Hot Toys MMS 152 ~ Superman.

Superman is the DC comic cultural icon superhero (beside The Batman but without super power) created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1932, and first appeared waaaayyy back in Action Comic #1, June 1938, published by Detective Comic, Inc (as DC was then known). Superman is widely acknowledged as inspiring the creation of the superhero genre. His costume, particularly the "S" symbol on his chest, is also one of the most recognisable design in comicdom, and his popularity spans across all mediums of media, including early radio programs, TV series and films.

Hot Toys released this version of Superman based on the hit 1978 British-American collaboration movie, Superman The Movie (the first of four movies). Directed by Richard Donner, and starring the late Christopher Reeve as the Man of Steel himself, it also starred the late Marlon Brando as Jor El, father of Supes, Gene Hackman as human nemesis, Lex Luthor, Margot Kidder as his love, Lois Lane, Ned Betty as Lex's bumbling henchman, and of course, Terence Stamp as General Zod (who will have wider role in the sequel), amongst others.

A number of A-list actors with physique to match the "ideal" Supes were considered before Christopher Reeve is casted, whom is thought to be to "skinny". These include Arnie the former Governator, Sly Stallone, James Caan, Nick Nolte, John Voight and get this, Neil Diamond himself. Christopher Walken was also considered, and I wonder how it would turn out. A chilling, looking Supes I would guess. Reeve got the role with his acting during casting call, but was asked to wear muscle suit which he declined. Instead, Reeve underwent strict muscle building regime under the guidance of David "Darth Vader" Prowes.

The most distinguishing aspect of this movie, is the special effect. Now, remember, this is a movie made in the late 70s, and there is no CGI tech to help out yet. Superman flies and glides effortlessly through the sky. Wow. This is the primary reason why this movie remains nostalgic to me, as a kid then, as of even now. And then there is the soundtrack by movie themes maestro, John Williams, particularly the opening theme. It evokes the feel of heroism and all.

Now, the figure itself. The HS captures the feature of Christopher Reeve exactly in my humble opinion, a fitting honor to the late actor. The box is one of it's kind, quite ingenious of HT. Comes with accessories to resembling part of the Fortress of Solitude as seen in the movie and a transparent stand to pose Supes flying/hovering in mid-air. When I got this figure in hand, kid you not, I just kind of play with it, swapping the hands, imagining it flying around (alone in the room of course, wouldn't want Chloe, Dylan and Esther to think I have finally lost it). And I have never done that with any of my current figure collections before.

I want to write up, as usual, my "mis-intepretation, grammatically incorrect rambling on Supes" as usual but I just couldn't. I could not fictionally, yet, in manner of "Nolan-verse" fact based aspect, how Supes change into his costume (and what happen to its civilian clothes?) for example. And why he wears his underwear on the outside? Many jokes have been made countlessly on his costume. But I remember Supes wouldn't be Supes if not for that costume and cape.