Despite the impact, legend, and importance of Superman. His creators were famously mistreated and almost forgotten in the grand scheme of things. Along with Batman co-creator Bill Finger, Jerry Seigel and Joe Shuster are among the most mistreated in the industries past, and yet are arguably the most important figures in superhero history. Despite the character’s creation in 1938, it wasn’t until a series of events, leading to the eventual help of Neal Adams, did the pair have their by-line and credit permanently instated in December of 1975. Between those dates, the boys from Cleveland lived their lives. Haunted by the work and credit they were denied. Fraught with financial stress, illness and family hardships. In The Joe Shuster Story, Julian Voloj and Thomas Campi explore the life of the artist behind the Man of Steel and the symbol of hope.

Framed largely as a story told by Joe himself to an officer who found him passed out in the park. The Joe Shuster Story explores as many important aspects of Joe’s life as it can, in chronological order. From his parents and childhood, his love of films and reading Sunday comic strips with his father. And importantly, his meeting with Jerry Seigel and the creation of Superman, as well as everything that came after. The way the story is told is wonderfully delicate and nuanced. Matched beautifully by Campi’s art, which is equally as gentle and welcoming. Following Shuster through his life brings a wonderfully personal touch to the work. This isn’t just history, it’s someone’s life.

Fantastically researched. In order to back up and prove their points, Voloj and Campi provide not only a bibliography, though selective. But detailed notes linked to set pages, providing photographs, article links, and expanded details. This level of care shows just how much attention the author and artist have placed into this project and gives it a far stronger level of credibility.

To add to this books stunning design, the inside covers are decorated with images of the pair, newspaper articles and comic pages. Most noticeable, the back cover includes the two page story How Superman Would End the War. Originally published in Look Magazine, February 27th, 1940. The story and research expands itself to every corner of the physical book. Much like the original printing for Alan Moore and Brian Bolland’s The Killing Joke publication, which continued its puddle motif through to the inside covers. As said by Julian Darius in his essay And the Universe So Big, “Once a reader opens the book, he is totally involved in the experience of the book”.

A must have read for all Superman fans, history buffs, and those just wanting to know more about someone who paved the way for the industry we have today.