June 1938 and Action Comics publishes the first ever
Superman cartoon strip. June 1988 and Superman stands on trail accused of
crimes against humanity. Prosecuting is his arch nemesis Lex Luthor. Defending
the super hero is one Lois Lane. Witnesses from the comic world and the real
world are called into court including the late Adam West.
This was the premise of the Radio 4 drama documentary Superman on Trial that aired thirty
years ago to mark the golden anniversary of the man of steel. Written and
directed by Dirk Maggs it was first broadcast in a 45 minute slot but was
eventually extended and remixed for a 2010 CD release.
Superman garnered a Radio
Times cover, though there was a BBC1 documentary that week too, together
with some specially commissioned artwork, shown below.
Superman on Trial
hasn't been repeated since its 1988 broadcasts. First heard on long wave only on
5 June my recording is of the Tuesday 7 June FM evening transmission. It was
given another repeat on Christmas Day 1988. The success of the programme
spurred the BBC to commission Dirk Maggs to write a full-blown adventure series
in 1990 (5 episodes) and in 1991 (10 episodes).
Over to station WGBS from Galaxy Communications in
Metropolis.
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