Most Popular Books by J. Michael Straczynski

Graphic novel.

When a comet strikes the Earth just outside of Pederson, Illinois, 113 babies who were in their mother''s womb when the flash hit are born with extraordinary super-powers that develop as they grow older. Now, 20 years later, the people of the world who worried what the children might become now fear what these adults will do with the powers they have. Illustrations. (May)

Collects Amazing Spider-Man #544-545, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #24, Sensational Spider-Man #41. At his darkest hours, Peter has always had one person who''d remind him who he is...now, he''s about to lose that person. What would he do...what would you do, if you only had "One More Day?

The entire status-quo-shattering BACK IN BLACK saga, collected in one mammoth oversized hardcover! reeling in the aftermath of CIVIL WAR, Peter Parker has plenty of reasons to consider a change of wardrobe: Black is his state of mind. But the worst is yet to come for Spider-Man! In AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, events are set in motion that will forever change life of your favorite web-slinger. There IS no going back! In FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN, the secrets of the alternate Uncle Ben are revealed, but not before the Sandman attacks! And in SENSATIONAL SPIDER-MAN, younger, less-experienced versions of our web-spinning hero begin appearing all over the city, causing havoc wherever they go. Can Peter stop them, and whoever''s behind them, before more lives are lost? Collecting Amazing Spider-Man #539-543, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #17-23 and Annual #1, Sensational Spider-Man #35-40 and Annual #1.

“[The] successful writer for TV, movies, and comics makes his debut as a memoirist with a stunning chronicle of survival”—introduction by Neil Gaiman (Kirkus). Joseph Michael Straczynski is the legendary writer behind Babylon 5, Sense8, Clint Eastwood’s Changeling and Marvel’s Thor, among many other beloved movies, TV shows and comics. In Becoming Superman, he reveals how the power of creativity and imagination enabled him to overcome the horrors of his youth and a dysfunctional family haunted by madness, murder, and a terrible secret. Joe’s early life nearly defies belief. Raised by damaged adults—a con-man grandfather and a manipulative grandmother, a violent, drunken father and a mother who was repeatedly institutionalized—Joe grew up in abject poverty, living in slums and projects when not on the road, crisscrossing the country in his father’s desperate attempts to escape the consequences of his past. Joe found refuge in comic books and his own dreams—imaginary worlds where superheroes used their amazing powers to overcome any adversity. The deeper he read, the more he came to realize that he, too, had a superpower: the ability to tell stories. But even as he found success, Joe could not escape a shocking family secret involving mass murder that he uncovered over the course of decades. Becoming Superman is the startling true story of a little boy who became the hero of his own life.

In the words of novelist Harlan Ellison, "The trick is not becoming a writer. The trick is staying a writer. New York Times bestselling author and British Academy Award nominee J. Michael Straczynski knew he wanted to be a writer ever since he was a child. What he didn''t know was how to actually become, or stay, a writer. Now, he''s giving fellow writers the comprehensive guide he wishes he had all along, personalized tips and techniques that can''t be found in any other book on writing. Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer culls from Straczynski''s more than thirty years of experience writing for film, television, books, and comics. Designed for writers in any stage of their career, this quirky, insightful and often humorous book provides an inside look at these industries with advice and wisdom covering such topics such as: What fledgling writers need to know to improve and sell their work—and avoid wasting valuable time Tips for experienced writers who want to get to the next level Staying disciplined when writing is your day job Why writers should never wait for inspiration Story-planning strategies that don''t kill your spontaneity Expert techniques for effective, memorable world-building How to get an agent and survive the writer''s journey in more personal relationships Revising and editing with precision When and how to reinvent yourself as an artist Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer includes Straczynski''s unique, tried-and-true methodologies that will help storytellers sharpen their work so that it''s polished and ready for publication. Part toolbox and part survival guide, this book will be an indispensable guide throughout your entire writing career, offering fresh and practical insights every step of the way.

Thor is back! And in a story only J. Michael Straczynski could tell! Returned to the pantheon of great Marvel heroes, the Asgardian God of Thunder is reunited with the mortal form of Dr. Don Blake. Together, they must reckon with the legacy of the mythic Norse kingdom and the awakening of its immortal heroes - but in a world that may not want them back! Collects Thor (2007) #1-6.

Throughout his life, Peter Parker has often felt alone. When he first discovered his spider-like abilities after being bitten by a radioactive spider, he kept them secret. His attempts to exploit them for profit resulted in his Uncle Ben''s murder. It seemed as though no one understood the difficult balance between mortal and hero. Until now, that is. A mysterious figure appears suddenly, exhibiting similar powers to Peter. Who is this mystery man? Who are the people he represents? What is this ancient evil that has arrived in America in search of Peter? (From back cover)

Spider-Man, his identity revealed after the Civil War, is overcome with grief as his Aunt May lies on her deathbed, and Iron Man seeks to bring Spider-Man in for not registering while Mephisto makes Peter Parker decide whether to save his aunt or his marriage to MJ.

J. Michael Straczynski joins forces with rising star artist Shane Davis to create this original graphic novel that gives new insight into Clark Kent''s transformation into Superman and his first year as The Man of Steel. This is the first in a new wave of original DC Universe graphic novels, featuring top writers'' and illustrators'' unique takes on DC characters.

Has Thor turned his back on Asgard...? Has Asgard turned its back on Thor?! After thedr monumental and cataclysmic events, the God of Thunder''s life will change completely! Collects Thor (2007) #600-603 & Thor: Giant-Size Finale.

The follow-up to the NEW YORK TIMES #1 bestselling graphic novels SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE VOL. 1 and 2 is here! Written by J. Michael Straczynski with art by Ardian Syaf (BATGIRL), SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE VOL. 3 follows a young Clark Kent as he continues his journey toward becoming the World''s Greatest Super Hero. After defeating villains terrestrial and beyond, Superman faces a threat that he can''t simply outmuscle. A threat smarter, more cunning and deadly than he can imagine: the Luthors!

A compilation of comics in which Spider-Man battles Tracer, receives self-defense lessons from Captain America, and learns disturbing news about his health.

Writer J. Michael Straczynski arrived on Amazing Spider-Man with one goal in mind: Return the series to its heartfelt roots as a chronicle of Peter Parker''s life both in and out of costume. Straczynski''s debut quickly revived the series as both a fan and critical favorite. Along with superstar artists such as John Romita Jr., Mike Deodato and Joe Quesada, Straczynski continued to surprise and entertain readers with his innovative take on the legendary web-slinger -- forever changing the way Peter Parker would view himself...and the origins of his amazing alter ego! Now, relive Straczynski''s entire status-quo-shattering run, collected across five titanic trade paperbacks! Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #503-518.

Charlie Weiderman, the only kid in high school geekier than Peter Parker, has returned to town asking for Peter''s help, but Spider-Man may have to stop him from harming himself and his former classmates.

With the mighty God of Thunder and Asgard to full glory, Thor is back in action with a vengeance! But as the Asgardians returned to this life and Thor returned to Midgard, so came the ills that have plagued the gods and man for millennia. Now, for the first time since their rebirth, Thor and his fellow hero-gods must venture forth from the Shining City to confront the growing evils that amass on their horizon - and within their walls. Collects Thor (2007) #7-12.

He raised the bar for epic science-fiction storytelling on television with his syndicated series Babylon 5, then followed it by elevating the way in which superhero tales are told with his critically acclaimed scripts for Marvel''s The Amazing Spider-Man. Now, award-winning writer and producer J. Michael Straczynski presents a special collection of his own short fiction-some of which is previously unpublished and exclusive to this volume!

Spider-Man and his superhero friends spend his birthday doing battle with a collection of transdimensional creatures--a battle that culminates in a trip through time.

The brand new epic from comic book legends J. Michael Straczynski (The Amazing Spider-Man, Thor) and Steve Epting (Captain America: The Winter Soldier). An electromagnetic disturbance results in the sudden awakening of telepathic powers in a tenth of the Earth’s population. In the moments after the world comes to grip with this development, newly-telepathic Boston police find themselves sent against a wrongly convicted prisoner who becomes a hero and leader of other telepaths trying to escape a world in which their powers will make them targets. Both are heroes of their own story, and the future may depend on whether or not trust can be found between them. In this concluding issue, they finally come face to face.

A novel based on the television science-fiction series, Babylon 5, set aboard a massive space station in the year 2257. Positioned in a key sector of the galaxy and under the jurisdiction of the Earth Alliance, Babylon 5 serves as a space-borne port of call, open to travellers from anywhere.

Collects Captain America (2023) #7-12. J. Michael Straczynski continues to redefine Captain America''s heroic legacy! In a hidden corner of New York City lurks the Front Door Cabaret, a fantastical show protected by a mysterious woman named Lyra - and now, also, Captain America! As Steve learns of the powerful forces vying for control of this haven for misfits, he finds a cause worth fighting for. But is it a cause worth dying for? And even if Steve puts everything on the line for his newfound wards, will it be enough to protect them from the tsunami of evil coming their way? Tasked with assembling six "change agents" before they can be found by those who want them eradicated, Steve must start fast. His first recruit is already in danger, and Cap''s only lead seems to be…a misplaced penguin?

TOP COW is proud to bring you issues 1-8 of the critically acclaimed series RISING STARS. This is the first story arc written by J. Michael Straczynski and tells the tale of the beginnings of the Specials. With new cover by MIDNIGHT NATION artist Gary Frank. This collection is the perfect way to revisit the earlier issues of RISING STARS in one sitting or to discover fro the first time the mose realistic superhero epic since Alan Moore''s Watchmen.

Based on Stracynski''s comic book series. Ten years have passed since the Specials had their standoff against the government. Now they are forced to come together once more when the Special known as Critical Maas takes the city of Chicago hostage. A small group of her former friends decide to take it back in exchange for a pardon from the government. But their actions will not come without a heavy price to pay. Original.

Marvel Comics proudly presents another volume of Amazing Spider-Man tales by writer J. Michael Straczynski and artist John Romita Jr., featuring Spider-Man at his very best - continuing to protect innocent citizens from harm, even as he struggles to keep his personal life together. Peter Parker always believed the radioactive spider-bite that granted him his powers was an accident. Now, the mysterious Ezekiel offers Peter a shockingly different explanation! Next, Peter''s career as a teacher intersects with his life as Spider-Man in a touching story about family devotion. Then see the web-slinger team up with Iron Man, Captain America and others to battle a group of monsters set on destroying New York City! Volume also includes the historic 500th issue featuring artwork by legendary Spidey artist John Romita Sr.! Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #46-58 & #500-502.

J. Michael Straczynski (Amazing Spider-Man, Supreme Power) and Mike McKone (Teen Titans, exiles) unite their talents to chart a new course for the world''s greatest comic magazine!

Peter tries to find out more about the origins of his powers when his mentor, Ezekiel, returns.

J. Michael Straczynski – creator of Babylon5, co-creator of Sense8, and writer of beloved runs on The Amazing Spider-Man, Thor, and Superman: Earth One – returns to comics, teaming with Mike Deodato Jr. – the blockbuster artist of The Amazing Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, and Infinity Wars. Together they plant the flag for a new universe of heroes and villains for the 21st Century. As the world reckons with the appearance of these superpowered “reborns,” a small group of fighters takes on a military invasion in Eastern Europe.

A young man awakes from a recurring nightmare to find that, once again, his apartment has been destroyed: the TV is on fire, the mirrors shattered, the aquarium exploded with such force that shards of glass are embedded in the opposite wall; and once again a voice is saying, "Come home..." And so he does. Home is the small Maine town where his parents were both killed in a grotesque car wreck years before. The kind of town Stephen King has described as ''mostly indifference spiced with an occasional vapid evil-or worse, a conscious one.'' A small town caught in a centuries-old war between supernatural forces. This is a genuinely frightening tale of death and demons, love and possession.

This compendium edition collects the entire saga of the Pederseon Specials, including the entire original series written by series creator J. Michael Straczynski, (Supreme Power/Midnight Nation) as well as the three limited series Bright, Voices of the Dead, and Untouchable written by Fiona Avery (Amazing Fantasy/No Honor).

To Dream in the City of Sorrows is the ninth book in this successful series of original science fiction novels based on the Emmy Award-winning Channel Four series Babylon 5. Ambassador to the alien world of Minbar, former Babylon 5 Commander, Jeffrey Sinclair, is one of the first to learn the truth about the Shadows, the ancient race pursuing the destruction of the galaxy. Sinclair also discovers a startling secret: he is the linchpin in the plan to stop them. Now, Sinclair is asked to revive the legendary Minbar warrior group, the Rangers. But the price may be his chance to love...and his life. Catherine Sakai, commercial pilot and planetary surveryor, has lost her heart to Jeffrey Sinclair. Not even an attack by the Shadows can stop her from getting to Minbar to join him...and the Rangers. As she trains with other pilots such as the mysterious Marcus Cole, the time is coming when their skills will be tested on their first mission. Led by Sinclair, they will venture into deepest space, into a battle of stealth and might, and towards a fate none but the bravest can face...and none but the luckiest will survive...

When 16-year-old Chris Martino moves with his mother to Los Angeles from New Jersey, he inadvertently befriends nerdy classmate Roger Horseface Obst. Chris writes Roger a note in lemon juice-invisible ink-but later a different message appears, and it becomes obvious that a terrifyingly omnipotent force is about to ensnare Roger in its net of darkness. While Roger senses an opportunity for revenge against his student tormentors, Chris resists this evil presence, which identifies itself as Othersyde; therein lies the book''s most forceful conflict. As the terror escalates, a policewoman and a sympathetic teacher become involved with the evil around them-and with each other.