Becoming Superman: My Journey From Poverty to Hollywood

(Paperback)

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A Hugo Award Nominee!

Featuringan introduction by Neil Gaiman!

J. Michael Straczynski is, without question, one of the greatest science fiction minds of our time. -- Max Brooks (World War Z)

For four decades, J. Michael Straczynski has been one of the most successful writers in Hollywood, one of the few to forge multiple careers in movies, television and comics. Yet theres one story hes never told before: his own.

In this dazzling memoir, the acclaimed writer behind Babylon 5, Sense8, Clint Eastwoods Changeling and Marvels Thor reveals how the power of creativity and imagination enabled him to overcome the horrors of his youth and a dysfunctional family haunted by madness, murder and a terrible secret.

Joe's early life nearly defies belief. Raised by damaged adultsa con-man grandfather and a manipulative grandmother, a violent, drunken father and a mother who was repeatedly institutionalizedJoe grew up in abject poverty, living in slums and projects when not on the road, crisscrossing the country in his fathers desperate attempts to escape the consequences of his past.

To survive his abusive environment Joe found refuge in his beloved comics and his dreams, immersing himself in imaginary worlds populated by superheroes whose amazing powers allowed them to overcome any adversity. The deeper he read, the more he came to realize that he, too, had a superpower: the ability to tell stories and make everything come out the way he wanted it. But even as he found success, he could not escape a dark and shocking secret that hung over his familys past, a violent truth that he uncovered over the course of decades involving mass murder.

Straczynskis personal history has always been shrouded in mystery. Becoming Superman lays bare the facts of his life: a story of creation and darkness, hope and success, a larger-than-life villain and a little boy who became the hero of his own life. It is also a compelling behind-the-scenes look at some of the most successful TV series and movies recognized around the world.

Reviews

J. Michael Straczynski is, without question, one of the greatest science fiction minds of our time. Max Brooks (World War Z) “Everything I read made me want to stand up and salute. I cant stress enough how significant and moving (to say nothing of gripping and sometimes hilarious) this book is. Its a magnificent piece of work that will stay with me for a long, long time. Cory Doctorow, author of Radicalized and Walkaway Once I started, I couldnt put it down. Straczynski embedded a mystery in an autobiography. Has to be a first. Dan DiDio, Editor in Chief, DC Comics Part Hollywood how-to, part Frank McCourt-style reflection on emotional neglect and poverty, Becoming Superman is an enveloping look back at a unique career. Washington Post “His ability to stay the course, to work hard at all times, and to keep writing were his salvation time and again. This book is a testament to that and it is an inspiring, touching look at how someone born into darkness can find the light and go on to do great things. NPR “I just finished reading Becoming Superman and can,without a mote of hyperbole, state it is one of the most terrifying and inspirational, funny and empathicnonfiction books of our time. Im too old to be currying favors.Just trust me.Buy it or die! Walter Koenig A fascinating journey through careers in three different professionscomic books, TV, and moviesfrom an accomplished master of each. Rare to have such detail and such access. A major literary autobiography! Bestselling author Greg Bear “Straczynski [...] delivers a frank memoir thats equally harrowing and triumphant. Publishers Weekly Becoming Superman is a valuable resource for those wishing to look behind the curtain to one of pop cultures most cherished and esteemed writers [...] It is an incrediblestory of familial abuse and its aftermath, of perseverance and fortitude, of endurance and determination. Highly recommended. Fantasy Book Review Gripping. An amazing testament to the range of human durability and determination, overcoming our impossibly dark side with something even more unlikely and miraculous -- hope. Hugo and Nebula Award Winning Novelist David Brin A deeply moving testament to the power of storytelling, and a no-bullshit guide to becoming, if not Superman, a better person and writer. Tor.com “Straczynskis memoir more than lives up to the promises of its sub-subtitleJoe never saves the world la Superman, but pulls through with a heart, spine, and soul of steel... AV Club “Straczynskis life story is simultaneously horrifying and uplifting. He survives a childhood worse than almost anything you could imagine and ends up taking an unlikely path to Hollywood success. Its funny, sad, infuriating, and inspiring--often all at once. Jason Snell, host of The Incomparable podcast “His true life story turns out to be as gripping and inspiring as any of his fiction. B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog “Ive rarely felt such pain while reading a memoir, or felt so satisfied at its conclusion. Its some kind of miracle that hes taken this lifelong experience, leavened it with perspective, and created something so universal.Powerful, powerful stuff. Andy Ihnatko, Tech Author andCo-Host of The Material Podcast

Author Bio

J. Michael Straczynski has had one of the most varied careers of any American writer, penning hundreds of hours of television, comic books for Marvel and DC that have sold over 13 million copies, and movies that have grossed over a billion dollars.