trumanchipotle 's review for:

It's Superman! by Tom De Haven

2.5

medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Less of a Superman novel and more a love letter to 1930s New York, which, to be fair, might be the author’s whole point. I read that Tom De Haven was obsessed with the 1930s when he wrote this, and that absolutely tracks – the grime and glamour of Depression-era NYC practically steals the show. The atmosphere is rich, the politics are layered, and the period detail feels lived-in. Unfortunately, the Superman part – you know, the actual origin story of the most iconic superhero ever – feels like it’s taking a backseat to all that world-building. Clark Kent is there, but he’s more observer than engine of the story, and the plot kind of meanders in a way that makes you wonder if we’re ever going to get to the cape. Still, it’s a unique take, and there’s something oddly compelling about reimagining Superman not as a mythic figure but as a scared, confused farm kid dropped into LaGuardia-era New York. Worth a read for the setting – just don’t expect the usual hero’s journey.