Superman – History, Films & Collectibles
The first superhero – literally. Here is what the "S" means, why the 2025 film worked, what arrives in 2027, and what is worth collecting.
Techbox, Thessaloniki
The "S" is not a letter
The symbol on his chest does not stand for "Superman".
It is the crest of the House of El – his family on the planet Krypton. And in the language of his world it means hope.
Why this matters commercially: it is precisely why the design works so well. It is not a character illustration – it is a symbol. It reads at any size, to any age, with no explanation at all. Very few logos in the world manage that.
The first of them all
In 1938, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster introduced him in Action Comics #1.
He was not one hero among many. He was the first.
The cape. The dual identity. The symbol on the chest. The secret hidden behind glasses. The flight. Everything we take for granted in a superhero began with him.
Batman arrived a year later. Everyone else followed.
The 2025 film
In July 2025, James Gunn restarted the DC universe with Superman.
- $611 million worldwide – the highest-grossing superhero film of 2025.
- David Corenswet as Superman, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane.
What is interesting is the approach. Gunn did not make a film about an all-powerful being. He made a film about an immigrant – someone who came from elsewhere, grew up in a foreign land, and is trying to do right by a world that is not sure it wants him.
What is coming
Superman: Man of Tomorrow – 9 July 2027.
Written and directed once again by James Gunn. Corenswet, Hoult and Brosnahan all return.
The new antagonist is Brainiac – a genius from another world who collects knowledge by shrinking and bottling entire cities. Alongside him, Lex Luthor, this time in the armoured battle suit he has worn in the comics for decades.
Supergirl and Hawkgirl also appear in the film.
The Batman Part II follows in October 2027.
Why the figures look different
If you browse Superman collectibles, you will see three different versions of the suit. It is not a mistake:
The classic look, from 1938 to 2010. This is what most people recognise.
The version from the 2010s films – darker, more sombre.
Gunn brought back the red and the bright colours. This is the current one.
Practically: if you are buying a gift, ask which film they saw – or choose the classic, which always works.
What to choose
- Figures: from play figures to collector statues.
- Funko POP: Superman in many versions, alongside Lex Luthor and Lois Lane.
- Apparel: t-shirts with the symbol – for children and adults.
- Comics: official English editions.
- Gifts: mugs, keyrings, posters, metal signs.
See the other collections too: Batman and the whole DC universe.
Frequently asked questions
- What does the "S" on his chest mean?
- It is not a letter. It is the crest of the House of El, his Kryptonian family, and in the language of his world it means hope.
- How successful was the 2025 film?
- It took $611 million worldwide and was the highest-grossing superhero film of the year. James Gunn directed, with David Corenswet in the lead.
- When is the next film out?
- Superman: Man of Tomorrow arrives on 9 July 2027, with Gunn directing again. The new antagonist is Brainiac, alongside Lex Luthor.
- Why do the figures have different suits?
- There are three versions: the classic with the red outer shorts, the darker one from the 2010s films, and the new 2025 suit that restored the bright colours.
- What age is he for?
- Superman is among the most age-appropriate superheroes – no dark or violent content. Play figures suit children from around 4.
- Where can I find Superman collectibles in Thessaloniki?
- At the Techbox store (Al. Papanastasiou 100) and online at techbox.com.gr. You can order online and collect from the store with no shipping cost.
