Icon of Steel

To the kids these days, Iron Man and Batman may be cooler, but from the moment Superman first appeared in the June 1938 issue of Action Comics No. 1, all costumed crime fighters to follow would forever be labeled superheroes in his honor. Superman's impact on the United States and the world at large has fascinated cultural theorists for decades, and while no biblical analogy has yet to be drawn to Krypto the Superdog and the Legion Of Super-Pets, scholars have likened Superman's origin story to both Moses and Jesus. Even more fascinating is how the character has been shaped to reflect the ever-changing political climate. Author Larry Tye discusses the Man of Steel's lasting legacy in a presentation at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Jewish Community Center (2 Millstone Campus Drive, Creve Coeur). The $18 admission includes a copy of his book Superman: The High-Flying History of America's Most Enduring Hero. For more information, visit www.stljewishbookfestival.org.
Thu., April 3, 7:30 p.m., 2014