Word Balloons: Author hopes to save home of Superman
Word Balloons: Author hopes to save home of Superman

By Matthew Price Comments 0
Published: September 5, 2008

A popular author aims to save the birthplace of Superman. Brad Meltzer, whose new novel, "Book of Lies,” focuses in part on the death of Jerry Siegel's father, is spearheading an effort to save the house where Superman was created.

Multimedia

More Info

Online

To see a video of the house, bid on auction items, buy an item or make a donation, go online to www.ordinarypeoplechangetheworld.com.

In 1934, Siegel, 19, lived in Cleveland when he dreamed up the idea of a man from another planet with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men. Siegel, with his friend Joe Shuster, created Superman, now one of the most recognizable fictional characters ever created.

Meltzer's charity, Ordinary People Change the World, is running auctions to raise $50,000 to repair the house.

Among the items up for auction: a T-shirt signed by Siegel, a walk-on role on the TV show "Heroes,” and original art from dozens of top comic-book creators.

Tulsa-born writer Sterling Gates, now the writer of "Supergirl,” shared his thoughts on preserving part of Superman's history.

"That house is an important keystone in our modern mythology, and it should be kept and preserved as an historical site,” Gates told The Oklahoman. "I mean, if the house where Elvis was born is kept up with, then the house where Kal-El was born should be kept up with, too.”

T-shirts, messenger bags and more designed by artist Chip Kidd are being sold to benefit the Cleveland-based Siegel and Shuster Society.

The house has been occupied since 1983 by Hattie and Jefferson Gray, who have agreed to give the Siegel and Shuster Society first rights to buy the house when they decide to sell, according to the Associated Press.