Superman: Earth One Vol. 1

warning: I tried my best not to include any real spoilers in my review, and I feel like I accomplished that goal. But what I consider to be spoilers may not match someone else's idea of what constitutes a spoiler. In my opinion, this review contains nothing more than what an introduction to the book would have, or what is stated on the back of the book. So, I encourage you to read on if you want to know why this graphic novel is worthy of 5 stars.What can be said about this book that you now hold in your hands? Let me break it down for you.First off, let's examine two of the main characters. We'll start with The Man of Steel himself - Superman.Basically every scribe who has been fortunate enough to be tapped to delve into the characterization of The Last Son of Krypton has followed a similar line of thought. That thought is that he is two people. One is Superman, the multi-superpowered, almost god-like being from the extinct planet Krypton, who takes it upon himself to be Earth's(and particularly Metropolis's) hero, its savior. He fights for peace, truth and justice, and is guided by a moral code that is unwavering even in the face of the greatest adversities.The other is Clark Kent, the good-natured, mild-mannered, bumbling farm boy from Smallville, Kansas who moved to the big city to make a living as a reporter for The Daily Planet(a job that conveniently allows for him to follow the crises that happen in Metropolis and the rest of the world).Now, as everyone who's ever read a Superman comic knows, the Clark Kent that the world sees is just a "mask" that he created to allow his true self to exist as Superman. In other words, the Clark who grew up in Smallville is NOT the same Clark that lives in Metropolis. The TRUE Clark Kent is Superman. The big city Clark is just a facade.Straczynski hasn't really deviated from this line of thought; but because he has been given a chance to re-invent the Superman origin story, we get to see a fresh take on what leads the true Clark Kent(the Smallville Clark) to don the suit and cape, and hide who he really is inside the fabricated "Metropolis Clark".Given that this story doesn't deal with much of the "Metropolis Clark", who doesn't come about until near the end of the book, Straczynski gets to reveal to us a new look at that critical time in Clark's life when he is trying to find his way in the world. He understands and to some degree knows what he could and maybe should do, but he struggles with the knowledge that if he does reveal his powers to the world, he could never have a chance for a "normal" life. He comprehends fully the ramifications of allowing people to see his fantastical abilities. He would have to hide who he was. He would live a double life.And then there's the responsibility. People's lives in his hands. Then you can throw in the fact that due to his "special skills", he could make a handsome living from any number of career choices; all of which would not only make him happy and allow him to fit in(which he's always desperately wanted), but would leave him in a position to take care of his mom for the rest of her life - something he promised his dad he'd do.So he has a really difficult choice to make, and we as readers get to watch his decision unfold and witness the repercussions involved.Choices. We all face them everyday, and the decions we make regarding them shape our character. And Straczynski fleshes out the character of Clark/Superman as well as anyone who's ever put pen to paper in an attempt to show what this character is all about.Now, let's turn our attention towards the villain of the book. Every great Superman story requires a great villain for Supes to do battle against. And within the pages of this book lives not only a great villain, but an AWESOME one! He's evil, yet he thinks he's the hero! He's extremely intelligent and he is every bit as powerful as Superman. He's been waiting a loooong time to destroy Supes, and he's taken extreme measures to make sure he does just that. Who is it, you ask? That's the coolest part!It's a brand new supervillain and he goes by Tyrell. Name doesn't sound scary? Wait til you see him, then tell me he doesn't intimidate the hell out of you! Once again, Straczynski delivers by writing this new character in a morbidly colorful and intriguing way. You can feel the hatred that consumes Tyrell. And Straczynski unleashes it in a brilliantly viscious fashion.I'll try to be brief with my next few nerdgasms so that you can get down to it and buy this book!Okay. Story. Well, it's pretty simple. If you want a classic Superman story that revamps Superman's origin in an inventive and compelling manner, yet remains familiar enough to keep you from scratching your head saying to yourself, "Huh? This is supposed to be Superman's beginnings?", then this book is for you. It's unique, emotional, modern, iconic, infused with humor at just the right moments, unpredictable, has perfect pacing, full of drama, and embedded with spectacular action sequences. This story unfolds like a big budget summer blockbuster movie, while at the same time reads like one of the most realistic interpretations of the Superman mythos ever written. The dialogue is moving at points and always rings true.I would do very cruel things to myself if I were to leave out the phenomenal art that graces every panel and splash page from cover to cover. Shane Davis' pencils give new meaning to the word "detailed". But they're not only detailed, they are breathtaking, consistent, and have a realistic beauty that isn't so realistic-looking as to just seem like the penciller placed imagination-free, emotionless, artistically flat and boring photos on each page. The inks by Sandra Hope accentuate Davis' pencils perfectly. They go together like a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversay. What can I say about the color work of Barbara Ciardo. The colors are exactly as they should be. They pop when they need to and are muted when appropriate. They breathe life into the already beautiful visuals. Last but not least, is the lettering job by master Rob Leigh. I think his work speaks for itself. Not only is the font a perfect match for each balloon, bubble, and caption, but take a look at which words are emphasized in bold print. Every word sounds perfect when you read it. His sense of cadence is flawless. Oh, one more thing; the realistic look of Superman's outfit is a breath of fresh air. He has always looked like he is wearing either underwear or spandex before. Here, you can see the seems on the suit, etc. There's even some mention of the fabric and its near indestructibility in the story. Therefore the suit serves as more than just a symbol. It serves a function, being the only thing he can wear that can't be destroyed by tears, fire, etc. This suit seems more appropriate for a modern Superman. Just take a look at the movie, "Superman Returns". By no means is that a great Superman story to me, but the suit he wears doesn't look silly. I love the Christopher Reeve Superman, but his outfit was more of a costume. It looks kind of cheesy and like tights a man might wear in ballet. It just wouldn't fly today, where people are looking for realism in their comicbook movies. For me, this realism gives the story more credibility. I would like to see the same thing happen in comicbooks, not just comicbook movies.Here they are, my final words: start reading this story the minute you get it. Even though it's aimed at a slightly more mature audience, this is truly a tale for grown-ups who want to feel like a kid again. That magical feeling is in here. And when it ends, believe me, you'll want more! This is "Superman" at its best. Yes, it's a re-imagining, but it bleeds red, blue and yellow from its heart. This graphic novel is perfect for those new to "Superman" graphic novels, and for us loyal Supes fans who would follow him anywhere.Actually, it's not a book at all...it's an EXPERIENCE. I can't wait for the next installment to come out(and I hear it's in the works). Well, what are you waiting for? Go on. Buy it, and soar with Superman. UP, UP AND AWAY!!!

I absolutely loved this book! I have been heavily anticipating it ever since it was first announced almost a year ago, along with the yet to be released BATMAN: EARTH ONE. Reading interviews with JMS about his love for Superman and the general direction for this book created a greater excitement in me, making me confident that this book would be well written by a great writer who is clearly one of the biggest fans of the character out there. For JMS, Superman means something, rather than just a character that's fun to read about or watch on film. I've been enjoying JMS' current run on the main Superman montly title, but this is the real treasure between the two Superman works.I've only read less than a dozen Superman stories, but this might be the best one (we'll see what I think once I get SECRET ORIGINS and possibly BIRTHRIGHT). The only contender might be BRAINIAC or LAST SON, but this book was pretty spectacular. Yet I've been a fan of Superman for a long time, watching the Donner films as a kid and watching the animated series as a teenager.What I loved most about this book was the pacing of it. While I enjoy reading collected trade editions quite a bit, you can still tell that there's a pause about each 20 pages because it's a collection of monthly issues. While this doesn't normally bother me much, it does cause a slight interruption in the pace of the story, even if it's subtle. Not the case here. Not having those pauses in this book made a huge difference for me, being able to enjoy it as a self-contained story. The pacing felt more like a film, and that made me love it even more.I really appreciated the characterization of Clark. It had a much more naturalistic way of explaining what's motivating Clark, as well as the fears and concerns he has faced throughout his life. He wants to use his abilities for good and to make a difference in the world, but he wants to have a "normal life" as well, which is soemthing he has not been able to enjoy growing up. Metropolis feels like a real city, and I really enjoy the supporting cast.I also loved the new villian and the variations in continuity. I didn't mind it in the slightest, because I knew this story wasn't in continuity, and had the freedom to make whatever changes. And I think the changes are for the better for this book, and for any possible follow-up volumes that follow. I also enjoy the different characterizations, and the idea that (spoiler alert) Superman is inspired by Jim and Lois' ideals. I love the idea that we inspire Superman, rather than Superman inspires us. I also really like that we clearly see what motivates Clark in his endeavors. That is a huge plus for me. Superman's motivations have never been a question for me, but it's almost like you have to put the pieces together for yourself. It's clearly spelled out here.The artwork is also fantastic! Shane Davis just moved up into my top 5 artists possibly. I also loved the textured/embossed cover rather than jacket cover. The whole package really just tells how this is something new and different for DC. They made some bold moves and a ton of marketing/media attention to get the word out about this book, and it looks like it is paying off. I hope that DC does the same thing for BATMAN: EARTH ONE. This is exactly the kind of product to have available for fans when Snyder's Superman film is released (and for the Batman films as well, respectively).It think this book has two target audiences: 1) The mainstream audience who doesn't read Superman comics. This is designed for people who want to read a good Superman story that is self-contained and is not burdened with 70 plus years of continuity. People can get this book here off of Amazon, or their local bookstore, read it and enjoy it, then put it down and move on without having to pick up following issues every month to keep up with the story. For even casual fans of the Superman films or other mediums, this book is for them (and based on sales of of this book and the marketing push, I'd say it's getting said audiences' attention). 2) For longtime fans who might be interested in something new, different, and creative. If the story in this book were meant to replace the long-running continuity and mythos, I might not like it as much. But it stands alone as it's own work. Superman is JMS favorite character since his childhood, and that comes across clearly.DC has already given the sequel a greenlight, and JMS has shifted around his workload to focus on this book. It will probably be another year until we see it, but it will be worth it. This story, and publishing it in the stand-alone graphic novel format holds a lot of potential for the future of DC comics.I can't give this book enough praise. It is awesome! WAAAAY better than All-Star Superman. For me that book pales in comparison to this one. I really did not enjoy All-Star Superman, as I felt it did not live up to the hype that everyone ascribes to it. It's not bad, but Morrison's book just does not strike me as nearly as epic and beautiful the way it often gets praised as. I'm really looking forward to reading SECRET ORIGINS and possibly BIRTHRIGHT down the line, but for now EARTH ONE goes a long way for me. This is exactly the kind of Superman story to provide for mainstream audiences.

This might not be everyone's cup of tea. I totally liked this modern retelling of superman origins. It is my favourite Superman storyline along with American Alien in modern times.

Tyckte verkligen om denna! Det var en fräsch nyversion och teckningarna var ursnygga. Den gav mersmak!

Un graphisme à couper le souffle, un scénario intelligent, des personnages enfin profonds et des dialogues qui font mouche (à lire en anglais) : cette n-ième version de la franchise est de loin la meilleure.

There may be something super at the beginning but at the end there's just a man. A new perspective on superman's origins that I can get behind.

Eu gostei muito dessa versão alternativa de origem do superman, lendo essa história percebi que o filme man of steel pegou muita inspiração dessa Hq.