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Books for Fans of Superman

Are you a fan of the OG superhero, Superman? Here are some books to check out, whether you’d like to learn more about the character’s history and creators, find a starting point to read Superman comics, or keep up with his latest adventures. Also, with your MHL library card, you can access Hoopla Digital, which has hundreds of Superman comics available to read digitally!

American comics : a history

by Jeremy Dauber

The sweeping story of cartoons, comic strips, and graphic novels and their century-long hold on the American imagination. Starting with the Civil War and cartoonist Thomas Nast, creator of the lasting images of Uncle Sam and Santa Claus, author Jeremy Dauber whizzes readers through comics' progress in the twentieth century and beyond: from the golden age of newspaper comic strips (Krazy Kat, Yellow Kid, Dick Tracy) to the midcentury superhero boom (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman); from the moral panic of the Eisenhower era to the underground comix movement; from the grim and gritty Dark Knights and Watchmen to the graphic novel's brilliant rise (Art Spiegelman, Alison Bechdel, Joe Sacco). Dauber's story shows not only how comics have changed, but how American politics and history have changed them. Throughout, he describes the origins of beloved comics, champions neglected masterpieces, and argues that we can understand how America sees itself through whose stories comics tell.

Not all supermen : sexism, toxic masculinity, and the complex history of superheroes

by Tim Hanley

Not All Supermen explores the complex history of the superhero genre, with its troubling undercurrent of sexism and toxic masculinity while supposedly espousing truth, justice, and valor for generations of fans.

Superman smashes the Klan : the graphic novel

by Gene Luen Yang

When her family is targeted by the KKK after moving from Chinatown to 1946 Downtown Metropolis, misfit Roberta Lee uses her keen skills of observation to help Superman thwart a string of terrorist attacks. 

Superman versus the Ku Klux Klan : the true story of how the iconic superhero battled the men of hate

by Rick Bowers

Intertwining stories about the invention of Superman as a defender of the little guy, his rise as a media force and the real fight against the Ku Klux Klan demonstrate how a mythical hero could take on the fight for civil rights. By the author of Spies of Mississippi.

Superman : the unauthorized biography

by Glen Weldon

Published to coincide with the character's 75th anniversary, a celebration of the Superman cultural phenomenon traces his early years as a symbol of social activism through his present-day status as an internationally heralded icon, providing coverage of such topics as his various origin stories, his creators and the numerous films, television series and marketing campaigns that the character has inspired.

The amazing adventures of Kavalier & Clay : a novel

by Michael Chabon

In 1939 New York City, Joe Kavalier, a refugee from Hitler's Prague, joins forces with his Brooklyn-born cousin, Sammy Clay, to create comic-book superheroes inspired by their own fantasies, fears, and dreams.

All-star Superman

by Grant Morrison

Presents a new version of the story of Superman, following his activities as a superhero and his interactions with Lois Lane, Jimmy Olson, and Lex Luthor.

New Super-Man : Vol.1 Made in China

by Gene Luen Yang

In an effort to form its own Justice League, the Chinese government creates their own Superman after witnessing an arrogant young man in an impulsive, but heroic act. By an award-winning author and National Book Award nominee.

New Super-Man and the Justice League of China

by Gene Luen Yang

Through a series of government experiments, Kong Kenan has become China's New Super-Man! And now by his side is the mighty Justice League of China! Bat-Man! Wonder-Woman! The Flash! The New Super-Man and Justice League of China changed the metahuman landscape of China forever, and Laney Lan has reported on their heroics since day one. But there's more to Shanghai's ace reporter than meets the eye, and when faced with turmoil in her own family, Laney's commitment to reporting the truth will be tested like never before.

Superman for all seasons

by Jeph Loeb

What turns a country boy into the world's greatest hero? Told through the course of four seasons in the Man of Steel's adolescent life, this collection illustrates that it is the person, not the powers, that makes Superman a hero. The catalyst for the "Smallville" television program, Superman for all Seasons is emotional and insightful, humanizing the alien from another planet so that he is not only realistic but also relatable. It also features in-depth characterizations of Lana Lang, Lex Luthor, Lois Lane and the Kents.

Superman: Son of Kal-El: Vol. 1 The truth 

by Tom Taylor

Jonathan Kent has experienced a lot in his young life. He's fought evil with Robin, traveled across galaxies with his Kryptonian grandfather, and lived in the future with the Legion of Super-Heroes, who were intent on training him for the day his fathercould no longer be Superman. There is a hole in the Legion's history that prevents Jon from knowing exactly when that will happen, but all signs point to it being very soon. It's time for the son to wear his father's cape and continue the never-ending battle as a symbol of hope for his home planet. But can Jon be Superman and still have a normal life? The son of Clark Kent and Lois Lane will learn the hard way as he heads to college and combats the dangers of the modern world.

Superman : year one

by Frank Miller

The critically acclaimed team of writer Frank Miller (The Dark Knight Returns) and artist John Romita Jr. (Kick-Ass) comes a unique and definitive take on the Superman origin story for DC Black Label. From his time on Kansas to his first encounter with Batman, this ambitious coming-of-age tale reframes the Superman mythos for the modern age in a stunning oversize format.