- Shopping Bag ( 0 items )
Other sellers (Hardcover)
-
All (29) from $2.06
-
New (14) from $3.31
-
Used (15) from $2.06
More About This Textbook
Overview
Since his first appearance in Action Comics Number One, published in late spring of 1938, Superman has represented the essence of American heroism. “Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound,” the Man of Steel has thrilled audiences across the globe, yet as life-long “Superman Guy” Tom De Haven argues in this highly entertaining book, his story is uniquely American.
Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in the midst of the Great Depression, Superman is both a transcendent figure and, when posing as his alter-ego, reporter Clark Kent, a humble working-class citizen. An orphan and an immigrant, he shares a personal history with the many Americans who came to this country in search of a better life, and his amazing feats represent the wildest realization of the American dream. As De Haven reveals through behind-the-scenes vignettes, personal anecdotes, and lively interpretations of more than 70 years of comic books, radio programs, TV shows, and Hollywood films, Superman’s legacy seems, like the Man of Steel himself, to be utterly invincible.
Editorial Reviews
Bookgasm
“A smart, satisfying, book-length essay on the pop-culture impact of Krypton’s most famous orphan. . . . Like a long lunchtime conversation with a fellow comic-book geek . . . one who really, really knows his stuff.”--Rod Lott, Bookgasm
— Rod Lott
Booklist
“Pointed and insightful observations . . . De Haven makes a convincing case that the Man of Steel still speaks to us.”--Gordon Flagg, Booklist
— Gordon Flagg
Choice
“[The author’s] conversational, frequently humorous prose makes this book appealing to a broad audience.”
—Choice
Entertainment Weekly
“De Haven contends that since his creation in 1938, Superman has seen many reinventions, but he always represents a uniquely American desire: to have ‘the freedom to act in ways that are satisfying to him. It makes him feel good, dammit.’ This book will make you feel the same.”--Ken Tucker, Entertainment Weekly (with an “A” rating)
— Ken Tucker
North Coast Journal
“De Haven’s personal, conversational and good-humored voice makes this book an entertaining and interesting read. There’s also enough detail and gossipy surmise for the inner geek appetite.”--William Kowinski, North Coast Journal
— William Kowinski
The Chronicle Review
“Lively . . . De Haven traces the qualities of change and endurance that have shaped the man of steel through comics, radio, movies, and television shows.”--Nina Ayoub, The Chronicle Review
— Nina Ayoub
The Key Reporter
"Insightful and authoritative . . . engaging and exciting . . . a valuable addition."--M. Thomas Inge, The Key Reporter
— M. Thomas Inge
Product Details
Related Subjects
Meet the Author
Tom De Haven, author of the novel It's Superman!, is professor in the department of English at Virginia Commonwealth University. He lives in Midlothian, VA.