*I received an e-arc of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

This is a super fun reference /pop culture history type book. I read some chapters more deeply than others, but I am someone who really likes pop culture history and has taken fandom history courses, so this was a really nice collection. Well-written and seemed to be well-researched as far as I can tell.

Gross has compiled a colossal history of the Superman character in Voices From Krypton. It is very in-depth and broad at the same time. With over 250 different voices included, it can be a little overwhelming at times. Fans of Superman will love Voices From Krypton. Especially if they’re history buffs.

Those who have a more superficial interest in Superman are probably not going to want to sign up for such a long journey. Voices From Krypton has over 700 pages, it’s not a light read. But if Superman is your thing, then it will be enjoyable. Big Fans of Superman should definitely check out Edward Gross’ Voices From Krypton: The Complete, Unauthorized Oral History of Superman.

Princess Fuzzypants here: If you are a fan of Superman, in any form or any specific iteration, this is a great book. The author admits to being a total Superman nerd and fan. Often folks who truly love something make the best authors. And this is very complete from the first inklings from two Jewish teenage boys in Cleveland into the comic book sensation that was the nucleus for whatever has followed. It saw the character evolve and grow with the times and current events. As the world changed, so did Superman.

On television, in the movies, in every medium of the time, he became a mainstay. Perhaps his pinnacle was the moment Christopher Reeves flew into a closeup with a slightly cheeky and flirtatious smile. He is, to this day, considered by many as the perfect Superman. But the books takes his words and the words of many of the creative people both in front of and behind the camera and the comics. It is fascinating to read why some of the changes, both good and bad were made to try and keep the character current. Sadly, the world has become a far more cynical place and even Superman had to adjust.

I recall the backlash when Henry Cavill put on the costume and his character had to deal with shades of grey that asked some hard questions. Many, like me, found it so dark at first but in hindsight can appreciate the reasons behind the shift and admire the deft skill inherent in it. That is perhaps what I consider the greatest accomplishment of the book. It allows the reader to comprehend why the evolutions occurred and why, 85 years on, it continues to have relevance.

Five purrs and two paws up.

this was a really well done oral history to Superman, I learned some new things from the movie Supermans. Edward Gross has a great style for this type of book and I was glad I got to read this. I've enjoyed previous books from the author and enjoyed this a lot.

This examination of the Man of Steel, coordinated by Edward Gross, releases on May 23, 2023. Narcelle Books provided an early galley for review.

This is a very timely release and perfect for celebrating the 85th anniversary of the iconic hero's debut. I enjoy the use of the talking-head retrospective documentary approach employed here. Gross weaves together the comments from various interviews to form the narrative. And what a collection of interviews are gathered. Not only do we get actors who portrayed the most famous super-hero and creative folks behind those films and shows, we get a ton of comic book writers and artists input as well.

I knew of the radio show and eventually the TV show of the 1950's. I had not realized, however, how much the newspaper strip and merchandising early on contributed to the successful infusion of the character into the consciousness of the masses. The book provides many details on all of these as well as the movie serials of the 1940's, the conflicts between DC Comics and the character's creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and so much more.

As a life-long comic reader, I especially enjoyed the chapters focusing on the Silver Age comics (1960's) and the Bronze Age comics (1970'). This is where I really discovered the character and his supporting cast. The book also looks at comic period from the post-Crisis relaunch of the character (late 1980's) through the big "Death of Superman" event (late 1990's). And, of course, my favorite of the films - 1978's Superman: The Movie - is given its very own chapter.

This over-700-page book covers all aspects of the comics, the cartoons, the movies and the animated shows. If you're a super-fan of Superman, this book is one you need to read.