Superman has another new telling of his story, but this one changes the formula quite significantly. The DC universe has a new set of realities for writers to play with. This new set of stories features much more serious and gritty stories. These are not just edgy fluff. However, they each have some serious heart to them.
In this take of the last son of Krypton, he not only came to earth later, but he also lived most of his childhood on Krypton. This single change has ramifications on all of Superman’s history.
The man of steel is a lot more sullen and weighed down by the world. The villains are also changed from the status quo, including an old Batman villain.
The first of the changes to Clark Kent is his childhood. In the usual Superman story, he is sent to Kansas from across the stars when he is a newborn child. Because he was not old enough to remember his planet, he was much more the only son of the Kents, rather than the last son of Krypton.
Not so in this take on the character; a significant portion of the comic is dedicated to his backstory on his home planet.
This change is not only a change to the plot of this story but also gives us a new perspective on the events of Krypton. Instead of just being told about what happened, readers are invited to witness the events that destroyed Kal-El’s home. This addition also adds quite a lot of pathos to Superman. Instead of simply fighting to protect the people of earth, he is attempting to keep them from destroying their own world.
The mechanism of this destruction comes in the form of Ra’s al Ghul. This old Batman villain retains his classic origin of being a man from ancient times. He abused a location called a Lazarus pit to artificially lengthen his life to extend to the current age.
The change this time comes in the fact that he has founded a corporation simply called the Lazarus Corporation.
Ra’s and his allies in the corporation make for great villains to terrorize Superman. Ra’s Al Ghul has both an air of intimidation and authority, and the people he has hired bring their own feelings. In particular, two standouts are Peacemaker and Brainiac.
Peacemaker is an amazing tragic villain, and Brainiac is something straight out of a horror series.
To face these new threats, Superman has allies of his own. Alongside the usual friends, Superman also has the assistance of a new character named Sol.
Sol is not a person in the traditional sense but rather an AI entity that is in control of the armor that Superman wears. Sol is a constant voice in Superman’s ear but not one for good alone. Rather, Sol has been given the task of protecting the last son of Krypton by any means necessary.
This relationship adds depth to the Man of Steel by having him grapple with the wants of his people (for him to survive) versus his own wants (to protect those around him).
Unlike in usual Superman stories, where he is usually the example of morality, here he has voices in his ear telling him to betray his morals. This added layer makes the big blue boy scout even more compelling to read. Here readers see Superman struggle to not only do the right thing but to do so in a world that seems determined to turn him down a dark path.
However, it’s not all bad. Superman has tools of his own for his journey of good doing. His suit in particular is a high point of the book. Usually edgy redesigns tend to fall flat. However this one not only works but manages to thrive as its own stand alone piece.
The grey color scheme may seem boring, but it adds a perfect backdrop for the more vibrant reds of his emblem and cape.
The cape in particular is the best part of the new suit. Here it isn’t a simple fabric garment; it is a mass of ash made from Krypton itself. So not only does it make for an amazing panel spread of the cape washing over an area like smoke, but Clark is literally carrying his home on his back.
Superman has a reputation among those who do not have an interest in him as being boring. Detractors believe that he is simply too powerful and too perfect to have any real drama in his stories. This is an incorrect sentiment.
Readers who believe this should look at giving this book a read. It shows a usually underrepresented side of the Man of Tomorrow, even in the main comics. Not only will readers be given a thoroughly enjoyable experience, but they might even find a newfound appreciation for the farm boy from Kansas.
Andrew Barnes, staff writer
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