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andycronin's review
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
annamickreads's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Haha yeah the dedication to the late Tim Sale, who passed away in 2022, absolutely made me start bawling before I even opened the comic itself. Love to start the morning with a cry
As always, a collaboration between Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale never misses — they are arguably responsible for some of the most foundational DC comics of all time, including "Batman: The Long Halloween."
I feel like this comic in particular truly captures the essence of Clark Kent: beneath the muscles and the tights, he's a regular guy trying to do some good in the world. I could write a Lois Lane style essay about why the world needs Superman, even moreso than before in 2024, when individualism (especially in America) runs rampant and the idea of caring about someone outside yourself, even someone who is different from you, is scarce. I've heard a lot of people vocally dislike Clark because he's "boring" but what you have to understand is that's absolutely missing the point.
This comic doesn't include Clark's voice at all, but rather, allows his peers, friends and family to do the talking for him. I've also heard this book was an influence on "Smallville" and that's very obvious to me in the best way. I think if you love Superman or you hate him, this might be a good comic to pick up — it's full of heart and the art is stunning. That's all!
As always, a collaboration between Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale never misses — they are arguably responsible for some of the most foundational DC comics of all time, including "Batman: The Long Halloween."
I feel like this comic in particular truly captures the essence of Clark Kent: beneath the muscles and the tights, he's a regular guy trying to do some good in the world. I could write a Lois Lane style essay about why the world needs Superman, even moreso than before in 2024, when individualism (especially in America) runs rampant and the idea of caring about someone outside yourself, even someone who is different from you, is scarce. I've heard a lot of people vocally dislike Clark because he's "boring" but what you have to understand is that's absolutely missing the point.
This comic doesn't include Clark's voice at all, but rather, allows his peers, friends and family to do the talking for him. I've also heard this book was an influence on "Smallville" and that's very obvious to me in the best way. I think if you love Superman or you hate him, this might be a good comic to pick up — it's full of heart and the art is stunning. That's all!
jstilts's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
A sad little retelling of Clark Kent's life in Smallville and early years in Metropolis (and back again). There's no real joy in the characters, the plot is meanderingly glum, the art style does nothing to stop the drab colouring from making this even more of a sad experience even when the plot isn't at all grim - just glum.
I got this book on the strength of the writer and artist's excellent work in Batman: The Long Halloween and Dark Victory, and while they excelled there something is dragging them down here.
It probably doesn't help that this is at heart a rather slight story about growing up and leaving home and making your mark in the world - and finding out that life isn't always that linear nor that straightforward. While on the surface that fits the broad strokes of the Superman story, all the characters and trappings expected from that story just bog down anything you try to put on it. Lois Lane, Perry White, even Lex Luthor just kind of get in the way, as does the expectation that Jonathan Kent should die at any moment (given that's what usually happens) - but take those trappings out and there isn't really much left here either.
Stuck in bed sick, this sad-sack book is definitely not what I needed to lift my spirits!
I got this book on the strength of the writer and artist's excellent work in Batman: The Long Halloween and Dark Victory, and while they excelled there something is dragging them down here.
It probably doesn't help that this is at heart a rather slight story about growing up and leaving home and making your mark in the world - and finding out that life isn't always that linear nor that straightforward. While on the surface that fits the broad strokes of the Superman story, all the characters and trappings expected from that story just bog down anything you try to put on it. Lois Lane, Perry White, even Lex Luthor just kind of get in the way, as does the expectation that Jonathan Kent should die at any moment (given that's what usually happens) - but take those trappings out and there isn't really much left here either.
Stuck in bed sick, this sad-sack book is definitely not what I needed to lift my spirits!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Body horror, Pandemic/Epidemic, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, and Car accident
dfmaiwat's review against another edition
5.0
I wish more creators took this comic to heart when creating Superman stories. I don’t think it’s understood that being kind, simply for the sake of it, is special.
drownbilly's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
chelsea_444's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
ismail_ebrahim's review against another edition
4.0
Heartwarming in a way only a Superman story can be. It captures his warmth and empathy perfectly.
jiayuanc's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
5.0
There is nothing quite like the Spring chaper, especially that two page spread with Pa Kent and Clark gazing off into the sunset. Never get tired of looking at that. Never will.