Super Boys: The Amazing Adventures of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster—the Creators of Superman

In this thoroughly researched biography, Ricca (English, Case Western Reserve Univ.) documents the lives of Superman creators, Siegal and Shuster. A detailed account chronicles the writers' childhoods, their early collaborations at Glenville High in Cleveland, the events that led to signing away the rights to Superman for $130, and their lifelong struggle to obtain a share in the profits. Ricca places the story of Superman within a broader historical context to reflect the nation's concerns with immigration, crime, the Depression, World War II, and the cultural shifts between the 1950s and 1960s. He sheds light on the partners' personal lives including their friendship, artistic endeavors, family relationships, financial struggles, and incremental victories in winning back their creative rights. He also highlights the role of Joanne Kovacs, Siegal's second wife and the model for Lois Lane, who continued to press her husband's case after his death.