‘Superman: The Fleischer Studios Superman Cartoons’ by Arlen Schumer

The 17 Superman cartoons produced between 1941-1943 by the Fleischer Studios (of Popeye, Betty Boop, and Gulliver’s Travels fame) are considered by animation historians to be the greatest realistically-animated films ever made, and the greatest iteration of the Superman comic book character in any medium. Whether you’re a longtime Superman fan or a Super-“newbie” who hasn’t, it’s time to explore these Superman “Greatest Hits” like never before.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the Fleischer Studios’ smooth-flowing and higher-quality Superman cartoons, and their incalculable influence on today’s animators, film directors, and comic book artists.

Led by award-winning comic book art illustrator and historian Arlen Schumer, this “visualecture” filled with stylized images and original art will include:

• A background of the Fleischer Studios, and why they first turned down the offer to make Superman cartoons for Hollywood studio giant Paramount Pictures (and what made them turn around and agree to do the job!)
• Why the cartoons’ version of Superman so closely resembles that of original Superman comic book artist and co-creator Joe Shuster’s version
• A behind-the-scenes look at the production art, advertising, and promotional materials
• The Superman cartoons’ relationship to the “real world,” and how they reflected, and “participated” in, the concurrent Second World War

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Arlen — any and all questions about Superman are welcomed and encouraged!

See you there, virtually! $10.

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Arlen

Arlen Schumer, MFA is one of the foremost historians of comic book art, named by Comic Book Artist magazine in 1998 as “one of the more articulate and enthusiastic advocates of comic book art in America.” His coffee table book, The Silver Age of Comic Book Art, won the Independent Publishers Book Award for best Popular Culture book.

Schumer is also one of comic book art’s most idiosyncratic practitioners, creating award-winning illustrations for the advertising and editorial markets.

“One of the country’s pre-eminent authorities on comics and culture.” —Jon Meyerson, Producer, ABC News’ 20/20

“Nobody speaks about comics with more authority, understanding and love than Arlen does. He is to comics what Pauline Kael was to movies.” —Clem Robins, letterer for DC and Marvel Comics

Testimonials

“Arlen is profoundly informative, engaging, and clear.” -Joel

“Arlen knew his stuff and was able to explain to common folks. Great comparisons of art in the presentation. Linked to current trends or popular movies of which most people would have a connection. Presented at a level that wasn’t too geeky.” -Brent

“Extremely knowledgeable presenter; amazing visuals, great pacing!” -Jesse

“Arlen was super knowledgable, and did a really good job relating the information to current day comic book movies and characters. It really was a great job by all.” -Joseph

“Really engaging speaker with polished presentation and command of the subject” -Al