REEL RETRO CINEMA: New looks at old flicks and their comics connections… — Superman II debuted 40 years ago in the US on June 19, 1981 — a superhero cinematic touchstone beloved for decades. To celebrate, we’ve invited the hosts of the ever-popular Superman Movie Minute podcast — 13th Dimension regulars Rob Kelly and Chris Franklin — to take bring you an INSIDE LOOK at one of the greatest comics films in history. Here, Rob salutes the movie from a four-decade perspective. Meanwhile, Chris ranks the TOP 13 SUPERMAN II COLLECTIBLES (click here). Dig it. — Dan — By ROB KELLY The time: Most likely Saturday, June 20, 1981. The place: the Westmont Theater in Westmont, NJ (a location supposedly frequented by a young Steven Spielberg when he briefly lived in the area). The 9-year old me was spending my afternoon watching Superman II for the first time. The Westmont was an old, classic movie palace, with ornate fixtures, red plush carpeting, and a vast balcony, seating what seemed like 10,000 people. Having completely adored Superman: The Movie, I was understandably eager to see the follow up. If memory serves, the theater was packed to the rafters, mostly with kids my age, dropped off by their parents who were probably happy for the few hours of peace and quiet the movie afforded them. I was delighted with the film from its very first frame, since, as we’ll discuss shortly, Superman II wore its comic book-y roots on its bright blue sleeves, and for a 9-year old comics fanatic, that was exactly what I wanted. But nothing prepared me for the moment when General Zod, Ursa, and Non attacked the Daily Planet building, laying waste to Perry White’s office and threatening to do the same to Lois, Jimmy and (less worryingly) Lex Luthor. Just when things seemed at their most dire, we heard that theme start to play, accompanied by a quick shot of our hero flying up to the window, and delivering this line: The theater erupted. No, beyond erupted — it exploded with a force rivaling the destruction of Krypton, recapped at the start of the movie. I don’t think I heard much, if any, of the dialogue for the next few minutes, because all the other kids and I were cheering so loudly. It was one of...