Superman, Glen Weldon
Superman, Glen Weldon
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Superman
The Unauthorized Biography

Author: Glen Weldon

Narrator: George Newbern

Unabridged: 12 hr 40 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 07/09/2020


Synopsis

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 fascinating biography examines Superman as a cultural phenomenon through seventy-five 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.Written by NPR book critic, blogger, and resident comic-book expert Glen Weldon, this biography chronicles the ever-evolving Man of Steel and his worldnot 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. Superman 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's all here.Affectionate and in-depth, this biography contains analyses of the hero's most beloved adventures, in and out of the comicshis most iconic Golden Age tales, goofiest Silver Age exploits, and the contemporary film, television, and comics stories that keep him alive today.

About Glen Weldon

Glen Weldon has been a theater critic, a science writer, an oral historian, a writing teacher, a bookstore clerk, a movie usher, a PR flack, an inept marine biologist, and a slightly-better-than-ept competitive swimmer. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The New Republic, Slate, The Atlantic, The Village Voice, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and many other places. He is a panelist on NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour and reviews books and comic books for NPR.org. The author of Superman: The Unauthorized Biography and The Caped Crusade: Batman and the Rise of Nerd Culture, he lives in Washington, DC.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Matt on October 26, 2019

this is the only thing that wasn't in the 'madman gargantua' and it's probably not gonna be reprinted in the new trades that image is putting out (cause of superman being from DC). whatever. what do you need to know about this? it's mike allred (with wife, laura's amazing-as-always colors) taking mad......more

Goodreads review by John on September 01, 2019

One of the strengths of mainstream superhero comics is their reliability and consistency. The notion there will be further adventures that end with "To Be Continued". However, this results in most comics being ephemera. This is why this offeat comic is such a treat. Allred isn't much of a house styl......more

Goodreads review by Shaun on July 06, 2023

Better than I expected.......more

Goodreads review by Connor on September 19, 2020

3.5 Stars......more

Goodreads review by Brian on November 03, 2024

A fun story, great writing and art that captures both worlds and characters extremely well. Highly enjoyed......more