Superman: The Man of Steel Vol. 1

In 2011, *DC Comics* rebooted their line with the *Flashpoint* mini-series. Though there are frequently smaller "reboots" of certain parts of the continuities at both DC and Marvel Comics - in fact with *DC* initiating one such smaller set of changes with the *Rebirth* titles, there is rarely a resetting and re-imagining of the content on the order that *DC* introduced in 2011. In fact, the last such reboot of similar proportions (for *DC Comics*, anyway) was the GIANT crossover event that came to define "crisis crossovers" in the comics industry. That crossover event was *Crisis on Infinite Earths*, which ran from April 1985 to March 1986.Anyone reading this may very well be wondering what in the world *Crisis on Infinite Earths* has to do with the graphic novel *Superman, The Man of Steel: Vol. 1*. The answer is simple. The events of *Infinite Earths* were explicitly put in place in order to streamline and simplify the very, very complicated *DC* "Multiverse" wherein many different parallel worlds and universes with different version of the characters from different eras existed. In essence, the door was to be shut on the Golden, Silver, and Bronze Ages of Comics. A new continuity was to be introduced. Many heroes had their origins, enemies, and so forth, re-imagined.When it came to Superman, the job of re-imagining the Man of Steel for a new age was given to acclaimed comics writer John Byrne. The issues that make up this compendium being reviewed are the complete mini-series that Byrne wrote reintroducing Superman in his Post-Crisis persona.Chiefly, different elements from the Christopher Reeve *Superman* films, and other sources were used, with a mind to have him be slightly different from his pre-Crisis identity. Now, this was not a difference at the core of who he was, but a difference that took all of these disparate ideas about his origins, and, in turn, put them together into one story that told THE definitive origin of Superman. Also of difference was that it was made clear that Clark Kent was who the man really is. "Superman" is a role he plays to do good, but it's *not* who he is.The other characters also came across differently than how they were written pre-Crisis, but with their best aspects of previous ages intact. Lex came across as different, and a tad strange, to be honest. Some of his characterization in this story was eventually changed, though much stayed the same. The whole ruthless businessman that is the opposite of Bruce Wayne and Oliver Queen was created, and has been kept for a quarter century. Gone is "mad scientist" Luthor and to stay is corrupt businessman Luthor. He was also arguably more brilliant than before.Lois Lane was more like her plucky, independent Golden Age self. A beautiful, intelligent, tough-as-nails reporter. Sure, she still needs to be saved, but not to the ridiculous degree she did in the Silver and Bronze Ages of Comics. Just look at some of her exploits where she kicks butts and takes names in the Classic Fleischer Superman cartoons, and know that the then-new Lois made that Fleischer Lois look like a wuss. Batman was different as well, as they kept the traditional "smart-guy and meticulous planner" aspects of his many renderings of previous years, while dropping the more silly stuff.A character of interest to me was that of Lana Lang. At that point, she was based - it seemed to me - on the Annette O'Toole version in *Superman III*. The version then was far, far superior to the modern version that either inspired or was inspired by the *Smallville* television show. Thankfully, as of the "New 52" reboot earlier mentioned that began with *Flashpoint*, she is being reverted to that earlier version from the 1986 John Byrne re-imagining. And this is completely for the better. As you can tell, I rather liked this version of Lana Lang with the sillier stuff dropped, but still a good character, not the more anti-heroic character of recent years in comics and on *Smallville*.In fact, saying that the comics writers "dropped the sillier stuff" is a good description of this period post-Crisis. Arguably they went too far eventually, giving us the reviled and pathetic "Dark Age of Comics" with moral myopias and no true heroes, but that is a topic for another day, and a few years down the line from this point in the mid '80's.The art here is nothing to write home about. While other comics, such as Star Wars under Marvel (as it wound down no less), and the post-Crisis Batman books were beautifully rendered, this was typical, average fare at best. But the story, however, was good, and was the strength of the volume. While maintaining the goodness and wholesomeness of the previous renditions of Clark Kent, this version was different, and has him growing into the role. It wasn't the ease with which he grew into his role previously. He had a harder, and more uncertain time of it.I can't recommend this enough, not just for those who want just a good, fun, comics adventure, but also for those who are interested in reading a fundamental piece of the *Superman* mythos.Rating: 5/5 Stars.

I was extremely satisfied with the used copy I purchased, especially since the cover was not the one displayed here on Amazon. My copy was much sleeker, a plain black cover with the Superman symbol and "The Man of Steel" in beautiful white lettering. It's a very simple, but elegant cover. The cover displayed on Amazon is too gaudy and cartoonish for my like. As for the book itself, I admittedly bought it mostly for the issue "One Night in Gotham" which chronicles Superman and Batman's first meeting. This is still their official meeting no matter what continuity you ascribe to and that's probably the main reason I purchased my copy. That issue was decent. It could have been longer and I think Superman could've been expressly more aggressive towards Batman, but you can see the seeds of their mutual admiration and friendship begin to take root by the end of the issue and that's all I really wanted out of the issue. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised by the entire novel. The issues revolving around Lex Luthor were always a fun read. My only complaint is that the dialogue can come across in a very campy/expositive way, but if you can get past that, the art and story are actually quite solid. I especially think this is a great graphic novel to introduce children to the DC universe as it doesn't explore ay overt sexual or dark themes. As always, Superman is the model boy scout. I look forward to when my young son can begin reading so that we can read this together. It's definitely a must for any collector.

So much of what you see in modern media started right here!Here are my required eight more words, bye

The first of a volume of Trade paper backs comprising all of John Byrne's and Dick Giordano's Superman The man of steel re-invisionings. The first superman series from the "post crisis" era. Why not start with where Kal-el was from and show us the sudden downfall of a superior civilazation and give us a background for what it was like on Krypton.The first book shows Kal-el's trip to the planet earth and to a small kansas town into the arms of willing parents, who then raise a mild mannered boy named Clark Kent... And so the legend begins.appearances in this book include Lex Luthor being a well to do man who like to have complete control of those around him. He is a smart man but an egotistical one who cannot allow superman to stay around long.We have lois lane star reporter miffed at the new guy in town that stole her story.Batman is introduced as a vigilante and one superman intends to stop, we also are introduced to the backwards thinking of Bizzaro who has a kind heart but messed up mind. We also see Lana Lang, Clarks old sweetheart in school.This is a great introduction to the characters that would go on to make a legend out of "THE MAN OF STEEL" last survivor of Krypton.

John Byrne is the best at character development and comic book art in my opinion! He makes you want to get the next issue because you want to know more about Clark Kent and Superman. He is an intelligent artist and writer that doesn’t just have hero vs villain fight fests to keep your attention. His stories are character driven. I miss the depth that he gives characters unlike the drivel in Marvel comics today. I still read mostly Marvel comics today and I am a faithful follower of Spider-man and the FF. I am almost ready to quit getting modern comics because their storylines are so intellectually shallow and slowly destroying their characters by taking them backwards instead of advancing them forward. I miss Byrne.

As he approaches adulthood, Clark Kent is shocked when his father reveals he is adopted and decided to leave Smallville to find his own way in the world.John Byrne reinvents the origin of the Man of Steel in a very important way. In this iteration, there is Clark Kent, who used Superman as a disguise to protect his loved ones while he fights for truth, justice and the American Way.The artwork is classically styled, with a firm focus on exploring movement and readers can see Superman hovering in a believable manner.

All people know Superman is a boring character. It has always been. However, John Byrne's reboot back in the past made this protagonist really interesting. Both great in the form and content. Made him less campy and more human. I loved it back when I was teenager, I love it still. High recommendation of the book. Planning to get all of those 9 volumes crafted or co-crafted by Byrne.One forewarning though - it appears DC has saved on the paper quality on those Sups Volumes. It is really cheap material (paper within), or at least looks so. Other than that - the book is, pun intended, super :)

This is a good introduction to Superman. It’s slow burn and focuses on Clark Kent than his alter ego. Overall good read.

A now classic retelling of the Superman story. Wonderful art by Byrne and Giordano. Lois Lane has never looked more beautiful or Lex Luthor more deadly. Loved this mini series when it first came out. And I still do.

Happy to have this first volume of Superman stories from the eighties. Book arrived in great condition, even better than I was expecting from the description. I wasn't expecting old-style comic newsprint pages, but it's highly possible the John Byrne run has never been released in a newer, glossy page format. Until DC releases some Byrne omnibus volumes, this is probably the best we'll get. Thank you, seller, for offering it at a reasonable price and as I mentioned, I'm very pleased with the condition of the book.