Pa and Ma Kent's names - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TMC · 09-10-2024, 03:46 AM

The other day, I saw the pilot for Adventures of Superman, which details Superman's origin story. I was confused when I heard that Clark's adoptive parents in Kansas were refered to as Eben and Sarah. Of course, I naturally always assumed that Pa and Ma Kent were always known by the names Jonathan and Martha.

What's weirder is that Pa and Ma Kent were actually officially named Jonanthan and Martha around the exact same time that the Adventures of Superman TV series first went on the air. In fairness, I'm assuming that they were using material from the 1942 Adventures of Superman novel, where Pa and Ma Kent are also refered to as Eben and Sarah.

biffbronson · 09-10-2024, 04:50 AM

Actually in DC's 1948 origin of Superman, told in Superman #53, the adoptive parents' names are given as John and Mary. So that was published at a time that was approaching the start of the TV series' production. Jonathan's name was established in a 1951 origin (Action Comics #158) - and likely Martha as well.

Why they would go back to Eben and Sarah is strange and a lapse I believe. Whit Ellsworth, who was DC's managing editor who oversaw all of their comics should have known better --- he was the man who was DC's connection to the show, and should have been aware of the Superman #53 issue -- an important 10th Anniversary comic (10 years since Supes' 1st appearance), very memorable.

Name: 15374.jpg
Views: 12
Size: 67.9 KB

09-10-2024, 03:46 AM	#1
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 124,453	Pa and Ma Kent's names The other day, I saw the pilot for Adventures of Superman, which details Superman's origin story. I was confused when I heard that Clark's adoptive parents in Kansas were refered to as Eben and Sarah. Of course, I naturally always assumed that Pa and Ma Kent were always known by the names Jonathan and Martha. What's weirder is that Pa and Ma Kent were actually officially named Jonanthan and Martha around the exact same time that the Adventures of Superman TV series first went on the air. In fairness, I'm assuming that they were using material from the 1942 Adventures of Superman novel, where Pa and Ma Kent are also refered to as Eben and Sarah.

09-10-2024, 04:50 AM	#2
biffbronson Sentimental Fool Forum Star Join Date: Aug 22, 2009 Location: Near Notre Dame Posts: 10,273	Actually in DC's 1948 origin of Superman, told in Superman #53, the adoptive parents' names are given as John and Mary. So that was published at a time that was approaching the start of the TV series' production. Jonathan's name was established in a 1951 origin (Action Comics #158) - and likely Martha as well. Why they would go back to Eben and Sarah is strange and a lapse I believe. Whit Ellsworth, who was DC's managing editor who oversaw all of their comics should have known better --- he was the man who was DC's connection to the show, and should have been aware of the Superman #53 issue -- an important 10th Anniversary comic (10 years since Supes' 1st appearance), very memorable.