1998 USPS : Celebrate the Century Collection

The Celebrate the Century Collection is a series of postage stamps issued from 1998–2000 by the United States Postal Service (USPS). The 150-stamp series showcases important events of the 20th century in the United States. The first decade was issued on February 3, 1998, and the final decade on May 2, 2000. The subjects were selected by the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC), appointed by the postmaster general. The stamps were printed by Ashton Potter.

"Superman Arrives 1938" is featured on a 32-cent stamp, first issued in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 10, 1998. Superman was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in the Glenville neighborhood of Cleveland. Each stamp measures 1.875 inches (3.02 cm). The image was originally published on the cover of Superman #2 (Fall 1939), illustrated by Joe Shuster and Paul Cassidy.

The obverse reads, "Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman first appeared in 1938. The Man of Steel was the world's first comic book super hero. His sensational powers and dynamic deeds changed forever the content and style of the comic book."

The Superman stamp is included on the collector sheet for the 1930s: Depression, Dust Bowl, and a New Deal (Scott #3185). The 1930s series was designed by Howard Paine, with original illustrations by Paul Calle. The 15-stamp sheet depicts a dust storm in Cimarron County, Oklahoma. The photograph was taken by Arthur Rothstein in April 1936.

The four-pane Superman block includes President Franklin D. Roosevelt, an intaglio engraving of the Empire State Building, and a Sunbeam Mixmaster.

USPS and DC Comics released a Commemorative Edition reprint of Action Comics #1 on September 10, 1998. The reprint includes a First Day Cover cancel from Cleveland, Ohio. From 1998–2000, DC Comics produced the Celebrate the Century Super Heroes Stamp Album collection, a series of ten comics books featuring original stories for each decade.

Post office lobby displays included a six-foot cardboard cutout of Superman. The Superman stamp image is featured on various collectibles including magnets, keychains, and a Keepsake Ornament from Hallmark.

In July 2006, USPS released the DC Comic Super Heroes collection, featuring commemorative stamps and postcards of Superman and Supergirl.