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ponch22's review
5.0
This book was recommended to me by my wife's step-dad. I told him how I was sort of disappointed when I recently read [b:All-Star Superman|10871782|All-Star Superman|Grant Morrison|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1356470700s/10871782.jpg|10465171] and he told me this (which he read back when it came out as singles) was one of his favorite Superman stories.
I love the writing—a lot of inset narrations from Superman (and Lois in diary form) which sets up everything. There's little to no guessing at what's happening and I love that.
The art is very nice, and I like how the story sort of takes place in three separate times—present day Metropolis, a little 17th Century France, and a bleak future. Plus I guess there was even some flashback to Callie and Clark doing some archaeology in Australia... It's just great because you start with this secret anniversary Clark and Lois are trying to celebrate and you see a day in the life of Clark/Supes as he tries to finish a bunch of stories for Perry but also has to save Metropolis because, Mondays! Then, you're introduced to Arion—an immortal in 1600s France who sees a future where he's no longer living and decides to come do something in present day. But first, a bunch of crazy stuff goes down with a Doomsday-like monster in Kazakhstan before finally, you see a bleak future for our heroes (working alongside Lex!) after Superman gets killed (perhaps?)!
It's just a bunch of great issues that have a nice over-arcing story that I hope pays out well in Vol. 2. Here's hoping I find time to finish that tomorrow!
I love the writing—a lot of inset narrations from Superman (and Lois in diary form) which sets up everything. There's little to no guessing at what's happening and I love that.
The art is very nice, and I like how the story sort of takes place in three separate times—present day Metropolis, a little 17th Century France, and a bleak future. Plus I guess there was even some flashback to Callie and Clark doing some archaeology in Australia... It's just great because you start with this secret anniversary Clark and Lois are trying to celebrate and you see a day in the life of Clark/Supes as he tries to finish a bunch of stories for Perry but also has to save Metropolis because, Mondays! Then, you're introduced to Arion—an immortal in 1600s France who sees a future where he's no longer living and decides to come do something in present day. But first, a bunch of crazy stuff goes down with a Doomsday-like monster in Kazakhstan before finally, you see a bleak future for our heroes (working alongside Lex!) after Superman gets killed (perhaps?)!
It's just a bunch of great issues that have a nice over-arcing story that I hope pays out well in Vol. 2. Here's hoping I find time to finish that tomorrow!
samsolariusleo's review
3.0
First chapter was great and suitable to be read as a standalone story, while acting as a prelude to the troubles that come in the rest of the volume. I didn't quite understand the motivation of the main villain or how everything comes together. It felt kind of messy at parts, so I didn't quite enjoy the rest of the book.
art_cart_ron's review
4.0
I'm sure Kurt Busiek has written a bad comic, I just haven't seen it.
I'm sure Carlos Pacheco has cut some corners here and there - I just haven't seen that either.
The density of comic stories has all-but disappeared in recent years (decade?), in favor of lighter fare stretched over 4, 6, 9, 12 issues (you know, 32-48 dollars - as opposed to 4). The days of a comic book containing a full story, making the choice to pick it up off a shelf all by itself a rational one, ended (for mainstream comics) around 20 years ago or more.
While this is a collection with an overarching story - each issue can stand alone. They are rich in both story and illustrative detail. This is something Busiek brings to the table particularly well - as a sort of comics mythologist. He's like a historian of the medium - bringing a vast wealth of knowledge to the table, that is also clearly informed by mythology that extends well beyond comics.
It's a bit of a shame that there was a guest artist on one issue - because the arch that issue kicked off was the best part of this collection, and what makes the following volume a must-read book.
They don't make 'em like this anymore, folks. Enjoy the backlog.
I'm sure Carlos Pacheco has cut some corners here and there - I just haven't seen that either.
The density of comic stories has all-but disappeared in recent years (decade?), in favor of lighter fare stretched over 4, 6, 9, 12 issues (you know, 32-48 dollars - as opposed to 4). The days of a comic book containing a full story, making the choice to pick it up off a shelf all by itself a rational one, ended (for mainstream comics) around 20 years ago or more.
While this is a collection with an overarching story - each issue can stand alone. They are rich in both story and illustrative detail. This is something Busiek brings to the table particularly well - as a sort of comics mythologist. He's like a historian of the medium - bringing a vast wealth of knowledge to the table, that is also clearly informed by mythology that extends well beyond comics.
It's a bit of a shame that there was a guest artist on one issue - because the arch that issue kicked off was the best part of this collection, and what makes the following volume a must-read book.
They don't make 'em like this anymore, folks. Enjoy the backlog.
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