🧵 / 85 years ago today, on 18 April 1938, #Superman made his first appearance ever, in the very first issue of #ActionComics.
An early rendition of #ClarkKent and #Superman, drawn by #JoeShuster. This #artwork was in a package of material he and co-creator #JerrySiegel sent to the newspaper syndicates of the time, when trying to get their newspaper comic strip picked up.
In 1946, #Superman took on the real-world #KKK. Writer #StetsonKennedy used the #Superman#OTRshows to expose the nasty secrets of the real-world #Klan. In the “Clan of the Fiery Cross” storyline, Kennedy exposed their corruption & #bigotry, which led to a huge decrease in membership.
The Klan knew they had a spy in their midst, but didn't know it was him. After he was identified, he received death threats for the rest of his life.