Superman, Volume 1: Son of Superman by Peter J. Tomasi

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book collects the Superman Rebirth One Shot along with Issues 1-6 of the new Series as the Post-Crisis Superman once again becomes the main Superman.

The rebirth One Shot has Superman dealing with the death of the New 52 Superman. While it's an Issue of transition, it's much more about Superman than his predecessor on this Earth. Superman's behavior is heroic and it reflects the type of person he is. He's not in a hurry to be "The Superman." And even if he can't, he seeks to honor this younger Superman and show respect for his legacy. The story reflects the utter class of the Man of Steel.

The main story deals with Lois and Clark coming to terms with their son Jonthan's emerging power n with the Eradicator, who was was foe on post-Crisis Earth but could help Jonathan quite a bit on this one.

The story works on many levels. Superman having a family was featured as imaginary stories in the 1960s and 70s, but always seemed silly. Ironic, that it's the 21st Century, that comics can be adult enough to talk about what it's really like to be a kid. The emotional journey Jonathan on really makes him an interesting characters. He feels a lack of belonging, lied to, scared, and also resentful about the lies he's going to have to tell to keep these secrets. It's also believable and very deep.

So often the argument against having Superheroes marry is that it closes off a lot of possibilities of romances and plots that you can do. This book shows that marriage creates opportunities for the right writers. In the 4th and 5th Issues, there's a coming together as a Superfamily that's really quite marvelous and beautiful. It's just a joy to read. There's also some conflict that very subtly working its way in between Lois and Clark over how much training Jon should have. Neither want him off fighting Darkseid but Superman wants to get him exposure that's kind of akin to a ball player having his kid in the clubhouse.

The book isn't perfect and I think it's biggest flaw is that sometimes it uses cool visuals that don't benefit the story. My favorite example of this is at the end of Issue #1, Superman stands framed against Jon's bedroom doorway in a very intimidating way frowning and says, "You're coming with me." It's a cool way to end the issue but it doesn't really work with the st ory. I also think that while Tomasi does a solid job handling the Superman family, there are a few week moments. I don't think he's quite at Dan Jurgents level on that point.

Still, overall, I'm quite pleased with this book and this first volume left me excited for what comes next.



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