| Description |
viii, 344 pages ; 24 cm |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 333-340) and index. |
| Contents |
"And so begins..." -- "Truth, justice ... (1938-1941) -- ...And the American way (1942-1945) -- "Strange ... I ... I feel all the strength draining out of me ..." (1946-1949) -- Powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men (1950-1959) -- Not a dream! Not a hoax! Not an imaginary story! (1960-1969) -- Kryptonite nevermore! Briefly! (1970-1977) -- The year of Superman (1978) -- Superman Agonistes (1979-1986) -- The never-ending battle ... ends. For a while (1986-1993) -- Faster than a speeding mullet (1994-2001) -- Secret origin, re-redux (2001-2005) -- All-star (2006-2012) -- Epilogue: Man of tomorrow (2013 and beyond). |
| Summary |
This book is a celebration of Superman's life and history in time for his 75th birthday. How has the Big Blue Boy Scout stayed so popular for so long? How has he changed with the times, and what essential aspects of him have remained constant? This biography examines Superman as a cultural phenomenon through 75 years of action-packed adventures, from his early years as a social activist in circus tights to his growth into the internationally renowned demigod he is today. The book chronicles the ever-evolving Man of Steel and his world, not just the men and women behind the comics, movies and shows, but his continually shifting origin story, burgeoning powers, and the colorful cast of trusted friends and deadly villains that surround him. The author places every iteration of the Man of Steel into the character's greater, decades-long story from Bud Collyer to Henry Cavill, World War II propagandist to peanut butter pitchman, Super Pup to Super Friends, comic strip to Broadway musical, Lori Lemaris to Lois & Clark. It is all here in this affectionate, in-depth analysis of the hero's most beloved adventures, in and out of the comics, his most iconic Golden Age tales, goofiest Silver Age exploits, and the contemporary film, television, and comics stories that keep him alive today. |
| Subject |
Superman (Fictitious character)
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Comic books, strips, etc. -- United States -- History.
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Superman (Fictitious character) in mass media.
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Superman films -- History and criticism.
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| ISBN |
9781118341841 hardback |
|
1118341848 hardback |
|
