Jason Inman - Super Soldiers: A Salute to the Comic Book Heroes and Villains Who Fought for Their Country

Jason Inman provides a manual which utilizes and analyzes subtext to offer psychological profiles of our favorite superheroes, viewed in the context of their fictional experiences as warriors and veterans in the US armed forces. He demonstrates vividly and entertainingly how the superhero pantheon is firmly rooted in the disciplines, lore, and traditions of American combatants throughout history. The creators of all these characters took a good look at real-life military heroes for their inspiration, and now Mr. Inman makes this li nk clear.

Dan Aykroyd, actor/writer of Ghostbu sters and
The Blue s Brothers

Finally, someone takes a deep dive into two of our best American institutions. From Captain America to the rest of this elite unit, get ready t o salute.

Brad Meltzer, bestselling author of
The First Conspiracy

An inspiring reflection on the impact our brave men and women have had on pop culture and the heroes we see on the pages and the bi g screen.

Jen Griswold, CEO and author of Mission En trepreneur

Super Soldiers is a hell of a fun book and with it Jason Inman has written a love story to soldiers, to comic book heroes, and to his country. Witty, fast-paced, and nerdy (I mean learned) on his subject, Inman is a perfect guide for a deep dive into the interwoven historiographies and mythologies of American warriors and pop culture. Every American must ask: will I wear tights today or will I wear digi camo? Inman lets us have it b oth ways.

Anthony Swofford, former US Marine and author of Jarhead

Not all heroes wear capesbut some do. Jason Inmans Super Soldiers is a brilliant examination of fictional service enlisted in very real wars. A topic near and dear to my heart and, one chapter in, youll realize that Inmans words are A LL heart.

Mitch Gerads, coauthor of Mister Mi racle and
The Sheriff of Babylon

Inman brings more insight to the superhero genre than any writer, fan, or critic ever before. A truly thoughtful look at the tradition of heroism in the fac e of war.

Joshua Hale Fialkov, writer of The Bunke r , Tumor ,
I, Vampire , and The Ultimates

Jason Inmans military experience and pure, unfiltered comics fandom gives the lucky readers of Super Soldiers a chance to view comics greatest veterans through a different lens. Comparing the actions of fictional heroes who serve, like Steve Rogers, to what real soldiers have to face provides us a new understanding of what it means to serve with honor. And what a lineup we getfrom the obvious ones, like Sgt. Rock, Nick Fury, and Green Lantern (both Hal Jordan and John Stewart), to deep cuts like Flash Thompson, Isaiah Bradley, Batwoman, and even Beetle Bailey! Thank you for your service, and for this illuminat ing book.

Mike Avila, host of SYFY WIREs Behind the Panel and author of The Art and Making of Aquaman

Super Soldiers is a fascinating book written by a soldier (who happens to be a comic book expert) about soldiers (who happen to be comic book superheroes). Jason Inman delves deep into the lives and legends of these beloved military heroes, shining a light on how and why they became the superheroes they are.

Lisa Yee, author of DC Super Hero Girls no vel series

Jasons unique perspective helps us tell the difference between comic books and real life and where that line blursfrom a soldiers perspective. Gr eat read!

Tom Merritt, author of Pilot X

Having worked with military charities for a decade now, I know how real the connection is between costumed heroes and the everyday heroes of our country. In this informative and funny book, Jason Inman highlights that connection for people who may have never known of its existence. We have our vets to thank for the Marvel Universe (both Stan Lee and Jack Kirby served), and we have Jason to thank for this book that acts as a love letter to the patriot comic book characters of the past and present.

B. J. Mendelson, comic book writer and author of Social Media I s Bullshit

A wide-ranging mix of comic book history and autobiography, Jason Inmans Super Soldiers intelligently examines the lives of superheroes through the lens of their own military service. Inmans personal experiences in the US Army lend a fresh and unique take on several major heroes, and his comic book commentaries are full of razor-sharp wit. Super Soldiers provides a wonderful overview of the uniformed men and women who have dedicated their lives in service to our countryeven if only in the pages of a co mic book!

Sterling Gates, screenwriter, producer, and comic b ook writer

Jasons experiences as both a dedicated soldier and serious comic book geek make this an unforgettable read. As informative as it is entertaining, Super Soldiers gave me a deeper appreciation for the heroes that I love and the values they inspire. It should be required reading for every c omic fan.

Samm Levine, actor in Freaks and Geeks and profess ional nerd

Jason Inman, I salute you. This is a heroic, inspiring, smartly researched, deeply personal, and historically relevant book that manages to be as thrilling as it is th oughtful.

Benjamin Percy, writer of Wolverine , Green Arrow , Teen Titans , and Nightwing and author of Th e Dark Net

The relationship between Americas superheroes and service members has existed almost as long as the comics medium itself. The connective tissue between the two has changed and morphed over the years, as have our perceptions regarding Americas role in global conflicts. Jason Inmans in-depth examination of this fascinating topic is a remarkable study of our countrys heroes, both real and imagined, and their compelling links, through the ever-changing course of our nations military history.

Dan Jurgens, writer/artist of Superman and Captain America and creator of Bo oster Gold

Drawing from his own military experience and his clear love of comic books, Jason Inman crafts a heartfelt and humorous (though no less gloriously nerdy) overview of superheroes who have served their country.

Joseph Mallozzi, writer/executive producer of Dark Matter , Stargate SG-1 , Stargate Atlantis , and Stargat e Universe

What I love most about Super Soldiers and theres a lot to loveis Jason Inmans thorough joy and passion. Both burst onto the page, making for one compelling, and importa nt, read.

Michael Moreci, writer of Wasted Space and Star Wars and author of Black Star Renegades

Jason does what few canhe takes his own stories of service and weaves them into complex looks at the heroes weve all grown up reading, and continue to enjoy to this day. Comparing his guard duty with Captain Americas? Explaining how the US Air Force values are intrinsic to Captain Marvels ethos? Demonstrating how John Stewart being a marine makes him a better Green Lantern? These are enthralling character studies that no one else can pen, and its why I loved Super Soldiers .

Greg Miller, cofounder of Kind aFunny.com

During my childhood, my world revolved around superheroes. Countless hours were spent reading, watching, and drawing any- and everything related to the world of capes and tights. Of course it was easy to get lost in all of those various tales of cosmic rays, radioactive spiders, and speeding faster than bullets, but I believe it was their common thread that resonated most deeply. All of those heroes used their extraordinary abilities to defend the defenseless against those who would do them harm. They put their lives on the line to oppose evil, not for thanks, but because it was the right th ing to do.
Growing up as the son of Master Sergeant John H. Sands, I learned early on that there was a commonality between those who wore costumes in comics and those men and women I saw every day in uniform. I came to know that the same people that we passed in the commissary actually possessed a superpower: bravery. If called upon, they were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to uphold those self-evident truths that our country was fo unded upon