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Superman: The Complete History by Les…
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Superman: The Complete History

by Les Daniels

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Excellent book on the history and evolution of Superman. Many great photos of the comic and stories, creators and much more! ( )
  illustrationfan | Feb 13, 2009 |
This title explores the history of the Superman phenomenon, with sections for "creation," "explosion," "transformation," "reincarnation," "and resurrection." The text is informative, concise, and not at all dry. The book is really made by the fantastic illustrations, reprints, and photographs, many of which are half- or full page. Several full reprints of vintage Superman comics are included centrally. It is also interesting to see the different ways Superman has been drawn, and the different actors who have played him over the years. Younger readers will really enjoy the illustrations, but the YA to adult audience will get the most out of the text content. For it's visual appeal alone, I would recommend this book for a a YA library collection. ( )
  kimbrady | Nov 22, 2008 |
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Amazon.com Amazon.com Review (ISBN 0811842312, Paperback)

While comic books trace their origins to the late 19th century, Superman, who debuted in 1938's Action Comics #1, is virtually synonymous with the medium. Yet, as Superman, the Complete History shows, the Man of Steel has also made a lasting impact in comic strips, film, toys, TV, radio, and even on Broadway. In this beautifully composed volume, Les Daniels collects rare and never-before-seen early artwork by Superman's teenage creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster (including a two-page doodle from 1936 featuring early Superman costume designs), and he chronicles the evolution of the character from an orphan alien comics hero to a complex multimedia icon. Entire pages are devoted to photographs of the various costumes worn by TV and film incarnations, of numerous action figures and related toys, and of movie poster and stills. Several comics stories are also reproduced in their entirety.

Almost as impressive as the stunning art design is Daniels's narrative: covering the 60 years from 1938 to 1998, he collects interviews with several writer-artist teams that detail the changes in the Man of Steel and his relationships with Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Lex Luthor, and Perry White. Daniels's examination of the "Death of Superman" story arc, in particular, is a fascinating study of Superman's commercial and archetypal appeal. The final pages preview Superman tales by Barry Windsor-Smith and Alex Ross (whose beautiful painted graphic novel Kingdom Come turned many heads), and the hardback cover holds a special surprise underneath its paper wrap. --Patrick O'Kelley

(retrieved from Amazon Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:32:43 -0500)

(see all 2 descriptions)

Presents rare and never-before-seen early artwork by Superman's teenage creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster (including a two-page doodle from 1936 featuring early Superman costume designs), and he chronicles the evolution of the character from an orphan alien comics hero to a complex multimedia icon.… (more)

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