Superman: Birthright #2

Superman: Birthright #2

by Mark Waid, Leinil Francis Yu (Penciller), Gerry Alanguilan (Inker)

Everyone knows Jor-El sent his infant son to Earth to avoid death on Krypton, but now take a closer look at Jor-El's emotional struggles with the decision. Plus, Kal-El's early days on an alien world and the discoveries that set him on the path to becoming a legend!

Genres: Comics, Superman, Dc Comics, Comic Book, Graphic Novels

30 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2003

About the author

Mark Waid is an American comic book writer widely known for shaping modern superhero storytelling through influential runs on major characters at both DC Comics and Marvel Comics. Raised in Alabama, he developed an early fascination with comic books, particularly classic stories featuring the Legion of Super-Heroes, whose imaginative scope and sense of legacy would later inform his own writing. He first entered the comics industry during the mid 1980s as an editor and writer for the fan magazine Amazing Heroes, before publishing his first professional comic story in Action Comics. Soon afterward he joined DC Comics as an editor, contributing to numerous titles and helping shape projects across the company. After leaving editorial work to focus on writing, Waid gained widespread recognition with his long run on The Flash, where he expanded the mythology of the character and co-created the youthful speedster Impulse. His reputation grew further with the celebrated graphic novel Kingdom Come, created with artist Alex Ross, which imagined a future DC Universe shaped by generational conflict among superheroes. Over the years he has written many prominent series, including Captain America, Fantastic Four, Daredevil, and Superman: Birthright, bringing a balance of optimism, character depth, and respect for comic book history to each project. Waid has also collaborated with notable artists and writers on major ensemble titles such as Justice League and Avengers, while contributing ideas that helped clarify complex continuity within shared superhero universes. Beyond mainstream superhero work, he has supported creator owned projects and experimental publishing models, including the acclaimed series Irredeemable and Incorruptible, which explored moral ambiguity within the superhero genre. He later took on editorial leadership roles at Boom Studios, guiding creative direction while continuing to write extensively. In subsequent years he expanded his involvement in publishing and digital storytelling, helping launch online comics initiatives and advocating for new distribution methods for creators. His work has earned numerous industry awards, including Eisner and Harvey honors, reflecting both critical acclaim and enduring popularity among readers. Throughout his career Waid has remained a passionate student of comic book history, drawing on decades of storytelling tradition while continually encouraging innovation within the medium. His influence extends across generations of readers and creators, and his stories continue to shape the evolving language of superhero comics around the world today through enduring characters imaginative narratives and thoughtful reinventions of familiar myths within popular culture and modern graphic storytelling traditions.

Reviews

[Nicolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as part of the Superman: Birthright DC Compact Comics Edition. (August 18, 2025)

The collective review for the entire Superman: Birthright storyline can be found on my review of the Superman: Birthright DC Compact Comics Edition.

[Max Solis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un nuevo número de la heroica aventura del joven Clark Kent. El futuro Hombre del Mañana se ve envuelto en un conflicto político en Sudáfrica y debe decidir la mejor manera de resolverlo. Es una historia que lleva a Clark a aceptar uno de los elementos clave que lo convertirán en Superman. Aquí es donde aparece por primera vez la idea de que el escudo familiar de la Casa de El significa "esperanza".

[cauldronofevil · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Issue #2” starts with Clark writing an email to Martha Kent. He’s exploring Africa, wrestling with lions. He tells her he can see the auras of living things. He also says he’s figured out that the table from the rocket he was found in is some kind of book. He can’t read it yet, but sees picture of the “S” symbol all over the alien world.

He tells about Kobe Asuru. That he uses his natural abilities to their fullest. Kent has to hide his - he understands why and the few times he’s shown his abilities, the reaction has always been paranoia.

”Ma, there’s got to be a way for me to USE my abilities and yet not feel totally isolated by them…”

Clark later interviews the opposing tribe that Kobe is protesting against. He makes a good case that they are simply trouble-makers. He recognizes one of the gunmen who shot up the bar Kobe was in last issue.

Clark goes back to Kobe and tells them to make their protest march smaller - less confrontational.

”When people are confronted with unexpected strength, they tend to react with fear, not reason. Believe me when I say this.”

Clark convinces Kobe and he makes a speech in front of a crowd of reporters and peaceful protesters.

While at the speech Clark is told that they are burning Kobe’s village to the ground.

Clark goes back to the village. Flying.

Great homage to the cover of Action Comics #1.

When he visits home Clark helps his Pa with the farming and visits his mother who has been investigating UFO sightings thinking he might learn more about her son.

Asking for news, no one’s heard from Lana Lang for years. Lex has started a company in Metropolis.

It’s Clark’s birthday (26?) and he has an announcement to make.

This is a neat re-telling of Clark’s origin story. Why didn’t they make this a movie??! Who needs the stupid dog!

5 stars

[Emiliano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was also AWESOME

I love the shit that occurred in this issue a lot. Turmoil occurred between tribes and it led to the death of Kobe, which was sad as hell and yeah Clark did not react well to the news. I love the event led to his discovery of what he must do for the world he inhabits and using the banner from his world as his suit. The symbol of his home being the new logo that will represent his mission like come on man this shit is fire.

[Jodie Adel · Rating 4 out of 5]

it’s so crazy reading this while also watching smallville bcz tom welling does such a good superman? i truly can’t believe how good that casting was & i don’t think i would’ve realized that without reading the comics, but anyway #stanthekents

[Steven Shinder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I get the feeling that this probably influenced Zack Snyder's take on Superman. Make of that what you will.

[Devin Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the play on the cover of Action Comics #1.

I just want to spend time with a big-hearted Clark Kent, and this issue lets me do that. Love it.

Vegetarian Superman!

[Vijay Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iconic.

[Mikey Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clark returns to Smallville. He dons the S as an important symbol and wishes to embrace the history of Krypton.

[Andy Waldron · Rating 5 out of 5]

god, nobody writes clark quite like mark waid.

[rafaela (taylor's version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4, 25

[Ryan Gässer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Origin(ally) I thought I knew the backstory, but it seems that I do not. Let’s continue to dig in!

[io · Rating 4 out of 5]

to achando bem legal, vou tentar ler o restante desse arco