1939: Superman’s First Solo Comic Book

To the positive response to Superman’s first appearance in Action Comics #1 published a year earlier, the very first Superman comic book was released this month during the year of 1939. It was the first comic by National Allied Publications to feature a magazine based on a single character. It was written by Jerry Siegel and drawn by Joseph Shuster. Legend has it that Kal-El, an infant sent from his doomed planet Krypton, was raised by the Kent family in Kansas. Known as Clark Kent, began work as a reporter for the Daily Planet so he can keep a pulse on any criminal activity. Most people believe that Clark changes out of his “work” clothes into his tights and cape in a phone booth. However, rarely has that been the case within the pages of the actual comic books. (Image: DC Comics)

1989: ‘Dead Poets Society’ Opens

It was on this day that the film, Dead Poets Society opened in theaters in 1989. Set in 1959 at the fictional Welton Academy boarding school in Vermont, the movie followed the exploits of a controversial teacher who inspired his students by the reading of poetry. The film starred comic Robin Williams in a serious role which won both critical and box office applause except from movie critic, Roger Ebert, who only rewarded the film two out of four stars. Dead Poets Society was nominated for four Academy Awards and walked away with one Oscar for Best Screenplay. Many have declared that this was William’s best work in cinema.

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