American manga: I drew Superman in the Great Depression

The plots of early "Superman" comics were not complicated.

In addition, "The Courier" is serialized in the form of four-frame comics. In order to attract readers' interest from the first issue, Colin chose the simplest and crudest comic method.

It does not introduce Superman's origin in detail, but quickly skips his upbringing and background in a rough way and directly shows his abilities.

Of course, during this creative process, Colin also modified some of the original "Superman" settings to make the background of the comics closer to what later generations would be familiar with.

For example, in the original version of the "Superman" story, after Superman landed on Earth, he was discovered by a passing car driver and sent to an orphanage. In other words, when the comics were first serialized, Superman was a

An orphan who grew up in an orphanage, and where he first showed his abilities was also in the orphanage, lifting a sofa in the form of a baby.

Colin revised this part of the plot, deleting the orphanage plot and choosing the more familiar farm parents as the background setting.

The plot was revised, and Clark's Superman identity was introduced through a few comic strips.

"Hoo~"

Inside the Courier newspaper office, Colin turned his sore wrist, put down the brush in his hand, and let out a long sigh of relief as he looked at the four-frame comic on the manuscript paper.

The comics of this period, especially the comics serialized in newspapers, were not as strict in terms of painting style as later generations due to the deadline. Therefore, although Colin's drawing skills were average, it was barely enough to be serialized as a comic.

enough.

For an excellent comic, drawing skills are important, but the most important thing is to tell the story well.

With a good story as a foreshadowing, even if it is paired with poor illustrations, it can still attract readers' attention, but the opposite is not necessarily true. After all, no matter how gorgeous the style is, the empty content piled up is still empty.

…

After completing the first issue of the "Superman" comic, Colin handed him over to Old John.

Little John, who was helping on the side, became the first person in this era to witness the birth of a superhero.

"It turns out, this is a superhero!"

After reading Colin's manuscript, Little John handed the manuscript paper to Old John in front of the typesetting machine with some unfinished thoughts, and he couldn't wait to ask Colin: "So, how did Superman's ability come about? In the real world

Is there really such a thing as Superman?"

"Who knows, maybe there is, maybe not."

Instead of answering Little John's question directly, Colin answered with a meaningful expression and a smile.

Perhaps, in the world of the Great Depression, there are no so-called superheroes.

However, for Colin, superheroes are a real presence in his life.

It's just that it's not the world in front of us.

…

In the next few days, Colin concentrated on the "creation" of "Superman".

The content of the last two issues of the comic was quickly completed. Not surprisingly, the plot of these two episodes was also sought after by Little John, and the other party even swore to guarantee it.

"Superman" created by Colin is the most exciting comic he has ever seen so far.

After all, although some heroes appeared in some comics of this period, their abilities were far less powerful than the Superman created by Colin. This kind of superman only existed in science fiction stories and was far beyond human beings.

Superpower is a power that everyone longs for but cannot achieve.

Completing the creation of the comic does not mean that Colin's work is over.

On the contrary, what he has to do has just begun.

In the Courier newspaper office, Jimmy held the big newsboy hat on his head and cautiously said hello to Colin.

"Hello, Mr. Colin..."

"Hello, Jimmy."

Smiling and saying hello to the newsboy in front of him, Colin looked at his freckled little face, but there was no trace of contempt on his face.

In this era, everyone is working hard to live, even the newsboy is no exception.

Sensing the kindness in Colin's smile, Jimmy's originally nervous expression gradually relaxed, but soon he seemed to have thought of something and calmed down the expression on his face.

Reaching out and pulling the clothes on his body to make himself look more mature as much as possible, Jimmy said to Colin in front of him with a stern face: "Well, sir, the reason why you asked someone to contact me is to negotiate.

wrong?"

"negotiation?"

The content in the fairy tale made Colin's expression slightly surprised.

Jimmy nodded calmly and said: "That's right, negotiation. In fact, all newsboys understand one truth, that is, generosity has a time limit. The Courier cannot always pay 5 cents per bundle.

The discount gave us the newspaper. During this time, with the spread of nursery rhymes, the effect of the newsboy singing has become less and less. It is not too surprising that you plan to take back the discount..."

If so, in this era, who is most keenly aware of the direction of newspapers.

Those are undoubtedly the newsboys.

As the leader of the newsboys in this area, Jimmy naturally has the responsibility to ensure the income of the newsboys: "The newsboys understand the Courier's approach. We just hope that the newspaper will not increase the price of the newspaper and just maintain the original price without discount.

Just give it to us, sir."

"We just want a chance to make a living..."

Speaking of this, Jimmy's tone contained a little pleading.

Under the impact of the Great Depression, the life of newsboys was not easy. Even adults in this era were having a very difficult time, let alone children like them. Especially with the popularity of newsstands, more and more people began to

Get used to choosing publications at newsstands instead of buying limited newspapers from newsboys.

This makes the living environment of the newsboys even more difficult. They have to travel longer distances to sell newspapers in neighborhoods where newsstands are not yet common.

After looking at Jimmy's firm and expectant eyes, Colin suppressed the smile on his face and said: "Don't be nervous, Jimmy, the purpose of coming to you is not for the discount on The Courier."

During the negotiation, in fact, from the beginning to the end, I had no intention of raising the selling price of the newspaper again."

The work of the newsboy is crucial to both the Courier and Colin himself.

Naturally, it was impossible for him to fall out with them over a mere 5 cent price. After all, the previous newspaper company that did this had already tasted the bitter pill, proving that newsboys were indispensable. Without their hard work, there would be no delivery in this country.

In the era of door-to-door goods and electronic media, newspapers have lost their outlet.

Perhaps it is precisely because they are aware of this that the newspaper industry will actively develop newsstands to replace the role of newsboys.

However, at least for now, the existence of newsboys is still necessary, especially for local tabloids such as The Courier, which are not very competitive on the newsstand.

Not to mention, for Colin.

The existence of the newsboys also has another more important meaning, that is, he needs to obtain more [Faith] through the hard work of the newsboys to complete the condensation of the [Black Iron Seal].