1
of
1
Superbook
The World of Superhero Movies According to Smersh Pod
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 14 ratings, 1 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still
learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Summary
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK
Please add to wishlist to be notified when back in stock
Sorry, we're currently out of stock of Superbook. Please add to your Wishlist and we'll send you an email as soon as it's back in stock.
Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
This book is ideal for fans of superhero cinema, nostalgia enthusiasts, and readers appreciating cult film history with a humorous and affectionate tone.
Latest News
The Book Briefing 21/10/2026
Welcome back to another edition of 'The Book Briefing', your weekly round-up of all the...
Story to Screen - 21/10/26
It's been another huge week in the world of book-to-screen adaptations! From record-breaking trailers and...
Things We Learned from an Evening with Alice Oseman
Liam and Lizzy went along to an evening with Alice Oseman of Heartstopper! Here are...
The Book Hero Team's Wins and Misses in Film and TV Adaptations
We all love arguing in a mostly good-natured way about which adaptations of our favourite...
Vanya Insull (aka VJ Cooks) visits Book Hero
We were lucky to have a visit from popular foodie, home cook and baker Vanya...
See moreDespite starting on a high in 1978, by 1997 there could be no doubt that the superhero genre was all but dead. So, whatever happened to the heroes? Join John Rain as he walks through every film of note from 1978 to 1997, from Flash Gordon to Spider Man and examines just what went wrong, and how.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
THIS IS THE GUIDE TO CLASSIC SUPERHERO MOVIES YOU NEVER KNEW YOU NEEDED.
If you mention the word 'superhero' these days, the mind is immediately bombarded by visions from the MCU, DCU, and all the numerous phases, extended TV series, and animated side-specials that combine to make our eyes bleed with a barrage of different characters fighting each other.
But before 1997, people would generally only think of a few things: Christopher Reeve smiling as his Superman kept a watchful eye over Earth's atmosphere, Michael Keaton's Batman running around Gotham dressed in moulded rubber, Nicholas Hammond's Spider-Man being hauled up a wall on a rope, Bill Bixby trying not to unleash his inner Hulk, and Flash Gordon camply swashbuckling his way around another galaxy.
It's time to don your cowl, cape, shredded jeans, and Vultan leatherwear and join John Rain as he wades his way through twenty classic superhero films that stunned, amazed, and baffled the world from 1978 to 1997.
IS IT A BIRD? IS IT A PLANE? NO, IT'S Superbook!
'The perfect way to enjoy the best and worst films of your childhood.' - Ed Byrne
Series: The World of Film According to Smersh Pod
View all-
Thunderbook
This is the guide to the James Bond movies you never knew you needed. The Bond films have entertained, excited and sometimes irritated cinema-goers (and ITV4 viewers) for more than fifty years, inspiring awe and adoration around the world for the inimitable 007 - Her Majesty's most incorrigible spy. After all, who hasn't wanted to kick a big bloke with...Paperback$3499Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Explodobook
The 1980s. A time of fear: fear of the unknown, fear of your neighbours, fear of drugs, fear of sex, fear of strangers, fear of videos, and the very real fear that the world would end at any moment in an awful, and very sudden, nuclear attack. However, in those times of turmoil and worry, there was a comfort that...Hardback$4799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Superbook
THIS IS THE GUIDE TO CLASSIC SUPERHERO MOVIES YOU NEVER KNEW YOU NEEDED. If you mention the word 'superhero' these days, the mind is immediately bombarded by visions from the MCU, DCU, and all the numerous phases, extended TV series, and animated side-specials that combine to make our eyes bleed with a barrage of different characters fighting each other. But...PaperbackSold Out
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Ed Byrne describes it as "the perfect way to enjoy the best and worst films of your childhood", combining humour with insightful commentary. Chris Hewitt of Empire praises it as a "hilarious and heartfelt" tribute to pre-MCU superhero cinema, delivered in John Rain's distinctive voice. John Thomson compliments the book's "glorious geekdom" and richly detailed trivia.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781915359131
Publisher: Polaris Publishing Limited
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 09 November 2023
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Polaris Publishing Limited
Illustration: 16pp colour plates
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 35.0mm
Width: 138.0mm
Height: 216.0mm
Weight: 313g
Pages: 380
About the Author
John Rain is a Bond fanatic, and the host of the cult podcast Smersh Pod. He lives in Sussex in an abandoned volcano.
Also by John Rain
View all-
Thunderbook
This is the guide to the James Bond movies you never knew you needed. The Bond films have entertained, excited and sometimes irritated cinema-goers (and ITV4 viewers) for more than fifty years, inspiring awe and adoration around the world for the inimitable 007 - Her Majesty's most incorrigible spy. After all, who hasn't wanted to kick a big bloke with...Paperback$3499Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Explodobook
The 1980s. A time of fear: fear of the unknown, fear of your neighbours, fear of drugs, fear of sex, fear of strangers, fear of videos, and the very real fear that the world would end at any moment in an awful, and very sudden, nuclear attack. However, in those times of turmoil and worry, there was a comfort that...Hardback$4799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks
More from Marvel
-
tonies: Marvel - Iron Man Tonie Audio Character
From daring escapee to mighty Avenger, Tony Stark’s journey unfolds across three thrilling adventures. Discover the origins of Marvel Iron Man, travel through time with the Avengersand follow Ironheart and Iron Man as they race to stop Hydro-Man. Filled with geniusinventions, big heroics and brilliant problem solving, these stories reveal the man behindthe suit. All your heroes-in-the-making need to do is...7 years or older$3499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
tonies: Marvel - Captain America Tonie Audio Character
The world has a new hero. When Steve Rogers passes the shield to Sam Wilson, a newchapter begins for Marvel Captain America. Join the two heroes as they battle Hydra,protect S.H.I.E.L.D. and face sinister villains including Baron Zemo and the Spot. Through daring missions, teamwork and bold choices, Sam discovers what it really means to carry the shield. All your little...7 years or older$3499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
tonies: Marvel - Spider-Man Tonie Audio Character
Your friendly neighbourhood Marvel Spider-Man swings into action in three thrilling Marvel adventures packed with super powers, dangerous villains and high stakes heroics. Follow Peter Parker from his origin story to teaming up with Ghost-Spider against Electro and Hydro-Man, before joining forces with the Avengers to battle super villain Thanos. All your little web-slingers need to do is pop this Tonie...7 years or older$3499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
4% offSpot It! Marvel
Now children can spot their favourite Marvel characters in this new release of the special Marvel edition of the classic Spot It game! This fast-paced fun family game of observation and quick reflexes is ideal for players aged 6 and up. Be the first to spot the only matching Marvel character symbols between two cards to win! Every card in...2–8 players$2600Usually:$2699Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
14% offTime Teacher Watch - Spiderman
Inspire kids to master the art of time telling with the Spiderman Time Teacher Watch. Thanks to labelled dials and a helpful guide included with the gift box, learning to tell the time is simple! Features: Standard Time Learning Numbers Colour Coded Numbers High Quality and Child Safe Watch Japanese Quartz Movement Comfortable Rubber Strap Labelled Hour and Minute...$2994Usually:$3499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
tonies: Marvel Spidey & His Amazing Friends - Spidey Tonie Audio Character
Know a Spidey fan who loves a story? Keep them from crawling the walls with this set of amazing adventures, featuring Spiderman and his equally amazing friends, Miles Morales and Ghost-Spider. Oh, and a few less welcome visitors, of course (Green Goblin, we're looking at you.). Whether it's play time, bed time or travel time, for Spidey fans it's always...3 years or older / Toddlers / Preschoolers$3499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
tonies: Interchangeable Sleeve - Marvel Spidey
Turn your Toniebox 2 into something truly yours. With snug-fitting sleeves in fun, colorful designs, they can mix, match, and switch up the look whenever you like. Each sleeve is easy to slip on, keeps sound clear, and adds a personal touch that shows off their style. Whether they are into bold patterns or their favorite characters, there’s a sleeve...1 year or older$2499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
20% off
Ravensburger: Marvel Villainous Infinite Power Game
Claim Infinite Power! Which Villain are you? Dominate the Marvel Universe as an iconic Villain! Follow your own twisted path to victory, using sinister abilities to take on other Villains and mighty heroes from across the Universe. Choose from Thanos, Hela, Ultron, Killmonger, or Taskmaster and fulfill your dark destiny! Move your Villains to different locations and carry out the...2–4 players$7200Elsewhere:$9499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
This Is Captain America: Ready-to-Read Level 1 (Marvel: Avengers)
This Is Captain America: Ready-to-Read Level 1 (Marvel: Avengers) introduces readers to two legendary heroes. Sam Wilson and Steve Rogers both carry the mantle of Captain America. Join them on an incredible adventure as they team up and use their combined strengths to face new challenges. Perfect for early readers, this book offers an exciting look at the legacy of...Hardback$799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
VTech Spidey & Friends Phone
Spidey and the team are waiting for your call with the Spidey Learning Phone! With voice-activated play, your little one can pretend to call Spidey. The great built-in learning games and app help to develop skills with numbers, counting, memory, matching and more! Receive fun virtual voice messages from Spidey or fun fact about his amazing friends. Personalise your phone...3 years or older$2599Elsewhere:$2999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Sticker Book Treasury - Marvel Spidey & Friends
They’re reusable! The Sticker Book Treasury that kids love. Get creative with our Spidey and Friends Stickers! Take a look inside our Spidey and Friends Sticker Book Treasury and you will find over 350 reusable stickers to collect and enjoy. Your kids can use these fun and easy-to-peel stickers to complete interactive activities, designed to provide knowledge, develop reasoning, and...3 years or older$1999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Where's Spidey? A Spider-Man Search and Find Book: Supersized Edition (Marvel)
Where's Spidey? A Spider-Man Search and Find Book: Supersized Edition (Marvel) Where is Spider-Man? From falling through the multiverse to swinging through interdimensional portals, Spidey has a habit of getting himself into trouble. Luckily, he has a good team of friends to help save him... do you have what it takes to join them? With a huge 80 pages of...Hardback$2500Elsewhere:$2699Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today
More from Arts & Culture
View all-
Dylan's PickBold Types
A tribute to 32 truly independent bookshops throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, from north of Auckland down to Dunedin, and coast to coast. Jane Ussher's photographs show every bookstore in its unique nature - including behind the counter, smoko rooms, the mess which tells the hardworking story behind the joy of matching books with customers. Jemma Moreira's careful editing has crafted...Hardback$5999Elsewhere:$7000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseI’ll Believe in Anything
From Jacob Tierney, the creator of Heated Rivalry, in partnership with Brendan Brady and Accent Aigu, comes I’ll Believe in Anything, an official and complete collection of annotated scripts for the biggest cultural sensation of the year, with all new exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Based on Rachel Reid’s blockbuster Game Changers book series, Heated Rivalry premiered on Crave and HBO in late 2025 and immediately took the world by storm. I’ll...Hardback$5499Elsewhere:$6000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Home Again
Join rock-legend, former Shihad frontman and lead singer of The Adults, Jon Toogood in this unflinching and no-holds-barred memoir Home Again.This is more than a rock story. Toogood looks back on a 37-year career that helped define New Zealand rock music, and the personal cost that came with it. From a music-obsessed childhood in Wellington to the deafening roar of international stages, this...Paperback$2700Elsewhere:$3999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
20% offThe Odyssey
Composed at the rosy-fingered dawn of world literature almost three millennia ago, The Odyssey is a poem about violence and the aftermath of war; about wealth, poverty and power; about marriage and family; about travellers, hospitality, and the yearning for home. This fresh, authoritative translation captures the beauty of this ancient poem as well as the drama of its narrative....Paperback$2400Elsewhere:$3599Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
21% offThe Iliad
When Emily Wilson's translation of The Odyssey appeared in 2017—revealing the ancient poem in a contemporary idiom that was "fresh, unpretentious and lean" (Madeline Miller, Washington Post)—critics lauded it as "a revelation" (Susan Chira, New York Times) and "a cultural landmark" (Charlotte Higgins, Guardian) that would forever change how Homer is read in English. Now Wilson has returned with an...Paperback$2600Elsewhere:$3799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
20% offDisney Moana: The Official Cookbook
Embark on a culinary adventure with Moana of Motunui with Pacific recipes inspired by Moana and Moana 2! After a long day of sailing to see how far you’ll go or keeping the demigod Maui out of trouble with Te Fiti, catch a break with the delicious dishes in Moana: The Official Cookbook! Featuring more than 50 recipes spanning the...Hardback$3600Elsewhere:$5299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseA Life in Lyrics
Freddie Mercury was one of the greatest showmen of the twentieth century. With his unparalleled voice and searing on-stage energy, he was a great pretender, a killer queen and a champion of the world. But behind the glamour lived a musician and lyricist talented beyond measure, and the creative force behind one of the most culturally significant and musically diverse...Hardback$5000Elsewhere:$6500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseBirdlands
A rare, intimate journey into the wild islands where Aotearoa's birds live beyond the reach of most human lives. In the most remote outposts of Aotearoa, our islands are populated not with people, but with birds. From the storm-lashed Subantarctic Islands in the deep south to the scattered volcanic islands of Tikapa Moana/Hauraki Gulf in the north, Birdlands offers a...Hardback$4199Elsewhere:$5000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
21% offThis Angry Pen of Mine
This Angry Pen of Mine by Layne Staley invites you to dive into the untold creative world of Layne Staley, the legendary voice behind Alice in Chains. This extraordinary collection showcases his handwritten lyrics, deeply personal poetry, stunning original artwork, rare photos, fan tributes, and so much more. Step into the world of Layne Staley like never before. For the...Hardback$5800Elsewhere:$8999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Mah Jong Player's Companion
Since the arrival on the market of Patricia Thompson and Betty Maloney's two previous books, The Game of Mah Jong Illustrated and Improve Your Mah Jong, a wide range of hands from many parts of the world has been sent to them. In this player's companion, the authors have put together a cross-filled reference guide where over 120 hands, illustrated...Paperback$1999Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New Release
Split Enz
'My favourite band. Ever! And certainly the best dressed.' Sam Neill Split Enz were never designed to fit. Emerging from art school mischief in early-1970s New Zealand, they turned pop into surreal theatre: costume, character and melody colliding in a rock band that refused to behave like one. At the centre of that vision was Noel Crombie—percussionist, performer and the...Hardback$5199Elsewhere:$6500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
The Artist's Way
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron is a transformative guidebook that has captivated millions, including luminaries such as Elizabeth Gilbert and Tim Ferriss. With its profound ability to inspire and elevate, this book invites readers to embark on an enriching creative journey, fostering a deeper connection to one's artistic process and sense of purpose. The heart of Cameron's groundbreaking programme...Paperback$3700Elsewhere:$4500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
Arts & Culture lists from the team
Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listArts & Culture
Poetry of Aotearoa
Check out some of the amazing local talent we are spoilt with right here in Aotearoa.View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listArts & Culture
Poetry for Beginners - Where to Start
10 Books I'd recommend to someone new to reading poetry - a mix of old and new, all magical introductions to the...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listArts & Culture
Lizzy's Favourite Books of Poetry
If I could only have 10 poetry collections to survive on for the rest of my life, these are them. Or maybe...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listArts & Culture
Books to read for Women in Translation month!
August is Women in Translation month, but at any time of year it's worth checking out these incredible novels written by women...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Shirl's listArts & Culture
Inside the World of Film
Step behind the scenes of the world of filmmaking! Discover iconic directors and movie history of some of the world's memorable films.View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Shirl's listArts & Culture
Books to Celebrate NZ Music Month
New Zealand Music Month happens every May, it's a reminder that we have so many talented musicians, singer, songwriters here in Aotearoa....View the list
