Superman: The Definitive History

by Edward Gross, Robert Greenberger

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 This ultimate official book features a wealth of unpublished artwork, exclusive interviews, unique bonus inserts, and little-known facts detailing the long and extraordinary history of the world’s first, and greatest,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.

Genres: Comics, Reference

486 pages, Hardcover

First published December 10, 2024

About the author

Edward Gross is a veteran entertainment journalist who took his childhood passion for film and television and turned it into a career. As a student at Hofstra University, while most of the staff of The New Voice was interviewing the likes of student senators and faculty members, he was speaking to people like playwright Neil Simon (awarded an honorary degree by the school), Curtis Sliwa of New York’s Guardian Angels, Dr. Daniel Schwartz, the police psychiatrist who interviewed both David Berkowitz and Mark David Chapman; and James Bond director John Glen. Early on he sold pieces to New York Nightlife, Starlog and Filmfax magazines and was on his way.
Over the years he would not only become a correspondent for Starlog, but part of the editorial staff of Fangoria, Cinefantastique, SFX, Cinescape, Sci-Fi Now, Not of This Earth, RetroVision, Life Story, Movie Magic, Film Fantasy and TV Magic. Online he was Executive Editor, US for Empire Online, Film and TV Editor at Closer Weekly, Life & Style, and In Touch Weekly, and Nostalgia Editor for DoYouRemember? Currently he is senior editor at Geek magazine, and editor and podcast host for Voices from Krypton (devoted to the superhero genre), TV RetroVision (classic television) and Vampires and Slayers (the name says it all).
In addition to the oral history books he’s written with Mark A. Altman, Gross’ other titles include Secret File: The Making of a Wiseguy and The Unofficial 25th Anniversary Odd Couple Companion; X-Files Confidential; Spider-Man Confidential; Planet of the Apes Revisited with Joe Russo and Larry Landsman; Rocky: The Ultimate Guide; and Stargate: SG1 — In Their Own Words.

Reviews

[Kieran McAndrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superman: The Definitive History

Having been a part of comic book history for almost ninety years, Superman has transcended the page and become something greater - a living and evolving work of modern mythology.

This Insight Editions publication has a nice selection of photographs, short extracts from original comic pages and a clear and concise history of the Man of Steel.

[Alvin N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much rare content and photos!

Hardcore information and surprisingly rare photos never seen. A rare look at Superman includes all the actors before David Corenswet and Milly Alcock.

[Austin Shinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accurately named

I can’t imagine a more comprehensive book without becoming unreadable due to size. If one wants to know the entire history of Superman, this is the book.

[Nick Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely gargantuan tome befitting of the greatest superhero of them all. An in-depth exploration of every aspect of the character from his creation to his merchandise, his comic history and his bigger place in our real world. I learned tons of new things from this book, but if I had to give it one criticism, I would’ve asked for additional exploration of particular comic storylines. Outside of that, it has deepened my love of this character. Superman is for everyone. Who doesn’t want truth, justice and a better tomorrow?

[Cynthia · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF
did we all read the same book?
to be fair i didnt get very far, but after the author stated that "obviously the [comics in 1930] were pretty poor and pretty poorly drawn", then making statements without arguing how he got to these conclusions, and finally insulting the original superman author as being talentless........truly not an author who's opinion i value or want to read about.
It truly baffles me how often someone can insult the source material and its creators in just the first chapter.

[Pei-jean Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for anyone who is a fan of the Man of Steel or are interested in pop culture.

This book gives a thorough look back on the history of Superman from the earliest concept through to now.