Superman

The Unauthorized Biography

By: Glen Weldon

Narrated by: George Newbern

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 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.

Written by NPR book critic, blogger, and resident comic-book expert Glen Weldon, this biography 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. 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 comics - his most iconic Golden Age tales, goofiest Silver Age exploits, and the contemporary film, television, and comics stories that keep him alive today.

©2013 Glen Weldon (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Interesting

While one sided, it is very interesting to hear the history about and around Superman.

gradually lost touch

The author provides a remarkably knowledgeable and poignant history of the Man of Steel, as well as the commercial and social forces that shaped him. However, the closer to the time of publication that the narrative approached, the less thoughtful and less knowledgeable the narrative became. Ultimately, the author boiled the essence of Superman down to two pillars: he helps people and he never gives up. Sadly, he somehow completely missed the third pillar: he always tries to do the right thing, even if he sometimes misses what that is. it is why the author completely understood the reasons for the fan backlash to Superman Returns but failed to grasp the reasons for Smallville's longevity and influence.

Fun!

Weldon's reverence for Superman is tempered with a cheeky wit that I find irresistible!

Loved the insights!

So much more to Superman's history than I would have guessed. Loved this chance to learn more!

A fun and easy read.

A fast paced history of the Man of Steel. I was focused on his comic history but there is a lot covered for tv, films, and radio.

Starts out oddly

The first several hours is just someone describing the earliest Superman stories. Only later does it become clear that this is an exhaustive examination of the evolution of Superman in Comics, TV & Film.
Likely only interesting to the geekiest of us...

Lots I never knew, but...

...recent stuff missing Injustice, CW's most recent outings, Snyder etc. Good historical foundation and context however.

Superman Fans Must Listen!!

Superman will endure. He was the first, and the best. Great read will recommend this to all of the Superman fans that I know. As an avid Superman fan I learned a lot about the Man of Steel and his evolution since his creation.

Covers a lot

Wasn’t sure what to expect but the author does a good job of covering everything about Superman. From conception to current time Superman’s history is covered. There are moments when you kinda want a bit more depth to a certain period/arc/event of Superman but this book covers enough to so that you leave informed.

Very Comprehensive History of the Man of Steel

This is a great listen. Probably the most comprehensive history of the man of steel that I’ve ever consumed. Truly, the only gripe that I have against it is no fault of the book itself. It ends right before Zack Snyder‘s Man of Steel releases. So I’m left with a deep desire for a part two.