Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman

As teenagers, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster enjoyed reading about heroes like Flash Gordon and Tarzan. They also made up their own stories. Late one summer night, Jerry had an idea for a hero who would be all the strongmen he'd ever heard of, "only more so." Before dawn, Jerry ran to Joe's apartment, where Joe created sketches. Soon they prepared a series of comic strips. It took three more years to find a publisher, but when Superman finally debuted in 1938, the new superhero was an instant hit. Extensive author's note. Sources. Full-color illustrations.