All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


All Star Superman is deservedly a fan favorite. This 12 Issue out of continuity series by Grant Morrison is a book that's oftentimes poignant and occasionally humorous.

The inciting event involves Superman saving a scientific expedition that is imperiled due to a trap set by Lex Luthor. However, as a result of overexposure to the sun, Superman is dying from absorbing to much energy from the yellow sun.

The book follows Superman as he prepares to die and perform twelve great feats. The book is part silver age homage and part a meditation on life and death. Certainly, the idea of Superman dying and making provision for his friends, family, and the rest of the planet in a story that occurred during the Silver Age (though he didn't die in that story). There are also homages to the Silver Ago versions of Bizarroland and Jimmy Olsen.

However, the story fundamentally is about a noble man focusing on others and finding gratitude in a truly superlife, and making a difference right up until the very end.

While the story has some disturbing subtexts particularly on the whole issue of human cloning, the book is rightfully viewed as a masterpiece of its genre and a great tribute to Superman as a character.

The only thing really missing from this book was Batman. Particularly with all the honor paid to the Silver Age, the absence of Superman's best friend from the book was very conspicuous. Still, it's not enough to stop this from being an amazing Superman book.



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