I'll admit it: The first time I read this story, I didn't love it. Let me tell you -- it was confusing, even for someone who has bought more than her fair share of "Man of Steel"-centric comics. At first, the plot seemed to bounce from event to event without so much as a why or a how, sometimes even leaving the reader speechless with appearances and actions that seemed utterly nonsensical. And when it wasn't jumping, there seemed to be an excess of philosophical dialogue.
Even the characterization seemed incredibly dark for Superman, who I have always seen as more optimistic and idealistic than his fellow heroes. But here he is cynical, he is grieving, and he is even somewhat suicidal -- obviously nothing like the Superman we usually imagine.
The art was the real factor that initially demanded my attention, and was probably the only reason I bought it. And like the other reviews say, Jim Lee's work is absolutely stunning, per usual. So no matter what the plot holds, I strongly recommend that you buy it just to see the visual masterpiece that Lee produced for this story.
But despite all my initial criticism, I now know I was WRONG. A second and third read firmly placed this story (not just the art) among my top ten favorite comic books of all time, and here's why:
First, everything DOES make sense in the end. The story is a mystery and acts like it. Even from the first page, you are forced to dive headlong into that mystery, thus leaving you to put together the puzzle for yourself. There are certain "wtf" moments (like why are Clark Kent and Superman talking separately? And who is Equus? Or Mr. Orr?) that ARE explained. Just be patient.
Second, if you look through it again and focus less on the plot and more on the words, you'll realize that it reads like poetry. This is as close to philosophical literature that you'll see in comics, folks. There are moments that make a literary buff like me SQUEAL in admiration toward the clever writers. For example, during a portion of the book, Superman questions his belief in God or a higher power, mostly because he spends so much time doing what many people consider "God's work." Then, later on, you'll hear him monologuing as he unites with Lois Lane, and he'll casually mention God, implying that his faith has been restored. There are tons of other instances like this -- when the writers sneak crafty little bits of irony or rhetorical devices into the speech or thought boxes -- that make this story worth the read.
Third, the dialogue. My god, the dialogue is great. It's a little advanced for what you usually see in a comic book, brimming with metaphors and smooth turn-of-phrase. Some people may complain that the characters hardly sound human, with their intellectually advanced language, which is somewhat true, but I feel like this style of writing fits. More importantly, what they talk about will make you step back and think deeply about just what it would be like to be Superman. I mean, the guy truly does spend his time cleaning up humanity's messes, free of charge. And throughout the book, humanity's nature, in Superman's eyes, is explored fully through a somewhat cliche talk with a priest, but in this instance, it works.
That brings me to four, which is the philosophical discussion. What exactly does Superman have the right to do? In order to save lives, can he deny the human race what it really wants? Can Superman really feel and think like a human being, or has he only been conditioned to do so? Does the human race even deserve Superman's protection? These questions and many more are answered very thoughtfully in this book, directly from Kal-El's eyes.
And lastly, I'd like to talk about Superman's characterization. You'll easily notice that he seems out of character in this story. And you know what? The brooding, the cynicism, the hopelessness, the lack of concern he occasionally shows for human lives -- it makes sense in context (once you fully understand that context after the first read). Superman has experienced a serious tragedy, which he initially thinks is the work of the humans he tries to protect. Why shouldn't he be angry? Why shouldn't he be sick and tired of protecting the people that have now ruined his life? (Of course, there is a twist in the story that changes this point of view, but I won't spoil that for you). In this book, Superman stops protecting humanity simply because he wants to; now he does it just because it's the only thing he CAN do. He's very bitter and helpless, causing him to go to somewhat suicidal and selfish lengths to get back what he has lost. But ultimately, at the end of the story, you see the optimistic Superman we all know and love returning.
Personally, I feel that this story represents what may be a very important portion of Superman's mythos. Here, we certainly learn that he is tied to humanity by the people he loves, and when he loses them, he loses that tether. And then we address a very important question -- is he more Super...or is he more man? Overall, it is a beautifully written and drawn story, though not necessarily a the best-plotted one. Still worth the read for anyone trying to get a true understanding of the inner workings of Superman's mind, even at his most unhappy. Bravo!
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The package arrived yesterday. I am very pleased with the condition, the corners are just a little bent, but it truly feels like a new book. Enormous thanks to the papercavalier bookstore! Love the story and art.
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The package arrived yesterday. I am very pleased with the condition, the corners are just a little bent, but it truly feels like a new book. Enormous thanks to the papercavalier bookstore! Love the story and art.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2013
