Superman: Unconventional Warfare

Superman: Ruina #1

by Greg Rucka, Matthew Clark (Illustrator), Renato Guedes (Illustrator)

After being gone for a time, Superman's back in Metropolis. Clark Kent is fortuitiously on assignment with the Metropolis Special Crimes Unit when they have a run-in with Replikon. Meanwhile, Lois has a few dangerous experiences on her own assignment. Then, Mr. Mxyzptlk puts in an appearance.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Superman, Dc Comics, Superheroes, Action, Comics Manga

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Greg Rucka, is an American comic book writer and novelist, known for his work on such comics as Action Comics, Batwoman: Detective Comics, and the miniseries Superman: World of New Krypton for DC Comics, and for novels such as his Queen & Country series.

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

"This is an act, right? You're not really this bashful? C'mon, Superman. I don't have anything you've never seen before . . . even if it is better than most." -- Lt. Lupe Leocadio, Metropolis PD Special Crimes Unit commander, in her rather direct seduction attempt towards our title character

Good if somewhat standard-ish Superman graphic novel, highlighted by the striking debut of the determined cop Lupe Leocadio (a.k.a. 'the wolf,' a tough-as-nails type who now leads a special tactical response unit of the police) and her occasionally sexually-charged come-ons and hints - that unusually sensual bathtub scene has to be seen / read to be believed - directed at the Man of Steel. Truly showing that he possesses "powers far beyond those of mortal men" (per the old radio and TV series narration), he is able to firmly but still politely turn down her offers and stay true to Lois Lane. The volume also features the expected amount of hard-hitting action scenes, some nice cameo appearances from super-powered friends (Martian Manhunter, Dr. Mid-Nite, and Wonder Woman), a heartwarming moment where Superman reunites a frightened child separated from her mother on a crowded street, and a cliff-hanger of an ending where an important character's life is in danger.

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a weird read because I think Greg Rucka's Superman era starts off really solid, loses me a bit with dual plotlines not seeming to connect, then the last issue, which is fantastic. So, the negatives I'll get out of the way: it seems simple, yet convoluted at the same time. There's some secret "baddie" behind the scenes pulling the strings, yet I don't care much for who they are.

On the flip side, the art is solid enough, but it's the relationship between Clark and Lois that is just amazing this run. Add on the fact I think Rucka has a great voice for them, Wonder Woman, and the new character he introduced in this run. Overall, it's not amazing, but it's pretty darn good so far. A 3.5 out of 5.

[Aidan]

This was fine, a breezy read but underwhelming for a Rucka book. I like how Rucka writes Superman/Clark and Lois and the feeling of a cohesive world here, but outside of the classic mainstay characters everything else feels one note or boring. Ruin is generic as they come, and we don’t get enough material to feel anything about the plight of Replikon and his family despite a strong backstory to draw from. Lupe is not a real human being, just cartoonish sex appeal and bad assery. Clark as a crime reporter is interesting, but the cops in Metropolis here are so outlandish it’s almost unbelievable that Rucka was one of the writers known for grounding the GCPD. The Mr Mxyzptlk sequence was extremely out of place and could be removed entirely without changing anything. The Lois reporter material is easily the best part, and makes me excited for Rucka’s solo Lois book that comes over a decade later. The art is fine if house style, although Lois’s behind is really emphasized in moments that are supposed to be dramatic, where the sexualized art becomes distracting. Horny comics are fine, but this felt really out of place.

[♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the interchanging panels of Clark and Lois. Rucka is one of my favorite comic book writers because he knows how to prioritize their relationship while creating an interesting story.

[Jason Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as single issues back in the day, but haven't really revisited it until now. Superman comics were...less than stellar when Rucka (Along with Brian Azzrello and Chuck Austen on the sister titles) was brought on to revitalize the series after a couple months of palate cleansers. Rucka especially was at the height of his acclaim at the time, and of the three writers, he had by far the best grasp of Superman, Lois Lane, and frankly, how to construct a Superman story. That being said, the book is not without flaws.
Unconventional warfare is the first 6 issues of his run, and it is very well constructed. It is also a product of its time, with an Iraq war stand-in and a militarized Metropolis SCU. The real weakness to me was that Superman, although written superbly, felt like a guest star in a comic about the Metropolis Special Crimes Unit featuring a Lois Lane backup. The other issue I had is that it was a little slow. Rucka, in addition to being a comic writer, is a novelist, so he tends to take his time to lay the groundwork, and that sometimes leads to a feeling of decompression in a monthly comics format. He doesn't pad like Bendis at his worst, but Unconventional Warfare makes for a somewhat fast read. Still, it's a good read--much better than it's contemporaries unless you like train wrecks--and I would recommend it.

[Sean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Greg Rucka, one of my favorites, tells an average Superman story that more about some powerful women his life than himself. My favorite part of the story is Lois's adventure in the Middle East as she's embedded with US troops in search of a great story. It really shows who she is as a person, headstrong, brave, and reckless. The ending was pretty shocking. My least favorite part was the introduction of a new SCU leader, Lupe. She's over the top not believable and hopefully her character gets grounded somewhat. In the middle was Superman's battle with Replikon and a mystery big bad. It seemed generic and too easy. Unfortunately, all these stories are still being told as this collection doesn't feel complete. Matthew Clark's art is very good though. Overall, a basic Superman story with highs and lows.

[MrCervero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comienza presentando nuevo personaje, Lupe (Teniente SCU) a la cual Clark acompañará como encargado de cubrir las noticias del equipo policial. Por otro lado Lois viajará para ejercer como corresponsal de guerra. Rucka utilizará estos personajes para ahondar en el lado introspectivo de Superman.

El dibujo es bueno, detallado (algo sobrecargado) e incluye fondos, que se agradecen. Se siente noventero y flaquea en narración y escenas de acción algo estáticas, pero son pocas.

Recomendado. Grata sorpresa para una historia sobre relaciones humanas y un villano interesante que deja final abierto para el siguiente. 8/10

Edición: Rústica buena calidad. Incluye introducción, portadas al comienzo de cada núm. y bios de nuevos personajes al final.

Un saludo.

Guion-8 Dibujo-7 Edición-8

[Matthieu Savignac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Une bonne surprise que ce run. Première lecture de Superman depuis un moment, et ce ton plus humain, où l'histoire est plus centrée sur les difficultés morales et humaines de superman est très intéressant.
L'introduction du nouveau L.L. de l'entourage de superman est plutôt bien amené, en tout cas un début de run plutôt agréable avec un illustrateur très propre, au style très agréable qui convient bien à l'ambiance amené par Rucka.

Un très bon début de run, j'ai hate de lire la suite

[Nicolas Ferrer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Empieza arriba, veremos...

[Nate]

The character work is generally fine, but the plot is all over the place and nothing about the story feels unique. 2000s Superman is very hit or miss.

[Babsidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love me a Supes and Lois story that actually delves into journalistic ethics. Also, beautiful job building tension in the war zone.

[Andrew Beet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very quick graphic novel to read

[Desmond Killian · Rating 3 out of 5]

An OK Adventures of Superman trade that's elevated by a very strange Mr. Mxyzptlk appearance. "...that Lee-Azzarello thing working out...?" Curious to see where the next volume goes.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first in a series of pretty confusing Superman stories helmed by Greg Rucka. This first volume is really the only one worth reading, as both the artwork and the story gel nicely. Putting Clark at a bit of a distance from his wife, due to their jobs getting in the way of their personal lives, is a pretty simple yet stunning story development for a mostly punch-and-fly character. In particular, Rucka's handling of Lois and her penultimate decision in the volume is breathtaking. Separating this pair due to foreign war assignments and demotion gives the book a twinge of sadness running throughout it, and it is only in Superman's daring rescue that we see the pair come together in a really heartbreaking issue.

Otherwise, the main plot of some villain testing Superman's powers feels pretty thrown together, editorially. The challenges are only interesting, as it tests the developing relationship between the new head of the Special police force and Superman. Rucka does a great job grounding comic characters emotionally, and he doesn't disappoint here, creating a real conflict for the Man of Steel to deal with: his lukewarm feelings about his job and fighting loneliness.

[Dean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok collection of stories, but nothing exceptional. Rucka splits Superman and Lois into two separate story strands that re-connect tragically by the end, but I never quite buy the Lois story. Well done Rucka for trying though....
I like Matthew Clarks Superman, he's drawn in a classical style, in big panels with us looking up at him quite often; nice art.
The collection also suffers because it leaves open the resolution of the 'Ruin' storyline, so you feel shortchanged.
Worth borrowing, but not to buy.

[Koen · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the things about superheroes comics is, you always see a lot of the action/drama/comedy going around. But I found in this issue it was the emotional aspect played a huge role... And I liked it.
You could see Superman struggling, the relationship between Clark and Lois, having their issues, as is normal in everyday life, so why not in the superhero life.
That was what made this a very decent novel for me..
Plus I liked that Mr. mxlptlk or whatever :) Never saw him before.. but I bet we'll see him more from time to time.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greg Rucka is one of my favorite writers, and he gives this Superman volume a nice degree of realism and emotional resonance. This splits Superman and Lois into two parallel stories. Superman battles a villain who is sapping his power, while Lois is embedded in a war zone. The conclusion unfortunately is a shocker which leaves us hanging. Despite this, the book is fast-paced and a tad more relatable than your average Superman story.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Superman faces a mysterious enemy while Lois Lane goes into a war zone to cover a story. The ending is definitely shocking, but everything else seems standard. Lois's subplot is more interesting than Superman taking on a mystery villain.

[John Yelverton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone seems to be running around trying to figure out where they belong in the world, both in this book as well as the writer himself.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first Superman comic I have ever read. I had no idea what the hell was going on. But it was pretty cool.

[La Revistería Comics · Rating 3 out of 5]

El lento pero seguro, solemne pero entretenido y aclamado pero polémico run de Rucka en Superman en tres tomos que ECC algún día se va a dignar de terminar de traer acá.

[Javi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dos historias sencillas, pero interesantes y muy humanas. Bien hiladas, crean un clímax de interés para la segunda parte.