Superman Unchained (2013-) #8


Book Description

It's all going to hell as cosmic-level war breaks out! The full truth of who--or what--Wraith is finally comes to light!




Superman: The Definitive History


Book Description

Behold the most comprehensive book about Superman ever produced! From Krypton and Smallville to Metropolis and beyond, explore over eighty-five years of Superman’s history in radio, TV, film, animation, computer games, PSAs, advertising, merchandise and, of course, comics. This ultimate official book features a wealth of unpublished artwork, exclusive interviews, unique bonus inserts, and little-known facts detailing the long and extraordinary history of the world’s first, and greatest, costumed superhero. Since his 1938 debut in the pages of Action Comics #1, Superman was the very first superhero, and he has become an international icon and a cultural cornerstone, instantly recognizable to audiences everywhere. Following Kal-El from his escape from the dying planet Krypton through his humble beginnings in Kansas to his work as a part-time journalist and full-time superhero in Metropolis, this deluxe edition explores Superman across comics, TV, animation, film, video games, and beyond, creating a compelling portrait of one of the most recognizable characters in the history of popular fiction. Covering the complete history of Superman in vivid detail, this massive tome features exclusive commentary from the key creatives who have been instrumental in building Superman’s iconic legacy. Filled with exclusive insert items and extremely rare replicas, Superman: The Definitive History is the ultimate exploration of the template for all superheroes and his incredible and enduring impact on pop culture. COMPREHENSIVE HISTORY: Flip through over 400 pages detailing every adventure and incarnation of Superman across comics, TV, animation, movies, videogames, and beyond. ALL-STAR CONTRIBUTORS: Read essential interviews and insights from those who have shaped the Man of Steel’s journey and cultural impact, including filmmakers, actors, writers, illustrators, and many more. CAST OF THOUSANDS: Fully explores the entire Superman family including Superboy, Power Girl/Supergirl, the Legion of Super-Pets (Krypto, Streaky, Beppo, Comet, and Fuzzy the Krypto Mouse), Bizarro, and all the Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen comics. Plus, all the key villains: Lex Luthor, Brainiac, Mr. Mxyzptlk, Darkseid, Doomsday, General Zod, etc. EXCLUSIVE BONUS INSERTS: Filled with pull-out cards, posters, mini-books, and other interactive ephemera that bring the history of Metropolis’s protector to life. NEVER BEFORE SEEN IMAGES: Revel in exclusive, unseen treasures from the 85-year history of Superman taken directly from DC’s and Warner Bros.’ archives. COMPLETE YOUR COLLECTION: Batman: The Definitive History of the Dark Knight in Comics, Film, and Beyond, Batman: The Animated Series, DC Comics: Anatomy of a Metahuman, and DC Comics Variant Covers: The Complete Visual History also available from Insight Editions.




1000 Facts about Supervillains Vol. 3


Book Description

Lex Luthor became the president of the United States. Green Goblin use to lead the Avengers. The Penguin is an expert bare-knuckle boxer. Doctor Doom briefly served as God but gave it up because he "found it beneath me." Darkseid has his own nightclub. Loki claimed to be Deadpool's father. Harley Quinn has two pet hyenas. Carnage was nearly called Chaos or Ravage. Deadshot tried to killed Pope John Paul II. When Peter Parker died, Doctor Octopus became the new Spider-Man. Hugo Strange was supposed to be Batman's nemesis. Ego the Living Planet has a moon called Id who snorts planets. Wolverine has an evil son called Daken. Mister Freeze once escaped Arkham Asylum using a crayon. Thanos has been in a relationship with Hela. The Riddler's hero is Harry Houdini.




Investigating Lois Lane


Book Description

In a universe full of superheroes, Lois Lane has fought for truth and justice for over 75 years on page and screen without a cape or tights. From her creation by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938 to her forthcoming appearance in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016, from helming her own comic book for twenty-six years to appearing in animated serials, live-action TV shows, and full-length movies, Lois Lane has been a paragon of journalistic integrity and the paramour of the world's strongest superhero. But her history is one of constant tension. From her earliest days, Lois yearned to make the front page of the Daily Planet, but was held back by her damsel-in-distress role. When she finally became an ace reporter, asinine lessons and her tumultuous romance with Superman dominated her storylines for decades and relegated her journalism to the background. Through it all, Lois remained a fearless and ambitious character, and today she is a beloved icon and an inspiration to many. Though her history is often troubling, Lois's journey, as revealed in Investigating Lois Lane, showcases her ability to always escape the gendered limitations of each era and of the superhero genre as a whole.




Adapting Superman


Book Description

Almost immediately after his first appearance in comic books in June 1938, Superman began to be adapted to other media. The subsequent decades have brought even more adaptations of the Man of Steel, his friends, family, and enemies in film, television, comic strip, radio, novels, video games, and even a musical. The rapid adaptation of the Man of Steel occurred before the character and storyworld were fully developed on the comic book page, allowing the adaptations an unprecedented level of freedom and adaptability. The essays in this collection provide specific insight into the practice of adapting Superman from comic books to other media and cultural contexts through a variety of methods, including social, economic, and political contexts. Authors touch on subjects such as the different international receptions to the characters, the evolution of both Clark Kent's character and Superman's powers, the importance of the radio, how the adaptations interact with issues such as racism and Cold War paranoia, and the role of fan fiction in the franchise. By applying a wide range of critical approaches to adaption and Superman, this collection offers new insights into our popular entertainment and our cultural history.




Superman and Comic Book Brand Continuity


Book Description

Superman and Comic Book Brand Continuity traces the development of comic book continuity through the case study of Superman, examining the character’s own evolution across several media, including comics, radio, television, and film. Superman’s relationship with continuity illustrates a key feature of the way in which people in western societies construct stories about themselves. In this respect, the book is a study of narrative and how comic book continuity reflects the way that, in wider western post-enlightenment culture, storytelling shapes the common sense and received wisdoms that influence how we perceive "reality." The scope of the analysis extends from Superman’s creation in the late 1930s to the recent films Man of Steel (2013) and Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), as well as the current comic book reboot Rebirth (2016).




1000 Facts about Superheroes Vol. 1


Book Description

The writers of Captain America were originally criticized for being too harsh on Nazis. Batgirl was created to make Batman "less gay." Of the top ten greatest Marvel comics, five of them are X-Men stories. Shazam was originally more popular than Superman. Black Panther loves Game of Thrones. Wolverine was a Canadian secret agent. His first mission was to kill the Hulk. Keanu Reeves nearly played Plastic Man. The Punisher defeated the Hulk in three seconds. Aquaman's series was the first DC comic to be cancelled. Deadpool believes he is "the Canadian James Bond." Wonder Woman was nearly called Superma. Ant-Man merged with Ultron. Green Arrow has a tuning fork arrow. Hulk originally turned grey, not green. Green Lantern's original weakness was wood. Spider-Man's origin story is based on the Greek myth of Arachne. Superman was originally a bald, telekinetic villain.




Lois Lane: A Celebration of 75 Years


Book Description

For seventy-five years, Lois Lane has been one of the most iconic characters in comics. In celebration of her contributions to the DC Universe and life as a pop culture icon, DC Comics is proud to present this new hardcover anthology collecting some of Lois Lane's greatest stories from creators such as Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, John Byrne, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, John Byrne, Phil Jimenez,Frank Quitely and many more! The Lois Lane Anthology collects stories from the following issues: Action Comics #1 - The Superman, Champion of the Oppressed...Action Comics #2 - The War in San MonteAction Comics #6 - Superman: The Man Who Sold SupermanAction Comics #484 - Superman Takes A Wife Action Comics #600 - True Love Action Comics #662 - At Long Last... The Secret Revealed! Adventures of Superman #631 - Battery Part Five All Star Superman #2 - Superman's Secret Room All Star Superman #3 - Sweet Dreams Superwoman Man of Steel #2 - The Story of the Century Showcase #9 Superman #29, #33-34, #58, #168 Superman 80-Page Giant 2011 Superman: Lois Lane #1.




Superman and the Bible


Book Description

In 1938, Superman debuted, jumping off the pages of Action Comics #1. In the cultural context of the Great Depression and World War II, the U.S. would see the rise of the superhero not only in comic books but in radio programs, animated cartoons and television shows. Superman forever changed one's concept of the hero and became permanently engrained in both American and worldwide culture. This study explores the Man of Steel's narrative as a fresh perspective on readings of the Bible--his character is reflected in such figures as Moses, Samson and Jesus. The author argues that if we read the Bible it can be said we are reading about Superman.




Hot Pants and Spandex Suits


Book Description

Taking a critical look at the gender presentation of DC and Marvel superheroes like Superman, Captain America, Batwoman, Luke Cage, and Storm, Hot Pants and Spandex Suits is a thought-provoking consideration of what superhero comics teach us about identity, embodiment, and sexuality.