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Superheroes in Gotham Opens at New-York Historical Society

The brand new exhibit Superheroes in Gotham is steeped in both pop culture and New York City history. Opened Oct. 9 at the New-York Historical Society, it extensively covers and celebrates the origins of some of American mythology’s greatest superheroes, from immortals like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Captain America, Spider-Man, and Iron Man to more recent characters.

Army man Jerry Siegel wrote scripts for Superman on this typewriter, on display at Superheroes of Gotham at the New-York Historical Society. 

Superheroes is broken into three sections. The first explores the origins of the American superhero, conceived in the 1930s by talented young Jewish immigrants living in New York City during the Great Depression, with WWII looming on the horizon. Army man Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster created Superman's Action Comics No. 1 (although originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Siegel and Schuster eventually relocated to NYC). Superman was later adapted for army training manuals and military newspapers. 

Wartime issues continued to figure prominently, especially in Captain America, picking up the Vietnam War by the time the Spider-Man creation of Manhattan native Stan Lee (born Stan Martin Lieber) came about in 1962.

In all of these, several character traits run in common: awkward alter egos, high morals, super powers, and a determination to bring justice to New York City and the world. Lee later became an editor, publisher, and producer, and is a former president and chairman of Marvel Comics. Lee also co-created Iron Man, Hulk, The Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and many other characters.

The second section of Superheroes in Gotham, "A Wider Audience," explores the evolution of media and its impact on superhero characters (The Adventures of Superman radio show debuted in 1940). A whopping (at the time) $50,000 was spent on the first animated Superman, making Clark Kent the first superhero to get his own film. The section also includes original art work created for the sets of the Batman TV show in the '60s. 

The third section, "Influence & Inspiration," examines the enduring impact of superheroes on other New York City-based artists and American culture in generalthink of the rising popularity of events like New York Comic Con.

Among the treasure trove of items on display is a rare comic book featuring Superman’s first appearance (Action Comics No. 1, June, 1938), clips from early radio and film adaptations, Philip Pearlstein’s impressionistic Superman painting (1952), the Superman costume worn by George Reeves for the television show (1952-1958), original drawings by Steve Ditko of Spider-Man’s first appearance in Amazing Fantasy (No. 15, 1962), a Batmobile made for the Batman television series (1966), a costume from Broadway’s Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark (2011), and hip-hop pioneer Darryl McDaniels’ DMC comic book (2014) along with his signature fedora. Kids can take a quiz to find out their own super power. 

Take a photo of the Batmobile, used during the 1960s television show.

“Comics are a huge cultural force, but few remember their New York roots,” said Dr. Louise Mirrer, President and CEO of the New-York Historical Society. “Superheroes in Gotham will immerse visitors in the early days of comics and their evolution, so they can learn more about the genesis of their favorite characters, encounter new voices that continue the creative tradition today, and perhaps see aspects of their own neighborhoods imaginatively captured on the page.”

Gloria Steinem was a fan of Wonder Woman, seen here on the cover of Ms. Magazine, 1972.

During the exhibit's opening weekend, NYHS is hosting specially themed events like The Big Superheroes Quiz Thing on Oct. 9. For children, on Oct. 10-12 from noon to 4pm, "It's A Bird! It's a Plane! Supeheroes in Gotham Opening Weekend" will feature special kid workshops, superhero training sessions, and photo ops with the Batmobile. Kids 13 and under receive FREE museum admission! 

Superheroes in Gotham is curated by the New-York Historical Society’s Debra Schmidt Bach, Associate Curator of Decorative Arts, and Nina Nazionale, Director of Library Operations. Superheroes in Gotham runs through Feb. 21, 2016. For more information, visit nyhistory.org.

About the Author

Linda Sheridan is the Managing Editor for City Guide. She is a lifelong New Yorker, has written for the New York Daily News, and loves travel, writing, music, and space.

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