1 in 1938, introduced the world to something both unprecedented and timeless: Superman, a caped god for the modern age. In a matter of years, the skies of the imaginary world were filled with strange mutants, aliens, and vigilantes: Batman, Wonder Woman, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, and the X-Men—the list of names as familiar as our own. In less than a century, they’ve gone from not existing at all to being everywhere we look: on our movie and television screens, in our videogames and dreams. But what are they trying to tell us?For Grant Morrison, arguably the greatest of contemporary chroniclers of the “superworld,” these heroes are powerful archetypes whose ongoing, decades-spanning story arcs reflect and predict the course of human existence: Through them we tell the story of ourselves, our troubled history, and our starry aspirations. In this exhilarating work of a lifetime, Morrison draws on art, science, mythology, and his own astonishing journeys through this shadow universe to provide the first true history of the superhero—why they matter, why they will always be with us, and what they tell us about who we are . . . and what we may yet become.

    It includes brand-new artwork of some of DC's most famous characters, as well as recalling famous storylines and battles.

    The first volume of the Justice League of America in Showcase Presents, DC's competitor to Marvel's budget-priced black-and-white Essentials line, collects 20 early issues of the super team, starting in The Brave and the Bold 28-30 and continuing into the first 16 issues of the JLA's own book and Mystery in Space 75 (featuring Adam Strange).Truthfully, a lot of the issues have a sameness to them, with the Leaguers generally splitting up to tackle menaces (usually alien) individually and having to figure out how to handle something specifically designed to neutralize each member's powers, e.g., Green Lantern against something yellow (if only they'd selected those assignments a little better...).Notable issues include the JLA's first appearance, facing Starro the conqueror; the introduction of teen "hipster" Snapper Carr; the "origin" of the League; and the addition of Green Arrow and the Atom to the core lineup of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, the Martian Manhunter, and Aquaman.Fortunately this 1960-62 run by the classic team of Gardner Fox and Mike Sekowsky (with occasional other contributors) improved as it went along, with more use of teamwork and story lines involving Doctor Light, Felix Faust, the untouchable aliens, and the cavern of deadly spheres.--David Horiuchi

    In this breathtaking volume by "the King of Comics, " Jimmy Olsen's highly popular adventures from the early 1970s are beautifully reprinted. Showcasing his creative genius, Kirby used these monumental stories of Superman and Jimmy Olsen to introduce his Fourth World mythological epic. Featuring the first appearance of Darkseid, these groundbreaking tales forever revolutionized the art of storytelling across all genres.

    Along with inker Dick Giordano, Byrne reimagined the look of Superman, Lois Lane, Krypton and Lex Luthor.The relationships between Superman and Lois, Superman and Batman, and Superman and Luthor were reexamined and tweaked for modern readers. Old villains such as Bizarro returned and new ones, such as Magpie, were introduced.It was the dawn of a new age for the Man of Steel that endures today. See how it all began in this collection of the first six stories. Includes a foreword by Ray Bradbury.This volume collects Man of Steel #1-6.

    With the tone of each issue ranging from heartwarming and simple, to frighteningly gritty and violent, to sexy, sun-kissed and funny, SUPERMAN: AMERICAN ALIEN is unlike anything you’ve seen before. This new hardcover includes special bonus features.

    Now, Brainiac has set his sights on destroying Earth and finishing off the Last Son of Krypton once and for all. This epic battle will change Superman's world forever.Collecting ACTION COMICS #866-870 and material from SUPERMAN: NEW KRYPTON SPECIAL #1.

    The reprint from the 1970 Arlington House original sports an all-new introduction by Comics Buyer's Guide Editor Maggie Thompson and includes 16 pages of full-color comic-book art.

    Comics insider Peter Sanderson recounts Marvel's main story lines and delves into the lives of major characters, showing how different writers shaped their fates. The illustrations include scenes from ground-breaking stories, showcasing the best work of important Marvel artists.

    But someone survived the cataclysm ... and their survival will require Aquaman to take on a new role that draws upon all his experience as a hero and leader of a nation! Written by Will Pfeifer (TEEN TITANS) and illustrated by Patrick Gleason (BATMAN AND ROBIN), AQUAMAN: SUB DIEGO is the first ever collection of this classic story. Collects issues #15-22 of AQUAMAN.

    Readers can now get a comprehensive look at the complete Superman story from his birth on Krypton and arrival on Earth to his double life as a "Daily Planet" reporter and as one of the most famous super heroes ever in "Superman: The Ultimate Guide to the Man of Steel." Featuring beautiful comic book art from some of the best artists of our time, this book will allow fans to learn more about the villains, loves, and heroes who occupy Superman's world, including Lex Luthor, Lois Lane, Doomsday, and more.This all-new guide traces how the Man of Steel has developed throughout the decades, while examining the monumental moments that have led to who he is today.

    But in BLACKEST NIGHT, he briefly became an Orange Lantern and got a taste of true power. Now he’ll do anything to get that power back. Buckle in for a greatest hits tour of the DCU’s most wanted as Lex Luthor begins an epic quest for power, all brought to you by writer Paul Cornell (Dr. Who, Captain Britain and MI-13) and artist Pete Woods (WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON).

    Looking to follow in his father's footsteps, Jon joins a rebel organization that fights against the now completely corrupt U.S. government and their plan for total economic segregation. But by becoming an enemy of the state, the son of Superman instantly becomes a target of the government-run Justice League. Now in order to live up to the legacy of his father, Jon must defeat corrupted and deviant versions of Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Aquaman, and the Flash.

    Witness the first meeting of The Last Son of Krypton and Earth's Mightiest Mortal in this thrilling collection of the stylish 4-issue miniseries! While Superman must stop members of a cult from stealing an ancient artifact from the Metropolis Natural History Museum, Captain Marvel must defeat giant robots rampaging through Fawcett City!Collecting Superman/Shazam!: First Thunder #1-4.

    This new graphic novel gathers some of their stories in one volume for the first time, in which these heroes face both the evil of those who would stand against them and their own inner conflicts.