This is a celebration of Superman's life and history - in time for his 75th birthday. How has the Big Blue Boy Scout stayed so popular for so long? How has he changed with the times, and what essential aspects of him have remained constant? This fascinating biography examines Superman as a cultural phenomenon through 75 years of action-packed adventures, from his early years as a social activist in circus tights to his growth into the internationally renowned demigod he is today. Chronicles the ever-evolving Man of Steel and his world - not just the men and women behind the comics, movies and shows, but his continually shifting origin story, burgeoning powers, and the colorful cast of trusted friends and deadly villains that surround him. Places every iteration of the Man of Steel into the character's greater, decades-long story: from Bud Collyer to Henry Cavill, World War II propagandist to peanut butter pitchman, "Super Pup to Super Friends" , comic strip to broadway musical, Lori Lemaris to Lois & Clark - it's all here Affectionate, in-depth analyses of the hero's most beloved adventures, in and out of the comics - his most iconic "Golden Age" tales, goofiest "Silver Age" exploits, and the contemporary film, television, and comics stories that keep him alive today. It is written by NPR book critic, blogger, and resident comic book expert, Glen Weldon.

A celebration of Superman's life and history—in time for his 75th birthdayHow has the Big Blue Boy Scout stayed so popular for so long? How has he changed with the times, and what essential aspects of him have remained constant? This fascinating biography examines Superman as a cultural phenomenon through 75 years of action-packed adventures, from his early years as a social activist in circus tights to his growth into the internationally renowned demigod he is today. Chronicles the ever-evolving Man of Steel and his world—not just the men and women behind the comics, movies and shows, but his continually shifting origin story, burgeoning powers, and the colorful cast of trusted friends and deadly villains that surround him Places every iteration of the Man of Steel into the character's greater, decades-long story: From Bud Collyer to Henry Cavill, World War II propagandist to peanut butter pitchman, Super Pup to Super Friends, comic strip to Broadway musical, Lori Lemaris to Lois & Clark—it's all here Affectionate, in-depth analyses of the hero's most beloved adventures, in and out of the comics—his most iconic Golden Age tales, goofiest Silver Age exploits, and the contemporary film, television, and comics stories that keep him alive today Written by NPR book critic, blogger, and resident comic book expert, Glen Weldon

The Caped Crusade is a fascinating, critically acclaimed chronicle of the rises and falls of one of the world's most iconic superheroes and the fans who love him-now with a new afterword. For nearly a century, Batman has cycled through eras of dark melodrama and light comedy and back again. How we perceive his character, whether he's delivering dire threats in a raspy Christian Bale growl or trading blithely homoerotic double entendres with Robin the Boy Wonder, speaks to who we are and how we wish to be seen by the world. It's this endless adaptability that has made him so lasting, and ultimately human. But it's also Batman's fundamental nerdiness that uniquely resonates with his fans and makes them fiercely protective of him. As Weldon charts the evolution of Gotham's Guardian from Bob Kane and Bill Finger's hyphenated hero to Christopher Nolan's post-9/11 Dark Knight, he reveals how this symbol of justice has made us who we are today and why his legacy remains so strong. Well-researched, insightful, and engaging, The Caped Crusade, with a new afterword by the author, has something for everyone.