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Last updated August 31, 2005

Translation of the graphic novel Secret Identity into prose

Translation by Kermit Rose


Writer Kurt Busiek 
Artist Stuart Immonen.
Letterer Todd Klein
Editor Joey Cavalieri
Assistant editor Harvey Richards
The character Superman is originally created by
Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

Published by D. C. comics
Copyright 2004 DC comics  all rights reserved

Dedicated to Elliot S! Maggin, Curt Swan, and Julius Schwartz.


S E C R E T   I D E N T I T Y




Chapter one:  Smallville

	I'm reading a reprint of the original 1938 Superman comic book, 
reprinted in September, 1990.  The Opening panel shows Superman leaping
into the sky while holding a car in his left hand and holding the bad
guy in his right arm.  During the leap he says "All right pal --- It's 
the cops for you!"
	The traditional "Not a bird, not a plane, Superman" is printed
near the top margin.  Close to the bottom margin is the descriptive 
text, "Strange visitor from another planet.  Changes the course of 
mighty rivers, bends steel in his bare hands.  Disguised as mild-mannered 
blah blah blah blah blah."
	I hear my name made into a question, "Clark?".  That's my uncle Jim, 
trying to get my attention.  I don't react to his probe because I'm still 
thinking about superman being a strange visitor from anther planet.  I can 
SO relate!
	Uncle Jim has the same hearty great plains sense of humour that the
rest of the family has. My parents showed they shared this sense of humour
when they named me.
	I finally hear uncle Jim's Question.  "Clark?  You're not going to 
read that whole book RIGHT NOW are you?  We'v still got the cake to do and 
. . ."
	I respond, "Hm?  Oh, uh NO."  After another few moments, I add,
"THANKS uncle Jim.  It's a great book.  THANKS."
	My dad and mom are David and Laura Kent.  They live in a small town 
in Kansas.  So when I came along - - - baby boy, dark hair, regular features,
- - -
	During my musing, the family sings the Happy Birthday to me song. As
I blow out the fifteen candles arranged in a circle around the superman S symbol 
embroidered with "Happy Birthday Clark", I continue my musing.  - - - well,
just naturally, they named me Clark.