This 425 page novel about the archetypal superhero that started it all "takes an entirely fresh approach to the emergence of his superpowers, following him from rural 1930s Kansas to Hollywood in its golden age, and then to New York City and the start of his newspaper career, (where) he meets a worldly Lois Lane and political boss Lex Luthor, and begins his battles against criminal masterminds, mad scientists, and super-villians inspired by fascists."  This is an intelligent entertainment, desigined for sophisticated readers of superhero comics as well as for readers of contemporary fiction who have enjoyed reading books that focus on pop culture themes like Michael Chabon's The Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, or, indeed, Tom De Haven's earlier books featuring Derby Dugan.  This is a spiffy hardcover that sports a swell dustjacket designed and decorated by Chris Ware.