Adventure Comics book featuring "Bizarro" supermen
Object number2002.014.0001
DateMarch 1962
ClassificationsNewspapers & Magazines
Creator
DC Comics, Inc.
ObjectComic book
Credit LineThe Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza Collection
MediumPaper
Dimensions10 1/2 x 7 in. (26.7 x 17.8 cm)
Collections
DescriptionAdventure Comics issue #294, March 1962, created by DC Comics, featuring Superman and the villian Bizarro. In the Superman universe, Bizarro inhabited a world of opposites. By wearing Halloween masks of iconic, attractive celebrities such as President Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, and Jerry Lewis, the Bizarro Supermen considered themselves to be ugly and grotesque. This was one of several appearances that President Kennedy's image made in Superman comics.
This image is not available online larger than a thumbnail to protect the copyright of its creator(s). For a more detailed examination of this item, please schedule an appointment in the Museum’s Reading Room.
Curatorial CommentaryAlthough John F. Kennedy appeared as a character in Superman comics a total of three times, this unique additional appearance features the president's likeness only as a rubber Halloween mask. Other celebrity likenesses featured were actress Marilyn Monroe and comedian Jerry Lewis. Monroe died of a drug overdose on August 5, 1962, just a few months after this comic book was published. The story, entitled "Halloween Pranks of the Bizarro-Supermen," was written by Jerry Siegel and was re-printed in September 2000 as part of the comic book anthology, Tales of the Bizarro World. - Stephen Fagin, Curator
Decades after the Kennedy assassination, "Bizarro World" was lampooned in a popular episode of Seinfeld, a prime time sitcom on NBC. The show, "Bizarro Jerry," first aired on October 3, 1996. - Gary Mack, Curator
October 1963
01/01/1962
November 1963