Superman: The Definitive History

Since his 1938 debut in the pages of Action Comics #1, Superman was the very first superhero, and he has become an international icon and a cultural cornerstone, instantly recognizable to audiences everywhere. Following Kal-El from his escape from the dying planet Krypton through his humble beginnings in Kansas to his work as a part-time journalist and full-time superhero in Metropolis, this deluxe reformat explores Superman across comics, TV, animation, film, video games, and beyond, creating a compelling portrait of one of the most recognizable characters in the history of popular fiction. Covering the complete history of Superman in vivid detail, this comprehensive book features exclusive commentary from the key creatives who have been instrumental in building Superman's iconic legacy. Filled with additional material and exciting updates in a new size, Superman: The Definitive History [ICONS] [Reissue] is the ultimate exploration of the template for all superheroes and his incredible and enduring impact on pop culture. EXTRA CONTENT: Explore additional material straight from the set of Superman (2025) and the hit television series Superman and Lois with interviews from the cast and crew. COMPREHENSIVE HISTORY: Flip through over 400 pages detailing every adventure and incarnation of Superman across comics, TV, animation, movies, videogames, and beyond. ALL-STAR CONTRIBUTORS: Read essential interviews and insights from those who have shaped the Man of Steel's journey and cultural impact, including filmmakers, actors, writers, illustrators, and many more. CAST OF THOUSANDS: Fully explores the entire Superman family including Superboy, Power Girl/Supergirl, the Legion of Super-Pets (Krypto, Streaky, Beppo, Comet, and Fuzzy the Krypto Mouse), Bizarro, and all the Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen comics. Plus, all the key villains: Lex Luthor, Brainiac, Mr. Mxyzptlk, Darkseid, Doomsday, General Zod, etc. COMPLETE YOUR COLLECTION: Superman: The Definitive History, Batman: The Definitive History of the Dark Knight in Comics, Film, and Beyond, Batman: The Animated Series, DC Comics: Anatomy of a Metahuman, and DC Comics Variant Covers: The Complete Visual History are also available from Insight Editions.

Robert Greenberger was given a Superman comic at age six and has been steeped in comics lore ever since. He worked for 20 years at DC Comics. He has subsequently written numerous books featuring DC’s heroes, notably The Essential Batman Encyclopedia, and co-wrote The Batman Vault and The Essential Superman Encyclopedia. Additionally, he has worked at Starlog Press, Gist Communications, Marvel Comics, Weekly World News, ComicMix, and Famous Monster of Filmland. He currently teaches high school English in Maryland and Making Graphic Novels at Maryland Institute College of Art. He makes his home with his wife Deb. For more, see www.bobgreenberger.com.