saluki's review against another edition
3.0
I haven't read any Superman graphic novels but I wanted to read this before finally watching the 2013 Man of Steel movie. I'm surprised how much I enjoyed this origin story.
Twenty year old Clark Kent arrives in Metropolis and applies for various jobs while trying to discover who he is, what he wants from life, and whether to keep his powers hidden from humanity. His adoptive parents have a profound influence on Clark:
"Obviously Superman isn't your real name," I say.
He smiles. "My father came up with it."
"Aren't you a bit nervous about how that name will be taken? I mean, isn't it a bit presumptuous?"
"I don't know, we'll have to see," he says. "I guess the important part is that there may be something super at the start of that name, but by the time you get to the end, it's still just a man."
Good start to this series and the artwork is amazing. Will be reading more, for sure.
bbboeken's review against another edition
4.0
Hoeveel variaties blijven er op het Superman verhaal? Ik heb geen idee hoe dit kan gesitueerd worden in de 'gewone' verhaallijnen van de Superman serie, misschien daarom dat ik het interessant genoeg vind.
isauldur's review against another edition
4.0
A different take on Superman to say the least. It feels a lot like Zach Snyder's Man of Steel, though better put together. The pacing is better, the characters are more fleshed out and the plot makes sense. This is my second Superman story ever, so I'm not entirely sure how close the interpretation is to the original, but I liked this version, though it is a little angsty at times.
jexjthomas's review against another edition
2.0
An entertaining but ultimately unessential take on the Superman origin story that, unfortunately, doesnt bring much new to the table. Unlike the Batman Earth One book, which makes some interesting changes to continuity and supporting characters, all the changes here are superficial. Jimmy Olsen goes by Jim or James, is a bit more serious. Clark Kent wears a hoodie.
Straczynski goes out of his way to tell us how much Clark is struggling -- to belong, to fit in, to be one of us -- but he never does the work to actually show us, to convince us, to make us feel, so his version of Superman isn't someone we can easily relate to. The character is one dimensional, and it's a story that's been told so many times before, and so much better. Which is the crux of the problem I have with Superman: Earth One. It never rises above the mythos.
Straczynski goes out of his way to tell us how much Clark is struggling -- to belong, to fit in, to be one of us -- but he never does the work to actually show us, to convince us, to make us feel, so his version of Superman isn't someone we can easily relate to. The character is one dimensional, and it's a story that's been told so many times before, and so much better. Which is the crux of the problem I have with Superman: Earth One. It never rises above the mythos.
jmrivera's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-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
amy_bachnik's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
hannas_heas47's review against another edition
5.0
This was a gorgeous graphic novel, Pictures were absolutely outstanding. The only problem I actually saw with the book was the actual story. There is only one small action scene in this whole book. So it was a boring read. Amazing pictures and beautiful book...but it could of used a couple more ACTION scenes. This is of course THE MAN OF STEEL!In compliance with FTC guidelines, please disclose in your review that you received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads
sonofthe's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
mschlat's review against another edition
3.0
A retelling (with some major continuity changes) of the start of Superman. I liked the art and the idea that Clark Kent would try his hand at many jobs before settling on journalist (given that he's practically perfect at everything). Straczynski also did a good job of building up the Lois/Jimmy/Superman relationships, but the big villain left me flat and his appearance put a stop to the more personal story of Kent and his decisions.