tarmstrong112's review
5.0
This was really good. Basically a long publishing history of Superman, detailing his adventures in comics, radio, movies and TV. Very interesting to see how Superman has evolved over 75 years of publishing and other media history.
michaelrcalkins's review against another edition
5.0
A wonderful trip through the history of the first, and one of the greatest, superheroes to ever superhero. Extensive, witty, and an incredibly fun read.
bookitmik's review against another edition
3.0
Not my cup of tea. Superman is my least fave superhero and this did nothing to change that. Still not a fan of the comic book industry and solidly a Spider-Man fan girl.
rbromels's review against another edition
4.0
One of my favorite Pop Culture writers tackling the character of Superman over time with obsessive love and detail, astute obeservations, and a little hilarious snark.
jorl79's review against another edition
4.0
an through book of everything that has happened to superman since creation. I was happier with the beginning of this book and started to drag as he got another rewrite the 90's on was a sit down and finish this book kind of chapters. But I loved the changes and theories of Clark Kent in his early years.
carolynf's review against another edition
4.0
This biography covers the many changes in the Superman story since its conception in 1938. It covers all media - comic books, television, movies, and even music. The author provides excellent information on not just new developments for Superman but also the changes in society that prompted them.
I'm not a superhero buff, although I'd like to be. (Note to libraries: Carry more comic books!) Nevertheless I found this book easy to follow. I admit I did skip over some parts. I didn't need to know the story arcs in each and every book - an exaggeration, but that's what it felt like sometimes. But I also learned a lot: the differences in style between DC and Marvel, how many times Superman has died, how many times his origin story has been rewritten, why pocket universes and alternative Earths were written in.
I would still like someone to explain to me why Superman has become steadily more muscular. If he gets his power from our yellow sun, why does he need muscles? Clark Kent shouldn't be having to cover up to hide his super strength. It would make more sense for Superman to be strong without the muscle mass. I like the idea of him being secretly spindly, or even a bit chubby, and have fake muscles built into his costume to throw people off.
I'm not a superhero buff, although I'd like to be. (Note to libraries: Carry more comic books!) Nevertheless I found this book easy to follow. I admit I did skip over some parts. I didn't need to know the story arcs in each and every book - an exaggeration, but that's what it felt like sometimes. But I also learned a lot: the differences in style between DC and Marvel, how many times Superman has died, how many times his origin story has been rewritten, why pocket universes and alternative Earths were written in.
I would still like someone to explain to me why Superman has become steadily more muscular. If he gets his power from our yellow sun, why does he need muscles? Clark Kent shouldn't be having to cover up to hide his super strength. It would make more sense for Superman to be strong without the muscle mass. I like the idea of him being secretly spindly, or even a bit chubby, and have fake muscles built into his costume to throw people off.
jm3684's review against another edition
5.0
I loved the humor in this book and the fact that it was divided into smaller chucks. I loved the detail of the comics and other properties as well. Overall, very good book.
whitneyborup's review against another edition
5.0
Though he didn't offer many unique insights in the character, the careful detailing of Superman's many iterations across time and form were definitely worth reading. Plus, his prose is an entertaining mix between snarky and scholarly. I obviously don't have time to catch up on 76 years of Superman history, so this book was so helpful to me.