Glen Weldon (1) (1968–)

Weldon (of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour) charts the evolution of the Batman: 20th century’s most popular superhero. Throughout, Weldon tries to determine Batman’s role in catalyzing what’s now considered “nerd culture.” Beginning with the character’s origins as a quick-and-dirty Shadow rip-off and continuing through the alternately beloved and despised 1966 TV series to the movies of Chris Nolan and the present day, Weldon provides a concise history of the Dark Knight that is accessible, insightful, and often quite humorous. It's interesting to note too, that 30 years ago, in 1989, Tim Burton's Batman basically revolutionized Hollywood by introduced the profitable super-hero action flick. Burton's Batman ushered in three sequels (all discussed in Weldon's books)...which as Geldon notes, were pretty corny but still presented a "version" of Batman. I felt that since we are celebrating this cultural milestone of the premiere of the modern superhero movie franchise this year, reading Weldon's book was aptly timed.
Batman is a bit this and that: playboy, philanthropist, detective, maniac, martial arts master, brooding loner, insert identity here_______, and while this is partially intriguing, the real reason he has endured is because we can identify with him. Batman is a symbol. Nolan got that right. He is a symbol of triumph, victory, overcoming fears and suffering, of justice, and mercy.

Recommended for anyone who loves: Batman, comics, humor, history.

FYI: I listened to the audiobook & it was phenomenal.… (meer)

I consider myself a pretty sizable Batman fan. I've seen all of the movies...well, all of the good ones, anyway; I consider myself above Batman vs. Superman. But I'm not much of a comic geek. I find comic books nearly impenetrable with the layers upon layers of necessary backstory. Which is why a history of the lives and times of the batman and how they fit among the surrounding cultural milieu was pretty interesting to me. I found bits overly pedantic, or a little unmoored from the greater history, and there were times that I wished Weldon would offer more speculation as to why, for instance, there's been a huge resurgence of super-hero culture, but overall, I appreciated this serious and thorough take on one of the biggest cultural icons of American history.… (meer)

Can't believe how enjoyable this is. Not sure why I got it, expected boring, but have long been a fan of Superman (television and movies) so gave it a try. George Newbern is the perfect narrator and Glen Weldon appears to know absolutely everything about our hero. I actually found myself laughing - something I certainly was not expecting. Highly recommended.

FROM AMAZON: How has the Big Blue Boy Scout stayed so popular for so long? How has he changed with the times, and what essential aspects of him have remained constant? This fascinating biography examines Superman as a cultural phenomenon through 75 years of action-packed adventures, from his early years as a social activist in circus tights to his growth into the internationally renowned demigod he is today.

Written by NPR book critic, blogger, and resident comic-book expert Glen Weldon, this biography chronicles the ever-evolving Man of Steel and his world - not just the men and women behind the comics, movies, and shows, but his continually shifting origin story, burgeoning powers, and the colorful cast of trusted friends and deadly villains that surround him. Superman places every iteration of the Man of Steel into the character's greater, decades-long story: from Bud Collyer to Henry Cavill, World War II propagandist to peanut-butter pitchman, Super Pup to Super Friends, comic strip to Broadway musical, Lori Lemaris to Lois & Clark, it's all here.

Affectionate and in-depth, this biography contains analyses of the hero's most beloved adventures, in and out of the comics - his most iconic Golden Age tales, goofiest Silver Age exploits, and the contemporary film, television, and comics stories that keep him alive today.… (meer)