Meet Oldguy: your regular aging superhero whose powers have dwindled over the years, and whose very mechanics are seriously fizzling. In seriocomic misadventures, Oldguy valiantly attempts to continue his former heroism in a somewhat wry version of Faulknerian endurance, defeating his enemies time and again—if not through superhuman abilities, then at least by “outliving the sons-a-bitches.” With its comic book–style illustrations, Oldguy inhabits a space all to itself—not strictly a poetry collection, not quite a graphic novel—a hybrid sure to visually and aurally delight.

Oldguy: Superhero—The Complete Collection is a banquet of dinner rolls, Jell-O, turkey sandwiches and moonlit ballrooms, Kung Fu and sarsaparilla, Artie Shaw, Moby Dick; one surprise after another, imaginative and beautifully crafted, with enough laughs and charm to make any guy or gal, old or young, roll in imagery to last forever! This collection should come with instructions on how to stop smiling! Dance through these remarkable poems, meet an enchanting group of characters, and fall fast in love with William Trowbridge as he takes you to the top ledge of the Chrysler Building. Get ready to jump off and land on two exuberant feet!”

                         —Kim Dower, author of Sunbathing                                   on Tyrone Power's Grave

When has geezerhood been handled so appealingly? (Well, except for those movies where Ann-Margret is inexplicably cast as a senior citizen.) Oldguy may exit the Oldguy-mobile creaking and farting, but comedian-con-simpatico Bill Trowbridge so ably superjuggles hijinks and empathy that, despite all the geriatric odds, a true American hero is born. Don't know a Packard from the OscarMayerWienermobile, or Roundheads from the Blob? Then snap your trap shut, punk, and give a listen: Oldguy's here to save your day.

                                   —Albert Goldbarth, recipient of two                                  National Book Critics Circle awards