audiobook Superman: The War Years 1938-1945 by Roy Thomas in History

Review

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful. I loved this volumeBy TheraphosaI loved this volume. I'm annoyed when people try to pretend to be authorities on various subjects; and then down rate items; based on factors that have absolutely nothing to do with the item they're supposed to be rating. That's all too often the case with comics;video collections and other specialty media.This is a great book of Superman comics. If you are a fan of Superman; or are buying for a fan; you can't go wrong. Unless you are a hard corps nerd; and have been collecting since the 40's; you probably don't have all of these stories. Andd if you do; they're rarely as nice or accessible as this. Hardcover books (especially in the world of comics) are always welcome additions to someone's library and his edition is a heavy; well made; book will be no exception. The pages are thick; glossy and colorful. The printing is legible; but it still has that classic comic book look about it.Whether you are buying this as a gift; or for yourself; you won't regret this purchase. I bought it for a nephew who's just getting into classic comics. I read through it and almost decided to keep it myself. He was extremely grateful; both for the content and the quality of it. It's much better than I thought it would be; and I expected a very good book.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. A Well-done Volume on Superman and WWIIBy Elvin OrtizI thought this was a fascinating tome on Superman and WWII. Roy Thomas collects more than 20 stories and covers from Action Comics and Superman that have to do with WWII; including the very first Superman story. Thomas also appropriately divides this collection in five parts which are congruent with America's relation to the war; and includes his own editorial comments and historical facts as a background for the stories to follow. In this respect; Thomas's work is almost scholarly; and it is quite informative. Through Thomas's five divisions; readers get to see Superman's evolution from a pacifist/isolationist to a direct participant in a war effort according to America's own evolution during this period. And if you are not so aware of WWII history; the information here is helpful in giving you a glimpse at America's shifting position throughout the war. The stories included here are the ones where WWII; whether directly or indirectly; are the center or background for the plots. Thomas also includes a couple of features: one from Look magazine and another one from newspapers. However; there was one small question-mark raised at the end of this tome. Was there supposed to be one story after the fifth division titled "The Battle of the Atoms"? I was left wondering.Readers also get to see early characterizations of Clark Kent; Lois Lane; a more destructive Superman; and a first glimpse at a red-headed Luthor. This volume was nicely done and carefully prepared.4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Where It All BeganBy V.J. Miller Sr.This year superman will be 78 years old. His origin has been retold and re-embellished numerous times to bring it in line with the times and to bring new readers up to speed. Superman’s abilities and weaknesses have been altered so much over the years about the only thing he shares with his true origin is his name.Where did it all begin and what was he really like in the beginning? Roy Thomas has dug through the archives and selected over 20 stories and cover art for Superman during the war years; from 1938 – 1945.While rumblings of War brewed in Europe Superman was making his debut in Action Comics #1.Superman was nothing more than an extra strong guy who was semi-invulnerable and could leap tall buildings in a single bound. By War’s end he could actually fly and had x-ray vision and telescopic vision and was more resistant to harm.For decades the Man of Steel was called a Big Boy scout; obviously due to his Midwestern upbringing and values. In the early years you might have thought it was Batman in disguise.At times he used brute force to get a confession; he made threats and even used a machine gun to shoot down planes. Often he left felons to their own dastardly fate; never stepping in to prevent it.DC knew that Superman could likely end the war single-handed. Who could stop him? Instead of engaging in the War; DC decided to keep Superman at home to fight spies; saboteurs; and subversive; fifth columnists. There was plenty to do to guard the home front.But what of Clark Kent; he could easily be drafted into the service? That was handled by an inadvertent mistake on Clark’s part; one he was not aware of until he’d been classified 4F.The book is hardbound with over 300 pages crammed full of the adventures of the Man of Steel and his efforts to protect the United States and it’s allies. Many covers are reproduced and a story run in the Sunday Funnies.Excellent commentary on each sections topic are presented in detail by Roy Thomas and A final summation in closing.The book is a unique history of one of the most iconic characters from the world of fictionI give the book FIVE STARS.