If you are a diehard Superhero fan and especially one who loves screen adaptations, then this is the book for you.With the
rash of recent movies starring such popular
comic book heroes like Spiderman ,Batman,
Superman and The X Men to name just a few, the novice could be forgiven if he thought that this was a new idea. The fact is, making movies of comic book characters has been going on for many years. While some were animated films, some had real live actors such as we still have today. Although written in 1991, "Comic Book Heroes of the Screen" deals with every major comic book character and then some. Within these pages you will discover: how the Batman character was created and how he evolved from the the comic book to the lighted hearted tongue-in-cheek television
"parody" show of the sixties through to becoming one of the highest-grossing movies of all time. Also why the Superman character well into middle age- is still enormously popular. You will follow the Man of Steel from his origins on the planet Krypton to early film adaptations,serials and cartoons. From the first Kirk Alyn and George Reeves feature films to today's blockbuster movies with Christopher Reeve. Find out also why the 1984 Supergirl film failed, and why the Superboy T,V. series gained a loyal following. Author William Schoell includes a motley assortment of extra characters who unlike the others, did not begin life on the pages of comics , but rather in novels, movies and television. These characters namely: James Bond, Indiana Jones, Mad Max and Robocop also appear in comic books.This is a bit of a turn around from what the book title refers,but never-the-less these characters do have the same qualities as every comic book character ever created and those still to come. This book is a must have for comic book fans and movie buffs alike. Surely Mr. Schoell has out done himself in this work. The book is packed with plenty of information, numerous black and white, and a few color photographs and also some classic comic book covers.There are many stills from all the films that are featured,including photos of the different actors who played Superman. There is an article on every character.Supergirl has a few pages dedicated to her,as has Batman and Robin,Captain America and many others.A special feature would the one on Captain Marvel with the fascinating title "The (almost) Forgotten Hero" In the early days Captain Marvel was a Super rival of Superman,each had a huge following but Captain Marvel sometimes out sold the man of steel. "Comic Book Heroes of the Screen" is a large format book which is not only about comic book characters being played on the silver screen by real live actors,it also gives you the creation, history and developement of these characters and their adventures. Its not just about information, its also about
entertainment, pure entertainment.