The Dynamic DC Origin Story: The Evolution of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and the DC Universe

by Benjamin Harper

32 pages, Paperback

Expected publication January 1, 2026

Reviews

[luz · Rating 4 out of 5]

a solid introduction for anyone interested in getting into dcomics! i was pleasantly surprised by how it not only delved into the history of dcomics—but comics in general. i actually learned something new for this! how cool is that?

despite being aimed at a much younger audience, i found myself liking how the information was presented. very clear, interactive, and fun. the flow did get interrupted by the interactive bits, but i didn't get bothered by them.

overall, this was a quick, easy, and very informative read. i'd recommend this to anyone curious about dc.

thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing this e-arc in exchange for an honest review

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick but informative read. It not only goes over the history of DC comics, but also the history of comic books as a whole. It is written for kids, which you can tell by some of the things they clarify and define, but it never feels infantilizing.

I don't consider myself a DC fan, but I had a good reading this. I particularly enjoyed finding out how some of the most famous superheroes ever changed since their debuts.

I was just not a huge fan of how the Comic Creation blurbs interrupted the narrative about the heroes, but it could be considered a nitpick of mine.

Thank you to NetGalley, Author, and Publisher for the advanced copy. This review is left voluntarily and honestly.

[Michael Medlen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging and informative read for children beginning to explore the very famous superheroes of DC comics. Author Benjamin Harper focuses on the big 3: Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.

The book is engaging and easy to follow. Kids will enjoy the illustrations and find the text to be a very quick way to get introduced to superheros and comic books in general. While the stories can be basic, comics are a great way to encourage children (and adults!) to find interest in the arts and literature specifically.

Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who are excited by DC Comics and all their extensive publications have to offer...

[bookcookery]

If you have a superhero-obsessed kid in your life, they might enjoy this slim nonfiction volume that explores the history of DC Comics. It covers the origins of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, along with some lesser-known trivia, and offers a look into the workings of the comic book industry, including how creators can turn their own stories into comics. A brief overview of other DC characters, especially more diverse ones, would have been a welcome addition, but overall, it's an engaging introduction for young fans.

Thanks to Capstone Press and NetGalley for the advance reading copy.

[Peregine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brief telling of how DC's top heroes were created. It is really brief and doesn't really focus on the in character history. It was pleasant to read and informative tone. Some readers might find there not enough information. I like the pictures of the old comic, but would have liked to see the red Batmobile. I also liked the "assignments" that encourage the reader to make his own comic. Still, there could have been a example of what the various steps look like. It was good light reading, more for young kids unfamiliar with comics.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book is a good introduction to DC ant their Big 3, but as someone who got into comics just a handfull of years ago there was very few things I did not know already. Most of those were about Wonder Woman as I have not read any material on her.
In all it gives a good overview even if I don't always agree on the things that were included and excluded, but I understand that there is a lot you can include but that the purpose of this is to not be too long either.

[Jan Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is great for kids (or the kid at heart). It has information on how DC got its start, goes through the 'firsts' of the company's most famous superheroes and has a guide for creating your own hero and story. It was really cute and a good way to get a young DC comics reader interested in more.

[Nitoy Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man this is a great treat for kids who love the superhero genre specifically if your a fan of Superman, Batman and wonder Woman. It gives not just a run down of the Big Threes origin but also DC itself. Lots of great photos and a side bar on how comics are made will definitely ignite kids imagination. Overall this is a must grab for kids who loves DC superheroes.

[the-forest-library · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

An informative and fun look at the origins of DC comics and their big three superheroes: Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman.

[Alexis Berman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for my Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.

This book is not only a great introduction to DC's top 3 superheroes (Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman), but also a great explanation on how comics are made. I will absolutely be buying this for my niece and nephew.

[Ushnav Shroff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and informative!

[Jenn Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun picture book talking about the origins of some DC heroes. Even thought I am very knowledgeable about comics I still learned a few things and it will be a fun read for younger audiences and those that just want to learn more.

4 stars

[mani · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the free arc!

although this book is obviously intended for kids, as someone getting into comics it honestly gave me new information too which was much appreciated 😭 the history of dc comics and their main flagship heroes was presented in a clear and engaging way, with a fun and colourful layout that perfectly represents some of what makes these heroes so attention-grabbing as a child. the step-by-step interactive throughout the book that encourages kids to create their own comic while learning about the official process is also a fun idea! overall, a perfect introduction or way for children who want to learn more about these three to do so, while also pointing them to other places (comics, shows, movies) where they could get more of their favourite characters <3