jackphoenix's review against another edition
5.0
The reader will feel a distinct and cruel irony that the creators of Superman, the most American of heroes, would fall victim to the evils of American capitalism. Nevertheless, Ricca never ceases to inject an element of affection and awe for "the boys" throughout, giving the reader plenty of sweet with the sour.
bobholt's review against another edition
3.0
An incredible amount of research went into this, and for that I am appreciative. This is a story that could stand on the merits of its own facts, but the author padded it with innuendo, supposition, and especially in the final chapter about the posthumous lawsuits by the Siegel and Shuster families, presented events out of order (sometimes by five years or more) in order to create a more engaging narrative. I would have preferred a chronological run-down of events.
whatmattersmost's review against another edition
2.0
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for allowing me the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Let me just say to start - that this was a very thorough book. VERY thorough. I am a fan of the Superman saga but you need to be a serious fan of Superman and even just of comic books in general to really appreciate this biography. Brad Ricca fished out every detail of the journey of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster and I mean every.single.possible.detail. I found myself skimming a lot of parts - much of the early correspondence was just too detailed for the casual reader.
Many parts, however, I found fascinating. Seeing the creative process behind a creation as big as the Superfranchise as well as the behind the scenes deals that could line the pockets of executives while leaving the talent behind were very interesting. Just too much detail for me.
Let me just say to start - that this was a very thorough book. VERY thorough. I am a fan of the Superman saga but you need to be a serious fan of Superman and even just of comic books in general to really appreciate this biography. Brad Ricca fished out every detail of the journey of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster and I mean every.single.possible.detail. I found myself skimming a lot of parts - much of the early correspondence was just too detailed for the casual reader.
Many parts, however, I found fascinating. Seeing the creative process behind a creation as big as the Superfranchise as well as the behind the scenes deals that could line the pockets of executives while leaving the talent behind were very interesting. Just too much detail for me.
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