Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster by Neil AdamsĪlong the way the author slowly reaches to the conclusion that Superman is not just an American hero, but a hero the children around the world and an icon to look up to. The story continues through the years, telling of important story arcs as well as individuals who shaped the mythology, writers, artists, actors and publishers. Tye goes through the early developmental stages of Superman by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster , through the character’s success and their mismanagement of their careers, the shysters, the businessmen and the fanboys who grew up to reclaim their hero and his “parents”. The research in Superman: The High-Flying History of America’s Most Enduring Hero by Larry Tye ( website | Facebook | is excellent and the book itself is fascinating.

It’s no wonder why the franchise is almost 80 years strong and growing stronger. Superman – the granddaddy of all superheroes, the one who started it all, the icon who is held to higher standard in fiction and has set the standards for many of us in the non-fiction world. I got this book from the local library, when I took my kids there a few weeks ago my son spotted it on the “New Books” shelf, grabbed and proudly presented it to me.

I’d like to think I’m winning but really, is there such a thing as winning an argument with a five year old? My son, who at the age of three and despite a constant brain washing from his old man, decided to follow Batman (probably just for spite) have an ongoing battle with me about who is the “greatest superhero”. but at least it’s easy to buy me presents. Lately the collection had to suffer due to kids, rent, food, etc. I have a huge Superman collection which I love and my wife abhors. Heck, I knew what the movie was about before I even entered the theatre.įor those two magical hours I truly believed a man could fly.Īnd Christopher Reeve will always be “my” Superman.Įspecially then Superman has always held a magical hold over me. I read everything I could about the movie beforehand, kept every article, studied every picture and learned the bios of the stars and crew. It was a big outing, not only the city… but a movie!!!!

I still remember when my mom took me, an eight year old, to the big city to see Superman: The Motion Picture starring Christopher Reeve.

Superman by Larry Tye