Cleveland, OH

From Isabela Merced to Jerry Siegel’s home, Superman’s local ties bind him to Ohio

Published

11 months ago

July 11, 2025

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From Isabela Merced to Jerry Siegel’s home, Superman’s local ties bind him to Ohio

A Superman Plaza featuring statues of Siegel, Shuster, and Lois Lane’s inspiration, Joanne Siegel, will be unveiled at the Huntington Bank Convention Center.
Siegel’s childhood home, where Superman was created, still stands in Cleveland.
Cleveland native Isabela Merced plays Hawkgirl in the new Superman movie.

Courtesy of the James Gunn movie, the iconic pop culture character Superman is having a super-sized moment right now. By extension, so is Ohio and, in particular, the city of Cleveland.

What took so long? Given the long run of the character across television, animation and film, it feels odd that Superman is just now giving the area the spotlight given his connections to the state and city, which are numerous.

Does it ultimately matter? Given that Gunn chose to film in Ohio – Cleveland and Cincinnati, specifically – probably not to rest of America. But to Ohio movie fans? More than likely. After, all the Man of Steel has come home.

It helps that the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit is in place, but the efforts of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission were instrumental in luring the production to the area. Call it a homecoming that’s deserved for a number of reasons:

‘Superman’ was born in Cleveland, Ohio – it’s that simple

Metropolis, Ill. makes its faux claim to be home of Superman, but the reality is that two Cleveland teens — Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel — created the character in Siegel’s home in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood. It feels rather strange that fact is just now, seemingly in this moment, being embraced nationally and — to some extent — locally.

It’s a drumbeat that started slowly when then-Plain Dealer reporter Michael Sangiacomo, who wrote a weekly comic book column, started asking the simple question: why weren’t Superman’s creators honored by their hometown. Given the character’s impact since its creation, it was a legitimate one and led to the formation the Siegel & Shuster Society, an organization dedicated to preserving the creators and their character’s legacy.

After agreeing to a deal with National Allied Publishing which was eventually acquired by Detective Comics, Siegel and Shuster signed a 10-year contract to write and illustrate the character for Detective Comics, signing away their copyright in the process just to get the characters, which they developed over the course of six years. Their first published version of Superman appeared in the book Action Comics #1. At a 2024 auction, a highly rated version of the book sold for $6 million.

Superman became an immediate phenomenon.

“He was the first superhero,” Gary Kaplan, president of the Siegel & Shuster Society, and a cousin to Jerry Siegel, said.

Less than two years after publication, the character was appearing in assorted media, with Roy Middleton becoming the first actor to portray the character at the 1939 New York World’s Fair and the legendary Fleischer shorts coming in 1941. Over the course of eight decades, he’s appeared in film, television and animated projects.

Cleveland will be home to Superman Plaza at the Huntington Bank Convention Center

The Siegel & Shuster Society has been working diligently to create a permanent memorial to Superman in the city’s downtown, and on Aug. 2 their vision becomes reality with the unveiling of Superman Plaza of the corner of St. Clair and Ontario in front of the center.

The tribute plaza will feature Superman soaring through the sky on an 18-foot pylon. It will include life-sized statues of Shuster, Siegel and Joanne Siegel, who was the inspiration for reporter Lois Lane, along with a phone booth, which served as an impromptu changing point for Clark Kent to slip into his alter ego. The exhibit is being created by Cleveland artist David Deming.

The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with Laura Siegel Larson, Jerry Siegel’s daughter, in attendance.

The group has worked to raise more than $2 million for the project. They are still short funds, but have received permission for the installation to go on and will continue to fundraise.

It’s the type of attraction that can add to the roster of reasons to tour downtown Cleveland. To a degree, Kaplan is surprised about the lag in fundraising and lackluster support from the business community.

“People can come in from Pittsburgh or Columbus or wherever and see the Plaza, and while they’re there, they may stay at a hotel if it’s just a day trip,” Kaplan said. “I mean, they can have lunch. They can spend their money here and that’s good for the economy.”

The only local politician to enthusiastically embrace the effort has been Cuyahoga County Councilman Pernel Jones Jr.

Kaplan recognizes there are more pressing priorities in Cleveland – especially given it often ranks in the Top 10 for poverty in the U.S.

“It’s a totally different category, but you can’t say we’re just going to focus on these certain things and nothing else,” Kaplan said.

Jerry Siegel’s home where Superman was created remains standing

Jerry Siegel’s boyhood home remains standing, if not a bit anonymous, when compared with another Cleveland movie home from “A Christmas Story.” The reason: the film that featured Ralphie and his friends was purchased and restored. Siegel’s home is occupied by owners who didn’t know its legacy when they purchased it, Sangiacomo said.

People would drive up, snap photos and the couple could not understand why until a group of Japanese tourists explained the home’s legacy.

“She finally went down and said, ‘OK, what’s going on? Why are you taking pictures of my house?’ And then they told her that this is where Jerry Siegel created Superman. And she went, ‘Oh my God, I had no idea.’”

People still drive by and take pictures, but the potential to make it a museum in the future is there for whomever wants to take on the task and bolster the Man of Steel’s legacy in Ohio.

Until that moment comes, the society has helped keep the property updated, including an online auction that raised featuring noted author and comic book writer Brad Meltzer that raised more than $100,000 in 2009.

Sangiacomo said the couple who lives there embraces the legacy.

“They’ve been really, really, really good about taking care of the place,” Sangiacomo said.

The importance of the home was recognized by actor David Corenswet recently, he added.

“He took his family and just as the filming ended, his family came to Cleveland to visit and they asked if they could go over,” Sangiacomo said. “They went over and they got the tour, the place where Superman was created, and he signed the guest book.”

Hawkgirl, Isabela Merced, was born in Cleveland

As Hawkgirl, Isabela Merced doesn’t get an abundance of screen time, but she makes the most of it. Not only does she get to kick some heiney, but she manages to fire off a few well-timed and, based on audience reaction at a recent screening, well-received one-liners as she plays off Nathan Fillion’s Green Lantern/Guy Gardner.

For a 24-year-old actress, Merced has a long list of credits going back as far as 2013 and including films such as “Transformers: The Last Knight,” “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” and “Alien: Romulus.”

Cincinnati’s Union Terminal appears in ‘Superman’ as the Hall of Justice

You won’t see Superman visiting the hangout of the corporate superhero crew that includes Green Lantern/Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi). Lois Lane receives the honor of visiting the infamous Hall of Justice made famous in the ABC “Superfriends” cartoon from Hanna Barbera in the 1970s. In the movies, she seeks out the help of the trio in assisting to find Superman who has been taken by Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) and his merry band of Gen Z xenophobes who have a problem with Superman’s alien origins.

Its facade is featured prominently.

George M. Thomas covers a myriad of things including sports and pop culture, but mostly sports, he thinks, for the Beacon Journal.

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Cleveland, OH

Watches & Wonders Comes to Cleveland Hosted by Alson Jewelers

Published

6 hours ago

May 30, 2026

Press Room

Watches & Wonders Comes to Cleveland Hosted by Alson Jewelers

Cleveland watch enthusiasts and luxury collectors are invited to experience “Watches & Wonders Comes to Cleveland,” an exclusive two-day event hosted by Alson Jewelers on June 12 and June 13.

CLEVELAND, OH, May 30, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ — Cleveland watch enthusiasts and luxury collectors are invited to experience “Watches & Wonders Comes to Cleveland,” an exclusive two-day event hosted by Alson Jewelers on June 12 and June 13.

Bringing together some of the world’s most celebrated watchmakers, the event offers guests the opportunity to explore exceptional timepieces while connecting directly with brand representatives from Breitling, Cartier, TUDOR, Chopard, IWC, and Panerai.

The celebration begins Friday, June 12, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with an evening of watches, whiskey, and hors d’oeuvres in a sophisticated atmosphere designed for collectors and newcomers alike.

Festivities continue Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring champagne and light bites while guests browse the newest luxury watch collections.

During the event, attendees who purchase any new watch from participating brands will receive a complimentary watch winder, adding even more value to the experience. In addition, every watch purchase automatically enters guests for the chance to win a $1,000 gift card.

Known for offering an elevated shopping experience in the Cleveland area, Alson Jewelers’ Luxury Watch Collection continues to showcase premier craftsmanship and timeless design from leading Swiss watchmakers. Guests are encouraged to RSVP by June 6 to reserve their place at this highly anticipated event.

About Alson Jewelers

With a legacy of excellence in fine jewelry and customer service, Alson Jewelers remains a premier destination for bridal and luxury jewelry. Family-owned and operated, Alson is known for its knowledgeable staff and commitment to helping clients celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. The store offers an exceptional selection of designer engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry, along with expert jewelry and watch repair services. Fully equipped for custom design, Alson Jewelers works closely with clients to create one-of-a-kind engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry pieces. Above all, Alson Jewelers prides itself on delivering a warm, personalized experience in their Cleveland jewelry store that makes every guest feel welcomed and cared for from the moment they walk through the door.

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Cleveland, OH

Koby Altman Sounds Like Evan Mobley’s Future With Cavaliers Could Be in Question

Published

17 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Press Room

Koby Altman Sounds Like Evan Mobley’s Future With Cavaliers Could Be in Question

The Cleveland Cavaliers might be at the point of doing whatever it takes to contend for a NBA championship next season, even at the expense of some of their young stars.

After their disappointing loss in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavs need to consider anything and everything when it comes to trading away players to bring in more help for next season.

Obviously, Cleveland would love to retain as many of their stars as possible, especially the likes of Evan Mobley. New details from Koby Altman, Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations, gives more insight into how the Cavs view Mobley’s future as of now.

Here’s what Koby Altman shared with the media regarding Evan Mobley.

Koby Altman praises Mobley for what he’s done in Cleveland

“Evan Mobley? Yeah, I mean he’s a part of our future.”

This is what Cavs fans were hoping to hear, especially with the recent talks about potential league altering trades involving Mobley.

“We’re not going to speculate on any players outside these walls. All I can tell you is since Evan’s been here, we’ve had the third best record in the league.

There is no arguing Altman’s points on Mobley, considering Cleveland has had a winning record and made either the play-in tournament or the playoffs in each of Mobley’s first five seasons.

Their winning percentage ranks amongst the league’s best as well since the 2021-22 season, much thanks to Mobley’s dominance as their big man of the future alongside veteran Jarrett Allen.

Mobley would go on to win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award during the 2024-25 season, becoming the franchise’s first player to win the award as well as the fifth youngest in league history at just 23 years old.

Altman would go on to say, “all Evan has done is impact winning. He’s been remarkable for us in terms of our ascent. He knows he needs to get better.”

What this means for Evan Mobley going forward

Mobley has most certainly helped Cleveland finish each season near the top of the Eastern Conference and has continued to get better every year. However, fans and media have criticized his aggressiveness as a big man, urging him to be more physical with his size.

Standing at 6 foot 11 inches and weighing 215 pounds, Mobley ranks amongst the league’s tallest centers while showcasing dynamic abilities as both a ball handler and a shooter. His averages this past season include 18.2 points, nine rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game were some of his best stats in his career.

Mobley sits among some of the NBA’s best centers in regard to his defense, as he is one of four players to have at least 300 blocks and 150 steals, next to Anthony Davis, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Rudy Gobert. He has continued to build on those impressive stats as he keeps working to get better.

If the Cavs want to bet on Mobley being a true franchise player for the foreseeable future, they’ll need those numbers to increase next season. They’ll also need Mobley to show that defensive presence again that earned him DPOY honors two seasons ago.

In Mobley’s case, his 5-year, $224 million extension two summers ago keeps him in Cleveland through the 2029-30 season. Unfortunately, the NBA is a business, and at the end of the day, teams will do whatever they can to build a championship contending roster.

Based on Altman’s high praise, it would seem like Mobley is safe as a Cavalier. Don’t rule out the possibility of a trade if a team comes calling with an offer Cleveland can’t refuse.

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Cleveland, OH

Ohio Supreme Court makes ruling in murder of Cleveland Firefighter Johnny Tetrick

Published

1 day ago

May 29, 2026

Press Room

Ohio Supreme Court makes ruling in murder of Cleveland Firefighter Johnny Tetrick

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The Ohio Supreme Court made a ruling Friday in connection with the murder conviction of the driver that killed Cleveland Firefighter Johnny Tetrick.

According to the Ohio Supreme Court, the trial court had sufficient evidence to convict Leander Bissell of felony murder for speeding through an accident scene.

Cleveland Firefighter Tetrick, 51, was killed on Nov. 19, 2022.

Bissell struck Firefighter Tetrick on I-90 East near Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and then fled the scene. Bissell was arrested later that evening.

Firefighter Tetrick was assisting with a rollover crash, when he was struck. He was pronounced dead at University Hospitals.

In July 2023, Bissell had a bench trial in front of Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Timothy McCormick and was found guilty on all charges, including, murder.

In August 2023, Bissell was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 16 years.