/internal/media/dispatcher/45832/fullSuperman comic bookJuly 196410 1/4 x 7 in. (26 x 17.8 cm)PaperJeanne Reilly Collection/The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza2000.048.01770One color Superman comic book that includes a special addition titled 'Superman's Mission for President Kennedy'. According to the introduction, this was to have been published as #168, but following the assassination, it was pulled. However, President Johnson told the publishers to print it in memory of President Kennedy. The story concerns Kennedy's Physical Fitness Program.Newspapers & Magazines6476417.780000000026.035000000020903Comic bookDC Comics Superman comic book, issue #170, July 1964, that includes a story entitled "Superman's Mission for President Kennedy." The storyline involved President Kennedy's Youth Physical Fitness Program. Developed in consultation with the Kennedy White House, this story was to have been published as issue #168, but following the assassination, it was put on hold and printed as a memorial tribute to the late president in July 1964.
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.TributesComic booksPop CultureKennedy, John F.DC ComicsNew YorkJohn F. Kennedy appeared as a character in Superman comics a total of three times. His third and final appearance, ultimately published in issue #170 in July 1964, was actually developed in 1963 in close cooperation with the Kennedy White House.
The story, "Superman's Mission for President Kennedy," was written by E. Nelson Bridwell and intended to promote President Kennedy's youth physical fitness program. Originally scheduled for publication in issue #168, National Periodical Publications (DC Comics) canceled the issue following the assassination. However, President Johnson asked that it be published in memory of the late president, and the original story was repackaged with a memorial splash page in which Superman flies over the U.S. Capitol while a wispy image of John F. Kennedy smiles in the sky. Notice, however, that there is no reference to President Kennedy on the cover of this comic book. The cover art, drawn by Curt Swan, depicts a scene from the companion story in this comic book, "If Lex Luthor Were Superman's Father!"
For many years, comic books featured two or three separate, unrelated adventures in the same issue. This comic book was featured in the Museum's exhibit, True Colors, in 2005 and was part of a popular culture spotlight on the WFAA-TV program, Good Morning Texas, in 2011. - Stephen Fagin, Curator