Almost everyone knows about the man from Krypton who, disguised as mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent working with the fearless Lois Lane, fights for the vulnerable and the oppressed. But few know the truth about this indelible character’s creation. From mobster tactics to decades-long courtroom drama, a beloved American myth was born, betrayed, and eventually reclaimed—seventy years later.
New witnesses, unpublished manuscripts, personal letters, and more reveal the complex and dramatic history of Superman and his creator, Jerry Siegel. This is a David and Goliath clash with twists, turns, and devastating upheavals. An underdog tale of a creator who fought for his rights and finally found redemption in his battle for truth, justice, and the American Way. A story that has never been fully told.
The Superman Wars: A Battle for Truth, Justice, and an American Icon by William Bernhardt will be published April 28, 2026. Permuted Press provided an early galley for review.
As a long-time comic book reader, I was familiar with the legal battles over the ownership writes of one of the most iconic characters in the medium. I was definitely curious to get into the details.
Bernhardt uses narrative nonfiction to tell Siegel's story, presenting the facts in the form of a story. This really works to put the reader into the events as they unfold. I certainly found myself torn with how I felt about Siegel, initially siding with him over how he was treated by the publishers but later feeling his own behavior and techniques made him come across as petty and whiny.
I also learned a bit more of the behind-the-scenes details of the comic industry from the late 30's to late 60's that I was not aware.
Recommended for comic fans and creators in general.
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