Interesting story about a fascinating person but it meanders back and forth in time and the narrative style isn't compelling.

Not always an easy read -- there is a lot of dark and terrible things in Straczynski's life -- but an absolutely compelling read. I did not want to put this down. (If you track the calendar from when I started to when I finished this, it took me almost a month; in reality, it was more like two or three days, just separated by several weeks of classwork.)

I personally became aware of Straczynski because of Babylon 5, which is obviously discussed, but not particularly in-depth. I suspect this is because he covered it all quite thoroughly in his 15-volume scripts collection. So if you're looking to find out all the nuances of making that show, you won't find that in Becoming Superman. What you will find is the source of that show's belief in the power of individuals to change themselves and the world around them and the sense of hope in the future.

From comic books to real life, this author engages the reader. This book is a rarity — the chance to get to know the life of a creative voice, the reality that exists behind authorship and invention.

Some of us might know Joseph Michael Straczynski through his work on Babylon 5. Some of us came to know him through his time on the Spider-Man and Superman comic book lines. Some might have found Joe by browsing on Netflix and finding Sense8. Some of us might even know him primarily through his always amusing and often insightful Twitter feed. 

Well, unless you've read this book, you don't know Joe.

Becoming Superman is a surprisingly intimate, honest, and at times raw look back on Straczynski's life, especially his youth. Reading this book, I felt like I was afforded a peak inside the mind of a brilliant writer sometimes haunted by demons from his past. Straczynski's life story is in parts both depressing and inspiring, sometimes all at the same time. And being a master storyteller, Straczynski knows exactly how to tell his life's story to keep readers engaged. 

I'm reluctant to talk too much about Straczynski's life in this review because there are details that I think need to come directly from him. That said, readers should be warned that Becoming Superman is an intense read. Straczynski did not have a stable and supporting family (to say the least!), and Becoming Superman contains detailed accounts of physical and psychological abuse.

It's become a truism to claim that life is stranger than fiction, but Straczynski's Becoming Superman certainly ranks amongst the most interesting stories he's ever told. I feel as if reading this book I've vicariously experienced both the best and worst that life has to offer. The fact that it's true only increases my admiration for the man. I'd long admired Joe Straczynski as a writer, but now I admire his perseverance and accomplishments in the face of such adversity. 

Becoming Superman easily ranks as one of the most meaningful books I've read in years. Highly recommended for readers interested in any of Straczynski's work, as well as anyone interested in compelling life stories.

Becoming Superman goes on sale on July 23, 2019. I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I first met Joe in 1984 when we both attended a talk by producer Dan Blatt about NBC's V series. We were both fairly terrified at his pronouncement that SF could be anything, without being grounded in, you know, science. We became friends and would run into one another at east and west coast conventions over the next few years before he blossomed into a prolific writer/producer in TV.

At one point, he expressed interest in comics which led me and/or Marv Wolfman offering him an issue of Teen Titans Spotlight, followed by my offer of an issue of Star Trek.

But I had no idea about his background so when NetGalley offered me a chance to read a galley of his autobiography I snatched it up. Somehow I missed the bits and pieces of his past he has been publically discussing since his father died in 2011 so this was all revelatory to me.

They say an author is the sum of his experiences and let me tell you, this man has endured much which goes to explain why he's such an interesting writer regardless of medium. He grew up on the move, relocating annually if not more frequently, unable to form friendships or even excel in school. His parents were dysfunctional, wth dad outright abusive to all around him. The extended family also harbored secrets, which he doles out throughout the narrative. The summation is horrifying and I pity Joe and his sisters for enduring all of this.

He goes on to explore how he became a writer despite the above and his experience as a journalist, animation and live-action television writer prior to moving into a production role. He doesn't shy away from the Baylon 5 vs. Deep Space Nine controversy or the demons that afflicted several of the B5 cast.

This is an open and honest examination of the past, with some advice for writers sprinkled throughout. I felt compelled to keep turning the page, a sign of a well-told tale. If you like anything Joe has produced, this is a worthwhile read.

This is a wonderful book. I knew Mr. Straczynski in college. We also wrote for the same college newspaper, The Daily Aztec. I always knew he would accomplish great things. Now I know a lot of what he had to overcome to accomplish what he has. Good show, Joe!

“My father was a monster.” As a fan who’s seen J. Michael Straczynski (JMS) at a number of appearances, I’d heard those words and imagined the worst father I’d ever known or heard of. I couldn’t have been more wrong if I’d been picturing Mr. Rogers.

Year by year, step by step, JMS describes every conscious decision he made, even while extremely young, that would form him into the man he wanted to be, not what seemed destined by family and society. Leavened with snark and humor, the book is gripping and avoids the unrelenting grimness that it might otherwise have had.

While the family secrets and the odds against JMS’ success are a major thread, never think that that’s what the book is about. The real story is about the man, his decisions, his determination and willingness to face fears and do the right thing. Whether you’re a fan of his work or never heard of him before, this is a book well worth your time.

This book was received as an ARC from HarperCollins Publishers - Harper Voyager in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I was so intrigued from the start to read this book because it's main focus was the original TV show which I remember watching a long time ago as a child. The episode that Straczynski reflects on in the episode I remember clearly and thought it was the sweetest thing he will ever do for anyone and when I read that in the book, I got very excited! I am a huge fan of entertainment biographies because they give you first insight of behind the scenes work and they are always understand expected and interesting. I also found his story very inspiring of how he started with nothing and with hard work and dedication you can always achieve your dreams.

We will consider this book for our biography collection at the library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

I received a copy of Becoming Superman from HarperCollins Publishers through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, this book was exceptional. The beginning was horrifying but somehow entrancing in a way that all survivor stories are.

Joe Straczynski made a choice and by Grabthars hammer he stuck with it.

The raw determination espoused is nothing short of inspiring.

I don't think I can put into words how much this book touched me and I am so glad to have read it.