Sci Fi History: Superman (1978)

Richard Donner's Superman launched the modern superhero film. It depicted Superman's life from Krypton to his first major challenge. The film starred many big names including Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Glenn Ford, and Ned Beatty. Unknown Christopher Reeve won the starring role and created a new Clark Kent. Every version of Superman since has been overshadowed by Reeve's performance. The wave of films Superman birthed ended with the Batman and Robin disaster in 1997. Bryan Singer's X-Men relaunched and reinvigorated the genre in 2000.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rk1aQx9hTaE


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_izM3y2SE44

Sci Fi History: Black Manta kills Aqualad (1977)

Black Manta's hatred of Aquaman exceeded the normal super villain-hero rivalry. It became an all out blood feud. Manta kidnapped Aquaman's son, Arthur Jr., and murdered the child in cold blood. Eventually, Aquaman captured Black Manta and nearly executed the villain in revenge. However, the hero regained his composure and showed mercy. The story coincided with an era in which comics became grittier and more realistic. Despite this, the murder of a child seemed to step over the bounds and shocked readers.

Sci Fi History: Wonder Woman (1974)

In 1974, Cathy Lee Crosby starred in a movie entitled "Wonder Woman." However, the character and movie did not have any of the superpowers WW is known for. In 1975, Lynda Carter starred in the role based on the comic character. The series was initially in World War II and co-starred 70s superstar Lyle Waggoner. ABC dropped the show despite good ratings because of expense. CBS picked it up, reimaged it in the modern world, and it ran for two more seasons. Carter's Wonder Woman was a forerunner of the strong female heroine archetype prevelent in today's culture.

Intro:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhCnM-E5sl0

Sci Fi History: The multiverse is born: Flash discovers Earth 2 (1961)

A pair of physics students once approached Albert Einstein with their theory of a multiverse. Einstein blew them off. He thought the idea of alternate universes absurd. In the 21^st century, many respected scientists advocate the idea as plausible and even probable. In 1961, DC Comics used the idea to explain discrepancies in continuity. The Flash vibrated into an alternate universe. The Flash #123 explains the theory of the multiverse in some detail. A few years later, Star Trek covered the idea in “Mirror Mirror” and “The Tholian Web.” In 1995, the television series, Sliders, devoted itself to the topic. J.J. Abrams loves the idea and incorporated it into Fringe and the Star Trek reboot. The multiverse allows every conceivable possibility to occur. So, in one universe, Donald Trump is president. In another, he is a pauper. DC Comics has used the idea to reset its universe more than once. The Flash introduced the concept into popular culture over 50 years ago.

Sci-Fi History: Lex Luthor Origin (1960)

In one of the lamest origins of all time, it is revealed Lex Luthor hates Superman because of an accident that caused Lex to lose his hair. Luthor saved  Superboy from Kryptonite, so Superboy built him a lab as a way to say thanks. A fire breaks out at the lab, Superboy blows it out, but inadvertently sprays Luthor with chemicals which causes his hair to fall out. Luther then goes on to seek vengeance…and has been at it ever since.

Sci-Fi History: Wonder Woman (1941)

In 1940, William Moulton Marston kicked around the idea of a female comic book hero. Published Max Gaines picked up the idea and gave Marston a platform. Wonder Woman represented a new type of woman. To some, she represented female empowerment. Others viewed her as a male fantasy complete with an outfit and bondage kit. The next generation reinvented Wonder Woman providing her mythological roots. In the seventies, the women’s movement embraced her raising her profile and leading to a stint in the Justice League.  In 2011, DC Comics rebooted the character once more making her a demigod and thrusting her into a relationship with Superman.