In the 13 (count them!) years since I started this website, I have been amazed time and again just how much material continues to emerge to celebrate this enduring franchise.
While the discovery of rare stills etc. and tales from folks lucky enough to be involved in the making of these pictures keeps our interest piqued, with all the releases of the movies on physical media there is still one complete version we are yet to see.
As the self-appointed ambassador of this particular film (go to Superman IV on the sidebar for proof!) I have started a campaign to get this final chapter released in the hope that Warner Bros. can bring closure to a both to magnificent series of films, and a legion of dedicated fans.
Alan & Rob, greatest criminal podcasters of the modern era have devised a way to DESTROY Superman with none other than Nuclear Man himself, Mark Pillow star of Superman IV: The Quest for Peace!
We learn how Mark landed the role of the supervillain with the most metal hairdo of the 1980s, how he broke his foot during an epic moon battle with Christopher Reeve, his thoughts on the reaction to the film, the mythical 134 minute cut and of the gratitude and love he still holds for the movie more than 35 years later!
SUPERMANIA is overjoyed to present this ‘new’ discovery shared by Superfan and YouTube legend Oliver Harper –
This Japanese extended trailer for Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (a.k.a ‘The Strongest Enemy’ translated from Japanese) not only contains all the scenes shown in both US and International trailers, but also extra footage from the deleted scenes featuring Lex and Lenny Luthor, the Pentagon and the Kremlin and the kiss shared between Clark Kent & Lacy Warfield. All this with Japanese text and the unique title card at the end.
Astonishing that after 35 years, finds like this are still being made – here’s to many more in the future..!
Superman reunited with his old pal Jeremy in Downtown Metropolis on the eve of the World Peace Summit – an event marking over three decades of sustained Nuclear disarmament (Photograph: Andy Hanton)
Jillan Freisen, DAILY PLANET14:00 ET July 24th 2022 –
History repeated itself in The city of Metropolis earlier today when The Man Of Tomorrow came face to face with a friend from yesterday. For those who recall the bizarre chain of events leading to Superman’s campaign to rid the world of Nuclear Weapons exactly 35 years ago, they may also remember how it culminated in a global battle with a maniacal radioactive foe that almost triggered World War III less fondly.
Having hurled Earth’s Nuclear stockpile into the core of the sun and defeated criminal mastermind Lex Luthor’s monster, Superman later concluded world peace was ‘not his to give’ after all and has adopted a neutral stance ever since. While the fallout and collateral damage across the globe may have been enormous (with Metropolis alone left with a regeneration bill in the Billions) Superman’s ‘Quest For Peace’ is nonetheless cited as one of the turning points in Mankind’s history, with the ending of the Cold War one of its lasting legacies –
The Man Of Steel poses outside the UN Building in 1987 with the youngster who’s simple plea prompted a change in Earth’s history (Photograph: James Olsen)
As for the young student whose impassioned words ushered in the winds of change, he stands by his actions all those years ago and says he’s do it over again. Jeremy Brooke, now 48 and a leading force for UNICEF, maintains that some of the best wisdom still comes from the mouths of babes –
“Its difficult for people to understand now, but in the mid to late 80’s a Nuclear Holocaust was a very real fear, with tensions rising on both sides it often felt to us that war was an inevitability rather than a possibility. When I put pen to paper that day it just occurred to me that only one man could save us from ourselves ”
And on the subject of his Kryptonian pal Brooke continued-
“Superman took a lot of criticism from all sides for what he did – people said he was mounting this big campaign but that was wrong – he was answering a call for help like he always does and that’s a very different thing. I could tell he was conflicted about interfering in our destiny but he could also see how easily we could destroy ourselves. Thank god – and I mean this – thank god he did as if the arms race had continued it could only have had one conclusion…”
The original letter as penned by Brooke during class 35 years ago is now regarded as a significant historical document, worthy of preservation in the Smithsonian where it is currently on display.
Today would have been Christopher Reeve’s 69th Birthday. Here at SUPERMANIA, and similarly with Superman websites all across the globe, we honour his legacy by remembering him as a husband, father, actor, humanitarian and the actor who would forever personify the original comic book hero.
Over forty years since he set the standard by which all other comic-book based performances would be judged, his BAFTA-winning portrayal still resonates, his powerful influence still echoed in the many live-action interpretations produced since. For many fans though, his timeless combination of sincerity, physicality, compassion and overall righteousness have made Christopher Reeve virtually incomparable. The story of his casting is now as big a part of cinematic history as when Vivien Leigh was cast as Scarlett O’Hara as was his ascension to to Superstardom and ultimately, tragedy.
Such was the impact made on a generation that most refuse to consign his memory to history, instead honouring him through media for later generations to enjoy. One of the best recent examples is DC Comics Superman ’78, a six-part series with written by Robert Venditti and illustrated by Wilfredo Torres that perfectly echoes the Donnerverse by emulating the late Geoffrey Unsworth’s cinematography on paper accompanied by dialogue delivered in clear homage to writer Tom Mankewicz. At the centre, of course, is Reeve’s dual characterisation back in action again, delighting its core audience whilst appealing to the new. This, with new licensed merchandise appearing regularly ensures that the definitive Man of Steel remains at the forefront of popular culture and, through the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, a significant contribution to humanity left by a super man.
