Q. What makes The Superman Wars a must-read?
This book is the story of Jerry Siegel, the Cleveland Depression-era eleventh-grader who came up with the idea for the world’s first superhero, Superman, creating a new genre and giving credibility to the new industry publishing “comic books,” only to lose control and watch helplessly as the company fired him and erased his name from the credits. He and his family fought for almost seventy years to restore his rights in what became the most dramatic and influential creator-rights battle of the twentieth century. But this story is not just about lawsuits. This is about a writer, his artist-friend, and the people who stood with him in the worst of times. It is a testament to the power of family, of fans, and the importance of standing up to power—even when it might not be to your short-term benefit.
Q. If you could give your book to one world leader, who would it be and why?
President Obama. He would get it. (I hear he has a big Spider-Man collection.) And he might be able to influence Congress to improve the laws pertaining to artistic rights and artistic freedom. We are way behind Europe and most of the world’s most advanced nations.
Q. What was the hardest part of writing The Superman Wars?
The research! I did a huge amount of research and uncovered many details never before published concerning how the new owners acquired the company, how they treated Jerry, and how he dealt with it. I ultimately traveled to eight different states, combed through numerous library collections, interviewed more than fifty people and read hundreds of books, periodicals, and unpublished manuscripts. I was able to interview the members of Jerry’s family, his daughter Laura and her sons Michael and James, who have been reluctant to talk in the past. I have a legal background, which allowed me to explain the litigation without letting the book get bogged down by it.
Q. What is the most enlightening/inspirational story you tell in The Superman Wars?
Laura Siegel, Jerry’s daughter, attended the red-carpet premiere of the first Christopher Reeve Superman movie not too long after her father’s name was restored to Superman credits (after almost thirty years of absence). She held hands with the parents on both sides—her father, the creator and model for Clark Kent, and her mother, the model for Lois Lane. Four minutes and sixteen seconds into the movie, this credit whooshed across the screen: Superman Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The crowd cheered. Laura felt both parents squeeze her hand. She looked over at her father, and tears were streaming down his face. He got no money from the movie and played no role in making it—but it was so important to him to finally see his credit restored—on the big screen!
Q. One word that best describes you.
Persistent
Q. Any ritual like a specific scented candle, preferred writing place, or drink that you kept through writing?
Nope. I avoid rituals because in time they become excuses to not write because the environment isn’t perfect. I wrote many books while raising three children, so I’ve learned to ignore mild annoyances and keep plowing ahead. Though I have noticed that my writing improves when my cat Bustopher sits in my lap, as he is while I’m typing this.
Q. If there is a movie adaptation of your book, who do you think would be perfect for the lead roles?
I assume the movie would focus on the early years when Jerry is inventing Superman and trying to get the feature published, only to find the company has taken everything. I’d pick Skyler Gisondo, who was so good last year as Jimmy Olsen and was also terrific in Licorice Pizza. Gabriel LaBelle (The Fabelmans) might also be a good choice.
Q. What can this teach to a motivated and mission-driven population of writers?
This is a cautionary tale I hope all creatives will read. The vultures are still out there, more than happy to take advantage of writers and artists and internet content creators. We still have corporate sharks, plus vanity presses and AI scams and many other threats to artists’ ability to benefit from their work. Protect yourself! Connect with other writers (even if you aren’t the most social person in the world). Get the knowledge you need to succeed. And never sign anything without getting an expert opinion!
Q. If you had 3 wishes, what would you wish for?
1) Happiness for all my children (is that one wish or eight?)
2) Time travel
3) Replacement days for the time I wasted being unhappy. It’s a beautiful world when you go to the right places, do the things you love, and hang with the right people. Life is silly short and you only get one. Make the most of every day!
Part 2: Are you ready for our rapid-fire questions? Let’s go.
- Coffee or tea? – Coffee. Possibly the only wonderful thing on earth that isn’t bad for you.
- What’s your favorite word? – “Epiphany.” I’ve had several.
- Pen or keyboard? – I like both. When I write I use a keyboard. When I draw I use pens and pencils.
- Cats or dogs? – I like both, but cats have been my best companions. I don’t really know why. Maybe because they cuddle up when you’re working rather than trying to get you to stop typing and take them for a walk.
- Favorite childhood book? – The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
- One thing you can’t live without? – Something to read
- What’s your go-to snack while writing? – Leftover pizza
- Sky diving or Scuba diving? – I’ve done both.
- Early bird or night owl? – Early bird
- If you weren’t an author, what would you be? – A musician
Find out more William Bernhardt
Check out another author interview here