Hallmark Superman Statue

I really enjoy this one. Hallmark sold it through their Gold Crown stores a while back as part of a series of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman statues. Unfortunately this was during Superman's "hippie" phase in the comics, so unless you want to see Fabio in blue tights there's no reason to go near the "Modern Superman" edition.

This one, though, is pure Golden Age. The pose is taken from the cover of Superman (Vol 1) number 11, and they even threw in a card-size reproduction of that cover for display with the statue, if you're so inclined. The statue goes the original illo one better by giving Superman a more handsome face than the standard squinty dude Joe Shuster specialized in. Plus the anatomy's a bit easier on the eye; Joe always drew Superman a bit on the stocky side.

The "breaking free from chains" bit seems to be a perennial favorite with Superman artists. A variation was used as the original Supermen of America logo, a Curt Swan take was used in the upper left corner of Superman comics in the 70's (before DC adopted their "circle of stars" look) and Curt's version as well as one by Neal Adams graced all manner of merchandise for years. Maybe the reason the image resonates so strongly is because it represents Superman's freedom from things that constrain the rest of us. Aside from flying -- the ultimate freedom -- the ability to escape bondage is arguably the strongest image in the Superman repetoire. Besides, it's hard to make a statue of a guy flying!

This statue measures in at about ten and a half inches tall, and has a Superman-shield-shaped base with an individually numbered plaque. Looks good on the old bookshelf.