When Superman debuted in 1938, a one-page origin was included.  For the first issue of his own magazine, the origin was increased to two pages.  The early comic strips had Jor-El and Lara (then called Jor-L and Lora) making their first appearance.  But not until the Man of Steel had been running for ten years did he get a complete story devoted to his origin (coming soon to this website).

The story was retold and updated from time to time.  In 1973, plans were made for a Superman Park in Metropolis, Illinois.  A book was produced for the park which included a new origin for Superman - the same origin which you have just read.  In this version, two deviations were made from the traditional legend: Superbaby's rocket did not explode after he was taken away from it, since the rocket was to be on display in the park; and the Kents were buried in their own back yard, rather than in a cemetery, as that was where the park planners had the grave situated.

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Originally published in The Amazing World of Superman, 1974

THE ORIGINS OF SUPERMAN
1938 one page	1939 two pages	1939 12 pages	1945 5 pages	1948 coming soon	1949 3 pages
1961 13 pages	1973 15 pages	2001 6 pages	2003 287 pages	2005 one page

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