Ohio Celebrates Superman Legacy Amid New Film Release

Superman, created nearly a century ago by Cleveland teenagers Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, is experiencing a resurgence with a new movie filmed in Ohio, spotlighting the state's deep ties to the iconic superhero. Ohio officials, including Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, are celebrating Superman's return, emphasizing the film's use of historic Cleveland locations such as Public Square and the Leader Building, transformed to portray Metropolis. The character's origins in Ohio are also honored through initiatives like the Superman Plaza and local events that highlight the cultural and historical significance of Superman to the state. Ohio State University plays a key role in preserving Superman's legacy, with Dean Matt Smith's extensive 20,000-strong comic book collection and the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum housing rare original artwork by Superman's creators. Both scholars and state leaders underline Superman as a cultural time capsule, reflecting social attitudes from the 1930s to today, with themes of justice and support for the underprivileged. This convergence of film, local heritage, and academic study underscores Ohio's unique position as Superman's true birthplace and a hub of superhero cultural preservation.