Every year, during the second weekend of June, a small town in Illinois transforms into what might just be the safest place on Earth. Picture this: Superman isn’t just a comic book character here; he’s a real presence. As you stroll down the streets of Metropolis, IL, you’ll find not one, but dozens of Supermen in their iconic blue and red suits. This isn’t just any ordinary town; it's the official hometown of the Man of Steel, and it’s where the annual Superman Celebration takes place. It’s hard to imagine anything but safety when you’re surrounded by so many caped crusaders.
Kevin Caliber, a former Marine turned actor who played Superman in the CW’s Supergirl, shares his experience of the event. "Walking down the street, I felt completely safe," he says with a laugh. "I come from Los Angeles, where at any street fair, you're constantly checking yourself to make sure you haven’t been robbed. But here, surrounded by all these Supermen, it’s an incredible feeling of security. It’s almost magical."
(Photo Credit: Ed Gross)
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Just last month, the 40th edition of the Superman Celebration was held, drawing fans from all corners of the globe — Japan, Australia, the UK, and beyond — to this town of fewer than 7,000 residents. Despite its economic challenges — with buildings in disrepair, limited transportation options, and an airport that feels more like a warehouse — the town continues to attract visitors year after year. Since 1972, when Warner Bros officially declared Metropolis the home of Superman, fans have been making the pilgrimage. And unlike the massive events like San Diego Comic-Con, this gathering feels refreshingly different, more like a community festival.
Steve Younis, from Australia, who runs the popular Superman Homepage, describes the event: “The Superman Celebration is unlike any other convention or pop culture event. It feels more like a festival or fair, lasting four days outdoors. While Superman is the main reason people attend, it’s the camaraderie among attendees that makes it special. It has a real community feel that keeps people coming back year after year.”
A Journey to Metropolis
