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A review by carolynf
Superman: The Unauthorized Biography by Glen Weldon
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.