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It's A Bird...

Creators: Steven T. Seagal, Teddy Kristiansen
Publisher: DC Comics

Reviewed by Rob Manuel

Steven writes. As a comic book writer by trade, he loves and loathes the industry at the same time. Steven, like most writers, struggles to make a mark in the industry. He writes for a series that he would rather throw in the trashcan. Like most great love affairs, he tumbled into the business rather than pursuing it. His earliest recollection of comics wafts in with the smell of disinfectant and a white tile floor. It was in a hospital, during a visit to his grandmother, that his father handed him and his brother their first comic book. Since then, he shied away from comic books until he fell into the business. Steven's story starts off simply. His editor offers him a job to write for Superman comics... and he turns it down.

It's A Bird looks under the cape of an American Icon and exposes the truth behind the myth. Less than a fan of the man in blue tights, Steven pokes holes through a myth readers will be familiar with. Is this a constant barrage of pointing out plot holes and weakness of character? No. Steven shows a real passion for the subject that few have ever touched. The book combines the history, psychology, and the culture that grew up with the man of steel.

Then, there is the investigator himself - Steven, a man who sees himself very much on the opposite of the cape. The writer - our narrator for the story - cuts just as deeply into his own character. We follow Steven through his own journey as he searches for his missing father. Everything goes back to that day in the hospital - his father, the comic book, the disease, and Superman. In the end, Steven embraces the cape and accepts the man behind it.

I nearly cried after putting down this book. Steven Seagal - the writer, not the character - blends together the kind of truth you hate to hear with a story that makes you want to love it. Semi-autobiographical, Seagal admits to going through many of the same emotions and movements as his character. Rarely a writer exposes his own life to tell someone else's story - the story of Superman. As I mentioned before, It's A Bird reveals rather than slashing away at the truth. Critics of Superman will come away with a better appreciation of the legend. Fans of Superman will never read the story the same way again. Do yourself a favor for once - read this book

Rating: (4 out of 4 stars)

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