[A] compact, fact-filled compilation.... Although this is a serious study, the text is accessible and not pedantic. In discussing the origins of superheroes, for example, the authors suggest a categorization as follows: “mutant (Wolverine), alien (Superman), science (Hulk), technology (Iron Man), magic (Shazam), divine-heaven/hell (Spawn), and natural (Batman)” that will be easily understood by any superhero fan.... For those interested in further study, there is a well-chosen bibliography. A solid choice for film and popular-culture collections.