Chapter 26: Creating a Hero
The plot of the early *Superman* comics wasn't complex.
Furthermore, since *The Messenger Newspaper* was publishing it as a serialized four-panel comic, Colin chose the most direct and straightforward approach to capture the readers' interest right from the very first issue.
He didn't provide a detailed explanation of Superman's origin, instead quickly glossing over his background and directly showcasing his powers.
Of course, during this creative process, Colin also patched up some of the original *Superman* settings, bringing the comic's background closer to the version everyone would become familiar with in later years.
For example, in the original version of the *Superman* story, after landing on Earth, Superman was discovered by a passing motorist and sent to an orphanage. This meant that when the comic first began its serialization, Superman was an orphan who grew up in an orphanage. The first place he demonstrated his powers was also in the orphanage, lifting a sofa as an infant.
Colin corrected this part of the plot, deleting the orphanage storyline and instead choosing the more familiar adoptive farm parents as the background setting.
After revising the plot, he used a few panels to introduce Clark's identity as Superman.
"Whew~"
Inside the Messenger Newspaper office, Colin rotated his sore wrist and set down his paintbrush, letting out a long sigh as he looked at the four-panel comic on the manuscript paper.
In this era, the artistic standards for comics, especially those serialized in newspapers, were not as demanding as in later years due to deadlines. Therefore, although Colin's drawing skills were average, they were barely sufficient for a serialized comic.
For an excellent comic, while drawing technique is certainly important, the most crucial element is telling a good story.
With a good story as a foundation, even with poor artwork, a comic could still attract a following. The reverse, however, was not necessarily true. After all, hollow content, no matter how beautifully illustrated, remained just that—hollow.
...
After completing the first issue of the *Superman* comic, Colin handed it over to Old John.
Little John, who was helping nearby, became the first person of this era to witness the birth of a Superhero.
"So, this is a Superhero!"
After finishing Colin's original manuscript, Little John reluctantly passed the manuscript paper to Old John, who was by the typesetting machine. He then turned to Colin and asked eagerly, "So, how exactly did Superman get all these powers? Do people like Superman really exist in the Real World?"
"Who knows? Maybe they do, maybe they don't."
Colin didn't answer Little John's question directly, replying with a meaningful smile.
Perhaps in the world of The Great Depression, there were no so-called Superheroes.
But for Colin, Superheroes were a very real part of his life.
Just not in this particular world.
...
For the next few days, Colin focused on the 'creation' of *Superman*.
He quickly finished the content for the next two issues. Unsurprisingly, the stories in these two installments were also highly praised by Little John, who even assured him.
The *Superman* comic Colin created was the most exciting comic he had ever read.
After all, although some comics of this period already featured heroic figures, their abilities were nowhere near as powerful as the Superman Colin had created. These superpowers, which had previously only existed in science fiction stories and far surpassed human capabilities, were a kind of strength everyone yearned for but could never achieve.
Finishing the comic's creation didn't mean Colin's work was over.
On the contrary, what he needed to do was just beginning.
Inside the Messenger Newspaper office, Jimmy adjusted the large newsboy cap on his head and cautiously greeted Colin.
"Hello, Mr. Colin..."
"Hello, Jimmy."
Colin smiled and greeted the newsboy before him. Looking at the boy's small, freckled face, his expression held not a trace of condescension.
In this era, everyone was struggling to survive, and the newsboys were no exception.
Sensing the kindness in Colin's smile, Jimmy's tense expression gradually relaxed. But soon, as if remembering something, he composed himself.
He tugged at his clothes, trying his best to look more mature, and said to Colin with a stern little face, "So, sir, you had someone contact me to negotiate, right?"
"Negotiate?"
The newsboy's words made Colin's expression flicker with surprise.
Jimmy, however, nodded calmly. "That's right, negotiate. In fact, all the newsboys understand one thing: generosity has a time limit. *The Messenger Newspaper* can't keep giving us the papers at a five-cent discount per bundle forever. As the nursery rhyme has spread, the effect of the newsboys singing has diminished. So, your intention to retract the discount isn't too surprising..."
If there was anyone in this era with the keenest sense of the newspaper business's direction, it was undoubtedly the newsboys.
And as the leader of the newsboys in this area, Jimmy naturally had a responsibility to protect their income. "The newsboys understand *The Messenger Newspaper*'s position. We only hope the Newspaper Agency won't increase the price of the newspaper, but just sell them to us at the original, non-discounted price. That would be enough, sir."
"We just want a chance to make a living..."
As he said this, a hint of pleading entered Jimmy's tone.
Under the impact of The Great Depression, the lives of the newsboys were not easy. It was an era where even adults struggled immensely, let alone children like them. Especially with the popularization of newsstands, more and more people were getting used to choosing their publications at a newsstand rather than buying the limited selection of papers from a newsboy.
This made the newsboys' struggle for survival even harder. They had to walk farther and farther to sell their newspapers in neighborhoods where newsstands had not yet become common.
Colin met Jimmy's gaze, which was a mixture of determination and hope, and his smile faded. "Don't be nervous, Jimmy. I didn't ask you here to negotiate the discount for *The Messenger Newspaper*. In fact, I never had any intention of raising the price of the newspaper."
The work of the newsboys was crucial, both for *The Messenger Newspaper* and for Colin himself.
He certainly wouldn't sour their relationship over a mere five cents. After all, the last newspaper agency that tried something similar had already tasted the bitter consequences, proving just how indispensable the newsboys were. Without their hard work, in an age without home delivery or electronic media, newspapers would lose their distribution channels.
Perhaps it was precisely because they realized this that the newspaper industry began to actively develop newsstands to replace the role of the newsboys.
However, at least for now, the newsboys remained a necessity, especially for a small local paper like *The Messenger Newspaper*, which wasn't very competitive at the newsstands.
Not to mention, for Colin, the existence of the newsboys held another, more important meaning. He needed their hard work to acquire more [Faith] to complete the formation of the [Black Iron Mark].
(end of chapter)