The Superman Statue is the largest Superman statue in the world, standing 15 foot tall and weighing 6000 pounds. It was ordered on November 17, 1992, in the same month Superman "died" in the comics in Superman: The Man of Steel #17. Barron Walton of Highland, Utah served as project manager and was known for creating the large Emmy statues outside the entrance to the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences building. Artist Gary Ernest Smith sculpted the 15 foot Superman image in clay, and Metal Letters, Inc. in Nehi, Utah cast the bronze statue. The initials of the 30 employees of Metal Letters, Inc. are under the left boot. Barron Walton held an open house in the Highland, Utah facility so locals could see the statue before its 4 day trip to Metropolis. A small spot was left unpainted on the left boot as a "lucky spot" for visitors to rub for good luck. The statue's base is shield shaped and can best be seen from the air. A huge storm blew through Metropolis on the day of the unveiling, and most of the city was without power. The statue was unveiled on June 5, 1993, with a parachute used to cover it for the unveiling. The bronze statue replaced the original statue, which was only 8 feet tall, weighed 200 pounds, and cost $1000.