Another look at Clark's early life, but through the eyes of those whose lives he has Impacted, more than he might realise himself.

I borrowed this one from my local public library.

See my brief note on the book:

[http://gypsylibrarian.blogspot.com/2006/12/short-notes-on-graphic-novels-8.html]
adventurous inspiring medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

So short, so sweet. Superman For All Seasons isn't so much about Superman the hero as it is about Superman the person. Told from four very different perspectives, each chronicling a "season" of the Man of Steel's life, this book is a unique take on a hero that we all already know and love. Definitely one of the more emotionally charged graphic novels out there, and beautifully illustrated too! No complaints, I loved this one.

The problem with a lot of Superman stories, I feel, is that the writers tend to get overwhelmed by the range of his powers and thus spend most of the story trying to bring him within the reach of other villains. However, some of the best Superman stories have either unleashed Superman's powers or just considered them a part of who he is and concentrated on telling a good story. 'Superman for All Seasons' falls in the latter category. The book is a collection of four issues, titled Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Each issue moves the Superman story forward from the perspective of different characters who are deeply involved in Superman's early years. Starting with Jonathan Kent reflecting on Clark's early years, his struggle to understand what he wants to be; moving on to a Lois Lane who is unaware of the Clark Kent/Superman connection (though she comes close to making the connection) and who still thinks of Superman as a God among mortals; onto Lex Luthor outlining his love for Metropolis and how Superman represents (according to him) an antagonist in his story; and finally concluding with Lana Lang confessing her early aspirations of being 'Mrs. Lana Lang Kent', presenting her views on Superman, and helping Clark wade through the sea of doubts created by Luthor.

Readers familiar with 'Superman: Birthright' may find similar tones in this one (or the other way around, since '...All Seasons' was before 'Birthright'), but the tone varies a lot in this compared to Birthright. Jeph Loeb wrote this one immediately on the back of the brilliantly written 'Long Halloween' (also illustrated by Tim Sale). And while it sometimes lacks the taut storytelling of the Long Halloween, it is a very good read nevertheless. Tim Sale's artwork is good for the most part, but somehow, I am not a fan of his depiction of Luthor. Luthor looks less like the man who would challenge the most powerful being on the Earth and more of a gnarly, old curmudgeon.

However, I would still recommend this book to any Superman fan.

Cute!! I don't care for Superman generally but I liked this. Also, the art was real pretty.

Sub-par art work and a stupid final story mar this collection of stories. The river is flooding and all of Smallville is threatened, including the Kent farm! What will Superman do? He'll wait until the next morning until the destruction is at its height instead of acting immediately to stave off the destruction!?!?!?
adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-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
adventurous hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Loveable characters: Yes
adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Next time they make a Superman movie they should use this as inspiration.