ABOUT Peter

Author Peter S. Murano, born in 1954, is originally from Massapequa, New York. He has been a fan of George Reeves and “The Adventures of Superman” since early childhood. He recalls that at around the age of 4, for a brief time there was a neighbor who bore a strong resemblance to George Reeves. When the man would visit, both Peter and his brother Rob were so afraid of him, that they would run and hide.

Peter is a graduate of Virginia Tech and is a retired professor emeritus from Texas A&M University. He is currently a lay minister at LifePoint Christian Church in Bryan, Texas and owner and trainer at the Old Man Muscle Gym. He is married to Dr. Elsa Murano, former Food Safety Under Secretary at USDA, Director of the Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture, and President Emerita of Texas A&M University.

During the period of time in which both he and his wife were employed by the Federal government at USDA, his way to relax at night involved outlining and composing “The George Reeves Adventures of Superman Companion”, a project that brought him great joy. During the early stages of writing, he learned of Jim Nolt, a well-respected expert on Reeves and the series. So Peter drove to Pennsylvania to meet with him. Jim provided the encouragement that Peter needed to stick with the project and complete the book. 

In addition to the “George Reeves Adventures of Superman Companion” ©2005, Peter has authored university textbooks in food science, obesity and human nutrition, as well as these books: “The Older Man’s Guide to Building Muscle and Strength Later in Life” ©2020, “The Joy of Squirrels” ©2023, “Destination Moog” ©2023, “The Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future Companion” ©2024, and “In Christ Alone”, ©2024. 


writing journey

For as long as I can remember, George Reeves and The Adventures of Superman have been an integral part of my life. More than just a television show, it was a beacon of inspiration—one that shaped the kind of person I aspired to be. Not superhuman, of course, but kind, strong, compassionate, and always striving to do what is right.

 

Deep down, I always knew there was a book inside me. I just needed the right moment to bring it to life—a tribute worthy of the television series that had inspired and meant so much to me. That moment arrived in the early 2000s, while I was living and working in Washington, D.C. From 2001 to 2004, after long days working in a high-pressure position at the USDA, I found solace in revisiting the series at night. My VHS tapes—painstakingly recorded off the air over a span of years—became my evening ritual, as I watched all 104 episodes in order. Memories came flooding back, and with them, an irresistible urge to jot down thoughts and insights. What started as personal notes soon became the framework of my book.

 

A turning point came when I learned about Mr. Jim Nolt, the foremost authority on George Reeves and the series. Living in nearby Pennsylvania, Jim graciously agreed to meet with me. My wife and I made the trip, and I brought a sample of my work—an in-depth discussion of the very first episode, “Superman on Earth.” As Jim read it aloud, I caught the occasional smile, and his encouragement was exactly the motivation I needed to press forward.

 

By 2004, the book was finished. My wife, ever my trusted editor, offered invaluable feedback, helping refine the final version – in spite of her highly pressurized and important position as Under Secretary for Food Safety for the United States. Returning home to Texas, I sought out a high-quality printer in Houston, determined that the book should be a true collector’s item—glossy pages, full color, and beautifully crafted. It was an investment, certainly, but when I saw the finished product rolling off the press, I was floored. The quality exceeded even my highest expectations.

One of my greatest joys was sending the first copies to Jim, Jack Larson, and Noel Neill (thank you, Larry Ward). Their warm reception and kind words were humbling, and eventually, I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet both Jack and Noel in person. Seeing my childhood heroes holding my book, knowing they had lent their own voices to its back cover—it was beyond anything I had ever imagined.

 

Jim also introduced me to the incredible artist Randy Garrett, whose breathtaking portrait of George Reeves graces the book’s cover. His work captured the very essence of Reeves’ Superman—the nobility, the quiet strength, the sincerity.

 

With everything in place, I listed the book on eBay, where it remains available to this day. Orders began coming in, accompanied by enthusiastic reviews and heartfelt messages from fellow fans. Each comment reaffirmed my hope that I had done justice to George Reeves and his enduring legacy.

 

Looking back, I feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to take this journey—not just as a writer, but as a lifelong fan who had the privilege of paying tribute to something truly special. The Adventures of Superman continues to inspire generations, and I’m honored to have played a small part in celebrating its legacy.