Superman Plaza Features
A Legend is Born
In 1933, two Glenville High School students in Cleveland, Ohio created the very first comic book superhero. His name was Superman - the Man of Steel, Champion of the Oppressed.
Superman’s creators Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster wrote and drew comics for their high school newspaper. They envisioned Superman not only as a hero fighting crime and corruption, but also as a champion who stands up to bullies. They wanted Clark Kent to be like them a mild-mannered newspaper guy.
Once this character was created, those two Glenville High School teens, tried to get their Superman story published, but were rejected by multiple publishers who didn’t think anyone would be interested in reading about a superhero. Despite facing rejections for nearly six years, Jerry and Joe never lost hope. Their perseverance finally paid off when Superman debuted in Action Comics No. 1 in 1938.
All 200,000 of the printed copies sold immediately as ordinary kids and adults proved all the other publishers wrong. Superman became an instant sensation, laying the groundwork for all superhero comics to come.
Nationally renowned sculptor David Deming’s vision to honor both Superman and his creators will stand as a tribute to the legacy of Siegel & Shuster and the foundation of the modern superhero genre.
Superman is an international, intergenerational symbol of hope and inspiration. Our nonprofit hopes you will support this historic Tribute Plaza. No taxpayer money is being used for this project. We are seeking donations from ordinary citizens from all walks of life. Thank you!
A Symbol of Hope & Inspiration
The Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster Superman Plaza, now located in front of the expanded Convention Center in the heart of downtown Cleveland, serves as a lasting homage to the creators of Superman. The dynamic composition of the statues, with Superman seemingly in flight above Jerry and Joanne, while Joe is depicted sketching Action Comics No. l, captures the essence of their creative process and the iconic imagery of the superhero. This plaza not only celebrates the origins of Superman but also enriches Cleveland's cultural landscape.
