Adventures of Superman, Volume 2

Adventures of Superman (2013) (Digital First) #16-30

by J.T. Krul (Writer), David Lapham (Writer/Illustrator), Tim Seeley (Writer)

No foe can best Superman. Using his immense power, he’s able to outmatch the mad conqueror Mongul, defeat the diabolical Darkseid, and mangle the menacing Metallo. But it turns out that being the world’s greatest hero is more than just throwing punches and wearing a cape.
 
After all, what’s a Superman to do when people begin to see him as a god sent here to save us all? Or when the enemy he faces is only a scared little boy? What happens when one of his most bizarre rivals becomes an unstable ally? Or when his long-dead homeworld, Krypton, appears shining and alive in the night sky?
 
ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN VOL. TWO explores the pressing questions of what it means to be super, and, above all, what it means to be a man. This thrilling compilation of digital-first material features work from some of comic’s brightest creators, including J.T. Krul , Marcus To , David Lapham , Marc Guggenheim , Joe Bennett , Christos Gage , Tim Seeley , Mike Norton , Sean Galloway and many more!

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Superman, Superheroes, Dc Comics, Science Fiction

168 pages, Paperback

First published October 21, 2014

About the author

J. T. Krul is an American comic book writer, best known for his work on Aspen MLT's Fathom comic series. He is a graduate of Michigan State University, holding a Bachelors in Film and Video Production.

Reviews

[Jayson · Rating 3 out of 5]

(B) 75% | More than Satisfactory
Notes: Read in Digital First singles. Individual reviews for included stories can be found here:
- Adventures of Superman (2013-2014) #16
- Adventures of Superman (2013-2014) #17
- Adventures of Superman (2013-2014) #18
- Adventures of Superman (2013-2014) #19
- Adventures of Superman (2013-2014) #20
- Adventures of Superman (2013-2014) #21
- Adventures of Superman (2013-2014) #22
- Adventures of Superman (2013-2014) #23
- Adventures of Superman (2013-2014) #24
- Adventures of Superman (2013-2014) #25
- Adventures of Superman (2013-2014) #26
- Adventures of Superman (2013-2014) #27
- Adventures of Superman (2013-2014) #28
- Adventures of Superman (2013-2014) #29
- Adventures of Superman (2013-2014) #30

[Emmett Spain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of continuity free Superman tales has the usual run of the mill stories of Superman kicking alien butt, however this collection is a cut above the usual due to the short but heartfelt tale 'Space, Actually', and 'Flowers For Bizarro', a fresh take on Superman's clumsy opposite.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Vol. 1, another collection of short, non-connected stories featuring different artistic styles. However, this edition, which included the heart-tugging finale 'Dear Superman,' was even better.

[Kieran McAndrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventures of Superman Vol. 2

As a symbol of hope, Superman shines through the darkness and is always ready to help those in need.

Superb artwork and great stories suitable for younger readers which showcase why Superman is important not for what he does, but how he does it.

[Sam Poole · Rating 5 out of 5]

One shots are the way to go with Superman. Just iconic, beautiful and fun stories. Mostly centered on his interactions with regular folks. Lots of newish origin details, Metallo and letters and kids. "space, actually" and the predictably named "flowers for bizarro" were my favorites. This is a simple and elegant collection that any superman fan should have. Well characterized and fantastic, diverse art in each story. Ugh this was amazing. Wish this existed for every DC character. It's light and positive and not excessively gloomy, which is rare in the current DCU. read this!!!

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume 2 continues with more one-shot/one-off stories featuring the Man of Steel. But unlike Volume 1, the features stories are a bit longer. In addition to the usual villains of Superman making an appearance, there is more prominent cameos of supporting characters popping up here as well: Jimmy, Lois, the Kents, etc. In these stories, while Superman is still saving Metropolis, he is also more into philosophical matters of hope and humanity.

With the stories stretched to at least 20 pages, the pacing takes its time to flesh out the plot. Definitely, the endings of each do not feel rushed like the first volume. As mentioned earlier, these chapters have a more philosophical tone in them as Superman is facing questions regarding his identity, humanity and his moral ethic to the people he defends. Because there are multiple different writers, the quality kind of varies, as per expected in cases like these. And while I do admit, some of them do drag a bit more, the writing is good. On a more personal note, the illustrations are not to my liking as the predecessor. Only 2 stories had the art I felt more to my preferences, but the rest were just average. Some illustrations resemble older art comic styles & another resembles more of a cartoon aesthetic. So you could say it has more diverse contributions in Volume 2. So despite the art style being inferior, the writing exceeds that it makes up for the other shortcomings. It is a nice collection of showing Superman's more humane side.

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superman has always been my favourite character not only in comics, but in all of fiction. Too often though, he has been badly served by his writers, who more often than not miss the subtleties of his character and just emphasise the brute strength. The stories in this volume all do Superman 'right'.
Apart from all being well written and superbly illustrated, albeit with their own feel, all the stories have a message, a point to them, that makes Superman and his fellow characters shine. The stores vary in length, but there is not a bad one in the bunch.
If I had to pick a favourite it would be 'Tears for Krypton', which makes great use of the mythology of Superman and a nod to the Krypton stories of the 70's.
Had a blast reading Superman. My Superman.

[Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good collection of short Superman stories. These sorts of stories can potentially be the best for him, because they can just showcase the themes and ideas Superman resonates with, without being bogged down in continuity bs. A standout was definitely "Flowers for Bizarro," a predictable but heartwarming version of "Flowers for Algernon" with the backwards-talking villain being changed to normal.

[Sean · Rating 3 out of 5]

These digital first tales aren't designed to break the mold but introduce readers to who Superman is and for that, they definitely succeed. Here, with most of them, its a mixed bag. None of the stories were terrible but only one stood out to me, by Dave Lapham. His quick story about worshippers of Superman was very good. For the most part the art was good but unspectacular. Overall, harmless collection of solid tales showing who, at the heart, the character of Superman is.

[Zachary King · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mostly strong Superman anthology. Two very touching stories about children who look up to Superman, as well as a fantastic Bizarro version of "Flowers for Algernon." Two stories about Jor-El, the second of which is stronger and sees Superman return to Krypton; Metallo figures into two tales, as well, though his appearances are less memorable.

[Sean · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 really

[joker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall very sweet and heartwarming.

[Nate]

Better than the first volume. There are seven stories this time, most of them on the longer side, which I think is to the series' benefit. Favorites: "Tears for Krypton", a heartbreaking look into Superman's past; "Flowers for Bizarro", a surprisingly emotional story of Bizarro becoming "cured"; and "Dear Superman," which captures what Superman is all about perfectly.

[Frizzy 2.0 - · Rating 4 out of 5]

😘8 out of 10😘

This was much better than the first collection of comics I read.

My favorites are 'To Care For' and 'Dear Superman'. I fear I might become a super fan. I can't help but feel my throat burn when I'm reading through the graphic novel.

There were action, touchy-feely, hard-hitting, and clarity filled moments. Super fun ❤️❤️

[John Yelverton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful collection of classic Superman stories that remind you why this is one of the greatest fictional characters ever created.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like someone else's review on here said, I wish they did this with other characters: light, fun stories that you don't need to know backstory/continuity to enjoy.

[Albert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good collection of short Superman stories --- very reminiscent of the after-school Bruce Timm TV show.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

via Cranford Library - a really fun collection of Superman short stories, with an emphasis on his inspirational qualities and a dollop of melancholy that not even Superman can solve all problems.