The Man from Krypton: A Closer Look at Superman (Smart Pop series) (Paperback)

~ (Editor), Sarah Zettel (Collaborator), Evelyn Vaughnt (Collaborator), Larry Dixon (Collaborator), Keith R.A. DeCandido (Collaborator), Steven Harper (Collaborator) "FASTER THAN A speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive-Superman is undeniably a symbol of power..." (more)
Key Phrases: heat vision, signal watch, animated series, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, Action Comics (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Adult/High School–These 20 essays examine the Man of Steel from various perspectives, including his relationships with women and with Batman, the actors who have portrayed him, and what he stands for. The entries are articulate, thought-provoking, and often funny. Lawrence Watt-Evans points out that Superman's suit is made from his baby blanket–the ultimate security object. Adam-Troy Castro explains Six Things That Plain Don't Make Any Sense about Superman. Other contributors take a more scholarly approach, examining Superman's connections to Nietzsche or to Gilgamesh. Some give attention to his alter ego, Clark Kent. Most of the material is recent, except for Larry Niven's classic Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex. This collection is well-rounded, well-chosen, and interesting. Any fan of Superman–or anyone with an interest in popular culture–will find it fascinating.–Susan Salpini, formerly at TASIS–The American School in England
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Product Description

** COMPLETELY UNAUTHORIZED ** Leading writers discuss, debate, and celebrate the legend of Superman in this anthology, contending that his legend is a truly American myth. Superman was an immigrant with little more than the clothes on his back and raised by simple farmers, absorbing their humble values. He always chose to do the right thing, fighting for truth, justice, and the American way, and represents America at its best. The in-depth analyses of the comics, films and cartoons are at turns funny, philosophical, insightful, and personal, exploring every aspect of the Superman legend.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Benbella Books (April 10, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932100776
• ISBN-13: 978-1932100778
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #503,148 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Superman is many things to many people., July 25, 2006

By	Dr. Fred R. Eichelman "arous" (Salem,, VA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It is very clear that to each of us Superman is a different person and the same goes for his alter ego Clark Kent and the rest of the characters in the DC Universe. As a Superman reader and collector for 65 years and as one who used Superman in the classroom for 40 years, I start reading any book like this with a prejudiced viewpoint. I know Superman, I was born in his birth city or rather the city his creators lived in.

I wish I could give this book five stars, some of the selections are sensational. Others kind of go against everything I personally believe about The Man of Steel. In some cases I can't believe the authors really read the comics or saw the films and TV shows. This is just my perception. I won't cite examples one way or another as this is a matter of personal opinion.

Over all I love the book and especially enjoyed reading plotlines and quotes from various comic books that took me back to when I first read them. You are bound to forget a great deal in 65 years and in that context this was a trip down memory lane. However, you can over analyse and I am reminded of college English teachers who destroyed more than one person's interest in reading by being picky over every little line in a story.

Most of the writers were careful in their analysis, using logic and good sense while showing a love for the Superman legend. Others over killed by trying to intellectualize everything said or done by Superman, Clark Kent, Lois and others no matter how trite. My favorite current reading about Superman is Steve Skelton's, "The Gospel According To The World's Greatest Super Hero". That I have read twice since receiving it a month ago.

I am glad that after the documentation section at the end of each article there is mention of other works by the authors that the reader may want to check out. Some I will.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for Superman fans, August 4, 2007

By	Ricky Barlin "Super buyer" (Brooklyn, N.Y.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

What a great read! Most of the essays I agreed with and some I did not, but I enjoyed reading everyone of them. What a fun and intellectual way to look at, who I believe is the greatest character in the history of popular culture.