Superman: The Man of Tomorrow

DC Backstories

by Daniel Wallace, Patrick Spaziante (Illustrator)

How did a child from another planet named Kal-El become farm boy Clark Kent? What happened to his planet and family? What powers does he possess and what are his weaknesses? Who are his most trusted allies and fearsome foes? In this biography--complete with black-and-white illustrations, timelines, and fact boxes--young readers will delight in learning the complete history of Metropolis's fearless protector.

Genres: Childrens, Dc Comics, Superman, Fiction, Middle Grade

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 26, 2016

Reviews

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for middle grade/Jr High reluctant readers and fans of DC Comics.

[Joseph Sanchez · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you don’t read the DC Comics, you might not know a lot about Superman other than what you’ve heard or seen from movies or from old television series. This short book written for upper elementary grades or middle school gives lots of information about Superman’s origins and philosophies. I was fascinated to learn that the symbol on his chest was not an “S”, but a Kryptonian crest representing his family name, the House of El. He really can fly! I thought he could just make extremely powerful jumps. He was visited in his youth by members of the Legion of Super Heroes who were from 1000 years in the future. They said that they had been inspired by him. Overall the book is a good read full of interesting information on one of the most well-known superheroes in the comic book world.

[Al Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this to my little dude who really liked it, and I guess I liked it too. It's not really a novel, nor even a biography, but a rundown on his backstory and also has chapters on his allies/foes and so forth. It's well told and deals with the woes of being The Man of Steel, as well as the events that made him who he is today. Depending on where you get your Supes stories from originally, this may jar with what you thought you knew, but it seems to mesh a number of different sources together, and does it well.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, middle-grade guide to the Man of Steel. As big of a comic book fan as I am, I really didn't know too much about Superman...other than he was nice and started the Justice League. This quick guide covers the origin of Superman and glosses over the major history of his character. I thought there could have been more time devoted to his villains or some expansion on his history with Lex Luthor. Perfect for reluctant readers or younger fans of super heros. :)

[Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miss 3 is interested in Superman but we didn't finish this one. It's a biography rather than a story which would work better for kids who were really into Superman. Funny for me reading it, the Superman I remember had the super strength, flying, and bullet proof chest. I don't remember the laser vision, x ray vision, or ice breath. I don't remember Lex Luthor growing up in Smallville either (not sure if that was always canon or revisionist after that Smallville tv show).

[SouthWestZippy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great reference book on all the people and the dog in Superman's life before and after he knew who and what he was. The background story is fully included and great pictures throughout the whole book.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book is a good book to read because it talks about this background

[Chad Rexin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got it from the library for my kids but found he had already read it. Nice fun short read for me and covering the basic history and life story of Superman.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lost a star because there wasn’t a single mention of Superboy. Fun read though.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

With his humble beginning in the town of Smallville, Kansas, Clark Kent knew there was something different about him. With his strange feats of strength and his ability to not get hurt, he stood apart from the other children. Not until he learned that he could fly that he knew, with new confidence, that his abilities were a gift. As an adult, Clark Kent set off into the world as a reporter, bringing him up close with breaking news, and the growing needs of Metropolis- the perfect place for a super hero. Before long, the news of Superman and his amazing feats graced headlines, opening up his world to not only friends, but enemies as well; launching this book series into the many adventures of Superman.

While people may know the stories behind the lives of Superman and Batman, this book is perfectly suited to share with a younger generation. Written with the young reader in mind, this one step guide is filled with: individual backstories, glossaries, time-lines, black and white illustrations, and fast facts. From: realistic newspaper clippings, letters, illustrated photographs and snip-it’s from their lives, there are plenty of avenues to keep a young reader engaged and excited. Young readers will be able follow alongside each super hero as they grow into adulthood, gaining insights into their lives, along with the villains that fight them.

With an astute knowledge on the superheroes and their backgrounds, these books are a great resource, as well as asset for those wanting to gain knowledge and backstories on their favorite DC comic book characters. With the new DC movie coming out to theaters, this is the perfect way to get young minds engaged in books where their stories began.

you can find more of my reviews and giveaways in my syndicated newspaper column: For the Love of Books-Dixon's Independent Voice and with www.mpg8.com; as well as more of my reviews in: San Diego Book Review & San Francisco Book Review

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a nice quick read for Superman's background. Anyone who has followed the comics or is an avid Superman fan will probably notice a few things left out, but that's okay. It's not meant to be a comprehensive background.