Booknote: Superman: Earth One

J. Michael Straczynski, Superman: Earth One. New York: DC Comics, 2010. ISBN: 978-1-4012-2468-4.

This was a pleasant read. It really is a new story for this generation. J. Michael Straczynski, known for many works including Babylon 5, brings us a new look at the origin of the Man of Steel, and he makes the hero more humane in the process.

A strength of this comic is that it strives to really show what it would be like to grow up as an alien in hiding. The book asks what choices would that person make. The author also brings the comic up to date, making a clear commentary on issues of immigration in the U.S. today. After all, unlike most Superman comics, who is to say every American automatically accepted a powerful man with a dubious provenance as one of their own?

To provide conflict, the author re-envisions the destruction of Krypton as an intentional act of war, and the enemies now come for the last son of Krypton. Superman now chooses to fight for mankind in a sequence filled with action and drama. Add to this great art that gives a good cinematic feel, epic in scope, and blending in small moments, and you get a great tale of humanity and adventure.

This is one that old time fans will likely enjoy, and it is a comic that can bring in new fans. It is a solid 5 out of 5 stars.

In terms of appeal, this comic may be similar to:

• Kurt Busiek, Superman: Secret Identity. (link to my short review)
• Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, Superman: For all Seasons. (link to my short review)

I borrowed this one from my local public library, Madison County Public Library (Berea branch).