Introduction by Neil Gaiman“Always charming; by turns inspirational, jaw-dropping, and terrifying; a memoir like no other, about a life so strange it puts the weirdest tales of science fiction in the shade.”—Cory Doctorow, author of Radicalized and Walkaway “J. Michael Straczynski is, without question, one of the greatest science fiction minds of our time.”—Max Brooks, author of World War Z

The acclaimed writer behind Babylon 5, Sense8, Clint Eastwood’s Changeling, and Marvel’s Thor, J. Michael Straczynski is one of the most successful writers in Hollywood. Yet Joe’s personal history has always been shrouded in mystery. Becoming Superman lays bare the facts of his life: Of being raised by damaged adults, growing up in abject poverty, living in slums and projects, crisscrossing the country as his violent father tried desperately to escape the consequences of his past. To survive, Joe found refuge in his beloved comics and in his dreams, immersing himself in imaginary worlds populated by superheroes whose powers allowed them to overcome any adversity. Eventually, Joe came to realize that he, too, had a superpower: the ability to tell stories and make everything come out the way he wanted. Becoming Superman is a story of creation and darkness, hope and success, a larger-than-life villain and a little boy who broke the cycle of violence to become the hero of his own story. It is also the chronicle of a writer’s journey and a compelling behind-the-scenes look at some of the most successful television series and movies recognized around the world.