Superman. Batman. Life-size DOOMSDAY.
Previously on Midlife Crisis Crossover: June 10th and 11th, my wife Anne and I attended the 38th annual Superman Celebration in the city of Metropolis, Illinois. In Part One you met Supergirl‘s Mehcad Brooks and Peter Facinelli; in Part Two you met the dueling Jimmy Olsens, Marc McClure and Michael Landes; in Part Three, so very much cosplay.
On our first visit to Metropolis in 2001, we made a point of visiting Jim Hambrick’s Super Museum, their premier tourist attraction and the heart of every Superman Celebration. One of America’s foremost collectors of all things Superman has amassed enough Hollywood souvenirs, props, artifacts, and other prized obscurities to merit a public display space for fellow fans to enjoy. (We’ve even visited other museums that have items of his on loan.) We opted out on our last few visits, but this time we thought it might be nice to check back, see any new pieces he’s acquired in the past fifteen years, and retake some of the photos we took last time that seem to be hiding from us now. For five bucks a fan it’s worth a look-see and guaranteed to show you something you’ve never seen up close before.
Open 7 days a week whether there’s a Superman Celebration or not.
One of many display cases filled with Superman merchandise from every era, even including ’90s post-resurrection long-hair Superman.
George Reeves’ Clark Kent glasses worn for the filming of The Adventures of Superman.
Ancient Jimmy Olsen suit and bow tie from way, way back when.
Good ol’ Inspector Henderson may not receive the same recognition as Lois or Jimmy, but he’s worthy enough to have his actual hat in the collection.
This vintage issue of TV Guide struck a nerve for my wife, a longtime Superman fan who used to collect TV Guide for years and years and years,
This creepy Superbaby disturbs me for reasons I can’t quite fathom.
One of the great Christopher Reeve’s Superman suits. Pause here for moment of reverence.
Crystals from planet Krypton. I remember these from our last visit.
Actual suit worn by the astronaut that Ursa knocked around in Superman II.
The old Super Museum signage likewise makes nice historical keepsakes.
Dean Cain’s Superman suit paired with Teri Hatcher’s Ultra Woman suit from Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.
Kal-El’s cousin Kara gets her own corner devoted to her phases and their corresponding fashion choices. Note at far left Helen Slater’s flying harness from the one and so far only Supergirl movie.
One of the first pieces to greet you as you enter: a larger-than-life guest appearance by Wonder Woman, Superman’s colleague, friend, and sometimes girlfriend. (Hey, don’t make that face at me. I didn’t write the New 52.)
To be concluded!
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