"Bruce Wayne, a wealthy American philanthropist and business owner, and Batman, his crime-fighting alter ego, have been entertaining audiences since 1939. The character was so popular after appearing in Detective Comics that DC Comics decided to give Batman a comic book of his own. In doing so, they created one of the company's most successful franchises. Author Michael Burgan details the history of Batman--from his tragic origin story and his infamous...

"In the 1930s, Warner Brothers studios introduced the world to the Looney Tunes. A witty rabbit named Bugs, a stuttering pig named Porky, and an erratic duck named Daffy are just some of the characters that have left audiences hysterically laughing for almost a century. The animated short films, starring some of the most iconic cartoon characters in history, went on to have a second, long life on television. In this book, author Steve Korte details...

Presents the history of the character Wonder Woman, from her origins in comic books to her roles in film, television, and popular culture, and how she has come to be a powerful feminist icon.

"Star Trek stands as one of the most popular science-fiction series of all time, and Captain Picard is one of its fan-favorite characters thanks to his inspiring quotes and brilliant leadership. As the captain of the starship USS Enterprise, Picard has taken viewers with him on adventures through space for decades. Now, young fans can learn even more about the famous character, including details about his obsessions with Earl Grey tea and Shakespeare"--...

"Discover the action-packed history of Jurassic World and how dinosaur fans of all ages came to love the series' movies, books, TV shows, and even theme park rides. From the 1990 Michael Crichton novel to the movies still releasing today, young readers will love stepping into this world where dinosaurs rule. The Jurassic World franchise has thrilled fans for decades by building a world where science and adventure meet, raising the question: Could...

"Created by the U.S. Forest Service in 1944 in reaction to forest fires being used as attacks during World War II, Smokey Bear has been guiding Americans through fire safety and preparedness for nearly eighty years. This American black bear known for wearing a pair of blue jeans and a forest ranger hat has found himself in classrooms, on stamps, in cartoons, on lunchboxes, in comic strips, and even as a giant balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day...

In this exciting biography of Anne Shirley, the iconic character created by L. M. Montgomery in 1908, readers will learn about the history of an orphaned girl sent to Avonlea where she finds adventure, romance and a place to call home.

Uncover the mystery of Nancy Drew and how the beloved teenage detective came to be in this new addition to the What Is the Story Of? series which follows the same format as the #1 New York Times Best-Selling Who Was? series.
When the very modern character of Nancy Drew first appeared in 1930, no one had a clue that she would remain a star for the next century! To this day, Nancy is still the main character in new TV shows,...

The Mummy's story was inspired by the opening of King Tut's tomb in 1922. The film producers of the early Dracula and Frankenstein films wasted no time creating a character who's been creeping out of his coffin and entertaining audiences since 1932. Author Sheila Keenan explains the history of the movie and its remakes, the legendary curse of King Tut's mummy, and what lies ahead for this monstrous creature.

"When Doctor Who began airing on the BBC in 1963, British audiences were introduced to the rogue Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey. Now, viewers from all over the world are glued to their screens for the mysterious Doctor's intergalactic adventures. But how did this time traveler became such a beloved character? This book provides readers with the inside scoop on the Doctor's unique time machine, loyal companions, and diabolical foes"--