This is a full-length novel, not a graphic novel, about Clark Kent becoming Superman. It's very well-written and researched, and is probably one of the best contemporary novels on the 1930s I've read. The voice, the racism, the pop culture references, all of it felt real and genuine. The story has heart. That said, I was surprised by the twists and turns this tale took. I expected Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Lex Luthor, but not tangents such as riding along with hobos or going to Los Angeles. But then, I'm a casual Superman fan, and all this could be canon as far as I know. Another peculiar thing is that the story is in present tense, making it read like a comic without the illustrations. My main gripe is that all the main characters don't come together until the very end, which is a shame because they have such wonderful chemistry.

Good book if you like Superman and literature based in the 1930s, but I don't think I'll be keeping it. ( )

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You may have read one of the classical myths published by Random House. They invite contemporary writers such Ali Smith or Margaret Atwood to rewrite classical myths with modern concerns and twists. Superman by Tom De Haven is a rewrite of the comic magazine myth of Clark Kent, Lois Lane and Superman. On the face of it, two different projects but dig deeper and they are not. The energy that enables Superman last 70 years and expand into TV, films etc is Myth. The baby that appears in a rocket (Miraculous Birth) who as he grow older discovers his powers (Initiation) which leads to loss of family and community(Withdrawal) as he try and find himself(Trail and Quest) and so on.

To read more go to http://tinyurl.com/4gpsqb ( )

[fr] http://moonmotel.fr/?2006/11/13/13-it... ( )

Originally, I thought a book about how Clark Kent became Superman would be interesting. Instead, I ended up with historical fiction including details about the thirties I've never been interested enough to look up. The most creative thing about the series is the insecurities Clark has about his abilities, stemming mostly from his perceived lack of intelligence. If I wasn't so surprised by the lack of action, I'd say this was probably a good historical account of the Superman myth. ( )

A fine retelling of the Superman story, set in the mid-1930's. Basically, the events follow Clark from his late teens, when he first begins to realize his burgeoning powers, to his eventual move to the Big Apple, where he becomes enmeshed with the victims of a world-domination scheme by alderman Lex Luthor of New York City. There is much to like here; DeHaven has a sure touch for dialogue, and the emotional impact of Clark's powers and abilities, which set him apart from humanity as surely as his impulse to help unites him with them. I wish DeHaven had given Clark's parents a stronger role in his upbringing and "coming out", but their influence is at least hinted at. I'm of mixed feelings about how Clark's costume came into being, especially the final product near the end. I liked DeHaven's portrayal of Lois Lane (Lana only has a passing mention), and Clark's interactions with her in the latter part of the book. I prefer the structure that Elliott Maggin gave to the Superman legend in "Last Son of Krypton", but DeHaven has written a longer and more ambitious book here, and I think he is a better pure writer than Maggin. In a perfect world, these two could have collaborated on a Superman novel. But this was a satisfying read, although I think only a Superman fan like myself would have appreciated it to its fullest. ( )

A fun, fast read with a very distinctive style--which I'd been afraid would become annoying, but it managaed to stay enjoyable throughout. De Haven creates excellent characterizations of Lex Luthor and Lois Lane especially. A good job with Clark Kent as well, although De Haven makes Clark the soul of the character while Superman is tacked on (not my personal preference, but well done here). ( )