We've all read DC comics but have we ever examined a typical day in the life of a superhero? Well here's our chance in the picture book, Superman and the Miserable, Rotten, No Fun, Really Bad Day. A unauthorized parody of the popular children's book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judy Viorst, Peter Croatto has found a way to capture the essence of the original in a witty, laugh out loud manner which is sure to please both children and adults.

Poor Superman starts the day off by accidentally stepping on his glasses and blowing up his bottle of shampoo (drat that X-ray vision). Then on the bus he has to listen to the kids argue over their favorite super hero and his name isn't even mentioned. Late for work at the Dailey Planet (someone has to stop those super villains), he not only gets yelled at in front of the whole staff by Perry White, but he gets stuck covering a flower show. Ready to find solace at the Justice League headquarters he starts to long for his Fortress of Solitude when he's assigned his least favorite task, Monitor Duty.

Cleverly crafted, Tom Richmond has packed the 32 pages chock full of details with Superman in color and the remainder of the images in black and white, all while utilizing the style created by the original illustrations of Judy Viorst. This fun, family-friendly book is perfect for parents to share with their kids. Even if you know nothing about superheroes, who wouldn't chuckle about gum stick to someone's butt.

Mad has done it again. Five stars and a thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A brief book that lets you know that even Superman has a bad day once in a while! It starts off a bit slow (a bit of a problem in a book so short), but by the end, there are some pretty hysterical images. Being a MAD parody, this is probably best reviewed before giving it to a child, but it could definitely be read to or with a youngster if he or she is into superheroes.

I really loved this, I read this alone and laughed and then I shared it with my children and we all laughed for hours reading it again and again. Since publication, we have purchased a copy for us and also a few to give as gifts. Love this book!

I'm sorry, I just thought that this was just horrible. And unfortunately I'm not using that as a witty turn of phrase.

It's based on the Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day picture book, which is a cool book because it teaches while it's fun.

But, putting it onto an Adult character instead of a kid. Yep, doesn't work. The jokes weren't funny, and it just felt like a character that is one of the most powerful characters physically, mentally, and morally in literature today was just unabashedly and ungratefully whining the entire time.

We have to teach the next generation not to whine, and so if an adult starts doing it, ugh. An adult should know better.

I'm usually all about almost everything that DC publishes (Young Animal isn't quite my style, but it looks beautiful) But, for this book, it really felt like someone was a Batman fan or something, and was like 'hey, let's write a book that makes horrible fun of Superman'. Double ugh.

I was given this ARC by Netgalley on behalf of DC Entertainment.

I've always been a fan of the original story and of Superman, so a parody held a lot of promise. I was not disappointed. Not only is the plot paralleling the original, so is the tone. At the same time it has a decidedly Superman flavor. A great choice for adults and children both.

Superman and the Miserable, Rotten, No Fun, Really Bad Day

by Dave Croatto

As you were growing up, did your storytime include Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst? Or maybe you read it to your kids. As a teacher, I saved it for a really bad day for the initial read in my classroom. It’s one of those special books that puts problems in perspective and a smile on your face.

With those memories in mind, pick up Superman and the Miserable, Rotten, No Fun, Really Bad Day. MAD promotes it as 100% parody, and I think you will get a kick out of the story and illustrations. Poor Superman is just having one of those days. He wakes up to broken glasses and cell phone. Kids on the bus and the other superheroes don’t give him the respect he deserves. He gets a lousy assignment at work. You just need to read it yourself to learn of all the “miserable, rotten, no fun, really bad” things that happen to the Man of Steel. Maybe your problems won’t seem so bad!

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to DC Entertainment/MAD for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Comics, General Fiction

Notes: Parody

Publication: October 17, 2017— DC Entertainment/MAD

If I taught elementary school, I would have this in my room right away. It is a fun, lighthearted spoof on Superman and a beloved children’s story. I love the cameos of things, like the Bottle City of Kandor. Personally, I preferred this to the similar Bat book. I eagerly appreciate a third book in the franchise.

I think my coworker would really enjoy this parody, but it wasn’t my favorite. Mostly, I’m tired of parodies, myself. However, Superman and the Miserable, Rotten, No Fun, Really Bad Day was well-done. The illustrations matched both the Superman world and the Alexander world and the writing was interesting.

Superman and the Miserable, Rotten, No Fun, Really Bad Day - a well-done parody of the very similarly titled original. The illustrations are engaging. The content and storyline will be enjoyed by children and adults alike (although perhaps more appreciated by adults who have miserable, rotten, no fun, really bad days).

I see what they were trying to do with this book, but it just didn't work for me on so many levels.
Humor is subjective. Perhaps this is the type of humor that will resonate with you.

Mad has done another super-hero themed parody of a kids book. Poor Supe. He really had a bad day. And the next day is likely to be as bad or worse. If you like parodies or just like send-up of pretentious kids books, you will likely enjoy this Mad offering.

#Supeheroproblems
Even superheroes have bad days. This picture book parody is a good choice for parents and children, with a familiar story told through the eyes of the Man of Steel, showing that even Superman can have a rough day.

I laughed so hard when I read this book. I can't believe how on spot this parody is. I've read the original so often that I've nearly memorized it, and I could find nothing to complain about with this book. I'm not sure that kids will get the kick out of that an adult would, but I think they would still enjoy it.

Even a superhero can have a bad day. This was just wonderful read and laughing non stop good time.

This is a very funny send-up of Superman, well illustrated with clean lines and skill. However, it's just too short to really qualify as a book for adults, as commonly understood.

Fun parody of the original, and also funny just on its own. Humor is great for kids; teens and adults will enjoy it as well. Illustrations add to the humor and are recognizably the superheroes while in a unique and pleasing style.

Poor Superman is having a bad day - nothing goes right for him! Kids don't think he's cool, he accidentally wears his suit inside out, and gets yelled at for being late for work...And, he gets stuck doing Justice League Hall Monitor duty, which is the worst. Poor Superman - even he has a bad day, sometimes.

Much like the book ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY, Supermans day is the worst. It starts out bad and only continues to get worse. I like that there are black and white and color illustrations throughout the book.

My students and I laughed aloud at the text and the accompanying illustrations.