Superman Returns

People are going to say I'm wierd, but I they shouldn't bother. I already know and I'm not troubled by it. I own the novelizations of a lot of my favorite movies so I think I'm enough of an authority to say that they're hardly ever any good. If nothing else, a book of a movie should do what the movie can't and relate exactly what the characters are thinking and feeling. My copy of Superman Returns is worn out through use. My brother's read it, my sister's read it twice, and, though I almost never read a book more than once (unless it's a comic and therefore not really considered READING), I read it four times. (I'd read it again but I have a stack of unread books on my dresser) For me, this book really hit the spot and here are some of the reasons why. For the sake of length, the movie couldn't really go into what exactly Superman found on the other end of his trek into space or give you more insight into Jor-El and Lara as they prepare to make their son Krypton's only refugee on that fateful last day; this book does that and more! Here, Superman is unsure and vulnerable. But he is also strong and you see why he inspires people. It was great to see Martha Kent's reaction to her son's return and Superman's bewilderment at the changes in the world. Some of the highlights, though, are Superman's reaction to Lois' fiance, Richard White, what Richard thinks of him, Kitty Kowalski's meeting with Superman, and the confrontation with Lex Luthor toward the end which was a bit rougher than in the movie (PG-13 rating) and all the better for it. Another plus was that the story was still interesting to me even after seeing the movie, partly because the story was slightly different. Between the issues with Martha Kent and the farm, the only subtle hints about the origin of Jason White, and Lex Luthor's intensity as he does his own dirty work toward the end (and enjoys it--thoroughly) the book manages to slightly surpass the movie in suspense via the changes. I can't decide which version I like better but I'm glad the movie played out the way it did. Still, this review, like all of mine, only reflects MY opinion which seems to be consistently wierd so buy it and see for yourself. Enjoy!

This was a great read; as usual with novelizations of movies, it both expanded upon and more fully explained scenes from the movie as well as included scenes not included / cut from the movie itself for reasons of length (but which will be hopefully included in the uncut DVD release this fall).

In this novel version by Marv Wolfman there is a lot that is covered that is not covered in the movie or shooting script versions. For one, Superman's trip to Krypton is entirely covered, explaining more why he went. Also his origin on Krypton is covered more thoroughly than it was even in the original Superman movie. We get to know Jor-El and Lara (Superman's birth parents) a lot better than ever before. There are chapters covering all this before the book even gets to what is the beginning of the film. Marv Wolfman is an amazing writer. Sometimes comic book writers are not given their just due because comics can be judged on more than just the story, everything has to click to make good comics : story, art, coloring, editing etc. In novel form, Marv impressed me with this version of Superman Returns. While it is not perfect this book has a lot to it that adds to the story that is the movie. So if you saw the movie and liked it, you would love this book. Marv writes about Krypton, Jor-El and Superman's travel to find his homeworld so descriptive that you can easily picture in your mind what it would have looked like added on to the movie version. Very highly recommended, even more so than the shooting script version!

Compared to the garbage of Superman 3 and 4, this is a great story and does keep the essence that is Superman intact and takes it to a bit more serious level. Finally, a story with heart, just like the original 1978 film. Highly recommended!!