Superman is a fictional superhero who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Since his debut in 1938, he has become a cultural icon of comic books, and the star of a media franchise.
History with the Macy's Parade.
He has three versions of himself featured in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Superman (1940)
The first debuted in 1940, sporting a 23-foot chest, an 8-foot smile, and a rather crude design compared to the hero we know today. From that point on, it was the widest balloon to ever be made until 1982, when Woody Woodpecker beat that record by one foot. He was also the tallest balloon to appear until 1986, when Olive Oyl and Swee'Pea beat him at 102 feet tall. This balloon only appeared once and was redesigned into Hugo the Football Player the next year in 1941.
Superman (1966)
A new Superman was made in 1966. This one is made to look closer to Superman's traditional appearance and is in the same pose. This new balloon is smaller than the first one, being "only" 65 feet tall. The balloon was retired after the 1970 Parade. The balloon was disposed of many years later.
Superman (1980)
In 1980, another new Superman balloon was made, making Superman the first balloon character to have three different balloons in the Parade. This new Superman featured outstretched arms and is flying in a similar position just like Underdog but even longer. This Balloon was always behind or in front of the big apple float, This Superman is 35 feet wide, weighs in at 550 pounds, and measures a whopping 106 feet long becoming the only post-war balloon to measure over 100 feet in length. This Superman was retired in 1987. Of note, this is the last balloon to be produced by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, before production moved to Kemp Balloons Inc., and then Raven Aerostar (1984-2019). The current whereabouts of this balloon is unknown and was likey disposed of.
Incidents
- In 1966, his right arm was damaged by a tree.
- In 1982, he had a hole in his head and foot but was repaired but his right hand was deflated during the route.
- In 1985, shortly after the balloon was lifted, a wind gust pushed him into a tree, causing his left leg to rip, which led to him being removed from the parade. Unlike Olive Oyl, he wasn't mentioned on the NBC telecast.
- In 1986, his right hand was ripped off by a Central Park tree which caused his arm to be deflated. His left leg was also damaged upon the route and also his cape.
Defects
- The third balloon's arms were frequently bent.
- In 1980, his right hand developed a leak and was deflated.
- In 1986, his chest was partially deflated. (Possibly due to the accident he had that year)
Music
Superman (1980)
- Superfeats (1980-1984)
- Can You Read My Mind? [Big Band] (1986-1987)