This page features reviews of the Superman comics that I have read and enjoyed.


Comic Review
Superman For All Seasons #1, 1998
Book One: Spring
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Artist: Tim Sale

Summary: This four issue mini-series tells of a small town boy living in Kansas. The only twist is that the boy happens to be the future Superman. Each book is divided by a season, and this four issue tale starts with Spring in Smallville.

It's a tale told from the point of view of a simple farmer, Jonathon Kent. It seems his son is beginning to display powers and abilities far beyond those he's ever seen before...and Pa Kent just isn't sure how to cope. Lucky for Clark that basically his adoptive parents love him immensely.

When a tornado tears through Smallville, Clark learns an important lesson about his role in the world, and what possessing awesome powers really means.

Review
This comic is a literary and artistic triumph for Loeb and Sale. The story for issue #1 is written from Jonathon Kent's perspective, and we see how uneasily he accepts the changes in his son. His characterization as a simple farmer is done in a very realistic way with dialogue that fits. In fact, even though the dialogue is kept very simple and sparingly, every word counts for something. There isn't a "Great Scott!" to be found in these pages or inane comic book dialogue always ending in an exclamation point.

Getting back to the characterization, the personality of Clark Kent is shown here more realistic and complex than any effort before. He is a young boy who is unsure of his abilities, who begins to feel isolated and alone, and is not sure why. There are a lot of favorite scenes in this book, my favorite being the one with Pa and Clark in the field with the boulder. Jonathon Kent is clearly out of his element. But he loves his son, and the narrative where he talks about holding young Clark as an infant is genuinely touching.
On to the art. It's hard to look at Tim Sale's vision of a Norman Rockwell Kansas and not be impressed by the simplicity and the attention to detail. His perspective and technical abilities are all solid, but it's the stripped down, almost cartoony style which complements the text. Sale's Clark is a massive, awkward giant among his friends, the outcast, and his expressions are caught perfectly.

Equally impressive is the renderings of Ma and Pa Kent. They look as authentic and detailed as if models had posed for the sketches. All in all, this series is one to watch for at next year's comic awards. Out of all the graphic novels that are being offered this year, this one stands out above all the rest.

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