The Superhero Handbook

Any book that features a paragraph disclaimer, before the first page, advising readers to ignore all of the advice found within requires a second look. When that book is called The Superhero Handbook it also requires a thorough reading. I don't read comic books, but I do know my fair share of superhero facts. I also enjoy a masked crusader as much as the next person and, let's face it. that's probably a lot. Doesn't everyone want to be a superhero at least a little bit? Even if you don't, Michael Powell's how-to guide to being a hero (and saving the world!) is really funny. Earlier this month I managed to read a total of three melancholy/sad books in a row. The Superhero Handbook not only offered excellent advice should I decide to consider a crime fighting career in the future, it also got me laughing and decidedly out of my sad book funk. The book is broken into small chapters with titles like "Denting the Sidewalk" and subdivided into smaller sections like "Dealing with Your Superiority Complex and Starting to Become Really Cool." The text also features a lot of lists and a couple of interactive sections (how else can you pick your Strapline and Catchphrase?). For that reason, this book could be great for a reluctant (older since it is a YA title) reader. I imagine most comic fans might also enjoy it. The book starts with helpful advice on how to break news of your superheroism to family as well as ways to recognize your fledgling powers. My personal favorites: [8] You are walking in the mall with your pet tiger, when you are both transformed into super strong versions of yourselves Superpower: Looks like you've finally found a use for that Sword of Power. Perfectly innocent explanation: There isn't one, dude. You are He-Man. [9] You are two years old. A truck falls on your father, and you lift it off him with ease and save his life. Superpower: You have superhuman strength. Perfectly innocent explanation: It is a toy truck. As that excerpt suggests, the tone of this book is humorous and conversational. While clearly a homage to the entire superhero genre, the handbook is also not afraid to poke fun. The obvious reason the avoid using your powers for evil is because the good guys always wind (duh). If a super is ever tied up with rope, they will inevitably be located near a sharp nail or other edge with which they can break free (again, obviously). Particularly useful advice can be found on picking the right sidekick and designing a costume. The book spans advice for the entire arc of a superhero's career from their early beginnings, finding a mentor, creating a persona, dealing with a fatal flaw and even how to decide if it's time to hang up that cape. Each section is accompanied with a number of attractive illustrations reminiscent of traditional comic book art. Yes, this book is silly. There aren't really superheros, and they certainly wouldn't use how-to manuals, but wouldn't it be neat if they did?

Whether you are a mutant or some crazy guy who loves capes this is one of the most instructive books you'll ever read on how to be a super hero. Important topics such as breaking through walls, catchphrases that should never be used, excuses for breaking a date, hideout and mode of transportation, and of course the ever important rules to think about when hiring a side-kick (and coming up with a more ridiculous costume for them). For those unsure about the dark side, this manual discusses some of the downfalls of being a bad guy (such as the dumb henchmen you'll constantly be forced to destroy) and questions to consider before joining that guy who keeps trying to convince you to help him take over the world. Possibly the funniest book of its type.

Michael Powell presents us with a short and humorous text on what you need to do to be a superhero. Beginning with symptoms/traits of superheroism budding inside you, selecting a name and costume, accessorizing with sidekicks, tips for wisely choosing you arch-nemesis, selecting appropriate catchphrases and headquarters, carefully choosing your day-job and how to protect your alter (civilian) ego, even what to do once you get on in years and shouldn't be mainstream superheroing anymore. Quite a funny little book. It's another off-the-wall satyrical look at comics. While the author doesn't specifically name many heroes, he does insinuate the likes of Superman, Spider-man, Batman, Wolverine, Darth Vader(?), and... George Foreman. It really is worth the read and it won't take but a few hours to finish it. Plenty of artwork throughout the book so the written text is only about half the book. There's a few other similar books out and this one holds its own against them.

This delightfully brilliant and silly book called my name in the Public Library in San Francisco's Mission district. And I have since bought two copies. It is a semi-serious little handbook with quite pragmatic advice on being a superhero. It contains warnings about possible pitfalls, and some sound advice on how to juggle jobs, relationships, liability issues while saving the world from evil. It is a must-have for any superhero or as a gift for that special superhero in your life. Excuse me, I need to go and work on my cape.