1. Superman The Most Influential Characters Project This is an example presentation so that you can see what is expected of you on this part of the project. Minimum requirements: 7 slides: title slide, character background, overview of the primary source(s), three “influence” slides, and conclusion (or significance) slide At least one image per slide One title per slide Explanatory notes on each slide

2. Intro: The Character First “costumed superhero’ Lived otherwise as Clark Kent, the mild-mannered reporter Strongman based on Hercules and Samson Kryptonite weakens his powers, like cutting Samson’s hair weakened his Alien, though looking and acting in most ways like a typical buff man

3. The Superman Stories First story published in 1938 Discovered and adopted by a Kansas farmer and his wife Raised as Clark Kent and imbued with a strong moral compass. Very early he started to display superhuman abilities, which upon reaching maturity he resolved to use for the benefit of humanity. Helps victims of crime and fights criminal masterminds

4. Influence on Literature Introduced the whole costumed superhero genre to America and then the rest of the world. First popular protagonist to use superhero powers to fight evil “Father of superheroes” Many novels have been inspired by Superman The graphic novel owes its existence to Superman

5. Influence on Comics Success of the initial Superman comics paved the way for all future heroic exploits Influences the whole superhero genre in comic books Inspired the following characters Captain Marvel Captain America Batman Wonder Woman Supergirl And many, many more

6. Influence on Film Made into TV series, several films Spawned other successful superhero films like The Dark Knight, Spiderman, Ironman, X-Men, The Avengers, etc.

7. Influence on Television Smallville: TV series based on Superman comic book series Focuses on the fictional childhood of Clark Kent, growing up in Smallville, Kansas. Already in its 9 th season

8. Influence on Television Inspired the 80’s television series “The Greatest American Hero,” a Superman-style spoof Hero is a “tights and flights” character Also inspired the recent TV series Heroes

9. Influence on Culture American cultural icon Idiom: “I’m not Superman” Perennially favorite Halloween costume Character represented in a Macy’s day parade float stylized magenta and gold "S" emblem Superman wears on his chest, as a fashion symbol

10. Why Superman Matters Now a household name and symbol of truth and justice First to bring the virtues of truth and justice to mass market children’s literature Became an icon of the ideal of “the American way”