Cleveland celebrates Superman’s hometown legacy with superhero extravaganzas (photos)

CLEVELAND, Ohio — It’s no secret that Cleveland has embraced its identity as Superman’s birthplace. That was on full display Saturday with a multi-venue celebration that brought the Man of Steel’s legacy to life. Fans experienced the superhero festivities at both Tower City’s ‘Superman’ Movie Party and Cleveland Public Library’s “A Superhero Homecoming” event.

The celebrations featured a lineup of special guests and activities throughout the day. The Cinematic Symphony Orchestra performed, while comic industry notables including renowned creator Brian Michael Bendis gave a speech.

Attendees at Tower City watched artist Dan Gorman create live custom paintings as the guests listened to the illustrators and writers that made the action heroes come to life.

Tower City included a red carpet experience, flying green screen and superhero AI booth highlighted by a Cosplay Masquerade Contest, where costumed participants performed brief acts ranging from superhero skits and villainous monologues to singing, dancing or juggling, with judges awarding prizes to standout performers.

The Cleveland Public Library showcased its semi-permanent Superman exhibit on the Main Library’s second floor, featuring items from the Mike Curtis Collection of Superman Memorabilia. Curtis, an Arkansas native and Dick Tracy comic strip writer, donated thousands of Superman items to the library in 2016 after four decades of collecting. The rotating display includes comics, posters, toys, clothing and photographs dating back to 1939.

Library activities included Sina Grace’s “Make Your Myth” comic workshop, an escape room challenge, video games, and a Tech Avengers Lab where visitors can engineer their own hero gear.

The latest ‘Superman’ movie, partially filmed in Cleveland, landed in theaters last Friday.