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mossss123's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Many people have said that they don’t like Superman because he’s boring, this proves otherwise. Grant Morrison’s wacky antics and reverence for past comics shine through in this love letter to the silver age of Superman, some feel ripped from the pages of Superman’s pal Jimmy Olsen and Superman’s girlfriend Lois Lane. This story takes Superman back to his Jewish immigrant roots, the struggle between preserving your culture and assimilating into a new one. The artist, when drawing Clark Kent, took inspiration from techniques used in Jewish theatre. He even fights the fascist Uber mensch from which he was named as a way to fight against Nazi ideals. Superman represents the idealised good man able to see the best in everyone and save everyone that everybody fails to live up to, including Superman himself when he can’t save his father. It also deconstructs Lex Luthor’s character, showing that he is controlled by his need to be superior despite claiming he does what he does to save the world.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt
philippmk's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A great, already 'classic' Superman book, Morrison's writing is superb. Thoug there were some adventures in this episodic story that I cared less for than others (such as the Bizzarro world), it was an entertaining read throughout. Especially Superman's supporting cast, such as Lois and Jimmy, really get to shine in this.
Quitely's art is a little hit-or-miss for me, but overall I enjoyed it.
On a side note, I find it interesting that Superman designed and made Lois' supersuit...which means he decided not to give her pants.
Quitely's art is a little hit-or-miss for me, but overall I enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Suicide attempt and Grief
Minor: Cancer
1wingedbalrog's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Many call this the best Superman story ever made and it's not hard to see why.
Just a note: this is not the *mainline* Superman but an alternate one created for this story. In DC, this is called an "Elseworlds."
Morrison and Quitely lay it out from the start: Superman now has more power than he even knew was possible, but has one year to live. The invincible Man of Steel is dying. But a true fan knows that Superman doesn't care about what happens to him - he has to prioritize saving people. How will he ensure a better tomorrow?
In a series of mostly episodic chapters, Superman goes on all kinds of whacky and wonderous adventures. From a trip to Bizarro World to Clark Kent's interview with Lex Luthor, this comic is a dose of Silver Age outrageousness. Yet it is cerebral at all times, as Morrison uses their trademark grandeur and wild concepts to peel back the layers of Superman as a mythological figure. They make us see what it means to be an ordinary man who wants to do good and has the power to do so.
Quitely's art is beautiful, conveying the massive scale of Superman's adventures with his thin lines to give everything the gentleness this story calls for. The book is loaded with panels you'd want to frame; and while Superman's double page spread against the sun on page 2 is iconic, Quitely also excels at panel by panel storytelling. Superman's interaction with the suicidal girl in chapter 10 is voted by fans across the Internet as one of the most tear-jerking and heartwarming scenes in superhero comics.
If you're a Superman fan, this is essential. If you're someone who always thought he wasn't relatable or seemed too corny, you may find the book that changes your mind here.
Just a note: this is not the *mainline* Superman but an alternate one created for this story. In DC, this is called an "Elseworlds."
Morrison and Quitely lay it out from the start: Superman now has more power than he even knew was possible, but has one year to live. The invincible Man of Steel is dying. But a true fan knows that Superman doesn't care about what happens to him - he has to prioritize saving people. How will he ensure a better tomorrow?
In a series of mostly episodic chapters, Superman goes on all kinds of whacky and wonderous adventures. From a trip to Bizarro World to Clark Kent's interview with Lex Luthor, this comic is a dose of Silver Age outrageousness. Yet it is cerebral at all times, as Morrison uses their trademark grandeur and wild concepts to peel back the layers of Superman as a mythological figure. They make us see what it means to be an ordinary man who wants to do good and has the power to do so.
Quitely's art is beautiful, conveying the massive scale of Superman's adventures with his thin lines to give everything the gentleness this story calls for. The book is loaded with panels you'd want to frame; and while Superman's double page spread against the sun on page 2 is iconic, Quitely also excels at panel by panel storytelling. Superman's interaction with the suicidal girl in chapter 10 is voted by fans across the Internet as one of the most tear-jerking and heartwarming scenes in superhero comics.
If you're a Superman fan, this is essential. If you're someone who always thought he wasn't relatable or seemed too corny, you may find the book that changes your mind here.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt
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