Faster than a speeding bullet this new Rough Guide brings you the mind-bending truth about the fantasy world's bravest and baddest, telling you all you need to know about the superheroes who save us - and their vile enemies. The guide includes chapters on; Superheroes and Heroines - the essential guide including sidekicks, catchphrases, ridiculous costumes and implausible powers, the villains from Asbestos Lady to Zeelmo and the low-down on the origins and creators - including the artists who created the superheroes, and the key comics, graphic novels and their publishers. An insightful and entertaining look is taken at how superheroes have influenced such icons as Jerry Seinfeld, Elvis Presley and Donald Duck, inspired scientists and changed fashion. Finally, the what, where and why of superhero lore on TV, in the movies, in print and on the Internet and the background, all you need to know about the legends from Batman to Namor the Submariner and the Incredibles.