Reviews

Superman for All Seasons by Jeph Loeb

jsm2000's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful 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? Yes

4.0

The greatest superhero never wanted to be, but was called to be. Jeph Loeb’s writing is at his most inspired, with For All Seasons playing as a Fordian coming-of-age instead of the epic legend we may be used to nowadays. It doesn’t just revision Clark Kent’s upbringing to strike the Midwestern heart, but it also makes his emergence as Superman feel less like a radical transformation and more like the next natural flowering of himself, his ideals. With the Kryptonian powers, he has power, but it was the Kents, and his identity as a Kent, who created the responsibility of Superman (eat your fucking heart out, Spider-Man). The illustrations by Tim Sale and Bjarne Hansen contribute tenfold to its nostalgia and sincerity, creating a mosaic of memories. Without a doubt, my favorite interpretation of America’s true folk hero. 

cecelia_j_h_c's review against another edition

5.0

"We can be grateful for the seasons, no matter how cruel or harsh they may seem, for it is only through their passage that we can truly appreciate the future."
Damn! Seasonal Depression cured (not really). What a good book! I think the partnership of Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale is probably the best thing that ever happened to comic books, graphic novels and maybe superhero media in general

moberle's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

5.0

I don’t think I have ever read a comic so beautiful and emotionally impactful as this one. The artwork is phenomenal. Interiors are rendered with such intricate detail and exteriors have an incredible sense of scale and awe. This is truly some of the most striking and vibrant comic art I have seen in my life. The story is grounded in personal struggle over the weight of one person’s responsibility to do good and how his actions impact the people around him. If you have struggled to “get” the man of steel, this is the book you should read. If you can only read one Superman story, this is the one.

bjoernschneider1's review against another edition

dark emotional 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

4.5

fandom4ever's review

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

I recently learned about the comic Superman: For All Seasons and that it served as the inspiration for Smallville. As Smallville is my most favorite television show ever I could not pass up the chance to get my hands on this book and read it! I was not disappointed. 

This story focuses on the character of Clark Kent/Superman on a deep level. This doesn’t have him sweeping in to take out the bad guy with punches and the like. No this is about who Clark Kent/Superman is. The story is separated into the four seasons (hence the title) and has a narration by four different characters: Spring – Jonathan Kent, Summer – Lois Lane, Fall – Lex Luthor, and Winter – Lana Lang. It starts with Clark finishing off his senior year of high school and coming to terms with who he is and what he should do with his life with these amazing abilities. He doesn’t always feel like he fits in but he knows without a doubt that he wants to use his powers to help people. It was a wonderful story with great narration by four characters that all know Superman at different levels and in different ways. 

The artwork was beautiful. It was very much inspired by Norman Rockwell paintings and that only added to the emotional depth of this story. The coloring was soft and really drew me in to this very humanizing story. 

I would recommend this to any Superman/Clark Kent/Smallville fan! This story really captures why Superman is the greatest superhero of all time. It really struck at the heartstrings. 

vocabulowry's review

4.0

I'm not a huge Superman fan. I've learned to like him, but I have read very little of him. This book is good for people like me. I imagine the tale might be lacking for those who are well read Superman followers. The development of Clark in this book has heart and for that will hopefully always be in print.

xsleepyshadows's review against another edition

4.0

If you wanted an introduction to superman this would be a great start. I think it shows his down to earth and kind nature. The art is really nice and feels very classic, nice colors, and just nice a nice lay out. I also like the seasonal changes and themes and the previous Clark vs. Lois rival/friendship that was early on.

jamsl94's review against another edition

4.5

A different, more human take on Superman with gorgeous artwork. A must read for any Superman fan

priorglass's review against another edition

5.0

Real relaxing read with beautiful visuals.

painfulac's review against another edition

adventurous emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0