From his 1938 debut on, Superman has been among popular culture’s most recognizable and enduring icons. De Haven, whose novel It’s Superman (2005) reimagined the character’s early years, analyzes the Man of Steel’s appeal and longevity in this extended essay, providing a history of the seminal superhero as not just a publishing phenomenon but also a superstar on radio and in theatrical cartoons, then TV and movies; arguably, the latter, media versions of the character did more to popularize him than his comic book. De Haven interjects pointed and insightful observations (e.g., in today’s culture of celebrity worship, the very idea of keeping a secret identity seems inauthentic). Although Superman has evolved over the decades and undergone periodic rejiggerings to maintain his relevance, De Haven notes that today’s Superman is fundamentally the same figure that two Cleveland teenagers created in the 1930s. If Superman’s cultural resonance today is less than that of Batman (let alone, say, the Simpsons), De Haven makes a convincing case that the Man of Steel still speaks to us. --Gordon Flagg
“Super-geeks rejoice! This witty collection of meditations on the Man of Steel is as cleverly encapsulated as the Bottled City of Kandor.”—Chip Kidd, author of The Cheese Monkeys
(Chip Kidd )
"Our Hero: Superman on Earth is cultural criticism of the first order that strikes home like a speeding bullet. With the stylistic skill of the novelist, the authority of the scholar, and the passion of a lover of the comic arts, Tom De Haven explores and explicates with keen insight one of the world’s favorite icons."—M. Thomas Inge, author of Comics as Culture
(M. Thomas Inge )
“A smartly written analysis of what Superman means to us as individuals and as a culture.”— Matthew J. Smith, co-author of The Power of Comics: History, Form & Culture
(Matthew J. Smith )
"A terrific piece of work. I suspect that Our Hero will itself become something of an icon over time."—Michael Rockland, author of Stones
(Michael Rockland )
“Lively . . . De Haven traces the qualities of change and endurance that have shaped the man of steel through comics, radio, movies, and television shows.”--Nina Ayoub, The Chronicle Review
(Nina Ayoub
The Chronicle Review )
“Pointed and insightful observations . . . De Haven makes a convincing case that the Man of Steel still speaks to us.”--Gordon Flagg, Booklist
(Gordon Flagg
Booklist )
“A smart, satisfying, book-length essay on the pop-culture impact of Krypton’s most famous orphan. . . . Like a long lunchtime conversation with a fellow comic-book geek . . . one who really, really knows his stuff.”--Rod Lott, Bookgasm
(Rod Lott
Bookgasm )
“De Haven’s personal, conversational and good-humored voice makes this book an entertaining and interesting read. There’s also enough detail and gossipy surmise for the inner geek appetite.”--William Kowinski, North Coast Journal
(William Kowinski
North Coast Journal )
“De Haven contends that since his creation in 1938, Superman has seen many reinventions, but he always represents a uniquely American desire: to have ‘the freedom to act in ways that are satisfying to him. It makes him feel good, dammit.’ This book will make you feel the same.”--Ken Tucker, Entertainment Weekly (with an “A” rating)
(Ken Tucker
Entertainment Weekly )
"Insightful and authoritative . . . engaging and exciting . . . a valuable addition."--M. Thomas Inge, The Key Reporter
(M. Thomas Inge
The Key Reporter )
“[The author’s] conversational, frequently humorous prose makes this book appealing to a broad audience.”
—Choice
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Choice )
