Here's why:
* Early Statues: There's evidence of Superman sculptures dating back to the 1940s, likely created by fans or commissioned by local businesses.
* Public Monuments: One of the earliest confirmed public monuments was a bronze statue of Superman unveiled in Metropolis, Illinois (Superman's fictional hometown) in 1988.
* Other Early Examples: While not as widely known, there might be earlier sculptures of other characters, such as Batman or Wonder Woman, created by fans or for private collections.
It's important to note that the earliest comic book sculptures are likely lost to time, and there isn't a complete historical record. It's challenging to say definitively which character was the first to be immortalized in this way.
However, Superman's early public monument and overall cultural impact make him a strong contender for being one of the first comic book characters to be honored with sculpture.