…one giant leap for mankind

Fifty six years ago today man proclaimed his independence from Mother Earth by stepping foot on a neighboring celestial body.

Today is Space Exploration Day, commemorating the 56th anniversary of man’s first walk on the moon.

For one day the inhabitants of this planet watched in unison as the culmination of centuries of dreaming and decades of work became reality.

Today, we will celebrate with a visitor from beyond and his creation to aid him in the betterment and protection of his adopted people. Today will be remembered with technology as fanciful and far fetched as the Apollo 11 rocket was not 50 years before its historic journey.

Our host is Superman and his contribution is the Supermobile.

You read that right, the Supermobile.

Action Comics
(1978) 481

Not even the Man of Steel, capable of leaping tall buildings and outracing speeding locomotives, is immune from commercialism.

Corgi Toys took advantage of its Superman license and the popularity of the 1978 Superman movie to manufacture a line of die cast vehicles. Thinking out side the box (office), Corgi asked DC Comics to create a vehicle for Superman to use in his endeavors. Writer Cary Bates concocted the Supermobile.

Debuting in Action Comics (1938) 481, the Supermobile was launched. The rocket is constructed of an invulnerable metal called, yes,  Supermanium. Issue 481’s plot saw Superman powerless after exposure to red sun radiation. To battle Amazo, Superman crafted the Supermobile.

In addition to flight and invulnerability, the Supermobile channels Superman’s other abilities using large mechanical arms, his enhanced vision-related powers, super breath and super hearing.

No lie.

The Supermobile made limited appearances following its debut, but that didn’t stop Corgi from producing a 1/36 and 1/64 scale die cast model for store shelves.

Corgi die cast Supermobile

When DC and Kenner toys launched the multi media Super Powers campaign in 1984 the Supermobile concept was dusted off again for the toy line. The design differed a bit with a few modifications to lower production costs.

McFarlane Toys resurrected the Super Powers line in 2022, but adhered to the original design this time.

So, when looking to the skies today, remember, “…one giant leap for mankind.” And, even Superman isn’t as powerful as the almighty dollar.

Kenner’s Super Powers Supermobile