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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
3.5 stars, it’s a classic, and the art is genuinely wonderful
It takes a lot of confidence and skill to tell a slow, personal, and human story about Clark Kent without leaning on the strength and excitement of Superman, but Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale did that with elegance and care. Truly a phenomenal read!
All-star Superman is usually held up as the quintessential Superman story. Usually top of the list if you want to understand what Superman is all about. Of course that story is a masterpiece, epic in scale. However, I now think that this is the true quintessential Superman story.
Without the use of a complicated plot, world threatening aliens,etc., this story manages to break your heart. Like Superman itself, it's not very complicated. But really, that's what makes it interesting. After facing a difficult trial, our hero learns to never stop trying to make the world a better place, and that there is a season for all things (haha).
I also can't fail to mention the art. I first heard of this comic years ago and was very put off by it. I mean c'mon, that's just not what superhero comic art looks like. Well, I was damn wrong. The faces are simultaneously simple yet also very detailed. The skylines gorgeous, the interiors remarkably cozy. Brilliant stuff
So if you've never understood Superman, or if you just need an uplifting read, pick this one up, you won't regret it.
Without the use of a complicated plot, world threatening aliens,etc., this story manages to break your heart. Like Superman itself, it's not very complicated. But really, that's what makes it interesting. After facing a difficult trial, our hero learns to never stop trying to make the world a better place, and that there is a season for all things (haha).
I also can't fail to mention the art. I first heard of this comic years ago and was very put off by it. I mean c'mon, that's just not what superhero comic art looks like. Well, I was damn wrong. The faces are simultaneously simple yet also very detailed. The skylines gorgeous, the interiors remarkably cozy. Brilliant stuff
So if you've never understood Superman, or if you just need an uplifting read, pick this one up, you won't regret it.
I really enjoyed this. Jeph Loeb proves that he's at his best when working with the wonderful Tim Sale and the two combine for a great Superman story. The four parts are split into seasons, starting with Spring. The first story, about Clark coming into his powers as well as growing up, is great. There's real emotion in the story, especially between father and son. In fact, if the story had stayed this good, I'd be giving the book five stars. But, after the first story, Clark leaves Smallville and heads Metropolis to become Superman. There, the book becomes less unique. There's still a lot of heart (any scene with Clark alone in his apartment gets me every time) but it starts fitting into the Superman box to well. It's the scenes in Smallville that I really loved and could have stayed there the whole time. Still, every page is drawn by Sale with beautiful colors and drama in every line. This guy can make Clark burning toast look great.
Overall, a great Clark Kent story that sometimes thinks it's a Superman story. Recommended.
Overall, a great Clark Kent story that sometimes thinks it's a Superman story. Recommended.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I thought it was really clever the way it was divided into 4 seasonal sections, each with a different narrator. I'm not sure that reducing Superman down to a sort of meat-&-potatoes simplicity really worked, but at the very least it was interesting. Also, I hated the art-work.
3.5
Favorite Superman story so far, but still left wanting more.
Favorite Superman story so far, but still left wanting more.