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Superman: For Tomorrow #1
Superman: For Tomorrow, Vol. 1
A cataclysmic event has struck the Earth. Millions of people have vanished without a trace. No one is left unaffected--not even Superman. A year has passed, and Superman is left with many questions and very few answers. For a hero who tries to have all the answers, it's torture. And, just as the action hearts up and the stakes are raised, one huge questions emerges: just how far is Superman willing to go "For Tomorrow"?
Collecting SUPERMAN #204-209.
Collecting SUPERMAN #204-209.
160 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2005
3 people are currently reading
581 people want to read
About the author
Brian Azzarello
1,288 books1,105 followersBrian Azzarello (born in Cleveland, Ohio) is an American comic book writer. He came to prominence with 100 Bullets, published by DC Comics' mature-audience imprint Vertigo. He and Argentine artist Eduardo Risso, with whom Azzarello first worked on Jonny Double, won the 2001 Eisner Award for Best Serialized Story for 100 Bullets #15–18: "Hang Up on the Hang Low".
Azzarello has written for Batman ("Broken City", art by Risso; "Batman/Deathblow: After the Fire", art by Lee Bermejo, Tim Bradstreet, & Mick Gray) and Superman ("For Tomorrow", art by Jim Lee).
In 2005, Azzarello began a new creator-owned series, the western Loveless, with artist Marcelo Frusin.
As of 2007, Azzarello is married to fellow comic-book writer and illustrator Jill Thompson.
information taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Az...
Azzarello has written for Batman ("Broken City", art by Risso; "Batman/Deathblow: After the Fire", art by Lee Bermejo, Tim Bradstreet, & Mick Gray) and Superman ("For Tomorrow", art by Jim Lee).
In 2005, Azzarello began a new creator-owned series, the western Loveless, with artist Marcelo Frusin.
As of 2007, Azzarello is married to fellow comic-book writer and illustrator Jill Thompson.
information taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Az...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
July 23, 2017
I actually really enjoyed a lot of this. So something happened (I dunno what) and millions of people just vanished. Superman wasn't there to stop it, and even though he doesn't know if he could have, he blames himself. He was off helping Kyle in space and when he got back Lois was gone. This drove him to ask some serious questions so he visits a priest to try and figure it out. As he recalls the events you get to see Superman in a different way. Not evil or anything but starting to question what he does and why.
Superman can be a very complex figure. When one doesn't have much to fear but the loss of others what does that make a man when he actually loses those things. I think Superman dialog with the priest really brought up some logical questions we would ask if a Alien came to earth and was willing to protect us. Why? Would be our biggest question.
This volume also deals with Superman going over boarders and trying to stop a revolution of sorts. Except it already happened. Yet we find out it's not as simple as protecting or saving but what happened and finding the very weapon that makes people disappear. Superman then has to make a few choices that will effect others.
What I liked: All of the priest dialog with Superman was super interesting for me. I loved Superman questioning things and not so easy to answer. I also LOVE the fucking art. Jim Lee is got to be top 5 artist of all time. Like holy hell it's amazing. Also really enjoyed the parts with Superman deciding to deal with the creature (forgot his name, sorry!) and laying the beatdown. You don't see Superman pissed much, but when you do, some scary ass shit.
What I didn't like: The hidden figure who works for the "evil" people and can hurt anyone or anything. Just kind of lame for me. I also thought, while the monster creature was a fun fight, it dragged on a little long when the main story had something to actually say.
I'd normally hit this with a 3.5 cause thought the story and pacing were solid but the art is so damn good I'ma go with a 4. It's not the best Superman story but very enjoyable one and a different look at our hero. Check it out!
Superman can be a very complex figure. When one doesn't have much to fear but the loss of others what does that make a man when he actually loses those things. I think Superman dialog with the priest really brought up some logical questions we would ask if a Alien came to earth and was willing to protect us. Why? Would be our biggest question.
This volume also deals with Superman going over boarders and trying to stop a revolution of sorts. Except it already happened. Yet we find out it's not as simple as protecting or saving but what happened and finding the very weapon that makes people disappear. Superman then has to make a few choices that will effect others.
What I liked: All of the priest dialog with Superman was super interesting for me. I loved Superman questioning things and not so easy to answer. I also LOVE the fucking art. Jim Lee is got to be top 5 artist of all time. Like holy hell it's amazing. Also really enjoyed the parts with Superman deciding to deal with the creature (forgot his name, sorry!) and laying the beatdown. You don't see Superman pissed much, but when you do, some scary ass shit.
What I didn't like: The hidden figure who works for the "evil" people and can hurt anyone or anything. Just kind of lame for me. I also thought, while the monster creature was a fun fight, it dragged on a little long when the main story had something to actually say.
I'd normally hit this with a 3.5 cause thought the story and pacing were solid but the art is so damn good I'ma go with a 4. It's not the best Superman story but very enjoyable one and a different look at our hero. Check it out!
April 28, 2012
Superman interferes in an internal conflict within a Middle Eastern country leaving corrupt rebels in charge holding a weapon of immense power at their disposal. Before Superman finds out what it does the weapon is activated leading to the vanishing of hundreds of thousands of people around the world... including his wife, Lois Lane.
Brian Azzarello pens a thoughtful and creative story of Superman in this two part story full of the kind of action that makes Superman so good. A fight against a cybernetically-enhanced super-soldier called Equus and elemental giants made of water, fire, earth and air, are the kind of enemies that could match Superman, and it's great to see Superman cut loose and throw a punch. More interesting than that though is Azzarello's dialogue he gives Superman in the conversations he has with the priest.
There's an excellent line Superman says that sticks in my mind as absolutely something he would say: "Invaders from Mars, creatures on the loose, mad scientists and giant robots, bogeymen, hiding under beds and in closets. I've always tried to show you that there's nothing to be afraid of, that fear was in your mind. But then you showed me that the greatest threat to humanity is in your hearts". It's sums up Superman's experiences with humanity over years, the frustration, the disappointment, so beautifully.
Jim Lee's artwork is of course nothing short of perfect as always. He draws the definitive Superman and he does justice to the immortal character in this book on every page. There's nothing more badass than seeing Superman get angry, that figure looking at the reader with glowing red eyes across a shadowed face, it's so awesome.
It's not a perfect book as there's too much jumping around in the story from the past to the present, introducing too many characters without explaining them properly, but it's still an excellent read and there is a second and final volume to go. "For Tomorrow" is an great Superman book that fans will absolutely love.
Brian Azzarello pens a thoughtful and creative story of Superman in this two part story full of the kind of action that makes Superman so good. A fight against a cybernetically-enhanced super-soldier called Equus and elemental giants made of water, fire, earth and air, are the kind of enemies that could match Superman, and it's great to see Superman cut loose and throw a punch. More interesting than that though is Azzarello's dialogue he gives Superman in the conversations he has with the priest.
There's an excellent line Superman says that sticks in my mind as absolutely something he would say: "Invaders from Mars, creatures on the loose, mad scientists and giant robots, bogeymen, hiding under beds and in closets. I've always tried to show you that there's nothing to be afraid of, that fear was in your mind. But then you showed me that the greatest threat to humanity is in your hearts". It's sums up Superman's experiences with humanity over years, the frustration, the disappointment, so beautifully.
Jim Lee's artwork is of course nothing short of perfect as always. He draws the definitive Superman and he does justice to the immortal character in this book on every page. There's nothing more badass than seeing Superman get angry, that figure looking at the reader with glowing red eyes across a shadowed face, it's so awesome.
It's not a perfect book as there's too much jumping around in the story from the past to the present, introducing too many characters without explaining them properly, but it's still an excellent read and there is a second and final volume to go. "For Tomorrow" is an great Superman book that fans will absolutely love.
July 18, 2016
For me most comic books are a form of entertainment, but sometimes I run across a book that transcends into the realm of art. This book did that for me. The actual art inside was quite well done, but the writing was phenomenal. Azzarello's Superman is nuanced and dark. While, he is no Batman this version of Superman isn't quite the "American as Apple Pie" and "Aw Shucks, I'm just REALLY strong" interpretation that others have out forth. An event known as the Vanishing has occurred on Earth and a million people have disappeared. No one knows why. One of the people is Lois Lane.
A year later we find that Superman, without the anchor of a Lois in his life he is still Super, but less emphasis on the man. As in human. It is at this point Superman finds a priest and talks to him about responsibility and power and all sorts of other deep things. Strangely the priest is also talking about himself in the conversation, so there are multiple meanings behind the words spoken. What Superman confesses is that in the wake of the Vanishing, he decided to be more "proactive" and intervened in a war in a Middle Eastern country. While stopping the war, he finds the machine responsible for the vanishing. Now the question is, with it in his hands will he use it again? This action has caused considerable consternation on the parts of the other members of the JLA and with governments around the world. The rest would be spoilers and I won't say more till Vol 2.
The subtle contexts of the conversations that occur whether with Superman/Priest or Superman/Batman all have dual meanings that can apply to both the people in the conversation. That is what makes this such a great piece of writing. I also enjoyed the darker version of Superman, such as when he is speaking to the four elementals that threaten to destroy the world if he doesn't go into exile and he agrees that their actions would indeed cause a dead world. But, then he points out in that case as soon as they did that (since they are unable to harm him) he would burn off the ozone layer causing water to evaporate, he would destroy the atmosphere and get rid of the wind and that he would grind the very earth into dust. Thus destroying them and never allowing them to reconstitute another world. THAT is a side of Superman we are rarely shown.
This is one of the best comics I've read in awhile, certainly one of the top Superman stories, so I can only say I must HIGHLY recommend this to anyone who likes good writing.
A year later we find that Superman, without the anchor of a Lois in his life he is still Super, but less emphasis on the man. As in human. It is at this point Superman finds a priest and talks to him about responsibility and power and all sorts of other deep things. Strangely the priest is also talking about himself in the conversation, so there are multiple meanings behind the words spoken. What Superman confesses is that in the wake of the Vanishing, he decided to be more "proactive" and intervened in a war in a Middle Eastern country. While stopping the war, he finds the machine responsible for the vanishing. Now the question is, with it in his hands will he use it again? This action has caused considerable consternation on the parts of the other members of the JLA and with governments around the world. The rest would be spoilers and I won't say more till Vol 2.
The subtle contexts of the conversations that occur whether with Superman/Priest or Superman/Batman all have dual meanings that can apply to both the people in the conversation. That is what makes this such a great piece of writing. I also enjoyed the darker version of Superman, such as when he is speaking to the four elementals that threaten to destroy the world if he doesn't go into exile and he agrees that their actions would indeed cause a dead world. But, then he points out in that case as soon as they did that (since they are unable to harm him) he would burn off the ozone layer causing water to evaporate, he would destroy the atmosphere and get rid of the wind and that he would grind the very earth into dust. Thus destroying them and never allowing them to reconstitute another world. THAT is a side of Superman we are rarely shown.
This is one of the best comics I've read in awhile, certainly one of the top Superman stories, so I can only say I must HIGHLY recommend this to anyone who likes good writing.
June 16, 2017
I probably could have enjoyed this first half of the story if the dialogue had been at all understandable, or if the scenes shown made more narrative sense. I grasped the Vanishings in a general way, though I didn't understand Superman's sudden existential conflict (going over things he probably would have made sense of as a young man) and I didn't understand what Equus was or what his and Orr's motives were. I'm sure everything will come together in the second volume (which is why I don't usually review incomplete stories) but in this instance nothing was clear halfway through. Superman obtained the Vanishing device but then did nothing with it, which basically stalled my interest in the story completely. I don't own volume 2, but I really have no desire to pick it up and go on at this point.
A confusing drag of a story, though Jim Lee's art is always excellent.
A confusing drag of a story, though Jim Lee's art is always excellent.
August 29, 2014
This started out 3 stars and just kept getting worse. The last story was the worst with the elements.
July 27, 2025
A plot that seems interesting, but Azzarello doesn't have Superman's voice and drags out the plot far too long with the cryptic narration he loves so much.
April 22, 2023
I'm a Batman girlie at heart, but I thought I would try it out as it was all the local library offered in graphic novels. I thought this comic was a bit disjointed. Loved the actual graphics, but the storyline was odd and the speech bubbles were confusing to follow. I think I'll stick with the bat in future 🦇
March 30, 2012
Brian Azzarello has done a lot of admirable work. His writing for 100 Bullets was groundbreaking and his stint on Hellblazer was entertaining. As much as I enjoyed some of his other work, Superman: For Tomorrow Volume 1 does not construct an interesting version of Superman nor does it fit into the current mythology.
The collection begins from the point of view of a Catholic priest, Father Daniel Leone, who is having a crisis of faith. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that he has much to worry about, besides his congregation and the state of the world in general, he must contend with the anti-clergy backlash of the child molestation scandal, the doubt that he might have been better off with the woman he loved instead of taking vows, and a potentially fatal illness. In addition to his internal problems, he struggles to understand a September 11th-like tragedy that left the city in shambles and wondering why their beloved Superman did not save them.
Along comes Superman to give the priest his confession, which happens to be his explanation of why he did not save his people. Superman proceeds to unload guilt and poor decisions and a question over whether he ever should have meddled with human politics and affairs to begin with.
It is clear that Azzarello is probing the humanity of Superman, who is, by definition, not human, since he is an alien from another planet. It is an interesting question, how does it feel to be made a protector of an alien planet? To know nothing more of life than organisms that are completely unlike him and a planet that is completely unlike his. He is the ultimate immigrant.
As compelling as these questions are, the story misses its mark. To begin with, none of Superman’s would suggest that he would be visiting a Catholic priest. Superman, if he is connected with any religion, is decidedly Jewish. In addition, there seems to be nothing to suggest why Superman would be drawn to Catholicism or this particular priest.
Neither is Superman’s narrative to the priest all that convincing. Perhaps his excuse for not being there when tragedy struck can be swallowed, but his succeeding story of trying to prevent terrorism and determine who the bad guys are is just so outside the realm of Superman. Yes, the effort to show how evil and good are not absolutes or is an admirable task, but for Superman to be such a dupe is unbelievable. Perhaps it is in the realm of possibility that Superman could be so badly tricked, but the story does not manage to convince me of this.
Superman: For Tomorrow is an interesting, yet unconvincing story.
The collection begins from the point of view of a Catholic priest, Father Daniel Leone, who is having a crisis of faith. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that he has much to worry about, besides his congregation and the state of the world in general, he must contend with the anti-clergy backlash of the child molestation scandal, the doubt that he might have been better off with the woman he loved instead of taking vows, and a potentially fatal illness. In addition to his internal problems, he struggles to understand a September 11th-like tragedy that left the city in shambles and wondering why their beloved Superman did not save them.
Along comes Superman to give the priest his confession, which happens to be his explanation of why he did not save his people. Superman proceeds to unload guilt and poor decisions and a question over whether he ever should have meddled with human politics and affairs to begin with.
It is clear that Azzarello is probing the humanity of Superman, who is, by definition, not human, since he is an alien from another planet. It is an interesting question, how does it feel to be made a protector of an alien planet? To know nothing more of life than organisms that are completely unlike him and a planet that is completely unlike his. He is the ultimate immigrant.
As compelling as these questions are, the story misses its mark. To begin with, none of Superman’s would suggest that he would be visiting a Catholic priest. Superman, if he is connected with any religion, is decidedly Jewish. In addition, there seems to be nothing to suggest why Superman would be drawn to Catholicism or this particular priest.
Neither is Superman’s narrative to the priest all that convincing. Perhaps his excuse for not being there when tragedy struck can be swallowed, but his succeeding story of trying to prevent terrorism and determine who the bad guys are is just so outside the realm of Superman. Yes, the effort to show how evil and good are not absolutes or is an admirable task, but for Superman to be such a dupe is unbelievable. Perhaps it is in the realm of possibility that Superman could be so badly tricked, but the story does not manage to convince me of this.
Superman: For Tomorrow is an interesting, yet unconvincing story.
March 30, 2012
Any comic book that features Jim Lee's artwork excites me however after reading All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder I soon became weary that not all stories featuring Lee's gorgeous artwork are going to be engaging and interesting. This is the case with Superman: For Tomorrow; following the immense popularity of Batman: Hush DC thought it could strike gold twice with a collaboration between Brian Azzarello and Jim Lee however this story is not engaging and lacks any form of impact on the series. The story is mainly about people disappearing and Superman having a sort of superhero mid-life crisis. When there is a problem in the first issue itself that's when you know that trouble lies ahead. Boring characters, anti-climatic battles and a plot that is stretched very thin over the 12 issue arc leaves the reader with one question: Why bother?
September 8, 2015
Outstanding start! Very much looking forward to Volume 2!
April 4, 2025
A disjointed story.
Azzarello’s take on Superman is a bit darker than usual, and he tries to turn him into more of a brooding character, like Batman. It’s a bit of a jarring change, though. There’s not much humor. Superman spends a lot of time having lengthy conversations with a priest, but I did think this part of the story was well done, and succeeds in making Superman seem more human. Still, some may find this Superman to be more whiny than they like.The fights are also fun.
The story’s tone is rather introspective, but it can be confusing or boring at times as well. The timeline jumps back and forth. The plot is all over the place, and it seems like all these subplots might have fit better in books of their own. There’s a new organization that’s introduced, but we never learn much about them. The priest fights a monster for no apparent reason. The comparisons of Superman to Jesus are a bit repetitive and tiresome. It’s also a bit weird to see Superman involve himself in human wars. The fight with Wonder Woman also seems contrived, though it is fun to watch.
A thoughtful story, if a bit convoluted.
July 23, 2025
Too many holes in this story. Azzarello buries the lead in volume two, which is actually interesting.
Who is the mysterious lady with Biblical powers? It's never explained...
Why does Superman go to confession like a catholic? He ain't Daredevil...
Why is noone else worried about half the population disappearing?
Who are the weird monsters? Who is the Jim Gordon look alike?
Why is the art so good? (I do have an answer to that: Jim Lee)
Who is the mysterious lady with Biblical powers? It's never explained...
Why does Superman go to confession like a catholic? He ain't Daredevil...
Why is noone else worried about half the population disappearing?
Who are the weird monsters? Who is the Jim Gordon look alike?
Why is the art so good? (I do have an answer to that: Jim Lee)
November 13, 2018
Superbohaterska martyrologia w wykonaniu człowieka ze stali. Co może być grzechem zbawcy ludzkości, który leci na każde zawołanie 24/7 365 dni w roku? Każdy zastanawia się gdzie jest Superman, ale nikt nie zastanowi się co czuje Superman.
November 17, 2025
art was great, pacing was odd
May 27, 2013
Superman vs Batman. Not in battle between each other, but a battle in the hearts of fans. One is a god. The other a man. Superman is an unattainable state, an unattainable and flawless ideal. I would say that fans of Superman are more worshiper than fan. And although this story is large in scope, and on a grand scale, it doesn't offer us any real moral. Which is what most look for in Superman.
That's because Brian Azzarello isn't a Superman kind of guy. Any time I've read something he's done in a sci-fi motif, I've been sorely disappointed. Brian is a Batman guy. A sewers and back-alleys and dark hallways guy. He's a gun-toting, broken-bottle-as-a-knife type of writer. There's absolutely no grit here despite the fact that he tries his damnedest to infuse it with some. I just don't think he has a grasp on the reverence people show for Kal.
I mean, the confessional? The priest? Come now, this isn't Angels With Dirty Faces, it's Superman. What kind of ham-handed crap is this? So heavy on the morality that it completely loses the moral. Far too random and far too clumsy, none of the framing devices in this volume work at any level. They just don't play at the level we expect in a Superman book.
Jim Lee may have been hot back in the 90's, but as time wore on, his style never changed. It never evolved. And over time it just started to look more stiff. More static. His panels look more like covers, without the real life or movement we want in a book with this kind of coloring, these kinds of digital layouts. And every unnecessary hash seems glaring anymore.
Writing: C
Art: B-
That's because Brian Azzarello isn't a Superman kind of guy. Any time I've read something he's done in a sci-fi motif, I've been sorely disappointed. Brian is a Batman guy. A sewers and back-alleys and dark hallways guy. He's a gun-toting, broken-bottle-as-a-knife type of writer. There's absolutely no grit here despite the fact that he tries his damnedest to infuse it with some. I just don't think he has a grasp on the reverence people show for Kal.
I mean, the confessional? The priest? Come now, this isn't Angels With Dirty Faces, it's Superman. What kind of ham-handed crap is this? So heavy on the morality that it completely loses the moral. Far too random and far too clumsy, none of the framing devices in this volume work at any level. They just don't play at the level we expect in a Superman book.
Jim Lee may have been hot back in the 90's, but as time wore on, his style never changed. It never evolved. And over time it just started to look more stiff. More static. His panels look more like covers, without the real life or movement we want in a book with this kind of coloring, these kinds of digital layouts. And every unnecessary hash seems glaring anymore.
Writing: C
Art: B-
August 20, 2013
Meh. This story was not nearly the character-defining perfection that I was led to believe going in. Don't get me wrong, I love Azzarello and Lee, but this just wasn't up to snuff.
I believe the story has potential and I hope that everything will line up nicely in the end, but for now it's disjointed and nearly nonsensical. The dialogue is incredibly pompous. I can't find myself liking this version of Superman. I guess that's the point to an extent. Something terrible happens and he starts wondering why he does it all and why he holds himself back.
It's a question I've asked before, but it doesn't quite work. The story leaves me exactly where I started. Confused about what's going on and just upset about what's happening in general.
The best redemption is that this book is gorgeous, but it's not enough. Lee does a great job of bringing a unique look to Superman. It's a darker version that's meant to exude power and command confidence. That much I appreciate. I'm eager for volume 2 and the best part is these covers just look so damn badass.
Though I think, in the long run, that's technically more of a negative than a positive...
I believe the story has potential and I hope that everything will line up nicely in the end, but for now it's disjointed and nearly nonsensical. The dialogue is incredibly pompous. I can't find myself liking this version of Superman. I guess that's the point to an extent. Something terrible happens and he starts wondering why he does it all and why he holds himself back.
It's a question I've asked before, but it doesn't quite work. The story leaves me exactly where I started. Confused about what's going on and just upset about what's happening in general.
The best redemption is that this book is gorgeous, but it's not enough. Lee does a great job of bringing a unique look to Superman. It's a darker version that's meant to exude power and command confidence. That much I appreciate. I'm eager for volume 2 and the best part is these covers just look so damn badass.
Though I think, in the long run, that's technically more of a negative than a positive...
June 20, 2008
masih gelap uey!!!
tapi kalo soal gambar... jangan tanya deh!!! kl master Jim Lee yg turun tangan, udah pasti buagus buanget!!!!
tapi kalo soal gambar... jangan tanya deh!!! kl master Jim Lee yg turun tangan, udah pasti buagus buanget!!!!
September 22, 2021
I went into this book not expecting much but to my surprise I really enjoyed this. I've always been on the fence with Azzarello he's written some of my favorite comics and some of my least favorite comics. So I was worried of him tackling Superman but to my surprise he did a great job.
Azzarello wrote a thoughtful and creative story of Superman that's part action part philosophical which makes some of the best Superman stories and what makes him such a great character. A line that stuck with me throughout my read through was when Superman said, "Invaders from Mars, creatures on the loose, mad scientists and giant robots, bogeymen, hiding under beds and in closets. I've always tried to show you that there's nothing to be afraid of, that fear was in your mind. But then you showed me that the greatest threat to humanity is in your hearts". It's sums up Superman's experiences with humanity over years, and it's beautiful.
There isn't much to say about the art that hasn't been said before. Jim Lee has been one of the greatest illustrators in comics for the past few decades. When you think of Superhero art Jim Lee's name usually comes up. No complaints here. If there were complaints is that some of the writing felt a little cheesy at times and I didn't really care much for the villain's in this story.
Overall this is a must read for superman fans and one I recommend for comic book readers. Superman is sort of a hard character for writers to tackle but Azzarello nailed it and gave a proper story to the man of steel.
Azzarello wrote a thoughtful and creative story of Superman that's part action part philosophical which makes some of the best Superman stories and what makes him such a great character. A line that stuck with me throughout my read through was when Superman said, "Invaders from Mars, creatures on the loose, mad scientists and giant robots, bogeymen, hiding under beds and in closets. I've always tried to show you that there's nothing to be afraid of, that fear was in your mind. But then you showed me that the greatest threat to humanity is in your hearts". It's sums up Superman's experiences with humanity over years, and it's beautiful.
There isn't much to say about the art that hasn't been said before. Jim Lee has been one of the greatest illustrators in comics for the past few decades. When you think of Superhero art Jim Lee's name usually comes up. No complaints here. If there were complaints is that some of the writing felt a little cheesy at times and I didn't really care much for the villain's in this story.
Overall this is a must read for superman fans and one I recommend for comic book readers. Superman is sort of a hard character for writers to tackle but Azzarello nailed it and gave a proper story to the man of steel.
July 1, 2021
Superman finds himself thrown into a pit of despair,as his tether to humanity and his anchor for goodness,his wife Lois Lane,vanishes along with a big part of the population,due to an advanced weapon of mass destruction.
His teammates in the Justice League make their own decisions on how to deal with a leader who has strayed from the path of the righteous.Meanwhile,Clark attempts to find clarity and peace by befriending and confessing to a local priest,Father Leone.
Favourite quotes:
“-I’m not bad at reading expressions.
-I imagine the one you see most is fear.
-Not enough...at least in the faces I’d like to see it in.And too much...in faces that have nothing to be afraid of.”
“I’d always believed that because I had the absolute power to impose my will,meant I had to absolutely have the will not to.”
“Then let me me tell you,to be in the presence of evil is to be both utterly offended and absolutely afraid.It’s an assault one never fully recovers from. And speaking abstractly?To see evil is to lose.Because to see evil is to know it exists.I’ve seen evil.I battle against it.But it’s a war I’ll never win.”
His teammates in the Justice League make their own decisions on how to deal with a leader who has strayed from the path of the righteous.Meanwhile,Clark attempts to find clarity and peace by befriending and confessing to a local priest,Father Leone.
Favourite quotes:
“-I’m not bad at reading expressions.
-I imagine the one you see most is fear.
-Not enough...at least in the faces I’d like to see it in.And too much...in faces that have nothing to be afraid of.”
“I’d always believed that because I had the absolute power to impose my will,meant I had to absolutely have the will not to.”
“Then let me me tell you,to be in the presence of evil is to be both utterly offended and absolutely afraid.It’s an assault one never fully recovers from. And speaking abstractly?To see evil is to lose.Because to see evil is to know it exists.I’ve seen evil.I battle against it.But it’s a war I’ll never win.”
January 2, 2019
Review for both this one and volume 2:
I entered this without a lot of context. I enjoyed it, but had a very hard time getting into it. However, it actually was ABOUT the things that I disliked -- Superman kept coming across as a meddling, imposing jerk, which is the very thing he was trying to come to terms with and understand. Despite that, he still felt very condescending about it all. "You can't save people who don't want to be saved" seemed to be the lesson Superman was getting from the experience, whereas I understood it more as something like, "We don't want YOU to save us YOUR way. We want to stand up for ourselves, because if we don't then we will never feel truly independent and control over our lives."
Nevertheless, there were a lot of things I did like about it. I enjoyed the format of Superman confessing to the priest and the slow unveiling of past and current events as well as Superman's inner turmoil over his decisions.
I am looking forward to one day going back to this two-part story arc with more context of characters and plots.
I entered this without a lot of context. I enjoyed it, but had a very hard time getting into it. However, it actually was ABOUT the things that I disliked -- Superman kept coming across as a meddling, imposing jerk, which is the very thing he was trying to come to terms with and understand. Despite that, he still felt very condescending about it all. "You can't save people who don't want to be saved" seemed to be the lesson Superman was getting from the experience, whereas I understood it more as something like, "We don't want YOU to save us YOUR way. We want to stand up for ourselves, because if we don't then we will never feel truly independent and control over our lives."
Nevertheless, there were a lot of things I did like about it. I enjoyed the format of Superman confessing to the priest and the slow unveiling of past and current events as well as Superman's inner turmoil over his decisions.
I am looking forward to one day going back to this two-part story arc with more context of characters and plots.
August 6, 2022
Já si bohužel nemohu pomoci, ale do tohoto svazku jsem se za boha nemohla začíst. A přitom ta premisa tohoto příběhu zní tak zajímavě. I superhrdinové mají svá temná období, kdy se jim nedaří, nevyhýbá se to ani Supermanovi. I na něho padá splín a tíha zodpovědnosti, kterou si nabral na svá bedra. Ale ta jeho lítostivost nad sebou samým mi přišla nakonec dost ubíjející, abych se přiznala.
Kresba ale jinak skvělá, ta mne bavila hodně. Zápletka zajímavá také, ale zpracování po scénáristické stránce za mne dost těžkopádné, pomalé, jako by se člověk brodil bahnem. Příběh se posouvá jen pomalu a přináší to víc otázek než odpovědí. Navíc v některých bodech se ty dějové linky jaksi kříží takovým způsobem, že jsem v tom měla i trochu chaos.
Každopádně do druhého dílu tohoto příběhu se jdu pustit okamžitě. A snad to přinese trochu víc světla do této zamotané zápletky. Nicméně tenhle svazek byl pro mne poněkud slabý, nemohu si pomoci. Chyba bude asi hlavně u mne, že jsem se s tím tolik prala. Ale tak co se dá dělat, nějak jsem se s tímhle svazkem nepotkala, no...
Kresba ale jinak skvělá, ta mne bavila hodně. Zápletka zajímavá také, ale zpracování po scénáristické stránce za mne dost těžkopádné, pomalé, jako by se člověk brodil bahnem. Příběh se posouvá jen pomalu a přináší to víc otázek než odpovědí. Navíc v některých bodech se ty dějové linky jaksi kříží takovým způsobem, že jsem v tom měla i trochu chaos.
Každopádně do druhého dílu tohoto příběhu se jdu pustit okamžitě. A snad to přinese trochu víc světla do této zamotané zápletky. Nicméně tenhle svazek byl pro mne poněkud slabý, nemohu si pomoci. Chyba bude asi hlavně u mne, že jsem se s tím tolik prala. Ale tak co se dá dělat, nějak jsem se s tímhle svazkem nepotkala, no...
June 23, 2017
This was an interesting read. I felt a little lost because I couldn't really figure out all the things Superman was always talking about; several fights were referenced and I was a little confused throughout. But what I did like was getting inside Superman's brain. He has some very wise words and I liked how the priest bounced things off him.
I liked the illustrations and I though the text was done well. It was very easy to read, despite not being to follow everything perfectly. But perhaps if I'd read anything prior to this and also had the second volume, then I might be able to follow a little more.
Nevertheless it is still a good read for those who like Superman.
I liked the illustrations and I though the text was done well. It was very easy to read, despite not being to follow everything perfectly. But perhaps if I'd read anything prior to this and also had the second volume, then I might be able to follow a little more.
Nevertheless it is still a good read for those who like Superman.
September 5, 2017
I don't have enough literary experience and knowledge to explain how fantastic, amazing and simply awesome this was. The art is stunning and beautiful and haunting all at once. The story makes me want more and more in a way that other comics have not. I feel like an addict in that once I started reading I couldn't stop and I'll want to read again and again. But I know from being an addict that reading won't kill me unless I do it while walking or driving or any other activity lol! I will read again and Volume Two as well, responsibly. I have a huge hope for Volume Two and cannot wait to start reading it so that I can start again! Volume Two here I come! ❤💛💙
September 14, 2017
I tend not to be a fan of superman comics because he is so powerful that the stories are boring. They usually have to take his powers away, or make up some ridiculous monster who is stronger than him, both of which take away what makes Superman...super.
This story was good because it was not about the external conflict. It was about his internal struggle to be the savior of all mankind, and how he is an imperfect savior. His dialogue with the priest is wonderfully full of subtext and added richness to the character of Superman, which most stories just have him punch stuff.
It was really good...for a Superman story.
This story was good because it was not about the external conflict. It was about his internal struggle to be the savior of all mankind, and how he is an imperfect savior. His dialogue with the priest is wonderfully full of subtext and added richness to the character of Superman, which most stories just have him punch stuff.
It was really good...for a Superman story.
April 20, 2024
Firstly, Jim Lee is my favorite artist ever. His work is just so clean and dynamic. Always spectacular lineup. Unfortunately, Azzarello's plot is lacking. Besides massive plot holes throughout the big has huge happenings that seem to be afterthoughts. Added into this are some weak antagonists that really lack credibility. This just didn't seem to matter but it should have. The dialogue was better as Superman's conversation with a priest about guilt was worthwhile. Overall, this first part of a bigger storyline doesn't get me amped up for the 2nd part as the story is not up to Superman's level but Lee's art is classic.
March 23, 2017
"To see evil is to lose. Because to see evil is to know it exists."
This was a darker and more philosophical take on Superman, which I honestly didn't mind.
The graphics were stunning but the storyline was a bit confusing...
There were a few things I didn't understand:
- what is Superman's relationship with Father Leone? (I didn't know Superman was religious...)
- who is Equus? Mr. Orr? Halcyon?
- why did the vanishing happen? who was responsible? Superman? Equus? or Mr. Orr?
This was a darker and more philosophical take on Superman, which I honestly didn't mind.
The graphics were stunning but the storyline was a bit confusing...
There were a few things I didn't understand:
- what is Superman's relationship with Father Leone? (I didn't know Superman was religious...)
- who is Equus? Mr. Orr? Halcyon?
- why did the vanishing happen? who was responsible? Superman? Equus? or Mr. Orr?
November 15, 2018
Story is pretty good, it's not stupid but not too pseudo-sophisticated to the point where someone like me doesn't know what the hell is going on. But the real selling point is the top-notch art by Jim Lee. Superbly drawn, complex but not at all obscure. A very good Superman story, unfortunately my library only has Vol. 1 so I can only imagine what happens in Vol. 2. Oh well. I'm pretty sure Superman lives.
July 25, 2025
The last time I read this story I loved it, but it did NOT hold up to a reread. As a minister, I loved the idea of Superman seeking out a priest for confession, but in my reread of this he came off as very alien and unlikeable. In some sense I get what they're going for with Lois being the thing that grounds him to his humanity, but even forgiving that Superman in this book is somehow simultaneously too unsure of himself and too arrogant.
January 23, 2021
When tragedy strikes the man of steel we find out just how "Human" this alien can be. This is a gripping story, see how the most powerful man on the planet can be reduced to just another grieving husband as it is shown that emotion is the great equalizer. I am really looking forward to the conclusion in part 2.
December 31, 2023
I’m kind of tired so maybe that’s part of why this is a two but like
It just felt so slow and kind of boring and unexplained and bleh. The scene with the JLA was the only thing that really resonated, like omg sir you’re off the rails stop
The art was decent just not my fave
Ngl not gonna read the second volume lol oops
It just felt so slow and kind of boring and unexplained and bleh. The scene with the JLA was the only thing that really resonated, like omg sir you’re off the rails stop
The art was decent just not my fave
Ngl not gonna read the second volume lol oops
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