The Man of Steel ... or bronze in this case

ST. LOUIS, MO - - It all began with a trip off the interstate to look for gas at the exit to  Metropolis, IL.  As fans of superman comic books know, a fictional Metropolis was home to the 'mild mannered' Clark Kent and his employer, The Daily Planet newspaper.  (The real Metropolis' newspaper is named The Planet in honor of The Man of Steel.) 
     Metropolis 'adopted' Superman over 40 years ago. On January 21, 1972, the town received official permission from DC Comics to call itself "The hometown of Superman."  A large theme park was planned with a 200' Superman statue which cars would drive  under (through out stretched legs) to enter.  Unfortunately, the oil crisis of '72 ended that grand plan.  A few years later the town erected a 7' fiberglass statue.  Sadly, "The Man of Fiberglass" was no match for steel bullets.  The effects of target practice on Superman ended that plan.
     Plan C evolved.   Today, there is a 20' two-ton,  projectile-proof, bronze statue on the courthouse square.  There is a museum and stores sell Superman items.  Superman still lives in America's Heartland spreading his motto:  Truth - Justice - The American Way.