That's Really Super, Superman

Michael Chabon has an article in the current issue of The New Yorker on the nature of the superhero costume. (This issue is the Style issue, after all.) Chabon's interest in all things leotard will come as no surprise to readers of his novel The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, which recounts the adventures of two 1930s writers who concoct their own caped avenger, the Escapist, but Chabon's thoughts on the semiotics of capes and boots and the rest are fresh nonetheless.

I also recommend the audio interview with Chabon. In it, he discusses not only his article, but also his happiness at the forthcoming Coen brothers adaptation of his novel The Yiddish Policemen's Union (details here) and gives shout-outs to two of his favorite authors. One is Raymond Chandler; the other is Richard Price. You can't meet Chandler any longer, but Price will be in our store on March 12. Find out more by visiting our events page, as always.--David E