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38.66% Superman Comics In Great Depression. / Chapter 25: Chapter 24 S*******

Chapitre 25: Chapter 24 S*******

Thank you for the stone, but we need more than that to be in the trending list.

*Note*- Will do a 5 chapter mass release on here if this fic got 100 stones today.

P.S.- Patreon is at chapter 54 a whole 30 chapters ahead.

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The emergence of comic books, as we understand them today, took place in the 1930s, blending two artistic mediums: popular literary publications and newspaper comic strips.

Before this, comic strips were primarily serialized in newspapers and known as "strips." Following the distribution model of newspapers, these comic strips were typically serialized with one panel released each day (with longer episodes in Sunday editions), employing relatively fixed narrative techniques. Comics encompass a wide range of content and styles, including the well-known humorous "four-panel comics" as well as genres like detective and action.

Many highly regarded serialized four-panel comics were adaptations or drew inspiration from popular novels. One exemplary case is "Tarzan of the Apes," based on the novel of the same name. While not an original storyline, this type of comic made significant strides in terms of dramatic development compared to simple humorous comics.

However, the arrival of economic crises and the Great Depression brought about a shift in the comic landscape. Readers no longer sought just humor and comedy. The escalating crime rates and a pervasive sense of helplessness fueled a desire for more powerful and dominant characters who could reverse the situation. These characters would be mighty, invincible, and unbeatable, upholding justice, eradicating evil, and instilling hope in humanity.

Although crime stories like "Bonnie and Clyde" existed, they did not attain the same level of fame. Aside from a small group of fervent followers of criminals, the majority of people felt fear and disgust toward them. On weekends, people had to be cautious, safeguarding their wallets and staying vigilant against cunning thieves and pickpockets.

In essence, people yearned for heroes.

This is one of the primary reasons detective comics like "Dick Tracy" came into being and gained popularity. The "hardboiled" private detective who battled against evil served as a reflection of readers' reality. Dick Tracy's gritty methods of fighting crime in the comics indirectly allowed readers to vent their dissatisfaction and frustration with real life.

Perhaps this presented an opportunity.

Colin's hazy inspiration became clearer as he diverted his gaze from the "Dick Tracy" comic in Little John's hands.

Establishing a solid imprint required a steadfast belief, and comics appeared to be a fitting choice.

Unlike the previous "Messenger" which relied on divisive rhetoric to attract a distorted form of faith, Colin intended to intentionally steer readers' consciousness, infusing faith into the comic's characters. In a manner similar to primitive societies perceiving all things as totems and embarking on the path of faith.

Colin aimed to use the comic as a vehicle for imprinting readers' faith.

Am I, in reality, a missionary?

No, that's not quite accurate. I am neither a pedophile nor a pervert, disqualifying me from assuming the role of a priest...

...

Colin's excitement grew as he formulated a new approach to obtaining faith. As a time traveler exposed to the internet era of future generations, he had a vast array of options, including comics, novels, and films, at his disposal. However, this abundance of choices proved to be a challenge rather than a convenience.

Colin realized that selecting the most advantageous story from such a multitude of genres for the upcoming newspaper serialization of the comic required careful discernment. He immersed himself in contemplation, trying to find the best theme for the Messenger newspaper.

As Colin fell into deep thought, Little John and Old John exchanged nervous glances. They were unsure why Colin suddenly became so introspective and were hesitant to disturb his train of thought. Old John shook his head, indicating to Little John to remain quiet and observe the situation.

No, no, maybe he was thinking too much and making everything more complicated.

Shaking off his previous ideas, Colin adopted a more realistic perspective. Considering the ongoing Great Depression and the overall social atmosphere, he gradually formed a new idea in his mind.

Observing the content about Dick Tracy fighting criminals in the newspaper, a slight smile appeared on Colin's face. Since people in this era were yearning for heroes, he decided to give them heroes, even super heroes.

The Great Depression served as fertile ground for the birth of superhero comics. The dire economy resulted in a rise in crime rates, and people faced not only economic hardships but also a dangerous law enforcement environment and harsh living conditions, which shook their faith.

Many individuals who previously didn't believe in religion began falsely claiming to be religious to receive assistance from organizations like the "Salvation Army" for food and shelter.

People desperately needed beliefs and spiritual solace to escape the hardships and pain of the real world. Radio stations had already seized this opportunity and ushered in a golden age, and comics could also be a part of this special opportunity.

In fact shortly after the serialization of "Dick Tracy," another comic called "The Phantom" was serialized in a newspaper. This comic featured a prototype of a modern superhero, with the protagonist wearing a tight suit, and a mask, and having a secret identity. Although lacking superpowers, "The Phantom" laid the foundation for subsequent superheroes.

However, Colin couldn't choose "The Phantom" or any variation of it for his serialized comic. The character was essentially an ordinary person in a tight suit, closer to a detective comic than a superhero comic.

Since Colin had decided on superhero comics as the medium for obtaining faith during the Great Depression, he needed characters with true superpowers. Choosing "The Phantom" would yield results similar to using Hoover; there wouldn't be a substantial difference.

On the contrary, since they were called superheroes, the characters should genuinely live up to the "super" designation, evoking a sense of awe and inspiration in the minds of comic readers.

With this in mind, a name immediately surfaced in Colin's thoughts: 

Superman!


Chapitre 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.

========

I would like to take a moment to extend my heartfelt appreciation and give a special shout out to an amazing individual who has recently become part of the VIP vault in our Patreon community- asdfgh.

Thank you for being an invaluable pillar of support,


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