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Superheroes!: Capes, Cowls, and the Creation of Comic Book Culture
Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Wonder Woman, the Avengers, the X-Men, Watchmen, and more: the companion volume to the PBS documentary series of the same name that tells the story of the superhero in American popular culture.
Together again for the first time, here come the greatest comic book superheroes ever assembled between two covers: down from the heavens--Superman and the Mighty Thor--or swinging over rooftops--the Batman and Spider-Man; star-spangled, like Captain America and Wonder Woman, or clad in darkness, like the Shadow and Spawn; facing down super-villains on their own, like the Flash and the Punisher or gathered together in a team of champions, like the Avengers and the X-Men!
Based on the three-part PBS documentary series "Superheroes," this companion volume chronicles the never-ending battle of the comic book industry, its greatest creators, and its greatest creations. Covering the effect of superheroes on American culture--in print, on film and television, and in digital media--and the effect of American culture on its superheroes, "Superheroes: Capes, Cowls, and the Creation of Comic Book Culture "appeals to readers of all ages, from the casual observer of the phenomenon to the most exacting fan of the genre.
Drawing from more than 50 new interviews conducted expressly for "Superheroes!"--creators from Stan Lee to Grant Morrison, commentators from Michael Chabon to Jules Feiffer, actors from Adam West to Lynda Carter, and filmmakers such as Zach Snyder--this is an up-to-the-minute narrative history of the superhero, from the comic strip adventurers of the Great Depression, up to the blockbuster CGI movie superstars of the 21st Century. Featuring more than 500 full-color comic book panels, covers, sketches, photographs of both essential and rare artwork, "Superheroes "is the definitive story of this powerful presence in pop culture. "From the Hardcover edition."
Together again for the first time, here come the greatest comic book superheroes ever assembled between two covers: down from the heavens--Superman and the Mighty Thor--or swinging over rooftops--the Batman and Spider-Man; star-spangled, like Captain America and Wonder Woman, or clad in darkness, like the Shadow and Spawn; facing down super-villains on their own, like the Flash and the Punisher or gathered together in a team of champions, like the Avengers and the X-Men!
Based on the three-part PBS documentary series "Superheroes," this companion volume chronicles the never-ending battle of the comic book industry, its greatest creators, and its greatest creations. Covering the effect of superheroes on American culture--in print, on film and television, and in digital media--and the effect of American culture on its superheroes, "Superheroes: Capes, Cowls, and the Creation of Comic Book Culture "appeals to readers of all ages, from the casual observer of the phenomenon to the most exacting fan of the genre.
Drawing from more than 50 new interviews conducted expressly for "Superheroes!"--creators from Stan Lee to Grant Morrison, commentators from Michael Chabon to Jules Feiffer, actors from Adam West to Lynda Carter, and filmmakers such as Zach Snyder--this is an up-to-the-minute narrative history of the superhero, from the comic strip adventurers of the Great Depression, up to the blockbuster CGI movie superstars of the 21st Century. Featuring more than 500 full-color comic book panels, covers, sketches, photographs of both essential and rare artwork, "Superheroes "is the definitive story of this powerful presence in pop culture. "From the Hardcover edition."
395 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2013
26 people are currently reading
590 people want to read
About the author
Laurence Maslon
23 books9 followersLaurence Maslon is an arts professor at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, as well as associate chair of the Graduate Acting Program. He is the writer and coproducer of the American Masters documentary, Sammy Davis, Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me, broadcast on PBS in 2019, as well as the artistic director and writer of “Yes I Can: The Sammy Davis, Jr. Songbook” at the 92Y’s “Lyrics and Lyricists” series. He is also the host and producer of the radio series, Broadway to Main Street on the local NPR-affiliate station WPPB-FM. The program is winner of the 2019 ASCAP Foundation/Deems Taylor Award for Radio Broadcast. His most recent book is the companion volume to the Broadway phenomenon Come From Away, as well as an update third edition companion volume to the PBS series Broadway: The American Musical. His history of recorded music from Broadway, Broadway to Main Street: How Show Music Enchanted America, was published in 2018 by Oxford University Press. He edited the two-volume set American Musicals (1927-1969) containing sixteen classic Broadway librettos, published by the Library of America in 2014 to national acclaim, as well as the Library of America’s Kaufman & Co., an anthology of Broadway comedies by George S. Kaufman. He wrote the American Masters documentary Richard Rodgers: The Sweetest Sounds in 2001 and with producer/director Michael Kantor, he cowrote the PBS series Make ‘Em Laugh (Emmy nomination) and two episodes of the Emmy-winning Broadway: The American Musical as well as its companion volume (third edition upcoming in fall 2019). He served on the nominating committee for the Tony Awards from 2007 to 2010. He was written for the New York Times, the Washington Post, the New Yorker, Opera News, Stagebill, and American Theatre.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
January 11, 2022
An in depth look and analysis of the Marvel and DC canon of superheroes, continuities and creators.
I personally like this read even more for it's appreciation and look at one of my favourite comic works, Brian Michael Bendis' Alias, Vol. 1 etc… it also looks deeply at Watchmen, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, The Avengers etc. as well as DC and Marvels' summer 'events'. There's also a chapter on the many film adaptations, although the book is written before the latest and highly popular Cinematic Marvel Universe came to the fore. 7 out of 12.
2014 read
I personally like this read even more for it's appreciation and look at one of my favourite comic works, Brian Michael Bendis' Alias, Vol. 1 etc… it also looks deeply at Watchmen, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, The Avengers etc. as well as DC and Marvels' summer 'events'. There's also a chapter on the many film adaptations, although the book is written before the latest and highly popular Cinematic Marvel Universe came to the fore. 7 out of 12.
2014 read
January 24, 2021
"Whether they burst forth from an IMAX [theater], or leap out of video screens and computer monitors, or get rolled up and thrust into the back pocket of an eleven year-old's dungarees, superheroes have always been around, zooming through the sky, looking out for us on high. To quote another American hero, Abraham Lincoln, they are 'the better angels of our nature.'" -- from the conclusion, on page 292
With its genesis in a public-television documentary (the three-hour Superheroes: A Never-Ending Battle from 2013, which I recall being pretty good but sort of abridged, given the probable network time constraints or enforcements), the print version - with the flashier title Superheroes! Capes, Cowls, and the Creation of Comic Book Culture - is one outstanding and exhaustively detailed look at the history of superheroes in American pop culture. To be clear, it's not an overall 'history' of comic books in general - meaning the western, romance, and/or Archie of Riverdale genres are not really mentioned, though they actually once outsold superhero titles (!) - but specifically focuses on the assorted line-up of costumed and masked heroes and heroines that first arrived 'at the scene of the crime' during waning days of the Great Depression. Of course the major characters and teams from DC and Marvel get the lion's share of ink (*although the long-running and influential Justice League is noticeably absent, other than a brief mention or two), but several long-defunct and/or -forgotten publishers and a few of the more recent companies, like Image, get appropriate attention. Also, it delves into the television and movie adaptations - always a tricky thing, as there have been as many flops as there have been runaway successes - and it can be argued that this book soon cries out for an upcoming tenth-anniversary update, as many notable shows and flicks have premiered since the 2013 publication date. Lastly - and perhaps most significantly, since they tend to sometimes get lost in the shuffle - many of the folks responsible for the writing and/or illustrating are discussed as well.
With its genesis in a public-television documentary (the three-hour Superheroes: A Never-Ending Battle from 2013, which I recall being pretty good but sort of abridged, given the probable network time constraints or enforcements), the print version - with the flashier title Superheroes! Capes, Cowls, and the Creation of Comic Book Culture - is one outstanding and exhaustively detailed look at the history of superheroes in American pop culture. To be clear, it's not an overall 'history' of comic books in general - meaning the western, romance, and/or Archie of Riverdale genres are not really mentioned, though they actually once outsold superhero titles (!) - but specifically focuses on the assorted line-up of costumed and masked heroes and heroines that first arrived 'at the scene of the crime' during waning days of the Great Depression. Of course the major characters and teams from DC and Marvel get the lion's share of ink (*although the long-running and influential Justice League is noticeably absent, other than a brief mention or two), but several long-defunct and/or -forgotten publishers and a few of the more recent companies, like Image, get appropriate attention. Also, it delves into the television and movie adaptations - always a tricky thing, as there have been as many flops as there have been runaway successes - and it can be argued that this book soon cries out for an upcoming tenth-anniversary update, as many notable shows and flicks have premiered since the 2013 publication date. Lastly - and perhaps most significantly, since they tend to sometimes get lost in the shuffle - many of the folks responsible for the writing and/or illustrating are discussed as well.
October 8, 2017
Starting with the caveat that I only really read the first half, the book is an excellent history of superheroes in comic books. I picked this up to give myself some background before reading Michael Chabon's book, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, and once the history reached the 60's I figured I'd gotten what I needed. Down the road, though, I may read the second half, as the book is well done, detailing how comics adapted to changes into society, appealed to various markets, etc., and is lavishly illustrated with comic book covers, illustrations, and photos of artists at work.
August 14, 2016
This was a rather lucky purchase last month. I was rummaging through shelves in the bookstore when I found this displayed in the entrance. With its glimmering silver cover and embossed superhero pictures that spell SUPERHEROES! with a bold intent, I knew I have to buy it. Once I unwrapped it, I scanned the pages and was just stunned. I researched more about this online and found out that it was a companion book for a PBS Documentary called Superheroes!: A Never-Ending Battle. It was divided into three segments, all an hour-long tribute to the origins, industry and legacy of superheroes in American culture and consciousness.
While downloading the documentary, I started reading the book every night for the next two weeks. I was in page 35 when I started watching the first part of the documentary entitled "Truth, Justice and the American Way", and it was uncanny how Michael Kantor's episode went hand-in-hand with author Laurence Maslon's accounts. They traced the beginnings of comic books in the Depression Era and the emergence of two Jewish kids named Siegel and Shuster who came up with the Superman idea. Pulp inspiration converged with the creation of Batman, and Wonder Woman symbolized the growing need of gender equality of those times. The narrative in the book was gratifying while the screenplay itself was mesmerizing. Once I finished the first part of the documentary, I went ahead and finished the second chapter before going on with the next episode that features the same content.
"Great Power, Great Responsibility" introduced me to Stan Lee and the Marvel Universe, providing in-depth insights on Spider-Man, the X-Men and the Civil War storyline with Captain America and Iron Man (as well as the wonderful revolutionary art style of the Nick Fury issues). With Marvel humanizing their heroes and giving them actual real-world problems, DC was challenged to change their tone and approach and came up with Green Arrow-Green Lantern tandem who travel across America and expose its ills and injustices. The television shows were also discussed, from Adam West's campy Batman show and the Superman movies starrring Christopher Reeve to the Spider-Man's groundbreaking debut in the cinemas and the X-Men's anti-bigotry message. The comic book-movie industry was further explored in the last part "A Hero Can be Anyone."
In A Hero, further examinations of real-world crises such as the 9-11 tragedy became a canvas for heroes to represent new ideals and struggles. Nolan's The Dark Knight franchise as the War on Terror allegory, and Marvel's Civil War as a pseudo-political discussion between the old and new generations of Americans in conflict with each other because of global terrorism. The book and the documentary imparted a very strong message concerning superheroes and their legacies. The world will always need superheroes and superheroes will evolve depending on how culture will help them progress. Marvel married not only Peter Parker and Mary Jane before but also two gay superheroes in their new universe. DC killed Superman and brought him back again because the country needed his unblemished symbol alongside Captain America. Even other countries recognize how superheroes stand for the oppressed and how they serve as front runners for doing the right things.
SUPERHEROES!: Capes, Cowls, and the Creation of Comic Book Culture was indeed a tantalizing historical account and a must-read literature for any comic book aficionado or casual reader interested to be a part of its legendary reach.
RECOMMENDED: 9/10
* I highly suggest watching the documentary alongside it for further appreciation of the reading material.
While downloading the documentary, I started reading the book every night for the next two weeks. I was in page 35 when I started watching the first part of the documentary entitled "Truth, Justice and the American Way", and it was uncanny how Michael Kantor's episode went hand-in-hand with author Laurence Maslon's accounts. They traced the beginnings of comic books in the Depression Era and the emergence of two Jewish kids named Siegel and Shuster who came up with the Superman idea. Pulp inspiration converged with the creation of Batman, and Wonder Woman symbolized the growing need of gender equality of those times. The narrative in the book was gratifying while the screenplay itself was mesmerizing. Once I finished the first part of the documentary, I went ahead and finished the second chapter before going on with the next episode that features the same content.
"Great Power, Great Responsibility" introduced me to Stan Lee and the Marvel Universe, providing in-depth insights on Spider-Man, the X-Men and the Civil War storyline with Captain America and Iron Man (as well as the wonderful revolutionary art style of the Nick Fury issues). With Marvel humanizing their heroes and giving them actual real-world problems, DC was challenged to change their tone and approach and came up with Green Arrow-Green Lantern tandem who travel across America and expose its ills and injustices. The television shows were also discussed, from Adam West's campy Batman show and the Superman movies starrring Christopher Reeve to the Spider-Man's groundbreaking debut in the cinemas and the X-Men's anti-bigotry message. The comic book-movie industry was further explored in the last part "A Hero Can be Anyone."
In A Hero, further examinations of real-world crises such as the 9-11 tragedy became a canvas for heroes to represent new ideals and struggles. Nolan's The Dark Knight franchise as the War on Terror allegory, and Marvel's Civil War as a pseudo-political discussion between the old and new generations of Americans in conflict with each other because of global terrorism. The book and the documentary imparted a very strong message concerning superheroes and their legacies. The world will always need superheroes and superheroes will evolve depending on how culture will help them progress. Marvel married not only Peter Parker and Mary Jane before but also two gay superheroes in their new universe. DC killed Superman and brought him back again because the country needed his unblemished symbol alongside Captain America. Even other countries recognize how superheroes stand for the oppressed and how they serve as front runners for doing the right things.
SUPERHEROES!: Capes, Cowls, and the Creation of Comic Book Culture was indeed a tantalizing historical account and a must-read literature for any comic book aficionado or casual reader interested to be a part of its legendary reach.
RECOMMENDED: 9/10
* I highly suggest watching the documentary alongside it for further appreciation of the reading material.
October 27, 2021
I’ve been reading a lot of histories of Marvel and DC comics lately, but this one adds all the other superhero comic companies into the mix and that makes it worth the cover price. It wasn’t just Superman versus Spiderman or The Justice League versus The Avengers. There was The Shadow, Green Hornet, Captain Marvel (or Shazam for those of you less familiar with the character) and so very much more. This is a must read for anyone who loves the superhero genre and has even the slightest interest in how it came into existence.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
January 10, 2022
I'd give this 3.5 stars. It's a bit dry, And I seem to have enjoyed other books on this subject much more. It is well researched, with lots of details yet doesn't overwhelm.
May 4, 2015
I got this book both in hardcover and on audiobook after watching the 3-part documentary series of the same name on Netflix. As someone who didn't really know where to start when she waded into comic books a few years ago and who has slowly picked up pieces of context over time, this book was a wonderful and invaluable overview of the history of the medium. It covered everything: from the initial development and influences of the medium to the effects of societal and technological movements on the creation and regulation of characters, from the Marvel vs. DC jockeying in various media to the ongoing disputes over creators' rights and the creation of Image Comics, leading all the way up to the recent corporate acquisitions of the major market players and the emerging cinematic juggernaut status of the medium. All of this definitely gave me a more comprehensive understanding of the history of comics as well as a greater appreciation for the characters and creators that it encompasses, as well as providing a nice jumping off point to research more of what intrigued me here. All I can say now it that, since I listened to the audiobook, I definitely need to go back to the print book to see all the art I've missed!
January 4, 2016
A solid, coffee-table history book that tries to pack in as much as possible...and nearly succeeds. It can't do justice to everything, and there are other books about there (especially cover Marvel & DC) that go into much further depth, but this is as good of a one-stop-shop as you're likely to find on the subject of comic books.
August 20, 2017
In Superheroes! Capes, Cowls, and the Creation of Comic Book Culture, the author Laurence Maslon talks how the culture was formed and throughout the book, it goes through the well-known superheroes by their release dates. Then describes the story behind how the superheroes were made into the pages of their books. But what drew the kids in bookstores and later comic book stores to the characters like Superman or Spider Man? Many kids grabbed these books to escape to a place that they knew the hero would always win. Maybe some grabbed them from the interesting stories that left you hanging till the next issue. They could have also grabbed a comic for the related characters in the story and how they could do the things that the readers often wished that they could do. Comics spurred kids to stand for their beliefs and what they enjoy.
Comics provided many kids with a window into the adventures of their favorite hero. So that the kids ignore the bored and bland world in which they lived in. The adventures were very enjoyable to kids during the Great Depression because the kid could feel the excitement of Superman pounding the crap out of some aliens and saving the day. This is important because it keeps the kids happy in a time of sadness. Also later on for those kids who were going through and divorce or other family matters, they could laugh at Spider-Man’s jokes as he would beat up villains like the Green Goblin. This was a major relief for those kids because they were able to put their worries aside a enjoy Spider-Man’s jokes and adventures. Lastly, kids to could see Batman scaring a group of thugs before knocking them out. The kids felt like Batman was like the world in reverse because if their family was going through money issues the world seemed to be the looming dark figure that was always against them. But rather Batman was a friend to count on.
As the readers of comics in the early ages grew older they realized that they would prefer a hero that they could relate to. One of which was Spider-Man because though he would save the day he would still have to go home and help Aunt May pay the bills or have trouble getting the girl he liked. This lets the reader feel like they weren’t alone in their struggles cause if Spider-Man could struggle with girls and succeed every once in awhile. They could try and succeed too. Also, Superman had seemed problems with girls in that he could save the city of Metropolis as Superman but not get Lois Lane as Clark Kent. This just gave readers hope that they could go through their struggle like their heroes try to every issue. But also readers could relate to heroes like Captain America when he returned from World War 2. The reason is that Cap was an outcast in the 60’s society because of his values. The lonely and seemingly shy people could relate to him. But the reader would be easy encouraged to stand up and try to meet new people.
Within the adventure, suspense and action panels of the comic book usually lead a deeper message of being able to stand for their beliefs and encouraging the reader to bravely face their fears. A character that basically represents that is Green Lantern. Who is a character was given a power ring after facing his great fear and overcoming it. This encourages readers to be like him and not let fear stop them when in a difficult situation. Another hero is Spider-Man because in one knowable issue he had to lift multiple tons steel in order to escape a lab and save his Aunt May. This inspires readers to keep going even when you think you can because when you reach the finish it will be sweet. Lastly, Superman still faced Doomsday though he knew the odds were stacked against him. Readers were encouraged to do what’s right though you may not be the best for it still do it.
So to conclude comics inspired many kids and later adults to stand firm in their beliefs and interest. Comics provided readers with a character that seemed so fantastic that you were lost in the story. But also so real that you would cry when one of the past. Lastly, this proved that comics have made a good dent in American culture and how we stand for what we believe and like no matter what the cost.
Comics provided many kids with a window into the adventures of their favorite hero. So that the kids ignore the bored and bland world in which they lived in. The adventures were very enjoyable to kids during the Great Depression because the kid could feel the excitement of Superman pounding the crap out of some aliens and saving the day. This is important because it keeps the kids happy in a time of sadness. Also later on for those kids who were going through and divorce or other family matters, they could laugh at Spider-Man’s jokes as he would beat up villains like the Green Goblin. This was a major relief for those kids because they were able to put their worries aside a enjoy Spider-Man’s jokes and adventures. Lastly, kids to could see Batman scaring a group of thugs before knocking them out. The kids felt like Batman was like the world in reverse because if their family was going through money issues the world seemed to be the looming dark figure that was always against them. But rather Batman was a friend to count on.
As the readers of comics in the early ages grew older they realized that they would prefer a hero that they could relate to. One of which was Spider-Man because though he would save the day he would still have to go home and help Aunt May pay the bills or have trouble getting the girl he liked. This lets the reader feel like they weren’t alone in their struggles cause if Spider-Man could struggle with girls and succeed every once in awhile. They could try and succeed too. Also, Superman had seemed problems with girls in that he could save the city of Metropolis as Superman but not get Lois Lane as Clark Kent. This just gave readers hope that they could go through their struggle like their heroes try to every issue. But also readers could relate to heroes like Captain America when he returned from World War 2. The reason is that Cap was an outcast in the 60’s society because of his values. The lonely and seemingly shy people could relate to him. But the reader would be easy encouraged to stand up and try to meet new people.
Within the adventure, suspense and action panels of the comic book usually lead a deeper message of being able to stand for their beliefs and encouraging the reader to bravely face their fears. A character that basically represents that is Green Lantern. Who is a character was given a power ring after facing his great fear and overcoming it. This encourages readers to be like him and not let fear stop them when in a difficult situation. Another hero is Spider-Man because in one knowable issue he had to lift multiple tons steel in order to escape a lab and save his Aunt May. This inspires readers to keep going even when you think you can because when you reach the finish it will be sweet. Lastly, Superman still faced Doomsday though he knew the odds were stacked against him. Readers were encouraged to do what’s right though you may not be the best for it still do it.
So to conclude comics inspired many kids and later adults to stand firm in their beliefs and interest. Comics provided readers with a character that seemed so fantastic that you were lost in the story. But also so real that you would cry when one of the past. Lastly, this proved that comics have made a good dent in American culture and how we stand for what we believe and like no matter what the cost.
June 22, 2020
This is a book about the history of super-heroes in the media. The super-hero is now a mainstay of popular culture on television and the silver screen but some of us older folk recall a time when they were only available on paper. Low paid men with typewriters did the scripts and other chaps with actual pencils drew the characters on paper. Often they did not tell their friends what they did in case they might be spat on. Now top directors vie for the latest super-film. My, how things have changed!
The work is certainly comprehensive covering the history of heroes from the beginnings of comics up to 2013. It examines the origins of super-hero type persons in newspaper strips, the likes of Buck Rogers and The Phantom. There is a doff of the cap to pulp heroes like The Shadow and Doc Savage, Man Of Bronze. Naturally, there is a deal of space devoted to Superman, the first real costumed super-powered super-hero. The Golden Age of the 1940s, the slump of the 1950s, the Silver Age of the 1960s and developments since are all well covered. There are also good quotes from many of the creators and a funny joke about Lee and Kirby on page 115. A perceptive comment is made about how Marvel’s ‘paternal, avuncular, father figures’, Odin, the Ancient One and Professor X, may have contributed to the line’s success with teenagers. There’s even a section on pop art.
The developments since the 1970s are not all good in my view. It’s nice to have the films but when the big corporations took over something was lost. Comic book series were produced to tie-in with toy launches and the bottom line was all, meaning that some quality stuff didn’t get time to become popular. Lush production values put up the price and comics became available only in specialist shops, not ordinary newsagents. Sales went down. I think it was better when they looked cheap and were cheap and kids read them. It was a bad day when comics became an investment for city slickers. But times change. At least, the ‘Marvel Essential’ and ‘DC Showcase’ lines mean that the old, cheap stuff is still available cheaply for those who want to read it rather than put it in a glass case.
All the important developments get a mention here and there is a lot of space devoted to the big hitters like Spider-Man, the X-Men, Superman and Batman, including the 1966 television series. The story of the mighty struggle to get that first epic ‘Superman’ film made is interesting. Kirby’s Fourth World doesn’t get much space. Alan Moore’s ‘Watchmen’ is well-covered. This is a commercial book so it features the commercial hits but there’s plenty about minor works, too. Nobody needs to feel slighted.
I made lots of notes on the text while reading then realised that I was doing a long summary of the book. Not my job! A reviewer’s task is to tell you what kind of product you are getting and give some idea of its merits. With a non-fiction book that might not take many words. The brevity of the appreciation does not reflect on the quality of the book.
Warning! At first glance, this looks like a shallow coffee table tome. It has illustrations on every page, often more than one, and well-separated paragraphs of text with the first line in a different font. It’s also a weighty volume printed on very nice paper in full colour. Let not this deceive you into thinking it less worthy than denser texts. Here is an informative, well-researched and well-written work history of super-heroes that will furnish you loads of information on the subject. It’s also readable and entertaining. Highly recommended.
Eamonn Murphy
This review first appeared at https://www.sfcrowsnest.info/
The work is certainly comprehensive covering the history of heroes from the beginnings of comics up to 2013. It examines the origins of super-hero type persons in newspaper strips, the likes of Buck Rogers and The Phantom. There is a doff of the cap to pulp heroes like The Shadow and Doc Savage, Man Of Bronze. Naturally, there is a deal of space devoted to Superman, the first real costumed super-powered super-hero. The Golden Age of the 1940s, the slump of the 1950s, the Silver Age of the 1960s and developments since are all well covered. There are also good quotes from many of the creators and a funny joke about Lee and Kirby on page 115. A perceptive comment is made about how Marvel’s ‘paternal, avuncular, father figures’, Odin, the Ancient One and Professor X, may have contributed to the line’s success with teenagers. There’s even a section on pop art.
The developments since the 1970s are not all good in my view. It’s nice to have the films but when the big corporations took over something was lost. Comic book series were produced to tie-in with toy launches and the bottom line was all, meaning that some quality stuff didn’t get time to become popular. Lush production values put up the price and comics became available only in specialist shops, not ordinary newsagents. Sales went down. I think it was better when they looked cheap and were cheap and kids read them. It was a bad day when comics became an investment for city slickers. But times change. At least, the ‘Marvel Essential’ and ‘DC Showcase’ lines mean that the old, cheap stuff is still available cheaply for those who want to read it rather than put it in a glass case.
All the important developments get a mention here and there is a lot of space devoted to the big hitters like Spider-Man, the X-Men, Superman and Batman, including the 1966 television series. The story of the mighty struggle to get that first epic ‘Superman’ film made is interesting. Kirby’s Fourth World doesn’t get much space. Alan Moore’s ‘Watchmen’ is well-covered. This is a commercial book so it features the commercial hits but there’s plenty about minor works, too. Nobody needs to feel slighted.
I made lots of notes on the text while reading then realised that I was doing a long summary of the book. Not my job! A reviewer’s task is to tell you what kind of product you are getting and give some idea of its merits. With a non-fiction book that might not take many words. The brevity of the appreciation does not reflect on the quality of the book.
Warning! At first glance, this looks like a shallow coffee table tome. It has illustrations on every page, often more than one, and well-separated paragraphs of text with the first line in a different font. It’s also a weighty volume printed on very nice paper in full colour. Let not this deceive you into thinking it less worthy than denser texts. Here is an informative, well-researched and well-written work history of super-heroes that will furnish you loads of information on the subject. It’s also readable and entertaining. Highly recommended.
Eamonn Murphy
This review first appeared at https://www.sfcrowsnest.info/
October 8, 2019
This was one of those great books that you didn’t realise you needed to read until you had already begun.
As a kid who never collected any one specific comic series or character, I had a multitude of titles plastered across my bedroom floor. So many “to be continued –“, and so many obscure titles that I never saw again-many of the questions of my childhood about “what did happen” were left unanswered until I picked up this book. This book gave me an insight into a world that I now have a great deal more appreciation for, and in many ways wish we could return to the golden age of.
I had no idea of the historical contribution comics and their characters had made to our society and found myself loving every new chapter and the discoveries that came with it. It wasn’t just the adventures and origin stories portrayed that were fascinating, it was also the events that culminated in those characters creation and the reflections on a society that needed those characters to represent them. In many cases the political, legal, and social backdrops were more intriguing than the story lines themselves.
The documentary style of storytelling is well researched and well paced, informative but not boring. The narration jumps out at you, as colourful and dynamic as a explosion panel on a page. The book covers all angles of the impact comics books have had, From the funnies in newspapers, to the pulp magazines, to graphic novels, radio shows, TV shows and eventually the big screen.
Upon turning the last page I felt the disappointment that comes at the end of any great adventure and a longing to keep going. This book is more than just a review of the history of comics, it is a journey into the values of human beings and the inherent desire to be all that we can be in a world that has all too few heroes. I recommend this book to anyone who loves comic books, good writing, pop culture, and of course superheroes. Highly recommended and I’ll end this gush of a review with this:
“Aren’t the stars and stripes a little… old-fashioned?”
“With everything that’s happening, the things that are about to come to light, people might just need a little old-fashioned.”
-Marvel’s The Avengers (2012)
As a kid who never collected any one specific comic series or character, I had a multitude of titles plastered across my bedroom floor. So many “to be continued –“, and so many obscure titles that I never saw again-many of the questions of my childhood about “what did happen” were left unanswered until I picked up this book. This book gave me an insight into a world that I now have a great deal more appreciation for, and in many ways wish we could return to the golden age of.
I had no idea of the historical contribution comics and their characters had made to our society and found myself loving every new chapter and the discoveries that came with it. It wasn’t just the adventures and origin stories portrayed that were fascinating, it was also the events that culminated in those characters creation and the reflections on a society that needed those characters to represent them. In many cases the political, legal, and social backdrops were more intriguing than the story lines themselves.
The documentary style of storytelling is well researched and well paced, informative but not boring. The narration jumps out at you, as colourful and dynamic as a explosion panel on a page. The book covers all angles of the impact comics books have had, From the funnies in newspapers, to the pulp magazines, to graphic novels, radio shows, TV shows and eventually the big screen.
Upon turning the last page I felt the disappointment that comes at the end of any great adventure and a longing to keep going. This book is more than just a review of the history of comics, it is a journey into the values of human beings and the inherent desire to be all that we can be in a world that has all too few heroes. I recommend this book to anyone who loves comic books, good writing, pop culture, and of course superheroes. Highly recommended and I’ll end this gush of a review with this:
“Aren’t the stars and stripes a little… old-fashioned?”
“With everything that’s happening, the things that are about to come to light, people might just need a little old-fashioned.”
-Marvel’s The Avengers (2012)
October 10, 2019
I read the book “Superheroes: Capes, Cowls and the Creation of Comic Book Culture” by Laurence Malson and Michael Kantor. The book starts off reviewing the time of the comic book creation; the Great Depression. Many comics were simply aired in the pages of newspapers as pulp fiction. Many of the pulp fiction was about characters who were turned into mysterious vigilante and sought out to defeat desperate criminals. It describes how they later evolve to become high flying, spandex wearing symbols of hope. The text also goes deep into the golden age of the caped crusaders such as Captain America’s endless adventures to defeat the Nazis and the infamous Red skull or Captain Marvel’s (Now known as Shazam) quests to defeat the evil Mr. Mind. The book will also proceed to go behind the scenes for the 1978 classic “Superman: the Movie.” The text also fearlessly discusses controversial time periods and the comics that stood strongly for and against topics.
This book was incredibly informative and explained many of the comic book characters in depth and the writer’s process to create such characters. Many topics were fantastically handled and talked about though I do wish they would have jumped into some of the TV shows that were comic-inspired. Though every topic that the book did go into was perfectly described. Such as the quote on page 99; “Criticism of comic books came hot on the heels of the new medium. The first outright attack on books came in 1940, when Sterling North, a literary critic at the Chicago Daily News, penned a scathing entitled ‘A NAtional Disgrace: And A Challenge to American Parents.’” True fans dedicated to any comic would truly enjoy this book though people who search for movie facts would be bored. I gave this book 4 stars out of 5.
This book was incredibly informative and explained many of the comic book characters in depth and the writer’s process to create such characters. Many topics were fantastically handled and talked about though I do wish they would have jumped into some of the TV shows that were comic-inspired. Though every topic that the book did go into was perfectly described. Such as the quote on page 99; “Criticism of comic books came hot on the heels of the new medium. The first outright attack on books came in 1940, when Sterling North, a literary critic at the Chicago Daily News, penned a scathing entitled ‘A NAtional Disgrace: And A Challenge to American Parents.’” True fans dedicated to any comic would truly enjoy this book though people who search for movie facts would be bored. I gave this book 4 stars out of 5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2017
I could not have enjoyed this big, beautiful book anymore than I did. Spanning the last almost 100 years, the author covers the history of comic books and superheroes while providing incredible examples of comic book art from the 1920s until the present day. I learned everything I need to know about Marvel, DC, the Comic Codes (I just read The Ten Cent Plague as well) and a whole bunch more. Being somewhat new to superhero comic books, there was a lot I didn't understand about how they work, and especially about how character and universe continuity is maintained over nearly 80 years of different writers, illustrators, and fans. This was fascinating stuff!
July 10, 2019
Fun, with fascinating forays into unknown books of superhero lore. I was especially interested in comics’ treatment of LGBT issues, females, and 9/11.
Perhaps my favorite line comes from Frank Miller's comment on comics as metaphors:
"Everything [in fantasies] is a metaphor for something that's real. This is how pop culture works. We process things and then turn them into a product that is at once more palatable but deeply resonant."
That's pretty much how my brain works. I understand and explain everything through metaphors--Harry Potter vs. Voldemort, Horcruxes vs. Hallows, Batman vs. Joker, older Captain America vs. younger Captain America.
Perhaps my favorite line comes from Frank Miller's comment on comics as metaphors:
"Everything [in fantasies] is a metaphor for something that's real. This is how pop culture works. We process things and then turn them into a product that is at once more palatable but deeply resonant."
That's pretty much how my brain works. I understand and explain everything through metaphors--Harry Potter vs. Voldemort, Horcruxes vs. Hallows, Batman vs. Joker, older Captain America vs. younger Captain America.
May 11, 2020
This is a really great book about the history of comic books, and it acts as a companion piece to the three-part PBS documentary, "Superheroes: A Never-Ending Battle." I have read a lot about this subject in the past, but I was pleasantly surprised to find material here that I hadn't heard before. As an added bonus, often, when there are creator quotes in the written book, the audiobook features the real voices of those creators saying their quotes, extracted from their taped interviews.
July 21, 2017
Whether you're a mega comic book fan or a casual marvel/DC movie watcher you will LOVE this book! It takes beloved superheroes from conception to 2015. Exploring the creators, inspiration behind the crime fighters, and how they influenced/were influenced by American Culture. I was obsessed from start to finish and now feel better educated on a world I love
June 12, 2017
This is a history of comics, and their effects on america as they have grown, changed and influenced millions over the decades. Along the way we meet all the superheros who have formed the psyche of America.
October 5, 2018
Really good information on the super heroes we know and love! Loved it!
October 21, 2018
This book covers comic book history, sociology, and in pop culture. The book includes almost 300 pages of colorful illustrations.
November 29, 2019
A nice read as a companion piece to the mini-series, but it had a few errors in it.
April 22, 2020
A very well told overview of the history of superheroes. This is. It just a history of comic books, but on pop culture as well.
April 23, 2021
Nothing new
July 29, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ some interesting information in here - I felt some bits were a little long winded and other bits needed more depth, but all in all a good book 👍
Read
December 30, 20242.5 Stars. Well- written but achingly pedestrian and didactic general history of comics.
November 12, 2014
Superheroes! Capes, Cowls, and the Creation of Comic Book Culture by Laurence Maslon is well researched, well presented and nearly comprehensive, at least as much as it can with a community of followers (myself included) who grew up with and who can still appreciate the masked men and women of the multiverse. Based on the documentary of the same name by Michael Kantor (lots of fun that as well, check your PBS listings for when it will be re-aired) “Superheroes!” is a solid history of the mainstream superhero comics industry. I particularly appreciated that author Maslon is upfront at the outset that everyone who knows this topic will find one of his or her favorite characters missing (I did: Ka-Zar). It is inevitable in a topic this vast.
In spite of Maslon’s caveat at the beginning that some characters were missed there are some glaring holes in his text that have to be mentioned. Most obviously – and least understandable – is the total lack of discussion of Manga. This far reaching artistic and storytelling style continues to influence the industry (take a look at “Teen Titans GO!") and its absence from this work is unfortunate. Also lacking is a discussion of the various war/army comics such as the Blackhawks or Sgt. Rock(although Nick Fury does get a mention in his SHIELD incarnation) which were essentially superhero comics in slightly different guise. Finally, in terms of shortcomings, Maslon overlooks The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Now, of ‘course, the Turtles are exactly what they set out to spoof (“Merchandising, merchandising, where the real money from the movie is made…” as explained by Yogurt in Spaceballs) but there was a time when the TMNT’s commentary on the excesses of Marvel and DC storytelling was the most interesting thing in the superhero world.
Maslon does offers a bone of sorts to those characters that do not really fit the overall narrative with short features throughout the text devoted to Heroes and Villains We Love. In fact one of these offered a review of one of the most puzzling of characters from my own giant box of comics – Hawk and Dove! I mean really, even as a kid I knew that Dove was virtually useless as a hero, his brother Hal could and would at least punch someone, Dove just quivered in angst – not exactly the power a reader wants in his or her fantasy hero. It is interesting and perhaps telling (and not mentioned by Maslon) that Dove has seen a re-emergence as a female character with greater powers and stronger sense of moral expediency.
Superheroes! Capes, Cowls, and the Creation of Comic Book Culture might have been more comprehensive but who would really read a five thousand page work devoted to superheroes? Even a superfan would be daunted by such an undertaking but you would probably need that many pages to really do the topic justice. Lacking that sort of space and acknowledging the book's relationship to the documentary, this work is an entertaining and valuable addition to the genre.
August 17, 2015
Super Heroes is the complete guide to the history of comic book super heroes. From their origins as mythical figures, through WWII and the civil rights movement, and into the modern gritty era. The book is a companion piece to a PBS documentary series which aired a few years ago. The audiobook edition of the book includes interview quotes with some of the people interviewed. Both wide in scope and history, Maslon & Kantor give readers an expansive view of how super heroes have become entangled into popular culture.
The most fascinating parts of this book include the non-canon origins of some of the characters. Some characters were easy to understand. For example, Captain America was developed as a hero to reflect the U.S. spirit during the war. His intent was always as literal as the star spangled costume. This blatant type of hero was an exception. Maslon goes into the deeper context of some of the most well-known characters. The dichotomy of Superman and Batman; early feminist rhetoric of Wonder Woman’s author; the Fantastic Four was written as the first super-powered family. The book tracks the history from the 1930s to the present day, including discussion of Alan Moore’s Watchmen and Todd McFarlane’s Spawn.
The book ponders some of the most thoughtful essays on the topic of super heroes including the politics of secret identities, character sexuality, and gender roles. It all ends at what is called super heroes’ “third generation” which includes Alex Ross and Darwyn Cooke. Their retro-inspired artwork borrows from the golden age of comics, which have since been altered as the concepts of a reboot and a retcon were introduced.
“Superheroes!” concludes on the recent success of comic book movies, merchandise and fan conventions. Coming full circle, Maslon discusses the larger acceptance into the culture with the mention of President Obama’s interest in Spider-man and Batman, which prompted Obama’s cameo in the comics.
This is a wonderful read for it's cultural anthropology and focus on contemporary culture. If you're into super heroes, this one book will give you the historic context to enjoy the genre even more.
The most fascinating parts of this book include the non-canon origins of some of the characters. Some characters were easy to understand. For example, Captain America was developed as a hero to reflect the U.S. spirit during the war. His intent was always as literal as the star spangled costume. This blatant type of hero was an exception. Maslon goes into the deeper context of some of the most well-known characters. The dichotomy of Superman and Batman; early feminist rhetoric of Wonder Woman’s author; the Fantastic Four was written as the first super-powered family. The book tracks the history from the 1930s to the present day, including discussion of Alan Moore’s Watchmen and Todd McFarlane’s Spawn.
The book ponders some of the most thoughtful essays on the topic of super heroes including the politics of secret identities, character sexuality, and gender roles. It all ends at what is called super heroes’ “third generation” which includes Alex Ross and Darwyn Cooke. Their retro-inspired artwork borrows from the golden age of comics, which have since been altered as the concepts of a reboot and a retcon were introduced.
“Superheroes!” concludes on the recent success of comic book movies, merchandise and fan conventions. Coming full circle, Maslon discusses the larger acceptance into the culture with the mention of President Obama’s interest in Spider-man and Batman, which prompted Obama’s cameo in the comics.
This is a wonderful read for it's cultural anthropology and focus on contemporary culture. If you're into super heroes, this one book will give you the historic context to enjoy the genre even more.
January 19, 2014
An ambitious work, valuable for its illustrations alone. It covers the history of comics from the pulps of the early 20th Century through the Avengers film of 2012. Its coverage of the youth and coming of age of the industry, up through Dr. Wertham and the creation of the Comics Code Authority, is strong. Then the text starts to taper off in both energy and in quality. I was fascinated by the frank discussion of the backgrounds of the Golden Age creators, and the factors that cause the children of Italian and Jewish immigrants to gravitate to the field. I was disappointed, however, to note that the authors were sometimes writing about comics they hadn't read or fully researched. In their discussion of the industry post-1970, their objectivity fails, as they pretty much follow the sales figures in choosing what books, characters or creators to talk about. I'm a little unclear how you write an overview of an industry and call a solid-but-never-spectacular talent like Gerry Conway "a giant," and yet you never mention, even once, creators like Matt Wagner or Steve Englehart, and you give John Byrne the barest nod. Even Chris Claremont, without whom X-Men would be a book that died in the Seventies, is a little short-changed here, in favor of slavish devotion to the likes of Grant Morrison, a man who, by his own admission, hates comic books.
January 25, 2014
By no means am I a comic book junkie, however, I am hopefully like most Americans in that I appreciate the idea of a super hero. Whether in a comic book, on a television screen, movie screen, or action figure, there is no question that some form of super hero has touched most people in their childhood. Laurence Maslon's "Superheroes!: Capes, Cowls, and the Creation of COmic Book Culture" is a great once-over-the-world for anyone to do a deep dive into the comic environment.
Broken into three parts across seven chronological and thematic chapters this book is thorough enough to satisfy any quest for super hero knowledge the average reader may be looking for. It certainly scratched my itch.
The first part covers 1938 to 1954, a great period, but marked heavily by the rise of the Superman character. Next is the "Great Power, Great Responsibility" phase from 1955 to 1987. Finally, "A Hero Can Be Anyone" covers the 1988 to 2013 window. I personally enjoyed this final part as it closed the gap between the written / drawn page and the big screen.
The book is a solid, comprehensive non-fiction approach to an interesting topic. His writing style serves as a great forcing function to continue turning the page. The plethora of super hero vignettes also make for a well-balanced book.
I recommend it for any super hero fan, whether on the comic page or on the big screen.
Broken into three parts across seven chronological and thematic chapters this book is thorough enough to satisfy any quest for super hero knowledge the average reader may be looking for. It certainly scratched my itch.
The first part covers 1938 to 1954, a great period, but marked heavily by the rise of the Superman character. Next is the "Great Power, Great Responsibility" phase from 1955 to 1987. Finally, "A Hero Can Be Anyone" covers the 1988 to 2013 window. I personally enjoyed this final part as it closed the gap between the written / drawn page and the big screen.
The book is a solid, comprehensive non-fiction approach to an interesting topic. His writing style serves as a great forcing function to continue turning the page. The plethora of super hero vignettes also make for a well-balanced book.
I recommend it for any super hero fan, whether on the comic page or on the big screen.
January 11, 2016
I was extremely excited when I learned that the PBS documentary "Superheroes: A Never Ending Battle" had this companion book and even more pleased when my local library had a copy. Little did I know what was in store for me.
This beautifully illustrated book takes the reader on a journey of superheroes from their earliest days in pulp format, right through 2012/2103. Along the way we are introduced to the giants of the industry, who laid the ground work for generations to come and experience the ups and downs of a world where comic book heroes are cheered as patriots during WWII and quickly get demoted to the dregs of society in the 1950s; resurgence in the 1960s, mirroring fears of the nuclear age and racial tension; the rise of anti-heroes in the 70s and 80s; and the revitalization of the industry from the 90s to today.The men and women who championed the superhero genre are true American artists of the highest degree and I was so happy to learn more about the industry that has meant so much for me over several decades.
Fans of comic books, pop culture, and American history will enjoy the wealth of information collected and presented here. I highly recommend it to anyone who is remotely interested in this American art form and would love to add this book to my personal collection in the near future.
This beautifully illustrated book takes the reader on a journey of superheroes from their earliest days in pulp format, right through 2012/2103. Along the way we are introduced to the giants of the industry, who laid the ground work for generations to come and experience the ups and downs of a world where comic book heroes are cheered as patriots during WWII and quickly get demoted to the dregs of society in the 1950s; resurgence in the 1960s, mirroring fears of the nuclear age and racial tension; the rise of anti-heroes in the 70s and 80s; and the revitalization of the industry from the 90s to today.The men and women who championed the superhero genre are true American artists of the highest degree and I was so happy to learn more about the industry that has meant so much for me over several decades.
Fans of comic books, pop culture, and American history will enjoy the wealth of information collected and presented here. I highly recommend it to anyone who is remotely interested in this American art form and would love to add this book to my personal collection in the near future.
February 15, 2017
OK, not great
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