Print Page - The Man from Krypton

Title: The Man from Krypton
Post by: TELLE on May 23, 2006, 01:59:15 AM

Not just coming but actually here!

Another book I saw in a bookstore last week, The Man from Krypton is an unlicensed/unauthorized collection of essays and articles about Superman, including takes on aspects of the TV shows and our beloved comics mythos. Many essays originally appeared in literary and popular magazines but I think their is some web stuff too. Several articles covering the absurdities and interesting/baffling aspects of the mythos which would be right at home on this forum.

Anyway, here's the blurb from Amazon:

Quote

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.

Paperback - 240 pages (May 1, 2006)
Language: English
Benbella Books (Smart Pop series) ; ISBN: 1932100776

Canadian price is $13

http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/1932100776/ (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1932100776/theamalgamatronA/)

Title: Re: The Man from Krypton
Post by: nightwing on May 23, 2006, 08:04:40 AM

Thanks for the heads-up, I've been anxious to give this book a look.

I've written a piece for a James Bond-themed book from the same publisher, due out this Fall, and I'm eager to see how these things look in finished form.

One of my favorite books in this vein was "Superman at 50: The Persistence of A Legend," which included articles on such fun topics as Superman as immigrant, as eternal virgin and as ultimate American, and a cool article on the science of super-feats. (One of the fun bits I remember in the "American" essay was that Americans are defined by their mobility, and Superman can freaking FLY...don't get much more mobile than that!).

The only odd bit was a piece by/on Denny O'Neill as a Superman writer. Of all the contributors to the mythos, Denny's a strange choice to single out. Then again, the book kept coming back to Superman's Cleveland roots, so maybe that was Denny's hometown or something. (?)

Title: Re: The Man from Krypton
Post by: Permanus on May 23, 2006, 09:39:36 AM

Any idea who the contributors are? The Amazon description didn't mention any names. I'll probably pick it up in any event.

Title: Re: The Man from Krypton
Post by: Great Rao on May 23, 2006, 11:13:46 AM

I have a copy of this book and plan to put a page together about it which will have a lot more info, but in the meantime, here's a quick run-down of the contributors:

All-in-all, the book is a blast, much better than "Superman at Fifty" was. These essays are all based on the real (ie, pre-1986) DC Superman and the various contributors all seem to know what they are talking about.

Here's the direct STTA bookshop link:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1932100776/theamalgamatronA/

:s:

Superman Through the Ages! Forum

Superman Comic Books! => Coming Attractions! => Topic started by: TELLE on May 23, 2006, 01:59:15 AM