The Government Manual for New Superheroes

I have to say that without this book, I would never have discovered my secret identity as The Parentheses (Not the same as my associate Grammar-man) and taken my rightful place in the universe as a superhero. Without this books' much-needed guidance, one will be left wondering how to come across a secret headquarters (getting those permits is often tricky), what organizations to join (some can be very selective and you must make an informed choice), how to get a sidekick (particularly, how to get a sidekick who can actually do something useful), how to BE a sidekick (if you're unsure about the whole being a superhero thing), and how to court and win over that perfect villan (perhaps even steal him/her/it from another superhero's spandex-covered fist). This book is a must-buy. I command you to get it.

The authors of this government manual admit right off that it is aimed at the Caped Crimefighter class of superhero, those who set out to fight evil with nothing but their expertise in martial arts and/or genius for inventing useful gadgetry. However it also has some useful tips for those of us who've gained strange powers through the bite of radioactive animals, scientific experiments gone awry and the like. The illustrations are rather hilariously dated, but this is a government publication after all.

This book is for people who like to laugh. And laugh often. It's great for kids, parents, grandparents, teachers, babysitters, Halloween costumes, Purim costumes, parties, and so much more. Adults will appreciate the humor and will read the book over and over again. Kids will be entertained for many, many hours. There is no end to the number of superhero names, costumes, equipment, and lairs that they and their friends (or caregivers) will create after reading this book. As a pediatrician, I know a lot about kids, and this book is definitely good for them. I'm sure if I asked nine other pediatricians, they'd all agree with me. Oh, and this book is also good for you if you're a new superhero.

This book was one of the most delightful surprises to come across my nightstand in recent memory -- and this from an avid reader, but NOT an avid reader of comic books or superhero mags (unless Calvin & Hobbes counts). How can I be clear? I loved it. Absolutely had a ball from start to finish -- a clever, smart, fast, hilarious romp through choosing a superhero name, donning a costume and finding an arch enemy, and everything in between. And when was the last time you laughed out loud skimming an index? I couldn't recommend a book more highly -- to anyone.

I first realized I wanted to be a superhero was when I discovered that I could emit painful, intrusive thermal deathrays from the palms of my hands. I thought about how the police are essentially incapable of stopping crime; but my deathrays - my deathrays could really do a number on a perp. The problem was I lacked any knowledge as to how to go about becoming a registered superhero. What should my name be? What do I wear? Should I carry a utility belt or pray for a Walgreens to be close by at all times? Defeated and confused, I walked around my fair city contemplating keeping my secret hidden forever. On my way home, I stumbled into Border's books to sit for four hours reading books I'd never buy. This is how I found The Government Manual for New Superheroes. From this book I learned everything I would ever need to know to be a competitive, valuable member of the superhero persuasion. I learned how to create a wonderful looking costume from some Dior I stole off some stuffy old aristocrat. Insignia, masks, tips on keeping my identity secret - it was all there. All prospective superheroes need to buy this book.