1988–1991 Epic : Saturday Serials Trading Cards

In 1988 and 1991, Epic released trading card sets showcasing heroes of the early 20th century film serials. The 1988 series of Saturday Serials was sold as a complete 40-card set and four-card packs that include a Lone Ranger sticker. The card images are printed in black-and-white. Superman appears on the 1988 title card with The Phantom, Captain America, and Flash Gordon.

Each card back depicts a title card image, a list of serial chapters, or a story synopsis. The 1988 series features three publicity stills from the 1950 Columbia Pictures serial Atom Man vs. Superman. Kirk Alyn is the first actor to portray Superman and Clark Kent on film, originally starring in the 1948 serial Superman.

Noel Neill, the first live-action Lois Lane, appears with Superman on card #5. Neill was previously known for her portrayals of Betty Rogers, a high-school newspaper reporter. Her father David Neill was an editor of the Minneapolis Star Journal newspaper.

Neill later portrayed Lois Lane in seasons 2–6 of The Adventures of Superman television series from 1953–1958. Kirk Alyn and Noel Neill appeared uncredited as Sam and Ella Lane in the 1978 Superman film starring Christopher Reeve.

Epic issued a second 40-card series in 1991. Saturday Serials #2 was sold in yellow wax packs and complete sets. The numbering format is continued from the previous set. The updated series includes four full-color cards. The 1991 card backs depict a title card, a list of serial chapters, or a puzzle piece. The completed Green Hornet puzzle image appears on the back of card #79.

Kirk Alyn appears as Superman on three cards in Saturday Serials #2. The production images are from the 15-part Superman serial released by Columbia Pictures in 1948. A tie-in with the Fo-Lee Gum Corp. placed an introductory advertisement for Superman Bubble Gum at participating theaters.