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The Boy Who Loved Batman
Is any superhero cooler than Batman? He s a crime-fighting vigilante with a tragic past, a lawless attitude, and a seemingly endless supply of high-tech gadgetry. In this fully illustrated memoir, author Michael Uslan recalls his journey from early childhood fandom through to the decades he spent on a caped crusade of his own: to bring Batman to the silver screen as the dark, serious character he was at heart. Uslan s story traces his path from the wilds of New Jersey to the limelight of Hollywood, following his work as Executive Producer on every Batman film from Tim Burton s 1989 re-envisioning to 2012 s The Dark Knight Rises. Through it all, he helped to create one of the most successful pop culture franchises of all time.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published August 10, 2011
29 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
About the author
Michael E. Uslan
120 books22 followersMichael E. Uslan (born June 2, 1952) is a producer of the Batman movies and was the first instructor to teach an accredited course on comic book folklore at any university.
Uslan is best known as a producer of all of the modern Batman films to date, starting with Tim Burton's 1989 film, and continuing to 2012's The Dark Knight Rises and also including various feature-length films based on the Batman: The Animated Series and The Batman.
Uslan is best known as a producer of all of the modern Batman films to date, starting with Tim Burton's 1989 film, and continuing to 2012's The Dark Knight Rises and also including various feature-length films based on the Batman: The Animated Series and The Batman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 20, 2016
This book was fun to read. It's the memoir of Michael Uslan, producer of the Batman movies and comics fanboy of the highest order.
His story reads like a textbook on comics history. His pursuit of building a sizable collection of comic books put him in contact with various figures of early comics. I likes how his narrative has infectious enthusiasm for all things comics, especially superheroes.
His close ties with DC Comics ensured that his memoirs would be fabulously endowed with images of his favorite character, Batman. I cannot emphasize enough how fun to read this was. If you're comic book fan, this one is up your alley.
His story reads like a textbook on comics history. His pursuit of building a sizable collection of comic books put him in contact with various figures of early comics. I likes how his narrative has infectious enthusiasm for all things comics, especially superheroes.
His close ties with DC Comics ensured that his memoirs would be fabulously endowed with images of his favorite character, Batman. I cannot emphasize enough how fun to read this was. If you're comic book fan, this one is up your alley.
January 24, 2015
I kind of loved this book. Michael Uslan is a kid who had a simple dream -- to bring Batman to the silver screen with a tone that was more authentic to the character than the 1960s TV show. He wanted to help make a dark and brooding movie that would honor Batman's legacy as left by Bob Kane, Bill Finger, and all of the other amazing talents that have worked on the character in comics for decades. This book is about Uslan making that happen.
The reason this book was so good is mainly because Uslan has lived a very interesting life. Uslan is the Forrest Gump of comics, being around to rub elbows with much of comic's royalty in their creative heydays or to experience some of comics biggest happenings first hand. There are a ton of neat anecdotes in this book for the person interesting in comic book history. Outside of that, Uslan's personal life was pretty interesting to learn about. Him creating a comic book club as kid, the tales of the mean shop owner that wouldn't sell him comics easily, creating a comic-zine in HS, him and his buddies shopping for golden age comics at flea markets, becoming the world's first credited professor of comics and time spent at Indiana, his time at law school, his young professional life at United Artist Studios, etc -- I was really into all of it.
This book also is a compelling story because of Uslan's passion to make Batman movies, and the lengths he went to to follow that dream. It's inspirational in that sense -- seeing a person decide to do something, and then put in the work (get the bloody knuckles from knocking on doors) to make it happen. There is a lot of stuff on that topic I took away from this book.
The physical book is also really pretty. I don't usually notice the package books come in, but the design of the physical book is really pleasing. I was sure Chip Kidd worked on this, because it has that level of care and detail work in it.
There is one drawback to this book. When Uslan actually gets to the part of the book when he talks about producing the Batman movies, he only talks about them in broad terms. To spend 3/4ths of the book talking about this passion of his, only to achieve that goal, but not talk about it in any real detail was a little disappointing. However, I realize this book isn't about the making of the Batman movies, but about Uslan's dream of getting to make those movies, so it is fitting that a lot of attention isn't paid to the actual production of the movies. That information can be found in other sources. I still would have liked to see more of it here, though. Especially, how he felt when Batman Forever and Batman and Robin were made. To be so disappointed in the 1960s show as a kid, only to end up producing the modern equivalent of that as an adult should have been addressed in some more detail.
It's always good to come across a book that you can hardly put down.
The reason this book was so good is mainly because Uslan has lived a very interesting life. Uslan is the Forrest Gump of comics, being around to rub elbows with much of comic's royalty in their creative heydays or to experience some of comics biggest happenings first hand. There are a ton of neat anecdotes in this book for the person interesting in comic book history. Outside of that, Uslan's personal life was pretty interesting to learn about. Him creating a comic book club as kid, the tales of the mean shop owner that wouldn't sell him comics easily, creating a comic-zine in HS, him and his buddies shopping for golden age comics at flea markets, becoming the world's first credited professor of comics and time spent at Indiana, his time at law school, his young professional life at United Artist Studios, etc -- I was really into all of it.
This book also is a compelling story because of Uslan's passion to make Batman movies, and the lengths he went to to follow that dream. It's inspirational in that sense -- seeing a person decide to do something, and then put in the work (get the bloody knuckles from knocking on doors) to make it happen. There is a lot of stuff on that topic I took away from this book.
The physical book is also really pretty. I don't usually notice the package books come in, but the design of the physical book is really pleasing. I was sure Chip Kidd worked on this, because it has that level of care and detail work in it.
There is one drawback to this book. When Uslan actually gets to the part of the book when he talks about producing the Batman movies, he only talks about them in broad terms. To spend 3/4ths of the book talking about this passion of his, only to achieve that goal, but not talk about it in any real detail was a little disappointing. However, I realize this book isn't about the making of the Batman movies, but about Uslan's dream of getting to make those movies, so it is fitting that a lot of attention isn't paid to the actual production of the movies. That information can be found in other sources. I still would have liked to see more of it here, though. Especially, how he felt when Batman Forever and Batman and Robin were made. To be so disappointed in the 1960s show as a kid, only to end up producing the modern equivalent of that as an adult should have been addressed in some more detail.
It's always good to come across a book that you can hardly put down.
January 28, 2012
Did you know that for some people, their dreams really do come true? That’s the case for Michael Uslan, who fell in love with comic books as a young boy, and went on not only to write Batman comics, but produce the Batman movies.
While it helps, you don’t have to be a comic book fan to enjoy this book. It’s amazing to read about Uslan’s journey, as he chases, and ultimately fulfills, his “unrealistic” dreams. His love for life, and his love for the people in his life who supported him along the way, is a good role model for everyone.
While it helps, you don’t have to be a comic book fan to enjoy this book. It’s amazing to read about Uslan’s journey, as he chases, and ultimately fulfills, his “unrealistic” dreams. His love for life, and his love for the people in his life who supported him along the way, is a good role model for everyone.
June 26, 2020
Really fun read -- love song to comic books and the industry and an eventful life. Where it comes a little short is Uslan doesn't go too in-depth with the actual making of Batman (1989) or any of the follow-up movies. There was a lot of drama that went into the film, and there's some real juicy stories that could have been told, though I imagine Uslan probably avoided going too in-depth in order to preserve existing working relationships.
But as a story of a person who grew up in a small town in New Jersey and leveraged his love for comic books into a living, it's a great read.
But as a story of a person who grew up in a small town in New Jersey and leveraged his love for comic books into a living, it's a great read.
November 1, 2019
Heartfelt. A great read.
A story that is testimony to perseverance and pursuing your dreams. It even invoked memories and emotions from my own childhood. A great read that if not for the need for sleep I would not have put down. For I am just another boy who loved Batman.
A story that is testimony to perseverance and pursuing your dreams. It even invoked memories and emotions from my own childhood. A great read that if not for the need for sleep I would not have put down. For I am just another boy who loved Batman.
March 10, 2024
Michael’s is a fantastically inspirational story for anyone who wants to work in entertainment. Without any connections or advantages, he just kept working until he managed to make his dream happen.
June 5, 2016
A review from my free e-magazine:
PopFam.com - Pop Culture for Families
http://www.popfam.com
The Boy Who Loved Batman
(Chronicle Books)
by Michael Uslan
Reader Appeal: Teens and adults
Genre: Memoir
PopFam Rating: B+
When Mikey Uslan was in third grade, his buddy Barry Milberg gave him some startling news: There was a new superhero comic book that starred four exciting characters (Barry couldn't remember exactly who they were)--BUT they were only available at Old Man Tepid's store.
According to Mikey, "Going into Tepid's meant taking your life into your hands. You went in only when there was no hope of finding a particular comic at the other stores within a bike-riding radius of Asbury Park."
Undaunted, Mikey screwed up his courage and braved his way through Tepid's front doors. The old man was there, wearing a Hitler mustache and frowning (as usual). As Mike looked through the racks of new comics, Tepid pounced, "Quit reading them comic books, kid! This ain't a library," he said. "You bend it, you buy it! And if you ain't got the ten cents, I'll lock you up in the bathroom in the back of the store!"
Mikey shook like a leaf as he scanned the comics, but he discovered his buddy Barry was right. There was a new superhero team--a group that Marvel comics was calling the Fantastic Four. After a moment, the third-grader dropped a dime in front of Tepid to purchase a copy. I'll let Mikey tell you what happened next:
"He stared at me with his Hitler eyes and Them-antennae-like eyebrows streaked with white, and he stormed over to his comic book rack. He picked up the other three copies of Fantastic Four #1 I had been sifting through and raged at me. 'You looked at ALL of these! And now they're ruined, boy!' I didn't know I could spoil a comic book simply by looking at it. He demanded that I now buy all four copies and wanted three more dimes or I'd never leave his store...Thank God I had 30 extra cents in my pocket. It was the emergency change my mom had figured I might need some day for an extra milk or chocolate/vanilla Dixie cup. In abject fear, I handed over the rest of my money to this comic book terrorist."
Well, little Michael Uslan, survived his close encounter of the comic-book-bully kind, and grew to be an insatiable fan of all kinds of superheroes--so much so that he taught the first college-accredited class on comics when he was a teen. Then worked for DC Comics as a young adult. Then managed to buy the film rights to DC heroes like Swamp Thing and Batman...and even became the multi-million dollar producer of all the blockbuster Batman movies of recent history (including Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises).
Uslan tells his whole story (Tepid and all) in the rousing and entertaining book, The Boy Who Loved Batman. His fanboy-fueled quest to reinvent Batman for the big screen takes a few side streets on the way to its destination, but the scenery along the way is still a fun ride.
Lushly produced with four-color interior artwork and oversized hardcover binding, Michael's journey is a trip that Dark Knight fans in your home will want to take. Reading The Boy Who Loved Batman is like sitting around the dinner table listening to a beloved uncle tell a few yarns from his childhood. Maybe some of the facts have been embellished, but so what? Just hearing stories about creeps like Old Man Tepid, or the time Michael and his friends crashed a press briefing of then-presidential candidate George McGovern is still worth it all.
Oh, and by the way, it turns out that Old Man Tepid actually did little Mikey a favor. Today an original, 10-cent copy of Fantastic Four #1 is worth over $50,000...and Michael Uslan owns FOUR of them!
Teen and adult comics' fans will enjoy The Boy Who Loved Batman, but one warning for parents:
Be aware that because of some adult subject matter and the author's frequent (though usually funny) use of profanity, some may find the content of this book to be unsuitable for their children or for immature teens. Parents are encouraged to read The Boy Who Loved Batman first to determine if it's appropriate for their kids
--MN
PopFam.com - Pop Culture for Families
http://www.popfam.com
The Boy Who Loved Batman
(Chronicle Books)
by Michael Uslan
Reader Appeal: Teens and adults
Genre: Memoir
PopFam Rating: B+
When Mikey Uslan was in third grade, his buddy Barry Milberg gave him some startling news: There was a new superhero comic book that starred four exciting characters (Barry couldn't remember exactly who they were)--BUT they were only available at Old Man Tepid's store.
According to Mikey, "Going into Tepid's meant taking your life into your hands. You went in only when there was no hope of finding a particular comic at the other stores within a bike-riding radius of Asbury Park."
Undaunted, Mikey screwed up his courage and braved his way through Tepid's front doors. The old man was there, wearing a Hitler mustache and frowning (as usual). As Mike looked through the racks of new comics, Tepid pounced, "Quit reading them comic books, kid! This ain't a library," he said. "You bend it, you buy it! And if you ain't got the ten cents, I'll lock you up in the bathroom in the back of the store!"
Mikey shook like a leaf as he scanned the comics, but he discovered his buddy Barry was right. There was a new superhero team--a group that Marvel comics was calling the Fantastic Four. After a moment, the third-grader dropped a dime in front of Tepid to purchase a copy. I'll let Mikey tell you what happened next:
"He stared at me with his Hitler eyes and Them-antennae-like eyebrows streaked with white, and he stormed over to his comic book rack. He picked up the other three copies of Fantastic Four #1 I had been sifting through and raged at me. 'You looked at ALL of these! And now they're ruined, boy!' I didn't know I could spoil a comic book simply by looking at it. He demanded that I now buy all four copies and wanted three more dimes or I'd never leave his store...Thank God I had 30 extra cents in my pocket. It was the emergency change my mom had figured I might need some day for an extra milk or chocolate/vanilla Dixie cup. In abject fear, I handed over the rest of my money to this comic book terrorist."
Well, little Michael Uslan, survived his close encounter of the comic-book-bully kind, and grew to be an insatiable fan of all kinds of superheroes--so much so that he taught the first college-accredited class on comics when he was a teen. Then worked for DC Comics as a young adult. Then managed to buy the film rights to DC heroes like Swamp Thing and Batman...and even became the multi-million dollar producer of all the blockbuster Batman movies of recent history (including Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises).
Uslan tells his whole story (Tepid and all) in the rousing and entertaining book, The Boy Who Loved Batman. His fanboy-fueled quest to reinvent Batman for the big screen takes a few side streets on the way to its destination, but the scenery along the way is still a fun ride.
Lushly produced with four-color interior artwork and oversized hardcover binding, Michael's journey is a trip that Dark Knight fans in your home will want to take. Reading The Boy Who Loved Batman is like sitting around the dinner table listening to a beloved uncle tell a few yarns from his childhood. Maybe some of the facts have been embellished, but so what? Just hearing stories about creeps like Old Man Tepid, or the time Michael and his friends crashed a press briefing of then-presidential candidate George McGovern is still worth it all.
Oh, and by the way, it turns out that Old Man Tepid actually did little Mikey a favor. Today an original, 10-cent copy of Fantastic Four #1 is worth over $50,000...and Michael Uslan owns FOUR of them!
Teen and adult comics' fans will enjoy The Boy Who Loved Batman, but one warning for parents:
Be aware that because of some adult subject matter and the author's frequent (though usually funny) use of profanity, some may find the content of this book to be unsuitable for their children or for immature teens. Parents are encouraged to read The Boy Who Loved Batman first to determine if it's appropriate for their kids
--MN
November 25, 2022
An energetic and encouraging biography. I especially enjoyed hearing about his childhood.
June 28, 2013
Michael's life-long love affair with comics and the career path that opened for him as a result is an inspiring, uplifting and fun read. He was the first person to teach a comics course at a university and things went from there. The book is organized in a somewhat non-linear fashion with lots of sidebars, photos and interesting facts as well as his own story as the producer of all the Batman films. Michael often speaks to students and he is as exciting to hear as he is in telling his story in this book. This is a wonderful behind the scenes look at how comics and the film world come together. I got this book for my favorite guys the first year it came out and to a man they were thrilled.
April 2, 2019
I went into this book with a good feeling. I ended with a good feeling. This book is very heartwarming. In fact I did not know anything about this guy until I read this book. I really like how Michael used his knowledge of super hero's to get far in life. The reason why I gave it 4/5 was because some parts of the book were a little corny. Overall a solid read
May 19, 2012
An unexpected delight. My husband brought it back from the library and I stole it before he could get his hands on it. I'm so glad I did. Some language, but for some odd reason it seemed to be appropriate and even funny here. Now if only Tim Burton would get crackin' on his memoirs.
Read
July 25, 2012Super example of what memoir might look like in the secondary classroom with some reader advisory. Comic and graphic novel readers would line up around the door to see a book like this one. I have a colleague that is just waiting for the first day of school to grab this one up!
September 11, 2023
What started out a book I just picked up at my sister's house to read out of boredom became a book that brought back memories, and I learned a lot I didn't know!
Fascinating book!!
Fascinating book!!
March 9, 2024
Michael Uslan is THE BOY WHO LOVED BATMAN, but so am I. This story could have been written for me, even by me. I’ve cared about “The Batman” since I was a kid, and while I disagree with Uslan that the campy ‘60s version of the character has no place in Bat-canon, I also prefer the darker, grittier take on the mythology. At its core, Batman is the story of a kid who saw his parents gunned down in front of him and went so mad he dressed up in a costume to fight crime. That’s not a kids’ story!
The story is everything Uslan went through to achieve his dream of becoming a movie producer and making a Batman movie that realized that version of the character. He’s a talented writer, and the wisdom he imparts gave the highlight feature on my Kindle app a workout. We see eye to eye on Batman, and on the choices and sacrifices we make to accomplish our goals and realize our dreams.
If I have any complaints, it’s that the build-up to getting Batman ’89 made is much longer and in-depth than the process of making that magical movie. I would have loved more behind-the-scenes details from the man who loved this character enough to dedicate his life to immortalizing the definitive version of him. He produced Batman movies through The Dark Knight Rises in 2012, and perhaps more since then; the book was published in the early 2010s, so it can’t account for newer movies such as The Batman.
THE BOY was a fantastic read, as motivational as it was humorous and insightful. Fans of any superhero, as well as readers in need of some motivation, should read it.
The story is everything Uslan went through to achieve his dream of becoming a movie producer and making a Batman movie that realized that version of the character. He’s a talented writer, and the wisdom he imparts gave the highlight feature on my Kindle app a workout. We see eye to eye on Batman, and on the choices and sacrifices we make to accomplish our goals and realize our dreams.
If I have any complaints, it’s that the build-up to getting Batman ’89 made is much longer and in-depth than the process of making that magical movie. I would have loved more behind-the-scenes details from the man who loved this character enough to dedicate his life to immortalizing the definitive version of him. He produced Batman movies through The Dark Knight Rises in 2012, and perhaps more since then; the book was published in the early 2010s, so it can’t account for newer movies such as The Batman.
THE BOY was a fantastic read, as motivational as it was humorous and insightful. Fans of any superhero, as well as readers in need of some motivation, should read it.
August 25, 2020
This book had a lot of heart and centers itself around this idea of finding your passion and carving your path forward to following your dreams, despite how tough the road might get.
It's full of heart, appreciation and love for creatives, and a refreshing zest for the beauty of living. It's meditative in a way, combining author and producer Michael Uslan's love of comic books with important lessons that have kept him whole and centered in his life's journey.
I found it inspirational, and that's clearly the point, even explicitly stated. My only wish would be for lengthier chapters on the production of Batman and other films Uslan produced, such as Swamp Thing. As a comic nerd, I could do with even more comic book love as well.
I think I'd also like to chat with Uslan about comics someday. His passion is energizing.
On a personal note, I picked up this book because the 1989 Batman film was one of the most important and influential films to my creatice development as a small child. Much like Uslan talks about how Batman influenced his world, the 1989 impacted my own in ways I cannot describe.
It's full of heart, appreciation and love for creatives, and a refreshing zest for the beauty of living. It's meditative in a way, combining author and producer Michael Uslan's love of comic books with important lessons that have kept him whole and centered in his life's journey.
I found it inspirational, and that's clearly the point, even explicitly stated. My only wish would be for lengthier chapters on the production of Batman and other films Uslan produced, such as Swamp Thing. As a comic nerd, I could do with even more comic book love as well.
I think I'd also like to chat with Uslan about comics someday. His passion is energizing.
On a personal note, I picked up this book because the 1989 Batman film was one of the most important and influential films to my creatice development as a small child. Much like Uslan talks about how Batman influenced his world, the 1989 impacted my own in ways I cannot describe.
February 2, 2017
Maravilloso. Sabia que Uslan sabia de comics y era responsable de llevar a Batman al cine, pero el libro nos permite conocer su vida ,desde una infancia rodeado de comics ,su paso por el colegio,universidad, madurez y como nunca dejo que sus sueños murieran por difíciles que fueran los momentos, y si fue muchísimo tiempo, una lucha larga pero el la cuenta con cariño y así la recibes como lector, me encanto saber de sus viajes y búsquedas de comics en múltiples lugares, de lo que sufrió al no encontrar trabajo en varias ocasiones, de la triste historia de Otto Binder, su paso pro DC Comics...es un libro cargado de comics, cariño y amor, además se agradece la elección del material gráfico de su archivo personal y de varias compañias, muy superior a otros del mismo genero ( te hablo a ti, Haley Campbell en EL ARTE DE NEIL GAIMAN) .
September 27, 2019
An ebullient memoir！Cheerful, insightful and humor. Uslan is a super batboy and batman of B atman. He loved Batman since 5, produced the first Batman’s movie in 38, and Norlan’s trilogy in 57. His whole life bases on Batman. Batman is his love, career and dream. This is a dream book. It is hard to keep calm in reading these sentences. They are powerful! It inspires me to spend time and energy in what I loved but not have to. Btw, love abundant of old posters inside.
March 14, 2020
The first few chapters are the best. A generously illustrated, sometimes hilarious, fun trip down memory lane for baby boomers who love comic books.
Lots of respect for the author who religiously strives to preserve the original character of Batman as a dark knight--not parody.
Comic book nerds are the audience: those interested in the minutia of the legend, with emphasis on things such as keeping the utility belt not an unlimited resource.
Lots of respect for the author who religiously strives to preserve the original character of Batman as a dark knight--not parody.
Comic book nerds are the audience: those interested in the minutia of the legend, with emphasis on things such as keeping the utility belt not an unlimited resource.
January 11, 2022
For any comic book, Superhero, and especially Batman fans, this is a must-read and entertaining book into the history of Michael Uslan's journey to getting the movie rights and producing the 1989 Batman movie, and bringing us back the dark and serious Dark Knight.
This is just such a fantastic read.
This is just such a fantastic read.
October 31, 2024
I saw the world premier of the stage version of this tonight. Any boy that loved Batman will certainly love this. Unfortunately, I was not that kind of boy. There are plans to stage the play on Broadway after it ends its run here in Tampa. Fortunately for the producers, boys like me were an oddity, making the play a likely hit.
April 5, 2019
Terrific History
This is a must read for every comic fan. It is not an understatement to say that we wouldn’t have super hero movies on the scale we have them today without the perseverance of Michael Uslan.
This is a must read for every comic fan. It is not an understatement to say that we wouldn’t have super hero movies on the scale we have them today without the perseverance of Michael Uslan.
December 28, 2024
I listened to the Audible version of this and had no idea that he has touched so many projects that I’ve enjoyed throughout my life. I do recommend this for any kind of media fan especially a Batman fan.
August 26, 2018
I won’t ever watch Batman (1989) the same way again. Knowing all that this one person gave and went through to make it a reality is amazing.
June 24, 2019
The ultimate history of the ultimate Bat-fan.
July 23, 2019
I loved this book! Especially the behind the scenes of Michael Uslan's 10 year journey to get Batman turned into a feature film.
September 27, 2020
Loose, conversational autobiography of the man who decided back in the 70s he wanted a dark, serious Batman brought to the screen, so bought the film rights and set out on his goal!
December 4, 2021
Boring and braggy. Only 3 chapters actually about filmmaking. Very little actual Batman movie info for a person who supposedly loves the character...
April 25, 2025
Was fun and stayed interesting - the author's narration was well-done, and his enthusiasm through all life stages stayed true.
March 12, 2012
I must admit that, although I've read Batman comics since the early 1980s, am familiar with writers and artists, am a big movie fan, and seen all of the Batman movies multiple times, I had never before heard of Michael Uslan. That didn't stop me from reading this book, though. The colorful cover and subject matter immediately drew my attention.
At first I thought Uslan was just a huge fan of comic books and their characters. I wasn't aware of the magnitude of his contributions to comics and superhero movies. Why had I never heard his name before?
Uslan's stories and writing are strongest when he's telling tales of his youth when comic books were gaining popularity, were bought at the corner drugstore, and were sometimes considered just "funny books" by unknowing adults. These are all subjects to which the average comic book geek in their 30s/40s/50s/60s can relate.
Less interesting are Uslan's stories of his own personal life and memoirs, as I don't think that he has the celebrity status for any of these tales to be truly noteworthy. It's like reading your next door neighbor's journal. I didn't really care about Uslan's time as a radio DJ or meeting his girlfriend/wife. Uslan would have done better to have included many more tales of his youth than his early adulthood. His stories of buying comics at the local drugstore were hilarious, nostalgic, and took me back to a more simpler time. However, most fascinating were his revealing tales of superhero history and myths, such as the introduction of Batgirl to prove that there was no homosexual agenda in the Batman comics. These types of tales were truly entertaining, insightful, and educational.
As much of a trip down memory lane Uslan's stories are for comic book fans, I don't think the stories have mass appeal. Non-comic books wouldn't appreciate everything Uslan describes, and they certainly couldn't relate to his enthusiasm, giving this book a limited audience. I do, however, recommend this book for avid comic book fans and readers who grew up reading comics in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, if only for the comic book-related stories.
At first I thought Uslan was just a huge fan of comic books and their characters. I wasn't aware of the magnitude of his contributions to comics and superhero movies. Why had I never heard his name before?
Uslan's stories and writing are strongest when he's telling tales of his youth when comic books were gaining popularity, were bought at the corner drugstore, and were sometimes considered just "funny books" by unknowing adults. These are all subjects to which the average comic book geek in their 30s/40s/50s/60s can relate.
Less interesting are Uslan's stories of his own personal life and memoirs, as I don't think that he has the celebrity status for any of these tales to be truly noteworthy. It's like reading your next door neighbor's journal. I didn't really care about Uslan's time as a radio DJ or meeting his girlfriend/wife. Uslan would have done better to have included many more tales of his youth than his early adulthood. His stories of buying comics at the local drugstore were hilarious, nostalgic, and took me back to a more simpler time. However, most fascinating were his revealing tales of superhero history and myths, such as the introduction of Batgirl to prove that there was no homosexual agenda in the Batman comics. These types of tales were truly entertaining, insightful, and educational.
As much of a trip down memory lane Uslan's stories are for comic book fans, I don't think the stories have mass appeal. Non-comic books wouldn't appreciate everything Uslan describes, and they certainly couldn't relate to his enthusiasm, giving this book a limited audience. I do, however, recommend this book for avid comic book fans and readers who grew up reading comics in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, if only for the comic book-related stories.
September 4, 2011
This is a great book that discusses Uslan's personal history with comics, specifically Batman. I got to hear Michael Uslan speak at 2011 Comic con, and As soon as his book came out I grabbed it. He is the reason we have serious comic book movies today. Without him, we would be stuck with the campy Batman from the 60's. Michael Uslan practically invented Geek Cred, attending the first Comic Convention in New York, Teaching the first Comic Book Class, Writing the first book about Comics, and being the producer of Batman, Batman Begins and The Dark Knight.
Fun fact- the first person to ask Michael Uslan for his autograph, was Sami Remi.
A great quote:
On Making the gadgets were real in Batman Beings - "The final element that the audience had to believe in was all the technology and gadgetry. If the people sitting in the theaters didn't believe in it all, the picture might not work. So how did Christopher Nolan convince them it was real? In his genius, he hired Morgan Freeman to TELL everyone it was real! Well, if Morgan Freeman says it's real, it MUST be! Hell, I believed him! I believe anything Morgan freeman says."
If you are at all interested in comics, comic book movies, comic con, or Hollywood- read this book. If you are a recent graduate with no job lined up - Read this book. If you have a dream, and are not sure how to accomplish it- read this book. All in All.... Read this book.
Fun fact- the first person to ask Michael Uslan for his autograph, was Sami Remi.
A great quote:
On Making the gadgets were real in Batman Beings - "The final element that the audience had to believe in was all the technology and gadgetry. If the people sitting in the theaters didn't believe in it all, the picture might not work. So how did Christopher Nolan convince them it was real? In his genius, he hired Morgan Freeman to TELL everyone it was real! Well, if Morgan Freeman says it's real, it MUST be! Hell, I believed him! I believe anything Morgan freeman says."
If you are at all interested in comics, comic book movies, comic con, or Hollywood- read this book. If you are a recent graduate with no job lined up - Read this book. If you have a dream, and are not sure how to accomplish it- read this book. All in All.... Read this book.
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