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Superman (2011)
Superman: The Men of Tomorrow
Comics legend John Romita Jr. (The Amazing Spider-Man) makes his DC Comics debut, teaming up with superstar writer Geoff Johns (JUSTICE LEAGUE) and inker Klaus Janson (BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS) in SUPERMAN: THE MEN OF TOMORROW! The powerful super-being Ulysses is the last son of a doomed planet. Our planet. Thinking Earth's destruction was at hand, his parents used experimental science to send their son to another dimension. Now he has returned, and Superman has finally found a peer. But will Ulysses become the hero and partner that Superman wants him to be?
Collects: SUPERMAN #32-39.
Collects: SUPERMAN #32-39.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published August 5, 2015
18 people are currently reading
792 people want to read
About the author
Geoff Johns
2,718 books2,409 followersGeoff Johns originally hails from Detroit, Michigan. He attended Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in Media Arts and Film. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1990s in search of work within the film industry. Through perseverance, Geoff ended up as the assistant to Richard Donner, working on Conspiracy Theory and Lethal Weapon 4. During that time, he also began his comics career writing Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. and JSA (co-written with David S. Goyer) for DC Comics. He worked with Richard Donner for four years, leaving the company to pursue writing full-time.
His first comics assignments led to a critically acclaimed five-year run on the The Flash. Since then, he has quickly become one of the most popular and prolific comics writers today, working on such titles including a highly successful re-imagining of Green Lantern, Action Comics (co-written with Richard Donner), Teen Titans, Justice Society of America, Infinite Crisis and the experimental breakout hit series 52 for DC with Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. Geoff received the Wizard Fan Award for Breakout Talent of 2002 and Writer of the Year for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as the CBG Writer of the Year 2003 thru 2005, 2007 and CBG Best Comic Book Series for JSA 2001 thru 2005. Geoff also developed BLADE: THE SERIES with David S. Goyer, as well as penned the acclaimed “Legion” episode of SMALLVILLE. He also served as staff writer for the fourth season of ROBOT CHICKEN.
Geoff recently became a New York Times Bestselling author with the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac with art by Gary Frank.
His first comics assignments led to a critically acclaimed five-year run on the The Flash. Since then, he has quickly become one of the most popular and prolific comics writers today, working on such titles including a highly successful re-imagining of Green Lantern, Action Comics (co-written with Richard Donner), Teen Titans, Justice Society of America, Infinite Crisis and the experimental breakout hit series 52 for DC with Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. Geoff received the Wizard Fan Award for Breakout Talent of 2002 and Writer of the Year for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as the CBG Writer of the Year 2003 thru 2005, 2007 and CBG Best Comic Book Series for JSA 2001 thru 2005. Geoff also developed BLADE: THE SERIES with David S. Goyer, as well as penned the acclaimed “Legion” episode of SMALLVILLE. He also served as staff writer for the fourth season of ROBOT CHICKEN.
Geoff recently became a New York Times Bestselling author with the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac with art by Gary Frank.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
November 16, 2020
(A-) 81% | Very Good
Notes: A soul-injection course correction, heartfelt and hopeful, it’s home-style heroism: classic cuisine free of fads or fusion.
Notes: A soul-injection course correction, heartfelt and hopeful, it’s home-style heroism: classic cuisine free of fads or fusion.
November 21, 2015
4.5 stars
Say what you want about Geoff Johns, but he definitely knows how to pump new life into iconic characters.
This was FANTASTIC!
The biggest downer was the art, but I may be the only person who isn't in love with John Romita Jr's stuff. It's not horrible, but I miss Kenneth Rocafort. Sorry, I just think his stuff is pretty to look at, and while JRJ is a beloved illustrator, I'm just not into him.
Other than that, there's simply nothing wrong with this volume, though.
Ok, you know how I constantly bitch about crossovers & events hijacking every single title out there? Yeah. Well, it doesn't happen here! This is literally one cohesive story!
What the what?! I didn't even know they did that anymore?!
This next bit might be a mild spoiler, but I don't think so, because it happens on the first few pages, and is alluded to in the blurb.
So there's a brand new character that gets introduced, and he's got the same backstory as Superman. His planet was dying, and in a last ditch effort, his scientist parents managed to shove him into a parallel world.
The kicker?
He's from Earth!
At the last minute, the crisis was averted, and his parents had no way to get their son back. Just like Superman, he gained superpowers and is now his adopted home planet's protector.
Now imagine his surprise when he chases a bad guy through a worm hole, and discovers that his version of Krytpon is alive!
Ok, that's as far as I'm willing to go with that story.
But, for what it's worth, I absolutely loved it!
Also got a bit of the Batman/Superman bromance in this, which makes the volume pretty much perfect!
Johns does a fabulous job showing off Clark, in all of his awkward glory, and helping the reader connect with Superman's problems. And they are admittedly hard to see, unless the you have a talented writer who cares about his character.
There's another big thing that happens in this one, but I don't want to spoil it too much. It was one of those things that made me feel...good.
And at the end of the day, that's why I love Superman. He's just good, and reading about him gives me the warm fuzzies.
Highly recommended for fans of the Big Blue.
Get this review and more at:
Say what you want about Geoff Johns, but he definitely knows how to pump new life into iconic characters.
This was FANTASTIC!
The biggest downer was the art, but I may be the only person who isn't in love with John Romita Jr's stuff. It's not horrible, but I miss Kenneth Rocafort. Sorry, I just think his stuff is pretty to look at, and while JRJ is a beloved illustrator, I'm just not into him.
Other than that, there's simply nothing wrong with this volume, though.
Ok, you know how I constantly bitch about crossovers & events hijacking every single title out there? Yeah. Well, it doesn't happen here! This is literally one cohesive story!
What the what?! I didn't even know they did that anymore?!
This next bit might be a mild spoiler, but I don't think so, because it happens on the first few pages, and is alluded to in the blurb.
So there's a brand new character that gets introduced, and he's got the same backstory as Superman. His planet was dying, and in a last ditch effort, his scientist parents managed to shove him into a parallel world.
The kicker?
He's from Earth!
At the last minute, the crisis was averted, and his parents had no way to get their son back. Just like Superman, he gained superpowers and is now his adopted home planet's protector.
Now imagine his surprise when he chases a bad guy through a worm hole, and discovers that his version of Krytpon is alive!
Ok, that's as far as I'm willing to go with that story.
But, for what it's worth, I absolutely loved it!
Also got a bit of the Batman/Superman bromance in this, which makes the volume pretty much perfect!
Johns does a fabulous job showing off Clark, in all of his awkward glory, and helping the reader connect with Superman's problems. And they are admittedly hard to see, unless the you have a talented writer who cares about his character.
There's another big thing that happens in this one, but I don't want to spoil it too much. It was one of those things that made me feel...good.
And at the end of the day, that's why I love Superman. He's just good, and reading about him gives me the warm fuzzies.
Highly recommended for fans of the Big Blue.
Get this review and more at:
August 17, 2023
3.5 stars
"What is there to talk about? This planet is lost in a pit of depravity!" -- Neil Quinn, a.k.a. Ulysses
"That's not true. There's ALWAYS hope for a better tomorrow." -- Clark Kent, a.k.a. Superman
A decent enough 'Man of Steel' storyline that didn't quite soar into the stratosphere, The Men of Tomorrow sort of reverses our title superhero's origin tale to introduce the conflicted eventual antagonist. As a infant, Neil Quinn was launched into outer space when his military scientist parents feared his death during a laboratory meltdown. After being raised by an advanced species of aliens and acquiring superpowers, 'Ulysses' - so-nicknamed because of the apparent 'U' on the chest of his suit, but it also was the name of his parents' workplace - returns to Earth and aligns with Superman in standing for "truth, justice, and the American way." Since this sounds a tad tedious, we arrive at the proverbial monkey wrench thrown into the plot - Ulysses quickly sours on the problems and people of Earth (which IS certainly understandable!), and decides to return to his adoptive Utopian-like planet but take long six million folks with him in a controversial 'first come, first serve' basis. Predictably, pandemonium breaks out in a mad dash to board the limited-seating spacecraft, and Superman has to resolve this worsening state of affairs PLUS Ulysses becoming unhinged as well. More memorable was a post-script short story, in which a temporarily de-powered Superman steps to assist Metropolis PD during a hostage situation in the aftermath of a failed armed robbery. Yes, it is said that he is "faster than a speeding bullet," but right now said projectile would actually kill him, so how will he resolve things without bloodshed, including - potentially - his very own ???
"What is there to talk about? This planet is lost in a pit of depravity!" -- Neil Quinn, a.k.a. Ulysses
"That's not true. There's ALWAYS hope for a better tomorrow." -- Clark Kent, a.k.a. Superman
A decent enough 'Man of Steel' storyline that didn't quite soar into the stratosphere, The Men of Tomorrow sort of reverses our title superhero's origin tale to introduce the conflicted eventual antagonist. As a infant, Neil Quinn was launched into outer space when his military scientist parents feared his death during a laboratory meltdown. After being raised by an advanced species of aliens and acquiring superpowers, 'Ulysses' - so-nicknamed because of the apparent 'U' on the chest of his suit, but it also was the name of his parents' workplace - returns to Earth and aligns with Superman in standing for "truth, justice, and the American way." Since this sounds a tad tedious, we arrive at the proverbial monkey wrench thrown into the plot - Ulysses quickly sours on the problems and people of Earth (which IS certainly understandable!), and decides to return to his adoptive Utopian-like planet but take long six million folks with him in a controversial 'first come, first serve' basis. Predictably, pandemonium breaks out in a mad dash to board the limited-seating spacecraft, and Superman has to resolve this worsening state of affairs PLUS Ulysses becoming unhinged as well. More memorable was a post-script short story, in which a temporarily de-powered Superman steps to assist Metropolis PD during a hostage situation in the aftermath of a failed armed robbery. Yes, it is said that he is "faster than a speeding bullet," but right now said projectile would actually kill him, so how will he resolve things without bloodshed, including - potentially - his very own ???
February 17, 2016
New parents in a desperate situation send their only son into the void to survive them and the destruction around them. The son grows up on an alien world and becomes a superhero. His name? NEIL! Uh… wha?
The Men of Tomorrow sees lifelong Marvel artist John Romita Jr arrive at DC for the first time ever, a big deal for DC as they’ve had a real problem with creators leaving their company in droves these last few years – here’s a big name who’s actually joining them for a change!
Geoff Johns pens a competent if unremarkable story of yet another Superman-type character suddenly appearing on Earth, this time promising paradise to six million humans on the unimaginatively named “Great World”. Ulysses, aka Neil, has a bit of the Dragon Ball Z about his design (the Super-Saiyan hair in particular) and his character arc was veeeeery predictable. I didn’t dislike him though, Johns being Johns, his motivations are inconsistent going from being fiercely devoted to his birth parents to, mere pages later, not caring whether they live or die.
More Geoff Johns shenanigans follow in the finale where the six million humans that are transported to the Great World miraculously make it back to Earth unharmed – how, exactly? Johns is shockingly bad at endings (see Forever Evil and ask yourself how Batman saved Nightwing) and The Men of Tomorrow shows he hasn’t improved.
That said, the Machinist is a good Superman villain with his mechanised threats and mind control devices and I liked the issue that closes out the book where a temporarily depowered Superman stands up to a kidnapper with a gun despite potentially being killed. Johns writes a good Jimmy Olsen too who ironically does the most good out of all the superheroes with his family’s fortune.
Don’t be put off by the “Volume 6” tag, The Men of Tomorrow is an accessible, almost standalone story. The only details that might confuse non-regular readers are that, following New 52 continuity, Clark had left the Daily Planet to be an independent news blogger which is why he’s being wooed back to the Planet by Perry, and Jimmy had become a billionaire somewhere, somehow!
Johns lays the groundwork though for the new Superman run by Eisner Award-winning writer and the Library of Congress’ Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Gene Luen Yang, giving Superman a cool new power while foreshadowing the reveal of his secret identity that’ll play a big part in the next book’s plot.
The Men of Tomorrow isn’t a great Superman book but it’s not a bad one either. Romita Jr’s art is pretty good (depends on whether you’re a fan or not) and Johns’ script, while patchy, is ok. Considering how tough it is to write great Superman books (see the last five volumes of this series!), this is a decent effort – Superman fans could do worse than read this!
The Men of Tomorrow sees lifelong Marvel artist John Romita Jr arrive at DC for the first time ever, a big deal for DC as they’ve had a real problem with creators leaving their company in droves these last few years – here’s a big name who’s actually joining them for a change!
Geoff Johns pens a competent if unremarkable story of yet another Superman-type character suddenly appearing on Earth, this time promising paradise to six million humans on the unimaginatively named “Great World”. Ulysses, aka Neil, has a bit of the Dragon Ball Z about his design (the Super-Saiyan hair in particular) and his character arc was veeeeery predictable. I didn’t dislike him though, Johns being Johns, his motivations are inconsistent going from being fiercely devoted to his birth parents to, mere pages later, not caring whether they live or die.
More Geoff Johns shenanigans follow in the finale where the six million humans that are transported to the Great World miraculously make it back to Earth unharmed – how, exactly? Johns is shockingly bad at endings (see Forever Evil and ask yourself how Batman saved Nightwing) and The Men of Tomorrow shows he hasn’t improved.
That said, the Machinist is a good Superman villain with his mechanised threats and mind control devices and I liked the issue that closes out the book where a temporarily depowered Superman stands up to a kidnapper with a gun despite potentially being killed. Johns writes a good Jimmy Olsen too who ironically does the most good out of all the superheroes with his family’s fortune.
Don’t be put off by the “Volume 6” tag, The Men of Tomorrow is an accessible, almost standalone story. The only details that might confuse non-regular readers are that, following New 52 continuity, Clark had left the Daily Planet to be an independent news blogger which is why he’s being wooed back to the Planet by Perry, and Jimmy had become a billionaire somewhere, somehow!
Johns lays the groundwork though for the new Superman run by Eisner Award-winning writer and the Library of Congress’ Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Gene Luen Yang, giving Superman a cool new power while foreshadowing the reveal of his secret identity that’ll play a big part in the next book’s plot.
The Men of Tomorrow isn’t a great Superman book but it’s not a bad one either. Romita Jr’s art is pretty good (depends on whether you’re a fan or not) and Johns’ script, while patchy, is ok. Considering how tough it is to write great Superman books (see the last five volumes of this series!), this is a decent effort – Superman fans could do worse than read this!
April 14, 2019
I wish Geoff Johns could write all of the DCU. Instantly he makes Superman worth reading. I haven't cared for much of the new 52 Superman but Johns has managed to make him interesting again. He introduces a new character Ulysses who's origin parallels Superman's. John Romita Jr's first DC art in years is pretty great too. He's definitely created a style all his own.
September 8, 2017
I rather liked this volume. What's not to like? Geoff Johns, for the most part, does a great job with DC heroes, so it was nice to see his take on Superman. John Romita Jr shows that he is still alive and his artwork has found a home in DC. That is neither a compliment nor an insult. Some people love his work, while I tend to view it like a slightly warm beer. I'd drink it but would prefer something else.
The story is actually interesting. A boy is sent into space before his world is destroyed. No it's not Kal El, but rather this boy was sent into the 4th Dimension. 25 years later he appears with powers nearly the equal of Supermans. What follows is a morality tale. It shows how Superman is different than everyone else in his strong moral center. The character of Ulysses is also well done. The moral dilemma he faces is interesting. I rather liked the real reason behind the events that Ulysees has started. I won't spoil it though.
it's a chance to see Superman deal with an alien who has very similar daily situations with his. It was fun to see him give advice on how to blend in, secret indentites and so on and so forth. The action scenes were also pretty good. On the whole this was a fun Superman tale. The ideas put forth by Ulysses sharply contrast with Superman's morality. It's an excellent look at what makes Superman tick.
The story is actually interesting. A boy is sent into space before his world is destroyed. No it's not Kal El, but rather this boy was sent into the 4th Dimension. 25 years later he appears with powers nearly the equal of Supermans. What follows is a morality tale. It shows how Superman is different than everyone else in his strong moral center. The character of Ulysses is also well done. The moral dilemma he faces is interesting. I rather liked the real reason behind the events that Ulysees has started. I won't spoil it though.
it's a chance to see Superman deal with an alien who has very similar daily situations with his. It was fun to see him give advice on how to blend in, secret indentites and so on and so forth. The action scenes were also pretty good. On the whole this was a fun Superman tale. The ideas put forth by Ulysses sharply contrast with Superman's morality. It's an excellent look at what makes Superman tick.
December 10, 2015
Really good story. Art wasn't my favorite but it wasn't as distracting as it could have been.
January 5, 2021
Longer review to follow -- but a good story of Superman, a lost metahuman that rivals his abilities, and the terrible power of a Utopia.
HOWEVER, and FOR ME, the writer's fumble in calling something "the Fourth Dimension" made me twitchy about bad writing, Bad Science, and maybe even Un-Science for 90% oe the book.
HOWEVER, and FOR ME, the writer's fumble in calling something "the Fourth Dimension" made me twitchy about bad writing, Bad Science, and maybe even Un-Science for 90% oe the book.
January 5, 2021
This book was so good! Focusing on this new character called Ulysses who comes to earth and saves superman and basically what happens is we learn his history, how his parents sent him to fourth dimension and he developed energy based powers there and he unites with his parents because of Superman. They team up and stop many villains like the machinist but there is an also interesting part he fights Clark because mind control but stop and he by mistake kills someone, only later to find out he was already dead and reanimated by the Machinist, but Ulysses has had enough, he wants the weapons on this world gone and its not like he now becomes a tyrant taking them away, but becomes an antagonist to Superman and wants 6m people to come to his ship so they can leave this planet and go to THE GREAT WORLD in 4th dimension and things happen when real motives are revealed that he intends to use these people as sacrifice to power this world and Klerik, his adoptive father had a hand in his plan and it was staged and things happen, Superman vs Ulysses, change of heart, rescue people to earth again, destruction of his world, Superman vs Ulysses main round and the coming of the Solar flare and Clark-Jimmy team up meanwhile Mr Oz in the background preparing for something big!
Amazing book and just shows how good a grip Geoff Johns has on Superman and the way he introduces new antagonists is brilliant and explores this side of Superman others usually don't and his explanations are perfect, simplified story whose scope is epic and the art is alright, not the best but still good and then you have so many things happening in the background that it enriches the reading experience!
Amazing book and just shows how good a grip Geoff Johns has on Superman and the way he introduces new antagonists is brilliant and explores this side of Superman others usually don't and his explanations are perfect, simplified story whose scope is epic and the art is alright, not the best but still good and then you have so many things happening in the background that it enriches the reading experience!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2015
Superman has a new super powered friend (think Nuclear man) and chaos ensues.
I have always strongly disliked Romita Jr's art, it usually ruins the whole story for me. I heard how no one draws action scenes like him, so I guess the layouts are pretty good. If you squint or look at it from far away I guess it looks pretty ok. The question was: can Geoff Johns writing save this book?
The way the book starts off I can practically hear the Superman theme song, maybe even Marlon Brando's voice. A new character/hero is introduced and my thought is how this can go in many ways, and I'm pretty sure iv seen it already, I was starting to dread how it was going to go, but surprisingly the story was too well written for me to pay attention by the end. I don't know if the dialogue was trimmed down but it was a pretty quick read for me (or did it just flow so well?)
The action scenes were so not detailed at all, or just the most crudely detailed art, but it didn't matter I found myself amazed by the immensity of it all. It coulda been stick figures for all I cared, the storytelling was so good. It felt like I read just one big issue because the plot was so thin, but it was good either way. It was the way that no piece of dialogue was unnecessary.
Finally the last two issues were great. A powerless superman story and hanging with his best friends at bar story.
Anyway we have 2 status quo changes that deal with his powers and his secret Identity.
I gotta say the way Superman can have trouble with regular crooks after a big event story is a great idea.
I have always strongly disliked Romita Jr's art, it usually ruins the whole story for me. I heard how no one draws action scenes like him, so I guess the layouts are pretty good. If you squint or look at it from far away I guess it looks pretty ok. The question was: can Geoff Johns writing save this book?
The way the book starts off I can practically hear the Superman theme song, maybe even Marlon Brando's voice. A new character/hero is introduced and my thought is how this can go in many ways, and I'm pretty sure iv seen it already, I was starting to dread how it was going to go, but surprisingly the story was too well written for me to pay attention by the end. I don't know if the dialogue was trimmed down but it was a pretty quick read for me (or did it just flow so well?)
The action scenes were so not detailed at all, or just the most crudely detailed art, but it didn't matter I found myself amazed by the immensity of it all. It coulda been stick figures for all I cared, the storytelling was so good. It felt like I read just one big issue because the plot was so thin, but it was good either way. It was the way that no piece of dialogue was unnecessary.
Finally the last two issues were great. A powerless superman story and hanging with his best friends at bar story.
Anyway we have 2 status quo changes that deal with his powers and his secret Identity.
I gotta say the way Superman can have trouble with regular crooks after a big event story is a great idea.
October 24, 2015
It's been awhile since I read a straight Superman story, particularly the New 52 version, but John Romita JR is one of my favorite artists and seeing his first DC work was definitely a pull for me. I have to say, it looked better than his last bit of Marvel work and it's hard to go wrong with Klaus Janson inking.
Story-wise, the opening arc felt like an episode of the Twilight Zone, insofar as story structure: seemingly normal setting, countered with an introduction to something out of this world, later followed by a major twist at the end. It wasn't bad, but it felt like a missed opportunity. In the end I think the new character was created as a tool merely to introduce Superman's new power. Personally, I like it and while I'm one of the first people who will say he already has too many powers, It isn't really a new power per se, just a different way to use one that he has. And the best thing is it comes at a price for him, giving the writers a new tool to create some new stories, which is definitely needed for a character who has been around as long as he has.
Lastly, there is a major change to the relationship between Clark and a supporting character. I'm not sure I'm really happy with it either. There's a single issue after that main arc that examines it a little but the change seems forced and simply wrought with problems.
Story-wise, the opening arc felt like an episode of the Twilight Zone, insofar as story structure: seemingly normal setting, countered with an introduction to something out of this world, later followed by a major twist at the end. It wasn't bad, but it felt like a missed opportunity. In the end I think the new character was created as a tool merely to introduce Superman's new power. Personally, I like it and while I'm one of the first people who will say he already has too many powers, It isn't really a new power per se, just a different way to use one that he has. And the best thing is it comes at a price for him, giving the writers a new tool to create some new stories, which is definitely needed for a character who has been around as long as he has.
Lastly, there is a major change to the relationship between Clark and a supporting character. I'm not sure I'm really happy with it either. There's a single issue after that main arc that examines it a little but the change seems forced and simply wrought with problems.
April 22, 2016
Can we just call Ulysses as Superman 2.0? Because the way he was introduced in the story, he seems to be the Superman from Earth as Clark is the Supes from Krypton. Things change and true motives start to show up as you read on and you realize that Ulysses is not another Superman at all. So I take it back, this blond long haired guy is not Superman 2.0 at all.
The main story is a pretty much straightforward one - easy to read, easy to enjoy, easy to forget. The Machinist (or evil Iron Man, haha) serves his purpose as the villain who is just there, just because the story needs a villain. The other villains are there either for action or to start another story arc.
The Super Flare superpower (as Batman names it) is a pretty cool power in terms of its scope and power, yet a kinda douche-y since it makes Supes human for a day. At least he gets to be 100% Clark for a couple of hours.
Geoff Johns knew how to write a good story. I have read his GL run and his New 52 Aquaman, and this guy knows how to make the characters shine and what makes the heroes interesting to the readers. For Superman, he touches on themes about hope, humanity, family and friendship without getting too melodramatic about them. These are all the ideals of Superman that has become quite obsolete and underdeveloped in the New 52, so I'm happy that these otherwise corny themes are back.
The main story is a pretty much straightforward one - easy to read, easy to enjoy, easy to forget. The Machinist (or evil Iron Man, haha) serves his purpose as the villain who is just there, just because the story needs a villain. The other villains are there either for action or to start another story arc.
The Super Flare superpower (as Batman names it) is a pretty cool power in terms of its scope and power, yet a kinda douche-y since it makes Supes human for a day. At least he gets to be 100% Clark for a couple of hours.
Geoff Johns knew how to write a good story. I have read his GL run and his New 52 Aquaman, and this guy knows how to make the characters shine and what makes the heroes interesting to the readers. For Superman, he touches on themes about hope, humanity, family and friendship without getting too melodramatic about them. These are all the ideals of Superman that has become quite obsolete and underdeveloped in the New 52, so I'm happy that these otherwise corny themes are back.
July 27, 2016
A very very solid Superman story.
geoff Johns sure knows his shit. He also knows how to bring the "cheerful" moments to his characters. Superman finally FEELS like Superman in this series (Read my action comics to see how much his run has fucking sucked in new52) but this is the Superman I know and love.
Without spoilers this book really focuses on how Superman and his friend are alike but different. The upbringing matters, and it changes these characters forever, despite them being very much alike down to their motivations and heart of caring. It's nice to see Superman face a real villain yet not a horrible person, just someone with different views on things.
I also enjoyed the art, but I'm one of those guys who enjoys Jr art, so whatevers.
It's not American Alien or Secert Identity but it's a damn solid story that any Superman fan will enjoy. a 3.5-4.
geoff Johns sure knows his shit. He also knows how to bring the "cheerful" moments to his characters. Superman finally FEELS like Superman in this series (Read my action comics to see how much his run has fucking sucked in new52) but this is the Superman I know and love.
Without spoilers this book really focuses on how Superman and his friend are alike but different. The upbringing matters, and it changes these characters forever, despite them being very much alike down to their motivations and heart of caring. It's nice to see Superman face a real villain yet not a horrible person, just someone with different views on things.
I also enjoyed the art, but I'm one of those guys who enjoys Jr art, so whatevers.
It's not American Alien or Secert Identity but it's a damn solid story that any Superman fan will enjoy. a 3.5-4.
February 18, 2018
Woah this was awesome. Such a simple story but cleverly put together Johns writing is great, the simple but perfect for Superman. Romita Jrs artwork also is perfect and has designed an amazing novel. A boy once thought was lost has returned with powers, very remisncent of Supermans story, to earth to seek some fulfilment. Read this in one sitting. Great, cant wait to read more from the team.
April 9, 2020
I absolutely love this comic. Why do I love it? Because this is my first ever Solo Superman read and I absolutely love it.
Why do people call Superman the paramount of hope? Because he doesn't lose hope even at the dire of situations. He is kind and the best person on the planet which has been reiterated so many times in this Volume.
A small twist at the beginning of this Volume if you haven't read any of the Volumes before it. It is that A baby was sent to a different place due to the current world on the brink of annihilation. No No, that's not Superman and you will find out that person very soon.
Such an interesting Volume and I absolutely loved it.
Slowly stepping into DC Rebirth. I know DC is planning to revamp again but I'm not going to miss it this time.
Why do people call Superman the paramount of hope? Because he doesn't lose hope even at the dire of situations. He is kind and the best person on the planet which has been reiterated so many times in this Volume.
A small twist at the beginning of this Volume if you haven't read any of the Volumes before it. It is that A baby was sent to a different place due to the current world on the brink of annihilation. No No, that's not Superman and you will find out that person very soon.
Such an interesting Volume and I absolutely loved it.
Slowly stepping into DC Rebirth. I know DC is planning to revamp again but I'm not going to miss it this time.
June 19, 2022
This was pretty good! One of the background stories in this book is how Superman searches for his "humanity." I also noticed some possible inspiration from "Watchmen."
February 27, 2016
Wow, this is one of the best Superman books I've read in the last couple of years.
Superman is a character that's not easy to write, often people think that because the character is so powerful that there is no conflict other than Kryptonite to make for good drama, they are right to some degree, but it's just mostly lazy writing. Here, this book, is an example of how to write a Supes book without resorting to said plot device. This book is amazing!
World: Romita Jr.'s art be amazing. I've always been ok with his art, he's about Jim Lee level for me, but man he really brought it this arc. I don't know what it was about his framing and his character designs that really made this story special, maybe it's Supes chiseled jaw which he does so well! The art is stunning and the colors are absolutely brilliant. The world building is also very strong and oh par with Johns level. The world is very much tied with the Ulysses origin and it allows for a lot of discussion and a deeper look at not only him but also Superman as a character and that's awesome. The 4th dimension stuff was great!
Story: A wonderful tour de force of a Superman story. It's emotional, it touches the heart of the character, and also it's a super fun read and shows how Superman can be done right. This is the type of Supes story I want. It's paced well and has a compelling story and villain (if you can call him that). I don't want to ruin anything but you knew where Ulysses was going to go in terms of the story and that was the only thing that I found to be predictable. I like how hopeful the book is and how much I miss this type of Superman story. Side note, this is the type of Superman that I want to see on the screen, yes Man of Steel was very emo and the Supes we saw was not this one, but as an origin tale I can accept it for what it was, but I really really hope that this is where DC Films is taking Superman.
Characters: Ulysses is a wonderful character, he's not super complex and his motivations are very straightforward but he offers a great mirror and jumping off point to discuss Superman and his ideals. Superman is the centerpiece here, he's hopeful, he's good and he's kind, he's everything Superman should be. Yes, he has his broody and solemn moments and he has his emo parts, but that's what also makes the character complex and interesting. This is what DC Films needs to strive for with the new films, this is the Superman that world deserves.
This book is amazing, and I am sad that Johns only wrote this arc, I really hope that with the upcoming Rebirth and the Films that this is the direction that DC will take with Superman because this is what he needs to be. He's the beacon of hope and the moral compass for the DC universe and as badass as Batman is the world needs someone like Superman.
Read this arc!!!
Onward to the next book!
Superman is a character that's not easy to write, often people think that because the character is so powerful that there is no conflict other than Kryptonite to make for good drama, they are right to some degree, but it's just mostly lazy writing. Here, this book, is an example of how to write a Supes book without resorting to said plot device. This book is amazing!
World: Romita Jr.'s art be amazing. I've always been ok with his art, he's about Jim Lee level for me, but man he really brought it this arc. I don't know what it was about his framing and his character designs that really made this story special, maybe it's Supes chiseled jaw which he does so well! The art is stunning and the colors are absolutely brilliant. The world building is also very strong and oh par with Johns level. The world is very much tied with the Ulysses origin and it allows for a lot of discussion and a deeper look at not only him but also Superman as a character and that's awesome. The 4th dimension stuff was great!
Story: A wonderful tour de force of a Superman story. It's emotional, it touches the heart of the character, and also it's a super fun read and shows how Superman can be done right. This is the type of Supes story I want. It's paced well and has a compelling story and villain (if you can call him that). I don't want to ruin anything but you knew where Ulysses was going to go in terms of the story and that was the only thing that I found to be predictable. I like how hopeful the book is and how much I miss this type of Superman story. Side note, this is the type of Superman that I want to see on the screen, yes Man of Steel was very emo and the Supes we saw was not this one, but as an origin tale I can accept it for what it was, but I really really hope that this is where DC Films is taking Superman.
Characters: Ulysses is a wonderful character, he's not super complex and his motivations are very straightforward but he offers a great mirror and jumping off point to discuss Superman and his ideals. Superman is the centerpiece here, he's hopeful, he's good and he's kind, he's everything Superman should be. Yes, he has his broody and solemn moments and he has his emo parts, but that's what also makes the character complex and interesting. This is what DC Films needs to strive for with the new films, this is the Superman that world deserves.
This book is amazing, and I am sad that Johns only wrote this arc, I really hope that with the upcoming Rebirth and the Films that this is the direction that DC will take with Superman because this is what he needs to be. He's the beacon of hope and the moral compass for the DC universe and as badass as Batman is the world needs someone like Superman.
Read this arc!!!
Onward to the next book!
September 10, 2015
Leave it to Geoff Johns to right the ship after the dull days of Scott Lobdell.
Johns makes some important shifts right up front, most notably shifting Clark back to the Daily Planet and reintroducing his supporting cast of Jimmy Olsen, Perry White, Lois Lane, and the rest of the Planet crew. Johns understands the importance of these characters to Clark, and how they add a dimension to his character that has been sorely lacking of late. It's a most welcome change, but I admit that long-time readers may find this shift jarring, as Clark's previous enterprise clarkcatropolis.com is all but thrown away with a couple of speech bubbles, which is certainly convenient given the amount of time and emphasis put into it in previous volumes, not to mention the fact that the enterprise was supposed to be growing massively after some Superman-related scoops. But frankly, I can't see people being too worried about it--it mostly didn't work as a story line, and Johns figures (correctly) that we won't care if we leave that part of the run behind.
The story here focuses on the new character Ulysses, who is basically a Superman analogue. It's a touch on the nose, actually, given Ulysses was sent away by his parents to another world where he was raised by his adoptive parents and deal with his super powers... but I was prepared to forgive this on the basis that Johns spends time investing in the character, and the character's own journey tells us something about Superman, which is most welcome. Some may hate this, but I gladly went with it.
There are some good twists and turns here, and it feels like Johns is setting himself up for a nice ongoing run. This is most welcome, as Johns's work on Superman is usually up there with his best (Superman: Secret Origin, Superman: Brainiac, Superman and the Legion of Superheroes). He clearly has an affinity for the character, and it shines through in this fun, easy to digest tale.
This volume is also notable as the DC comics debut of John Romita Jr, a long time Marvel artist, famous also for his work on Kick-Ass and its sequels. His style is a point of issue for some, as it's quite unique (if you don't count his father's style, which his own is heavily reminiscent of), as it's not everyone's cup of tea. To be honest, I didn't enjoy his style when I first came across it a few years back, but after reading a number of Wolverine issues, I got over it, and managed to enjoy what he does.
Overall this is a great volume for Superman fans. May Scott Lobdell never write Superman again.
Johns makes some important shifts right up front, most notably shifting Clark back to the Daily Planet and reintroducing his supporting cast of Jimmy Olsen, Perry White, Lois Lane, and the rest of the Planet crew. Johns understands the importance of these characters to Clark, and how they add a dimension to his character that has been sorely lacking of late. It's a most welcome change, but I admit that long-time readers may find this shift jarring, as Clark's previous enterprise clarkcatropolis.com is all but thrown away with a couple of speech bubbles, which is certainly convenient given the amount of time and emphasis put into it in previous volumes, not to mention the fact that the enterprise was supposed to be growing massively after some Superman-related scoops. But frankly, I can't see people being too worried about it--it mostly didn't work as a story line, and Johns figures (correctly) that we won't care if we leave that part of the run behind.
The story here focuses on the new character Ulysses, who is basically a Superman analogue. It's a touch on the nose, actually, given Ulysses was sent away by his parents to another world where he was raised by his adoptive parents and deal with his super powers... but I was prepared to forgive this on the basis that Johns spends time investing in the character, and the character's own journey tells us something about Superman, which is most welcome. Some may hate this, but I gladly went with it.
There are some good twists and turns here, and it feels like Johns is setting himself up for a nice ongoing run. This is most welcome, as Johns's work on Superman is usually up there with his best (Superman: Secret Origin, Superman: Brainiac, Superman and the Legion of Superheroes). He clearly has an affinity for the character, and it shines through in this fun, easy to digest tale.
This volume is also notable as the DC comics debut of John Romita Jr, a long time Marvel artist, famous also for his work on Kick-Ass and its sequels. His style is a point of issue for some, as it's quite unique (if you don't count his father's style, which his own is heavily reminiscent of), as it's not everyone's cup of tea. To be honest, I didn't enjoy his style when I first came across it a few years back, but after reading a number of Wolverine issues, I got over it, and managed to enjoy what he does.
Overall this is a great volume for Superman fans. May Scott Lobdell never write Superman again.
September 6, 2022
Best Superman story in the New 52 era. It has the heart, classic heroism and back to basic superhero story. I am glad that they put the highlight to Superman's civilian life like his work in the Daily Planet, his friendship with Jimmy Olsen, and his interaction to the civilians.
My only critisicsm is Romita Jr's. art. I dont like his interpretation to Superman. For me he is good in street level superheroes like Daredevil and Kick-Ass.
My only critisicsm is Romita Jr's. art. I dont like his interpretation to Superman. For me he is good in street level superheroes like Daredevil and Kick-Ass.
June 20, 2022
So far this is the only actually good thing I’ve read of the New 52 Superman since Superman: Unchained. It was fun, the story was fairly good and it only had a little mind control this time. At least it wasn’t Superman that was mind controlled this time.
March 9, 2018
Dc Universe! I'm coming...
May 10, 2018
It was OK, but as recommended to me this seems like a good jumping on point to hopefully fully understand what's to come in rebirth.
July 7, 2021
Bunu kim çevirdiyse bir daha yapmasın
September 2, 2015
I must start out by saying most of the "New 52" superman stories have been really bad. (Except Superman Unchained) At least the volumes I read. This is better and a solid story overall. I did really like the new power Supes discovered the "Super flare" An obvious copy from Dragonball Z, but cool nonetheless. Geoff Johns rarely tells a a tale I dislike, and he didn't here. Artwork wise I'm not a big John Romita Jr fan. But it was solid work my favorite being the splash pages. I would suggest any serious Superman fan to check this out, simply for the new power for Superman.
I received an advanced copy of this from Netgalley.com and DC
I received an advanced copy of this from Netgalley.com and DC
August 17, 2015
3.5 stars
Superman's new power(super flare)actually makes him a little less super but a lot more human;and that's fine with me!
Superman's new power(super flare)actually makes him a little less super but a lot more human;and that's fine with me!
October 16, 2015
Good story well told.
July 22, 2016
A great yarn that shows off Superman's two best features: his limitless superpowers, and his humanity.
Geoff John's saves another title.
4.5/5
Geoff John's saves another title.
4.5/5
December 31, 2022
The fact that Superman is so iconic means that there’s considerably more pressure on the idea of him than any other superhero, making it difficult for filmmakers and comic book creators to do the same kinds of things as, say, Batman or the denizens of the MCU. In the modern era this results in periodic arguments that he’s “too powerful,” “not relatable,” or even no longer relevant. I’m frankly baffled at any of these assertions. And there’s plenty of material to contradict them. But they exist, and so a lot of material is thusly geared to countering them. One such was the Geoff Johns run collected in Men of Tomorrow, with its chief statement being: here’s what it looks like from this vantage point.
And of course there are a lot of stories where Superman himself meets a Superman analog. Ulysses is set up to cover many of the same beats, including an origin where he’s sent by his parents to a different place to escape the end of the world. In other eras he would have simply ended up joining the pantheon of Superman’s foes (because of course that’s how it plays out), but in this one, so starved for novelty, so desperate for everything to prove itself, to date this is the only Ulysses story.
Although ironically Johns set up other elements of far more lasting effect. One of them was the mysterious figure of Mr. Oz. In the New 52 this remains a mystery, but in the DC Rebirth era other creators got to play it out, and it was (SPOILERS!) his Kryptonian dad Jor-El.
Superman also got a new superpower, the “super flare,” which also drained him of all his powers, temporarily, which the rest of the New 52 era explored, as well as the even more consequential public reveal of his secret identity.
Now, this was a problem resolved by the soft reboot of DC Rebirth, but the identity was revealed again, and another writer got blamed for what was considered a bad idea, but he was clearly following someone else’s mandate, as with the Mr. Oz mystery. In this era fans just get upset. They forget what they knew five minutes ago, and they don’t really know what they want, except it’s not what they’re getting (and this phenomenon extends far beyond comics and superheroes, alas).
So this is an important collection on a lot of levels, but my conclusion here rests on the suggestion that it might simply be considered Johns’ most complete creative statement on Superman, and that’s worth celebrating, too.
Also worth noting is the art of John Romita, Jr. This was his first work at DC (he was previously best known for his Marvel work, plus the three original volumes of Mark Millar’s Kick-Ass. Predictably fans hated this work, but I find it lively, dynamic, and it gives Superman a youthful look without making him look young. It’s a nice change of pace. He drew the character again in Frank Miller’s Superman: Year One. As far as I’m concerned, he quickly became one of the definitive artists.
And of course there are a lot of stories where Superman himself meets a Superman analog. Ulysses is set up to cover many of the same beats, including an origin where he’s sent by his parents to a different place to escape the end of the world. In other eras he would have simply ended up joining the pantheon of Superman’s foes (because of course that’s how it plays out), but in this one, so starved for novelty, so desperate for everything to prove itself, to date this is the only Ulysses story.
Although ironically Johns set up other elements of far more lasting effect. One of them was the mysterious figure of Mr. Oz. In the New 52 this remains a mystery, but in the DC Rebirth era other creators got to play it out, and it was (SPOILERS!) his Kryptonian dad Jor-El.
Superman also got a new superpower, the “super flare,” which also drained him of all his powers, temporarily, which the rest of the New 52 era explored, as well as the even more consequential public reveal of his secret identity.
Now, this was a problem resolved by the soft reboot of DC Rebirth, but the identity was revealed again, and another writer got blamed for what was considered a bad idea, but he was clearly following someone else’s mandate, as with the Mr. Oz mystery. In this era fans just get upset. They forget what they knew five minutes ago, and they don’t really know what they want, except it’s not what they’re getting (and this phenomenon extends far beyond comics and superheroes, alas).
So this is an important collection on a lot of levels, but my conclusion here rests on the suggestion that it might simply be considered Johns’ most complete creative statement on Superman, and that’s worth celebrating, too.
Also worth noting is the art of John Romita, Jr. This was his first work at DC (he was previously best known for his Marvel work, plus the three original volumes of Mark Millar’s Kick-Ass. Predictably fans hated this work, but I find it lively, dynamic, and it gives Superman a youthful look without making him look young. It’s a nice change of pace. He drew the character again in Frank Miller’s Superman: Year One. As far as I’m concerned, he quickly became one of the definitive artists.
April 11, 2021
Considering Geoff Johns is one of my absolute favourite comic book writers, I can't believe I didn't realise there was something of his that I hadn't read. These eight issues of the New 52 Superman are quintessential Johns, although maybe without the usual delving into the past and recontextualising/retconning/whatever you want to call it.
I was surprised that this kind of story hadn't been done with Superman before; maybe it has, but I'm not aware of it. Supes meets Ulysses, a human who was sent to another dimension when his parents thought ours was going to be destroyed. Now he's back, a dark mirror of Superman himself, and he has to find his way in a world he thought was gone.
There's a nice flip midway through the story where everything you thought you knew is actually wrong, and it propels Superman into dealing with the fact that the Earth is a mess, and it's only really his conviction that keeps him from doing what Ulysses wants to do (to a point, anyway). Having villains to punch is a normal day for Superman, but moral issues are much more interesting, and more difficult, for him to deal with.
I have to shout out the final issue of the volume as well, which shows a day-in-the-life of Superman after the end of the main arc. The difference being, Supes has no powers for 24 hours. It's a great little character study, and shows that Johns gets the character inside and out as he does with every other DC property.
This is also fairly accessible without reading the rest of the New 52 run. It's fairly standalone, and context clues give you all you need to know about where Clark stands with the other characters; he and Lois aren't together at the moment, he's not working at the Planet, and no one knows he's Superman. Easy enough to get into, and nothing too much in terms of dangling plot threads for you to want to follow up on later.
The artwork on all eight issues is John Romita Jr.; his DC work hasn't been the best of his career by a long shot, but these issues are almost classic Romita. They get a little lacking in details as the Ulysses story goes on, but no one does scale and power like JRJr does it. These super battles look like they hurt, and as buildings and literal worlds fall apart around Superman and Ulysses, you can feel the energy of it all.
Geoff Johns + JRJr + Superman seems to equal win. I'm not sure I ever expected otherwise, tbh. I'm just disappointed in myself for not reading this sooner.
I was surprised that this kind of story hadn't been done with Superman before; maybe it has, but I'm not aware of it. Supes meets Ulysses, a human who was sent to another dimension when his parents thought ours was going to be destroyed. Now he's back, a dark mirror of Superman himself, and he has to find his way in a world he thought was gone.
There's a nice flip midway through the story where everything you thought you knew is actually wrong, and it propels Superman into dealing with the fact that the Earth is a mess, and it's only really his conviction that keeps him from doing what Ulysses wants to do (to a point, anyway). Having villains to punch is a normal day for Superman, but moral issues are much more interesting, and more difficult, for him to deal with.
I have to shout out the final issue of the volume as well, which shows a day-in-the-life of Superman after the end of the main arc. The difference being, Supes has no powers for 24 hours. It's a great little character study, and shows that Johns gets the character inside and out as he does with every other DC property.
This is also fairly accessible without reading the rest of the New 52 run. It's fairly standalone, and context clues give you all you need to know about where Clark stands with the other characters; he and Lois aren't together at the moment, he's not working at the Planet, and no one knows he's Superman. Easy enough to get into, and nothing too much in terms of dangling plot threads for you to want to follow up on later.
The artwork on all eight issues is John Romita Jr.; his DC work hasn't been the best of his career by a long shot, but these issues are almost classic Romita. They get a little lacking in details as the Ulysses story goes on, but no one does scale and power like JRJr does it. These super battles look like they hurt, and as buildings and literal worlds fall apart around Superman and Ulysses, you can feel the energy of it all.
Geoff Johns + JRJr + Superman seems to equal win. I'm not sure I ever expected otherwise, tbh. I'm just disappointed in myself for not reading this sooner.
Read
July 2, 2024Very good Superman story by Johns and Romita, Jr. These eight issues came in the middle of the New 52 Superman series, and they’re far better than anything I’ve read from it. A new guy with similar powers to Superman shows up in Metropolis, and he strikes up a friendship with Clark. Turns out he’s a human from Earth raised in a different dimension, where his parents sent him as a baby in order to save his life during a cataclysmic event (mirroring Superman’s origin). Things of course don’t stay rosy, and Clark is forced to contend with a potential catastrophe while clinging to his hope for humanity. There’s lots of action here, strong dialogue throughout, and even if things get a little cluttered towards the end, it’s a gripping read. I really like how Johns writes Superman. The story reminded me of his pre-New 52 Superman story, Last Son, both in plot and tone. The last issue, essentially an epilogue to the main arc, contains my favorite scene in the book. Superman talks a criminal out of shooting someone. No instant punching, but first trying to help the man do the right thing by talking to him. That’s what Superman is all about.
I usually don’t like JRJR’s art, specifically his faces, but I became less bothered as the story went on. Maybe I’m softening on his style. Incidentally, this was his first ever DC work.
I usually don’t like JRJR’s art, specifically his faces, but I became less bothered as the story went on. Maybe I’m softening on his style. Incidentally, this was his first ever DC work.
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