Becoming Superman
My Journey From Poverty to Hollywood
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Becoming Superman
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Narrated by:
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Peter Jurasik
About this listen
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 HarperAudioListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about Becoming Superman
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 13-11-20
Wow
The story of J. Michael Straczynski's life is more fascinating than one of his works of fiction. Best autobiography I have ever listened to, it is superbly narrated by Peter Jurasik the actor responsible for breathing life into the character of Londo Mollari from Straczynski's fantastic space opera Babylon 5. Thanks for sharing your story Joe it truly touched me wow!!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- David forrest
- 01-09-19
Brilliant
This is a brilliant book that is well crafted and delivers a punchy but inspirational message that people can overcome adversity. Would recommend to anyone.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Imaginarium
- 11-04-21
stunning
One of the best, mist disturbing autobiographies ever, perfectly read by Peter jurasik
great and terrible
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- SG
- 06-09-19
Life-changing, inspirational.
Loved J. Michael Straczynski's work before I ever knew who he was. Finding out that this one guy was the creative force behind ALL my favourite shows growing is a revelation. From Real Ghostbusters, to Captain Power, Babylon 5 and beyond.... Shakes head, what a guy!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mr. C. Brenchley
- 16-09-19
The most incredible purchase I have made in Audible
An amazing story of focus and determination in the face of incredible odds. JMS has had my attention since Babylon 5 but I knew very little about him.
Peter Jurasik is the perfect narrator.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 04-10-19
Yikes.
With a side of goddamn. Incredible. Wonderful. Heartbreaking and just oof the whole way through.
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- Alex
- 21-09-19
Loved it, Loved it - Fantastic
I've been a huge J Michael Straczynski fan since falling for Babylon 5 - the outstanding sci-fi programme from the mid 90's.
Read by the great Peter Jurasic who played one of the main characters from Babylon 5 was an added bonus.
I thought this would be an interesting book and had no idea of the history of Mr Straczynski so was shocked to hear his background and what he had to grow up with. The fact that he made such a success of himself is unbelievable considering his background. The comics, books, movies and TV he has created are amazing.
Loved this book!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mr. S. Fairley
- 04-08-21
The story behind the man
What an amazing heartwarming, sometimes harrowing, sometimes funny memoir.
Wonderfully narrated by Peter, this book will live long in the memory. A story of overcoming obstacles that life can throw at you, with a backdrop of history, mental illness, Thor, Heeman, and of course Superman. At the time of writing this review, I'm already contemplating reading it again it was that good.
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- David
- 18-02-20
Inspiring and moving
This is one of the best autobiographies I have ever read and also provides a great inspiration to any creators or writers out there who wonder if it is even possible!
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- Andy Pellew
- 16-08-19
Wow
What a fantastic book on a fascinating life. I’ve been a JMS fan since B5 and it was interesting to have the story weave in and out of events I remembered (Buddy!) and stories I had never heard (his dad).
The narration by Peter Jurasik is just stella as well. Can’t recommend this enough!
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