from Krypton. Despite his outward resemblance to us, he possesses unique abilities and a distinct identity."
"Identity? What does that mean?" John couldn't resist asking, completely engrossed in Colin's words.
"A superhero," Colin revealed promptly, sparing John from any further anticipation.
"A superhero?!" Although unfamiliar with the term, John couldn't deny the allure it held for him.
While young John was lost in daydreams, old John stood by, visibly more composed. Perhaps due to their age difference, the enchantment of superheroes had significantly faded for him.
"I acknowledge the intriguing and surprisingly comprehensive background you've given to Superman, encompassing his alien origins, his career as a news reporter, and his status as a superhero," Old John acknowledged.
"However, the comics currently featured in leading newspapers tend to be humorous 'four-panel strips' or detective action comics..." Here, old John purposefully omitted referring to another major comic genre.
"In recent years, even horror comics have lost their popularity. Therefore, it remains uncertain whether a comic like 'Superman' with a fully-fledged science fiction alien concept will resonate with readers."
Old John's comments were not intended as a challenge, but rather reflected real-life concerns.
The original Superman comic faced numerous obstacles during its inception. The creator approached several newspapers with the manuscript, only to be rejected by all. The opinions of those newspapers mirrored old John's doubts, questioning the viability of such a comic theme.
However, Colin was unlike the struggling and penniless Superman creator of the past. He not only conceived the comic but also owned the newspaper.
Hence, despite old John's reservations about a science fiction-themed comic, it was ultimately Colin who held the final decision.
After carefully considering the suggestions from his newspaper staff, Colin made the bold choice to serialize the Superman comic starting the following week.
However, under the firm argument put forth by old John, Colin made a minor compromise. Rather than disregarding it entirely, he decided to test the waters by featuring three chapters of the comic on the back page of The Messenger newspaper, assessing whether this comic theme could capture readers' attention.
The remaining pages would continue to showcase the customary layout, including "warm" greetings to President Hoover.
In the weeks that followed, The Messenger's sales soared, and the newsboys' rendition of the song Colin taught them gradually caught on. Even individuals who had never purchased a newspaper found themselves humming the tune spontaneously.
It was rumored that even President Hoover got wind of the song's content.
However, it remained a mystery as to what expression adorned his face as he listened to this rhyme in the White House.
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