Becoming Superman

My Journey From Poverty to Hollywood

By: J. Michael Straczynski

Narrated by: Peter Jurasik

Length: 16 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Featuring an introduction by Neil Gaiman!

“J. Michael Straczynski is, without question, one of the greatest science fiction minds of our time.”—Max Brooks (World War Z)

For four decades, J. Michael Straczynski has been one of the most successful writers in Hollywood, one of the few to forge multiple careers in movies, television and comics. Yet there’s one story he’s never told before: his own.

In this dazzling memoir, the acclaimed writer behind Babylon 5, Sense8, Clint Eastwood’s Changeling and Marvel’s Thor reveals how the power of creativity and imagination enabled him to overcome the horrors of his youth and a dysfunctional family haunted by madness, murder and a terrible secret.

Joe's early life nearly defies belief. Raised by damaged adults—a con-man grandfather and a manipulative grandmother, a violent, drunken father and a mother who was repeatedly institutionalized—Joe grew up in abject poverty, living in slums and projects when not on the road, crisscrossing the country in his father’s desperate attempts to escape the consequences of his past.

To survive his abusive environment Joe found refuge in his beloved comics and his dreams, immersing himself in imaginary worlds populated by superheroes whose amazing powers allowed them to overcome any adversity. The deeper he read, the more he came to realize that he, too, had a superpower: the ability to tell stories and make everything come out the way he wanted it. But even as he found success, he could not escape a dark and shocking secret that hung over his family’s past, a violent truth that he uncovered over the course of decades involving mass murder.

Straczynski’s personal history has always been shrouded in mystery. Becoming Superman lays bare the facts of his life: a story of creation and darkness, hope and success, a larger-than-life villain and a little boy who became the hero of his own life. It is also a compelling behind-the-scenes look at some of the most successful TV series and movies recognized around the world.

©2019 J. Michael Straczynski (P)2019 HarperAudio

5 stars are not enough

Wow just wow. It is amazing what the author has been through and what he has accomplished in spite of that. His is a story that is both inspirational and as riveting as any work of fiction. If you feel down and lost and need inspiration listen to this in it's entirety and you will be taken on a journey that will end with you feeling better.

Superb, but horrifying

Superb book and narration. Be warned though, there are some very horrific true life events that go on in this book. It is an excellent book, but not a happy one. So be in the right mindset before reading/listening to it!

Great book

Great story, great book. Peter Jurasik sometis struggles for breath but gets better soon and his narration is great.

A Ride As Thrilling As The Movies

I loved this book, although it was hard to listen to all the childhood abuse the author experienced. Since I am a fan of science fiction, it was interesting to hear the background on He-Man, She-Ra, The Twilight Zone, Babylon 5 and many others. I now and going to go back and rewatch all of Babylon 5.

Absolutely Incredible

The most Amazing story of overcoming insurmountable challenges. One of the Best I've listened to.

Gripping, Painful, Triumphant

Babylon 5 is my favorite Scifi show of all time, interesting to hear the real story of the author's life at the time that went untold on the fan blog he frequented.

There are no words...

As somebody who faced his fair share of challenges that never should have come out alive from, but even walked away from, I have to say that my story doesn't hold a candle to the accomplishments that this soul deserves because without waver, he did so with grace and integrity. Thank you. This if just what I need, right now. Super Man, my friend, thank you for telling this, your story and sharing it. I was wondering that after some very big, and even pernicious setbacks, I was wondering and even doubting if I had it in me to risk another failure, or even another success. I know now what I must do. Thank you again, with nothing but the heist love. Thank you.

I'm a better person because of JMS

Straczynski taught me to be a better person because of his choices. Thank you Sir.

Amazing story

This story contains one of the purest examples of grit I have ever come across. Wonderful in conclusion, powerful in the telling.

Wow

Loved this so much. I had always been a fan of the man's work all the way back from when I would tape broadcasts of B5 on TNT. But the story of this man's life is a delightful inspiration.