The Death and Life of Superman: A Novel

put the order in for this book, expected long wait for damaged or low quality goods, but i was surprised on both. It got here quick and the quality was excellent

This was a fantastic read. The story itself held my interest greatly, but the author's work on combining all the different parts of the story, from 4 or 5 different lines of comic books, was excellent. The Death and Life of Superman was first written in the early 90s and spanned across several comic book series, including Action Comics, Superman, and Superman: The Man of Steel. Roger Stern took all of these stories and put them together to form a complete tale that read like a novel from start to finish.The only disappointing thing about this book, to me, was the use of all the exclamation points. Especially in the dialog. It seemed that every time one of the characters talked to someone, they had to end the sentence in an exclamation point. This bodes well in the comic book world, and I assume that is likely where it originated with this story, but I was hoping for more of an adult story. Don't get the wrong, the story was quite interesting and held my attention, but all-in-all I want a true novel to read instead of a comic book or graphic novel. This is true of all of the comic mass market paperbacks that I will read and review on this blog.On that subject, I wish that I could find more comic book novels of this sort. For a while, about 5-10 years ago, they were writing these quite frequently, from both the DC and Marvel Universes. Today, however, you can't find anything like this in the local comic book shops or book stores. I can find some used at Half Priced Books, but nothing new in print, not even on Amazon. I'm disappointed in this, but it won't keep me from purchasing and collecting all the DC and Marvel Novels that were written before now, and keeping them in my collection.I especially liked the `Reign of the Supermen` part to this book. When the story first dropped in the early 90s, I watched the comic book releases and read just a little bit about them. I knew that after the death of Superman, 4 imposters appeared on the scene, claiming to be Superman who had come back. That isn't a correct interpretation of what really happens, and this book tells the tale of Superman's death, the 4 Supermen who came after him, and ultimately Superman's resurrection. Hence why the author titled the book `The Death and Life` in that order.If you are a Superman fan, I'd recommend this book. I believe it is even out of print now, according to Amazon, but there are plenty of used copies around. I only wish there were continuations to the story that I could purchase and read.

I read this as a teenager and recently picked it up to read again. The book is so well written that words do it no justice. If you're a Superman fan or just a comic book fan in general, then this is a must read.

This is the best version of the Death and Life of Superman out there. I've tried reading the Graphic Novels and collections from this event, and they're awful. The 90's were not a great era for comic books, and it shows. However, this novelization really grabs the best parts of the story. You get a real feel for the characters and their ordeals. We see Clark/Superman for the hero he is, learn about the pretenders as they emerge, and are captivated by the villains as their plots unfold. I got it as a gift on my 11th birthday and read it a bunch of times. I lost it a long time ago, and when it came up in conversation I had to get another copy. The book is just as good as i remember

I read the junior novel back in 1992 or 93 when it first came out. It was on of my favorite books of all time! So when I came across this novel I was very excited! It was a good book. Was it a favorite? No. The reason being, there was just too much trying to be explained. I would love to get my hands on a copy of the junior novel written by Louise Simonson, but I haven't had any luck finding it.All in all good book, but I probably won't read again.

Husband is very happy with his gift. I myself will read it when I get a chance.

As you might expect from a comics writer--Roger Stern has written for both DC and Marvel--THE LIFE AND DEATH OF SUPERMAN does not offer much for a veteran reader of novels. You get a good sampling of superheroes and supervillains, swaths of demolished buildings, and smart-aleck chatter during the heat of battle. Despite the demolition, however, the prose is whitewashed of blood and gore. I disapprove of this Walt Disney tactic. If done realistically and not gratuitously, graphic violence contributes to the intensity of a drama.The story is about twenty years old, derived from DC comics of the `80s and `90s. Maybe that is why it feels hackneyed. Even so, if you use a magnifying glass you can detect a little suspense and a maybe a surprise or two. Admittedly, the death and funeral of my childhood hero made me cry. But you can forget about in-depth character studies, puzzling mysteries with impressive resolutions, or the smart twists and turns of complicated plots like those of author Jeffrey Deaver.Despite a good number of five-star reviews here at amazon.com, I cannot honestly give this novel more than three stars. I have read too many novels and too many books of nonfiction that were actually worth reading. Though THE DEATH AND LIFE OF SUPERMAN has a few bumps of goodness, its overall curve of pleasure is flat, as flat as a comic book. The only thing missing is the artwork.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I read the comic books about Superman's battle with Doomsday and later editions about the new Supermen. this book was great because it was able to go into more detail than the comic books giving us more of the story. I've also read a couple other Superman books including THE LAST DAYS OF KRYPTON and ENEMIES AND ALLIES. I would like to see more books about Superman and Batman. I would also like to see some books about Supergirl (including her origion)and her life as it was in earlier comic books (not a part of Lex Luthor's life.) Even some stories about the Justice League would be nice too. If they're not written yet maybe we can get the authors to write some.

I chose this book because I love everything Superman and I was not disappointed.All the justice league super heros are there and it is funny and sad.A great read for all ages

What a great read. Thanks to britbooks for the quality of the product. Very much recommended. Especially if your a superman fanboy like me :)

I should of read the description more carefully. I thought it was the graphic novel and not the actual Novel i didn't even know there was a novel

i had this book before. it was one of the earlier copies that had come out. i lent that out and never got it back. bought a new one and somehow that one grew legs and wandered off. both of those copies had the one extra page that this copy didn't: a picture of superman flying over metropolis before the fight with doomsday.this book has so much more detail than the comics and heralded a time of change within the comic book world. so much richness and so many different levels come together, so beautifully written within the covers of this book.

I thought I ordered a hard cover.. seems not... never woulda pd what I did for it had I realized....I musta had a brain fart....I looked at my copy of the order, nowhere on it does it indicate that it is indeed paperback.. SO seems a brain fart was not necessarily made... at $34.82 One would expect a hard covered copy........ :(