Superman: Cover To Cover
01/08/2006 . Source: Geoff Willmetts 
pub: Titan Books/DC Comics. 230 page illustrated hardback. Price: £26.99 (UK). ISBN: 1-84576-266-5. Buy Superman: Cover To Cover in the USA - or Buy Superman: Cover To Cover in the UK  check out websites: www.titanbooks.com and www.dccomics.com
With the new 'Superman Returns' film just out as I type this, it's inevitable that there will be various books out relating to the Man of Steel. This one focuses on how Superman has been depicted on 270 covers of DC comics from 1938 to the present day along with collected memories of writers, artists and certain actors. Looking at them in this way serves several purposes. We see how Superman has changed over the generations and through 107 different artists and editorial decisions in 68 years.
Although Superman has kept his square jaw and black hair with blue or grey highlights and kiss curl, its rather interesting how his appearance has changed so much and this is not just confined to the size or shape of the 'S' on his chest. Over the generations, there has to be a favourite artist for everyone here that pin-points the decade when you first men the last man of Krypton. I'm somewhere between the solidly built Curt Swan and the more expressive Neal Adams version myself and both have been an influence on the artists who followed.
Whatever, depending how old you are, you'd end up picking out your own generation. Hell, with the 60s-80s comics, I've either read or even own some of them still myself. The book is divided into 22 chapters rather than consecutive development. As the chapters aren't that well-defined, it's more like a blurring link. Having the page numbers and heading in the insider of the page doesn't lend itself to quickly looking through the pages. It isn't as though there are many full page covers.
If there is a significant flaw then it's really a shame when they have a surprise cover illustrated and don't tell the reader what the surprise was. I mean, most of it is ancient history and I doubt it will spoil it for anyone.
I have to admit to having some reservations about books of this type but it ended up being an interesting experience stirring some memories and hope there are plans to cover (sic) other characters like this.
GF Willmetts |
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