Since Superman first appeared on the cover of Action Comics #1 in 1938, the superhero has changed with the times to remain a relevant icon of American popular culture. This collection explores the evolution of the Superman character and demonstrates how his alterations mirror historical changes in American society. Beginning with the original comic book and ending with the 2011 Grounded storyline, these essays examine Superman's patriotic heroism during World War II, his increase in power in the early years of the Cold War, his death and resurrection at the end of the Cold War, and his recent dramatic reimagining. By looking at the many changes the Man of Steel has undergone to remain pertinent, this volume reveals as much about America as it does about the champion of Truth, Justice, and the American Way.

Faster than a speeding bullet, Superman burst onto the comic book scene in 1938, just as America was on the terrifying precipice of a world war. In a desperate time, legendary creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster brought to life the world’s first modern superhero. The Man of Steel emerged as a champion of the oppressed, taking down any enemy with his super-strength and speed, both foreign and near to home. In his distinctive royal blue, red and yellow costume, complete with cape, the stalwart Kryptonian emanated strength and fearlessness. He swiftly became a symbol of hope for a downtrodden America.Collecting all of the Metropolis Wonder’s first-ever adventures from ACTION COMICS #1-19, SUPERMAN #1-3 and NEW YORK WORLD’S FAIR COMICS #1!

Daniels collects rare and never-before-seen early artwork by the Man of Steel's teenage creators and chronicles the evolution of the character from an orphan alien comics hero to a complex multimedia icon. Part of the superhero triumvirate trilogy.

Presenting over 20 classic full length Superman tales from the DC Comics vault!

The Golden Age of Superman tales are collected for the first time in their entirety in this oversize omnibus series, continuing with stories from the early 1950s in Superman: The Golden Age Omnibus Vol. 7. As the 1950s began, the Man of Tomorrow was faced with new dangers big and small! In these stories that are reprinted here for the first time, Lex Luthor invents a device that banishes Superman to the fourth dimension, while Mr. Mxyztplk makes the entire city of Metropolis forget that their hero ever existed. Plus, Superman becomes a super-cowboy and meets a mighty caveman who was frozen in an iceberg. This new hardcover collects the Metropolis Wonder's tales from Action Comics #125-143, Superman #55-65, and World's Finest Comics #37-47.

The first book every comic book geek Dad will want to read to his child! And the first-ever touch-and-feel Superman book. Each of 6 spreads in this irresistibly cool package features classic Superman art and a special interactive feature. Budding Superman fans can: · tap his rippling chest of steel · experience the magic of X-ray vision · pull the tab bringing Clark Kent into the phone booth as Superman flies out · touch his silky red cape · be dazzled by his sparkly Fortress of Solitude · and pet a furry Krypto Tons of fun for children of all ages!

Action Comics is the longest-running continually published comic book in history, and it's the series that launched the superhero genre with the introduction of Superman in 1938. DC Entertainment is celebrating its 80th anniversary with Action Comics: 80 Years of Superman Deluxe Edition, which features cover art by artist and DC Publisher Jim Lee. Join DC in a celebration of Action's amazing 80-year run, with reflections on Action Comics by Laura Siegel Larson (daughter of Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel) and celebrated writers Jules Feiffer, Tom DeHaven, David Hajdu, Larry Tye, Gene Luen Yang, Marv Wolfman and Paul Levitz. Featuring the very first Superman story, the debut of Supergirl, the first stories of arch-villains the Toyman and Brainiac, a never-before-published story from the original creative studio of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, dating back seven decades, and more! Celebrate the hundreds of people who made Action Comics so impactful and culturally relevant for over eight decades with Action Comics: 80 Years of Superman Deluxe Edition.

Comic book audience expectations have fluctuated dramatically through the years, and comic book creators have had to adapt to shifting reader concerns. One of Marvel Comic's most popular franchises for five decades, the Avengers have always been reflective of their times, having adapted to an evolving readership to remain relevant. This collection of fresh essays by popular culture scholars examines Avengers story lines such as the Korvac Saga, Civil War, and Secret Invasion, and scrutinizes key characters including the Black Panther and Hank Pym. Essays explore how real-world events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, the end of the Cold War, and 9/11 influenced popular entertainment in America.

The first superhero team from the Silver Age of comics, DC's Justice League has seen many iterations since its first appearance in 1960. As the original comic book continued and spin-off titles proliferated, talented writers, artists and editors adapted the team to appeal to changing audience tastes. This collection of new essays examines more than five decades of Justice League comics and related titles. Each essay considers a storyline or era of the franchise in its historical and social contexts.

Almost immediately after his first appearance in comic books in June 1938, Superman began to be adapted to other media. The subsequent decades have brought even more adaptations of the Man of Steel, his friends, family, and enemies in film, television, comic strip, radio, novels, video games, and even a musical. The rapid adaptation of the Man of Steel occurred before the character and storyworld were fully developed on the comic book page, allowing the adaptations an unprecedented level of freedom and adaptability. The essays in this collection provide specific insight into the practice of adapting Superman from comic books to other media and cultural contexts through a variety of methods, including social, economic, and political contexts. Authors touch on subjects such as the different international receptions to the characters, the evolution of both Clark Kent's character and Superman's powers, the importance of the radio, how the adaptations interact with issues such as racism and Cold War paranoia, and the role of fan fiction in the franchise. By applying a wide range of critical approaches to adaption and Superman, this collection offers new insights into our popular entertainment and our cultural history.