It’s a full moon — but they don’t all have to be Moon Glasses! By CHRIS FRANKLIN Much has been written about the famed 1976 Pepsi Super Series of collector glasses based on DC Comics characters, or as they are commonly known among fans, the “Moon Series.” This name stuck because of the circular design, or “moon” behind every character. But that was just the tip of the ice cube when it came to Pepsi and DC promotional glasses in the 1970s. In 1978, Pepsi released not only a second set of comics-based Collector Series glasses, but they also made a similar set of vessels based on Superman The Movie. As we did with the original series, let’s take a look at each of these sets and rank them, based on the criteria of artwork, presentation and which ones just visually ring from the cupboard, shall we? — At first glance, the 1978 Pepsi Collector Series looks like a direct continuation of the previous “Super Series.” But a lot has changed on closer inspection. For one there are only seven distinct character glasses rather than 14, although there are variations we’ll discuss. The number of different inks used on each glass is generally more limited than the first series as well. There are no villains present this time, and the heroes tend to stretch across the glass more. The biggest change is that the heroic action image isn’t replicated on both sides of the glass. Now on the back you have the character’s name logo, and their emblems. There is also a second set of slightly smaller glasses with a different shape, rounded at the bottom. These variations seem to be much rarer and harder to find on the secondary market today. I rarely see them in the wild or on sites like eBay. Like the previous series, the glasses were seemingly sold at various restaurant chains that carried Pepsi fountain drinks. I know for sure they were available at some Pizza Hut locations, because my cousin bought me a set of the small round Superman and Batman glasses back in 1978 when I wasn’t quite yet 4 years old. My Mom took the “Collector Series” name seriously and put them in her China cabinet for safe keeping. I never drank from them, which is probably a good thing,...
You’ll believe a kid can drink… Continuing our look at Pepsi’s DC Comics drinkware beyond the famed “Moon Series.” (It is a full moon, after all). Now, the Superman: The Movie Collector Glasses: Superman: The Movie hit theaters in December 1978, and with it came a plethora of merchandise. Superman had been a household name since the late 1930s, branded on products from pajamas to coloring books, so DC, Warner Bros. and their licensees were prepared to fully exploit their Kryptonian cash cow. Pepsi joined in on the movie-specific blitz with this set of beautifully illustrated glasses, depicting scenes from the Richard Donner film, and describing the movie’s plot in short blurbs on the back. I’m not sure who the artist was, but the style is similar to Gray Morrow, who worked in both the film and comics industries. These premiums were available for 69¢ a piece at Taco Bell, and perhaps other restaurants. Superman: The Movie is my favorite film of all time, and the quality of these glasses is very consistent, so it’s hard to pick one over another, but I’ll give it my best shot! — 6. The Caped Wonder to the Rescue. This glass gets the bottom spot simply because it’s not quite as exciting or action-packed as the others. Promotions for the film really emphasized the scene where Superman saves the train by becoming part of the missing track. It works better on film than paper… or glass. The likenesses of Christohper Reeve as Superman and Margot Kidder as Lois Lane are spot-on, though! https://13thdimension.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Caped-Wonder.mp4 — 5. Kal-El Comes to Earth. Another winner, only let down by Marlon Brando’s refusal to allow his likeness as Jor-El be used on certain merchandise. We don’t see Gene Hackman’s Lex Luthor on these glasses either. At least we get excellent representations of Susanah York as Lara and another of Reeve as the titular hero. The real highlight is the memorable scene of Baby Kal-El (Aaron Smolinski) lifting the truck as an astonished Ma and Pa Kent (Phyllis Thaxter and Glenn Ford) look dumbstruck. https://13thdimension.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kal-El-Comes.mp4 — 4. Superman Saves the Day. It pains me to put this one so low, because it features a wonderful illustration of one of cinema’s greatest fist-pumping moments: when Superman debuts, saving Lois in one hand, and grabbing her falling helicopter in the...
The birth of Batmania — and the Batusi!
Detective Comics #38 gave us a laughing young daredevil who remade the world of comics…
