pub: Quirk Books. 181 page small illustrated softcover. Price: $15.95 (US). ISBN: 978-1-59474-113-1.

check out websites: www.quirkbooks.comand www.irreference.com

Being Superman is a lot tougher (sic) than being the Batman, but at least you don't have to carry so much equipment about. Oddly, author Scott Beatty recognises that there is only one Kryptonian Superman and rather than thinking you can compete with him, gives you all the necessary tips for all kinds of situations and how to handle them as a human would. Indeed, on occasions, he shows how Clark Kent would do it so as not to give away his alter-ego. Mind you, it would look a little odd if Superman came to the rescue of a leaking pipe.



The opening chapters show you how Superman deals with his abilities and rescues, just in case we forget who is the centre of attention here. Then we get to the nitty-gritty of what you can do saving the day out and about and at home. The advice is actually very good but I hope that it's teen-agers who pay heed than the under-10s who probably wouldn't be capable of doing anything than pass out the instructions. There's a lot to remember although a lot of it is common-sense and sensible things to do in an emergency.

There's also a lot of illustrations by John Delaney to illustrate Superman doing his deeds and standard human rescues to back up the text. Lois and Jimmy have never been in so much conventional trouble.

Beatty also gives a lot of information about Superman, his friends and enemies in snippets around the chapters. About the only thing I would dispute on is the absence of Pete Ross in the list of who knows who Superman is but there is no indication that this is other than the current version out there.

You might not come away from this book thinking you can be Superman but might actually be better prepared for real emergencies.

Am learnt how me not speak Bizzaro in this bad book. Am now not waiting for Bizzaro Handbook to show wrong way to die.

GF Willmetts