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Superman (2011)
Superman, Volume 1: Before Truth
Superman is going through some changes. First, there's his new "solar flare" power, which releases tremendous amounts of energy but leaves him functionally human - fragile, vulnerable, prone to hangovers - for 24 hours.
But an even bigger change is coming. A new company called Hordr has sprung up, and its business is secrets. If you have one that you want to keep hidden, Hordr can control you - and no one has a bigger secret than Clark Kent.
Now, Hordr is threatening to expose Clark's alter ego unless he does everything they command. Will Superman play into the hands of blackmailers to keep his loved ones out of danger? And if the truth that Superman has been hiding is exposed, will it set him free - or ruin his life?
A new era for the Man of Steel begins here - crafted by National Book Award nominee Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese) and legendary artists John Romita, Jr. (Kick-Ass, The Amazing Spider-Man) and Klaus Janson (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns).
Collecting: Superman 40-44 & material from Divergence: FCBD Special Edition
But an even bigger change is coming. A new company called Hordr has sprung up, and its business is secrets. If you have one that you want to keep hidden, Hordr can control you - and no one has a bigger secret than Clark Kent.
Now, Hordr is threatening to expose Clark's alter ego unless he does everything they command. Will Superman play into the hands of blackmailers to keep his loved ones out of danger? And if the truth that Superman has been hiding is exposed, will it set him free - or ruin his life?
A new era for the Man of Steel begins here - crafted by National Book Award nominee Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese) and legendary artists John Romita, Jr. (Kick-Ass, The Amazing Spider-Man) and Klaus Janson (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns).
Collecting: Superman 40-44 & material from Divergence: FCBD Special Edition
224 pages, Hardcover
First published April 12, 2016
10 people are currently reading
1360 people want to read
About the author
Gene Luen Yang
363 books3,387 followersGene Luen Yang writes, and sometimes draws, comic books and graphic novels. As the Library of Congress’ fifth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, he advocates for the importance of reading, especially reading diversely. American Born Chinese, his first graphic novel from First Second Books, was a National Book Award finalist, as well as the winner of the Printz Award and an Eisner Award. His two-volume graphic novel Boxers & Saints won the L.A. Times Book Prize and was a National Book Award Finalist. His other works include Secret Coders (with Mike Holmes), The Shadow Hero (with Sonny Liew), Superman from DC Comics (with various artists), and the Avatar: The Last Airbender series from Dark Horse Comics (with Gurihiru). In 2016, he was named a MacArthur Foundation Fellow. His most recent books are Dragon Hoops from First Second Books and Superman Smashes the Klan from DC Comics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
November 17, 2020
(B) 73% | More than Satisfactory
Notes: Seemingly Superman, it swaps steak for tofu: an anemic, lightweight letdown, inciting apathy, grumbles, and shrugs.
Notes: Seemingly Superman, it swaps steak for tofu: an anemic, lightweight letdown, inciting apathy, grumbles, and shrugs.
May 28, 2016
I really adore Superman. He's my fantasy man.
Butbutbutbut...Batman! Nah, you can have him, ladies.
I like nice guys.
Spoilers! Look Away!
This one was hard for me to rate, but I think 3 stars is fair.
The 1st half of the story with the Justice League was pretty fun. These were nice some Batman/Superman moments that made me grin, including a naked hobo joke from Bruce that made me giggle out loud.
The beginning with Clark testing out his new solar flare powers on the Watchtower, and the camaraderie between all of them gave me a warm fuzzy feeling in my belly! I know it's hokey, but I just love stuff like this.
And with his powers temporaraly burned out, Clark gets to experience what it's like to be completely human. The 'drunk off 2 beers' thing was silly but cute.
And then it wasn't as cute. No, it didn't go full-on turd, but the Truth storyline was just sorta lame.
I mean, it's interesting at first, because Clark starts getting blackmailed by some unknown person who's threatening to make his secret identity known.
OHHHHH!
Then Lois finds out that he's Superman...and the shit start rolling downhill from there.
In an effort to save him, she ends up exposing his secret. Against his wishes. Because she's an idiot, apparently.
So. Now everybody is mad at him for lying to them. He's lost his job, he can't go home, and (for some reason) the police are after him. <--because they could actually bring him in?
Ok. But the best part is that random villains keep showing up, and trying to take him out!
WTF?!
Why would that be something that would happen?
Just because you know who Superman is, doesn't mean you have any chance at kicking his ass. He's STILL mother-fucking SUPERMAN!
I guess this is something that will eventually work itself out. Maybe they're really going to let Superman openly be Clark, but my money is on some sort of a worldwide mind wipe, or a time travel rewind. I guess only time will tell...
Butbutbutbut...Batman! Nah, you can have him, ladies.
I like nice guys.
Spoilers! Look Away!
This one was hard for me to rate, but I think 3 stars is fair.
The 1st half of the story with the Justice League was pretty fun. These were nice some Batman/Superman moments that made me grin, including a naked hobo joke from Bruce that made me giggle out loud.
The beginning with Clark testing out his new solar flare powers on the Watchtower, and the camaraderie between all of them gave me a warm fuzzy feeling in my belly! I know it's hokey, but I just love stuff like this.
And with his powers temporaraly burned out, Clark gets to experience what it's like to be completely human. The 'drunk off 2 beers' thing was silly but cute.
And then it wasn't as cute. No, it didn't go full-on turd, but the Truth storyline was just sorta lame.
I mean, it's interesting at first, because Clark starts getting blackmailed by some unknown person who's threatening to make his secret identity known.
OHHHHH!
Then Lois finds out that he's Superman...and the shit start rolling downhill from there.
In an effort to save him, she ends up exposing his secret. Against his wishes. Because she's an idiot, apparently.
So. Now everybody is mad at him for lying to them. He's lost his job, he can't go home, and (for some reason) the police are after him. <--because they could actually bring him in?
Ok. But the best part is that random villains keep showing up, and trying to take him out!
WTF?!
Why would that be something that would happen?
Just because you know who Superman is, doesn't mean you have any chance at kicking his ass. He's STILL mother-fucking SUPERMAN!
I guess this is something that will eventually work itself out. Maybe they're really going to let Superman openly be Clark, but my money is on some sort of a worldwide mind wipe, or a time travel rewind. I guess only time will tell...
June 11, 2016
Superman’s going through some ch-ch-chaaanges: he’s generally depowered and can no longer fly - like when he first appeared, he can now just jump really high - but he’s also got this incredibly strong new solar flare power. Then a new tech company called Hordr threatens to reveal Superman’s secret identity to the world - unless he plays ball with them. Will the Man of Steel become a corporation’s puppet in order to keep his loved ones safe?
I was really pleased to see prize-winning indie creator Gene Luen Yang given the chance to write the world’s most iconic superhero. I’d love to see more indie creators have a go at the big name characters - Seth writing/drawing Batman, Adrian Tomine on Justice League, Kate Beaton writing Wonder Woman (she’s actually done a few WW strips in Hark! A Vagrant but I wants MORE)? It’ll never happen but I like seeing the indie side of comics occasionally mix in with the commercial. And while Superman, Volume 1: Before Truth is far better than anything Scott Lobdell crapped out in his overly long unreadable run, it’s unfortunately not up there with the best Superman books either - it’s not bad though!
I’ll say SPOILSIES here just in case the next part bothers some of you even though the cover kinda gives it away anyway with Lois tearing off Clark’s shirt to reveal the Superman outfit beneath.
Superman’s secret identity being revealed to the world is the big to-do in this book and I think it was the right move for the Clark Kent persona to be tossed aside - it’s time to stop with this secret identity bollocks, it’s played out at this point. Tony Stark and Steve Rogers both “outed” themselves as Iron Man and Captain America and their loved ones weren’t automatically killed, nor are they in constant danger - maybe now is the time for DC to permanently do away with Superman’s secret identity and move forward. At the very least you’d stop people’s bad jokes about Superman’s glasses!
I don’t think it was Lois’ place though to be the one to out Clark like that. Maybe he never would have done it himself without her pushing him but it still felt like a dick move for Lois, even out of character - she’s always had integrity and compassion; sucker-punching Clark like that was just plain shitty of her. It was really stupid of Clark though to just go back to pretending not to be Superman after the announcement - what was he thinking, that everyone would just forget that bombshell?!
Hordr was an ok villain but especially good for Superman as the tech angle gives him an array of giant robots to beat the hell out of without worrying about taking lives or pulling his punches. The whole solar flare new power thing that Yang is carrying over from Geoff Johns’ last Superman book is weird though - I’m not sure where they’re going with this at all, it just seems strange to keep pursuing this not very interesting storyline. I guess there’s an almighty threat coming and only Superman’s apocalyptic-esque solar flare can defeat it?
John Romita Jr’s art is fine. I’m not much of a fan and can definitely see people’s criticisms that the style is too blocky, but I don’t mind it. Black Science colourist Dean White does some fantastic work here though, really livening up the pages with his eye-catching colours.
DC continue to experiment with Superman to try and make him as appealing as Batman, trying out new scenarios for their character as well as picking unusual writers for him. As this book shows, they’re not there yet, but I feel that by attempting new things they’re getting closer. Before Truth is an ok Superman book that’s flawed but is still better than a lot of other Superman titles that’ve come before it.
I was really pleased to see prize-winning indie creator Gene Luen Yang given the chance to write the world’s most iconic superhero. I’d love to see more indie creators have a go at the big name characters - Seth writing/drawing Batman, Adrian Tomine on Justice League, Kate Beaton writing Wonder Woman (she’s actually done a few WW strips in Hark! A Vagrant but I wants MORE)? It’ll never happen but I like seeing the indie side of comics occasionally mix in with the commercial. And while Superman, Volume 1: Before Truth is far better than anything Scott Lobdell crapped out in his overly long unreadable run, it’s unfortunately not up there with the best Superman books either - it’s not bad though!
I’ll say SPOILSIES here just in case the next part bothers some of you even though the cover kinda gives it away anyway with Lois tearing off Clark’s shirt to reveal the Superman outfit beneath.
Superman’s secret identity being revealed to the world is the big to-do in this book and I think it was the right move for the Clark Kent persona to be tossed aside - it’s time to stop with this secret identity bollocks, it’s played out at this point. Tony Stark and Steve Rogers both “outed” themselves as Iron Man and Captain America and their loved ones weren’t automatically killed, nor are they in constant danger - maybe now is the time for DC to permanently do away with Superman’s secret identity and move forward. At the very least you’d stop people’s bad jokes about Superman’s glasses!
I don’t think it was Lois’ place though to be the one to out Clark like that. Maybe he never would have done it himself without her pushing him but it still felt like a dick move for Lois, even out of character - she’s always had integrity and compassion; sucker-punching Clark like that was just plain shitty of her. It was really stupid of Clark though to just go back to pretending not to be Superman after the announcement - what was he thinking, that everyone would just forget that bombshell?!
Hordr was an ok villain but especially good for Superman as the tech angle gives him an array of giant robots to beat the hell out of without worrying about taking lives or pulling his punches. The whole solar flare new power thing that Yang is carrying over from Geoff Johns’ last Superman book is weird though - I’m not sure where they’re going with this at all, it just seems strange to keep pursuing this not very interesting storyline. I guess there’s an almighty threat coming and only Superman’s apocalyptic-esque solar flare can defeat it?
John Romita Jr’s art is fine. I’m not much of a fan and can definitely see people’s criticisms that the style is too blocky, but I don’t mind it. Black Science colourist Dean White does some fantastic work here though, really livening up the pages with his eye-catching colours.
DC continue to experiment with Superman to try and make him as appealing as Batman, trying out new scenarios for their character as well as picking unusual writers for him. As this book shows, they’re not there yet, but I feel that by attempting new things they’re getting closer. Before Truth is an ok Superman book that’s flawed but is still better than a lot of other Superman titles that’ve come before it.
April 18, 2019
Yang's got a great handle on Superman and his supporting cast. He really shakes things up in his first story arc. I love that Yang's Superman is more than just flying around punching things. John Romita Jr.'s art is phenomenal as always. The way he consistently delivers on a monthly schedule puts other artists to shame.
Received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2020
Lois, that was a dick move.
July 27, 2016
Everyone knows who Superman is! NOOOOOOOO!
Wait. Brah, you're a super saiyan powered badass without parents and mostly everyone in your life dislikes you with the exception of Lois and Jimmy. So who gives a fuck? Just put them in hiding.
It just felt really odd reading this because the stakes didn't feel high when the reveal happened. The final issue of this volume where Superman is learning the consequences of being revealed cause but it doesn't have the weigh behind it. Also Superman little threat felt out of place for me.
On the flipside I enjoyed the start of this a lot and loved him dealing with his new powers. Learning how to control them. Watching Superman grow is always a interesting concept, better than throwing him against big bad foes. So the first half was good, the art solid, but the ending was meh.
A 2.5 out of 5.
Wait. Brah, you're a super saiyan powered badass without parents and mostly everyone in your life dislikes you with the exception of Lois and Jimmy. So who gives a fuck? Just put them in hiding.
It just felt really odd reading this because the stakes didn't feel high when the reveal happened. The final issue of this volume where Superman is learning the consequences of being revealed cause but it doesn't have the weigh behind it. Also Superman little threat felt out of place for me.
On the flipside I enjoyed the start of this a lot and loved him dealing with his new powers. Learning how to control them. Watching Superman grow is always a interesting concept, better than throwing him against big bad foes. So the first half was good, the art solid, but the ending was meh.
A 2.5 out of 5.
September 16, 2016
Interesting turn of events. Not loving JRs art in this one. I felt the same about the last volume written by Geoff Johns. Unfortunately this time the story wasn't quite strong enough to make up for it.
March 14, 2023
A book that left an extremely sour taste in my mouth by the end. The first half isn't too bad, providing fun character moments but nothing of real substance. However, there's a positive (negative) correlation between the progression of the story and a steep decline in the execution's quality. A premise with potential, it ultimately suffers because it just doesn't consistently feel like Superman.
July 19, 2017
This was...OK.
After reading some really terrific Superman titles like Red Son and Secret Identity this social-media inspired arc was a bit of a let-down, even when Lois Lane outs Superman's secret identity in order to...save him? and now his detractors and villains seek to take advantage, which you'd figure would be more interesting...and maybe written or portrayed a different way, it could have been.
Maybe like Supes after a flare out, I need a break to recharge...
After reading some really terrific Superman titles like Red Son and Secret Identity this social-media inspired arc was a bit of a let-down, even when Lois Lane outs Superman's secret identity in order to...save him? and now his detractors and villains seek to take advantage, which you'd figure would be more interesting...and maybe written or portrayed a different way, it could have been.
Maybe like Supes after a flare out, I need a break to recharge...
August 17, 2016
I've read all of Gene Luen Yang's comics, so it was a no-brainer that I would be reading his version of Superman. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it. Actually, I've never really enjoyed a Superman comic, so this may be on me.
But before we get to the actual comic, a complaint. WTF, why is the DC comics universe so messed up??? I mean, it took me an hour after reading this to determine which version of Superman I was reading, where it was in the continuity, and how things had gotten to be the way they were. I mean, right away you're thrown in and Lois doesn't know Superman's identity, but Jimmy Olsen does. Superman also has this weird flare power, and whenever he uses it, he's human for a day after. Even with his powers, he's different than the Superman I'm used to. He can't fly, he just jumps. Anyway, superhero comics are an unholy mess. Just this taste of the DC universe (this is the New 52 I think?) is worse than even that Secret Wars thing Marvel had going on. Sigh. Standalone comics for me, thanks.
This actually opens up with a fun little issue written and drawn by John Romita, Jr. where the Justice League is testing out Superman's new powers, but then when Yang takes over, it quickly transitions to a story involving Superman being blackmailed by a mysterious figure who threatens to release his secret identity as Clark Kent if Clark doesn't do what he wants. He turns out to be the head of a mysterious syndicate that collects blackmail on practically everyone in the world. I mean, it was okay. I was really bothered by the characterization of Lois. Not sure if that was Yang's idea or not, but it really rankled me when she
I could probably continue on with this, but I only foresee frustration in my future so I will stop while I'm ahead, despite how much it pains me that I will have unread Gene Luen Yang books in my future.
Also, I really wasn't a fan of the art.
But before we get to the actual comic, a complaint. WTF, why is the DC comics universe so messed up??? I mean, it took me an hour after reading this to determine which version of Superman I was reading, where it was in the continuity, and how things had gotten to be the way they were. I mean, right away you're thrown in and Lois doesn't know Superman's identity, but Jimmy Olsen does. Superman also has this weird flare power, and whenever he uses it, he's human for a day after. Even with his powers, he's different than the Superman I'm used to. He can't fly, he just jumps. Anyway, superhero comics are an unholy mess. Just this taste of the DC universe (this is the New 52 I think?) is worse than even that Secret Wars thing Marvel had going on. Sigh. Standalone comics for me, thanks.
This actually opens up with a fun little issue written and drawn by John Romita, Jr. where the Justice League is testing out Superman's new powers, but then when Yang takes over, it quickly transitions to a story involving Superman being blackmailed by a mysterious figure who threatens to release his secret identity as Clark Kent if Clark doesn't do what he wants. He turns out to be the head of a mysterious syndicate that collects blackmail on practically everyone in the world. I mean, it was okay. I was really bothered by the characterization of Lois. Not sure if that was Yang's idea or not, but it really rankled me when she
I could probably continue on with this, but I only foresee frustration in my future so I will stop while I'm ahead, despite how much it pains me that I will have unread Gene Luen Yang books in my future.
Also, I really wasn't a fan of the art.
May 27, 2016
A decent book, but for me, just not the sum of its parts.
You've got Gene Luen Yang, who is definitely a comics talent.
And you've got John Romita Jr., who is one of my all-time favorite artists.
So why only 3 stars?
Well, the story starts strong, but it left me a bit bored.
The things is, I don't really like Superman stories where the story is about a vaguely de-powered Superman. It feels a little pointless to me. It's like doing a story about Batman where all of a sudden he sucks at fighting. Or an Aquaman story where he can still swim, but he's not great at it. For some reason, de-powering superheroes isn't something I'm all that excited by.
I think there are some interesting roads to go, for example Superman experiencing a human hangover for the first time, but I can kinda watch anyone do that. Hell, I did that. Let me tell you, it was an experience for me and for my mom's kitchen sink, which I vomited in. Why do I need to watch Superman do it?
Let's be honest, a Superman with no powers, that's like a Star Wars movie with no lightsabers. A Scooby-Doo episode where the bad guy is a legitimate ghost as opposed to an old man who has incredible costuming skills and really should be working in film.
And when Superman doesn't have powers, he's just man. Regularman. Standardman. Normal-If-Still-Pretty-Ripped-Man.
And the thing is, in this story, he has SOME power, but not his normal power. It's hard to tell how much he has at any given time. The rule seems to be that he has however much power the narrative requires, but just barely that much.
JRJ's art is cool, as always, and I think Gene Yang's storytelling really shines early on when Superman is interacting with the Justice League. It's when we get a little further into a story that's complicated by the intersection of tech, identity reveal, and powers fading that it feels like the pages are running all over to keep up with themselves.
You've got Gene Luen Yang, who is definitely a comics talent.
And you've got John Romita Jr., who is one of my all-time favorite artists.
So why only 3 stars?
Well, the story starts strong, but it left me a bit bored.
The things is, I don't really like Superman stories where the story is about a vaguely de-powered Superman. It feels a little pointless to me. It's like doing a story about Batman where all of a sudden he sucks at fighting. Or an Aquaman story where he can still swim, but he's not great at it. For some reason, de-powering superheroes isn't something I'm all that excited by.
I think there are some interesting roads to go, for example Superman experiencing a human hangover for the first time, but I can kinda watch anyone do that. Hell, I did that. Let me tell you, it was an experience for me and for my mom's kitchen sink, which I vomited in. Why do I need to watch Superman do it?
Let's be honest, a Superman with no powers, that's like a Star Wars movie with no lightsabers. A Scooby-Doo episode where the bad guy is a legitimate ghost as opposed to an old man who has incredible costuming skills and really should be working in film.
And when Superman doesn't have powers, he's just man. Regularman. Standardman. Normal-If-Still-Pretty-Ripped-Man.
And the thing is, in this story, he has SOME power, but not his normal power. It's hard to tell how much he has at any given time. The rule seems to be that he has however much power the narrative requires, but just barely that much.
JRJ's art is cool, as always, and I think Gene Yang's storytelling really shines early on when Superman is interacting with the Justice League. It's when we get a little further into a story that's complicated by the intersection of tech, identity reveal, and powers fading that it feels like the pages are running all over to keep up with themselves.
May 16, 2016
So Superman has been .
What a confused, anticlimactic event this was.
The entire crux of this story should have been the impact of the big event, in terms of the personal and emotional ramifications, but instead it is quickly glossed over and we jump straight to the "everyone I love is in danger" part of the program, with said danger emanating from apparently the weakest and weirdest collection of villains the writer could think of. Killer Croc? Killer Frost? Some guy who used to work at the Daily Planet? Some random bulky Asian guy with glowing tats who goes down like a punk after one hit?
And don't get me started on the Hordr_Root baddie. Kinda weak, kinda soft, kinda went nowhere. The only cool part was the reveal of the sci-fi commune hidden from view ... a fun little piece of sci-fi design. But when the faceless robots got smashed I got plenty bored, plenty quick.
The real problem with this volume, however, is the Lois story-line. Lois's role here makes her into quite an unlikable character who forces herself in where she's not wanted or even really needed, she gets in Clark's face a lot, and . Geez Louise. What happened to the days where Lois was someone that Clark looked up to? Not because she was sweetness and light, but because she was moral, righteous, passionate, and brave? Now brashness passes as shorthand for passion, insults pass for righteousness, and being "battle-adjacent" is shorthand for bravery. Give me a break.
I also couldn't stand the fact that Batman is super jokey in this volume, and that Clark's go-to move is to rag on Jimmy, make fun of him, and generally think the worst of him.
Not a fan of the character work here at all--a poor start to this writer's ongoing run.
What a confused, anticlimactic event this was.
The entire crux of this story should have been the impact of the big event, in terms of the personal and emotional ramifications, but instead it is quickly glossed over and we jump straight to the "everyone I love is in danger" part of the program, with said danger emanating from apparently the weakest and weirdest collection of villains the writer could think of. Killer Croc? Killer Frost? Some guy who used to work at the Daily Planet? Some random bulky Asian guy with glowing tats who goes down like a punk after one hit?
And don't get me started on the Hordr_Root baddie. Kinda weak, kinda soft, kinda went nowhere. The only cool part was the reveal of the sci-fi commune hidden from view ... a fun little piece of sci-fi design. But when the faceless robots got smashed I got plenty bored, plenty quick.
The real problem with this volume, however, is the Lois story-line. Lois's role here makes her into quite an unlikable character who forces herself in where she's not wanted or even really needed, she gets in Clark's face a lot, and . Geez Louise. What happened to the days where Lois was someone that Clark looked up to? Not because she was sweetness and light, but because she was moral, righteous, passionate, and brave? Now brashness passes as shorthand for passion, insults pass for righteousness, and being "battle-adjacent" is shorthand for bravery. Give me a break.
I also couldn't stand the fact that Batman is super jokey in this volume, and that Clark's go-to move is to rag on Jimmy, make fun of him, and generally think the worst of him.
Not a fan of the character work here at all--a poor start to this writer's ongoing run.
April 3, 2016
Whereas stories that involve Superman's identity being revealed to the world have always been interesting, this one was not. The author caused characters to break character and behave in ways that they never would for the sake of dramatic effect. I am continually amazed at the continuing depths of bad story telling that Superman is subjected to, and therefore cannot even wonder why Batman is currently more popular.
January 17, 2017
Very original plotline. I will admit I was afraid this was going to be like the movie Superman II where he lost his powers and became human. Although this was an original story it just seemed unbelievable at times and out of character, as Superman wouldn't act like that. Don't get me wrong it's not bad but just not great.
May 30, 2016
I was really looking forward to seeing Gene Luen Yang's take on Superman, but man. This is like everything I hate about modern interpretations of the character in one volume. He's with Diana, not with Lois; he's in those stupid jeans (and the characters even take the time to make fun of the classic costume...sigh); Earth turns against him; everything is grim and super unpleasant. The volume even culminates with Clark getting a douchey haircut because I guess he's too angsty for the forehead curl now?
Also, not really a criticism, but the main villain in this is called Hordr. Since the lettering is in all caps, it reads as HORDR...and yup, my brain kept processing it as Hodor throughout. I think we can all agree: that would be a very different comic. I would prefer to have read that comic rather than this one.
Also, not really a criticism, but the main villain in this is called Hordr. Since the lettering is in all caps, it reads as HORDR...and yup, my brain kept processing it as Hodor throughout. I think we can all agree: that would be a very different comic. I would prefer to have read that comic rather than this one.
September 11, 2016
Ok, well this is a story about Superman fighting again an evil corporation who try to blackmail him to do wherever they want he does or his soooo secret id will be reveal...
Well....the first 4 issues were soooo boring to me, even when Superman have a new power, all the Justice League appears, Lois Lane discover that Clark Kent is Superman and the all the thing about the Corporation i had the feeling that the story just was rolling into the same things without advance...but the last two were really good, i enjoy that numbers, all the conflict created . By this point we can see how Superman looks a little more like a person so perturbed and angry, and less like the man who can fight whit everyone (new power incluided).
I honestly want to read the next volumen, especially because i know a minor spoiler about and that made more interesting that this one.
A digital copy of this book was provided by NetGalley
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I finally read this!! (Always hear that the 5 time is the good one) and close to the 60% start to be good. I will write another review but later, still don't know if i must put 2 or 3 stars
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I try to read this like 3 or 4 times in the las two (?) months but no, sorry it didn't catch me, even when havce something than should be really important but i don't care. Love the drawing, love that JLA appears but anything make me wish continue reading, there's a chance that next week i will try again but i'm not sure.
Well....the first 4 issues were soooo boring to me, even when Superman have a new power, all the Justice League appears, Lois Lane discover that Clark Kent is Superman and the all the thing about the Corporation i had the feeling that the story just was rolling into the same things without advance...but the last two were really good, i enjoy that numbers, all the conflict created . By this point we can see how Superman looks a little more like a person so perturbed and angry, and less like the man who can fight whit everyone (new power incluided).
I honestly want to read the next volumen, especially because i know a minor spoiler about and that made more interesting that this one.
A digital copy of this book was provided by NetGalley
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I finally read this!! (Always hear that the 5 time is the good one) and close to the 60% start to be good. I will write another review but later, still don't know if i must put 2 or 3 stars
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I try to read this like 3 or 4 times in the las two (?) months but no, sorry it didn't catch me, even when havce something than should be really important but i don't care. Love the drawing, love that JLA appears but anything make me wish continue reading, there's a chance that next week i will try again but i'm not sure.
April 18, 2016
So I received this book by mistake. I had won a Cyborg comic from DC via Goodreads' giveaways but they accidentally sent me this book. I was actually pretty happy getting this book because it's written by Gene Luen Yang, who is an Asian American. I love supporting my fellow Asians.
I didn't know what to expect from this. The only volume of comics I've read is Squirrel Girl, and needless to say her comics are in a league of her own. For some reason I was expecting this to be super serious like the DC movies are, but thank goodness this wasn't.
I really liked this. It was entertaining and kept me engaged throughout. It felt like I was watching a Superman movie. There was a ton of action and parts of it were funny (although not laugh out loud funny like Squirrel Girl). I also enjoyed seeing Batman and the rest of the Justice League in the first comic. Overall, a great comic collection.
I didn't know what to expect from this. The only volume of comics I've read is Squirrel Girl, and needless to say her comics are in a league of her own. For some reason I was expecting this to be super serious like the DC movies are, but thank goodness this wasn't.
I really liked this. It was entertaining and kept me engaged throughout. It felt like I was watching a Superman movie. There was a ton of action and parts of it were funny (although not laugh out loud funny like Squirrel Girl). I also enjoyed seeing Batman and the rest of the Justice League in the first comic. Overall, a great comic collection.
July 26, 2016
Hodor! Hodor! Hodor! Hodor! Hodor! Hodor!
Oh, wait...I think it's the wrong Hodor!
The beginning of this book is weird cause the League is all hanging around Superman cracking jokes and staring at his super pecker! Batman's a comedian of sorts and he's just all smiles and Mr. Jokes-a lot. Superman's going thru puberty I guess and so he's having solar flares and his powers are unreliable and changing. So the League decides to take Superman out and get him drunk! Wait, did I type that correctly? Superman is getting drunk? WTF is happening here? Worst part is that they draw him with that damn five o' clock shadow like the Emo-Hobo-Superman from the more recent movies!
Then the next day while he's hungover some dudes show up with some crazy weaponry and just start walking down the street blowing things up! Superman can't fly, so he has to jump all the way to them! *sigh.....yes, he jumps far now, sort of like the guy in Smallville. FML!
He can barely stop these guys cause he's hungover, his powers suck and he's not so super anymore!
Then, there's a random page of Superman in jeans and his super t-shirt sitting...nay...straddling a jumbo jet in midair! It makes no sense and has nothing to do with the story! What just happened? I think it was a dream?
Soon after he's back in his Super suit with armor on and fighting robots and other bad guys with Jimmy. Apparently Jimmy knows his secret identity....and that's about to become a real issue here soon. The evil corporation Hodor_Horde.net.com. turns out to be behind much of what's going on and even blackmailing Superman. At some point Lois actually gets a f**king clue and figures out Clark is Superman....but wait...we're not done yet...there's more. In order to save Clark from the evil Hodor Corporation from exposing him as Superman....guess what she does? *sigh* She exposes him to the world herself...thus freeing him! Oh....good Lord....WTF? WTF? What kind of sh*tshow writing is this? Other than him dying by Doomsday this has got to be the biggest story that's ever happened to Superman, yet it feels like crap! Are they trying to give Tony Stark a run for his money or something? So, naturally every where he goes bad guys hunt him down and people give him crap. He sees Lois again and tells her to f**k off, because honestly there's nothing else he should've done.
I kept waiting for the Spectre or Zatanna to show up and be like *Poof* "Nobody will remember that Clark Kent is Superman!" But no, it never happened! This is canon I guess!?
Oh, wait...I think it's the wrong Hodor!
The beginning of this book is weird cause the League is all hanging around Superman cracking jokes and staring at his super pecker! Batman's a comedian of sorts and he's just all smiles and Mr. Jokes-a lot. Superman's going thru puberty I guess and so he's having solar flares and his powers are unreliable and changing. So the League decides to take Superman out and get him drunk! Wait, did I type that correctly? Superman is getting drunk? WTF is happening here? Worst part is that they draw him with that damn five o' clock shadow like the Emo-Hobo-Superman from the more recent movies!
Then the next day while he's hungover some dudes show up with some crazy weaponry and just start walking down the street blowing things up! Superman can't fly, so he has to jump all the way to them! *sigh.....yes, he jumps far now, sort of like the guy in Smallville. FML!
He can barely stop these guys cause he's hungover, his powers suck and he's not so super anymore!
Then, there's a random page of Superman in jeans and his super t-shirt sitting...nay...straddling a jumbo jet in midair! It makes no sense and has nothing to do with the story! What just happened? I think it was a dream?
Soon after he's back in his Super suit with armor on and fighting robots and other bad guys with Jimmy. Apparently Jimmy knows his secret identity....and that's about to become a real issue here soon. The evil corporation Hodor_Horde.net.com. turns out to be behind much of what's going on and even blackmailing Superman. At some point Lois actually gets a f**king clue and figures out Clark is Superman....but wait...we're not done yet...there's more. In order to save Clark from the evil Hodor Corporation from exposing him as Superman....guess what she does? *sigh* She exposes him to the world herself...thus freeing him! Oh....good Lord....WTF? WTF? What kind of sh*tshow writing is this? Other than him dying by Doomsday this has got to be the biggest story that's ever happened to Superman, yet it feels like crap! Are they trying to give Tony Stark a run for his money or something? So, naturally every where he goes bad guys hunt him down and people give him crap. He sees Lois again and tells her to f**k off, because honestly there's nothing else he should've done.
I kept waiting for the Spectre or Zatanna to show up and be like *Poof* "Nobody will remember that Clark Kent is Superman!" But no, it never happened! This is canon I guess!?
March 22, 2016
I was so excited about this comic since I was approved to read it. I love love love Superman, he is my super hero #1, and this comic was so cool.
This plot was so good, even though I would like to know what happened before it began because Superman is losing control of his powers.
So in this comic there is a bad guy who is sending anonymous texts to Clark. At first they were like clues to cover news, but later they were threats about exposing his identity. Obviously all this is more dangerous than it looked at first and the plot got some very interesting twists.
The illustrations weren't of my liking all the time, but some were super awesome.
I can't wait to read the next volume of this comic.
PS: I love the funny illustrations they add in between the pages!!! hahahah
This plot was so good, even though I would like to know what happened before it began because Superman is losing control of his powers.
So in this comic there is a bad guy who is sending anonymous texts to Clark. At first they were like clues to cover news, but later they were threats about exposing his identity. Obviously all this is more dangerous than it looked at first and the plot got some very interesting twists.
The illustrations weren't of my liking all the time, but some were super awesome.
I can't wait to read the next volume of this comic.
PS: I love the funny illustrations they add in between the pages!!! hahahah
May 19, 2021
I'm not sure if I should have read this before Greg Pak's Action Comics Volume 8, but I kind of like the lopsided approach of reading the fallout and then going back to see how Superman got himself into that position in the first place.
Gene Luen Yang picks up from the end of Geoff Johns' run, as Superman experiments with his new solar flare power only to find himself not rebounding quite as fast as he'd hoped, and falling afoul of a doxxing company named Hordr.
The first issue of this volume is actually written by artist John Romita Jr.; it's fairly successful, although some of the dialogue needs a bit of work. Yang's four issues are much more solid, with the mystery of Hordr unfolding nicely and the ultimate reveal of Superman's secret identity coming from some unexpected places. It's not without fault - some of Superman's decisions near the end of the volume are a bit questionable, but given his situation, I'm willing to give him and Yang the benefit of the doubt.
Romita Jr. also manages the art for all five issues, and the Divergence Free Comic Book Day Special story tucked in the back of the volume. His DC work is hit and miss, but this volume falls closer to the hit pile than the miss - I really like his close-up panels, and his day-to-day mundane stuff is great. It's when the superheroics kick into gear that things start to fall apart, because JRJr sacrifices clarity in an effort to appear more kinetic.
Before Truth's a funny little Superman story, especially reading it now in the wake of Bendis' identity reveal in his run only a few years later. The contrast is interesting to say the least, and I'm curious to see where the fallout of this goes as well - I just hope that either Romita Jr. can pull it together.
Gene Luen Yang picks up from the end of Geoff Johns' run, as Superman experiments with his new solar flare power only to find himself not rebounding quite as fast as he'd hoped, and falling afoul of a doxxing company named Hordr.
The first issue of this volume is actually written by artist John Romita Jr.; it's fairly successful, although some of the dialogue needs a bit of work. Yang's four issues are much more solid, with the mystery of Hordr unfolding nicely and the ultimate reveal of Superman's secret identity coming from some unexpected places. It's not without fault - some of Superman's decisions near the end of the volume are a bit questionable, but given his situation, I'm willing to give him and Yang the benefit of the doubt.
Romita Jr. also manages the art for all five issues, and the Divergence Free Comic Book Day Special story tucked in the back of the volume. His DC work is hit and miss, but this volume falls closer to the hit pile than the miss - I really like his close-up panels, and his day-to-day mundane stuff is great. It's when the superheroics kick into gear that things start to fall apart, because JRJr sacrifices clarity in an effort to appear more kinetic.
Before Truth's a funny little Superman story, especially reading it now in the wake of Bendis' identity reveal in his run only a few years later. The contrast is interesting to say the least, and I'm curious to see where the fallout of this goes as well - I just hope that either Romita Jr. can pull it together.
April 14, 2016
*2 and a half stars *
I did think the idea of Supes losing his powers would be a cool story arc, but this wasn't. I just couldn't get into it really. How he lost he powers was kind of dumb.. But that's just my opinion. I didn't like this, but it's not the worst thing I've read before. So take that for what it's worth.
I received an advanced copy of this from NetGalley.com and the publisher
I did think the idea of Supes losing his powers would be a cool story arc, but this wasn't. I just couldn't get into it really. How he lost he powers was kind of dumb.. But that's just my opinion. I didn't like this, but it's not the worst thing I've read before. So take that for what it's worth.
I received an advanced copy of this from NetGalley.com and the publisher
September 1, 2016
This is fun! Changing up the boring invincibility of Superman, is the right move to make this interesting,
and they thus delivered an enjoyable story carried on the shoulders of Romita Jr.'s superb art.
And I stand by my inappropriate comment about Lois Lane. I never could stand that woman!
and they thus delivered an enjoyable story carried on the shoulders of Romita Jr.'s superb art.
And I stand by my inappropriate comment about Lois Lane. I never could stand that woman!
May 20, 2016
stylistic, but empty.
August 11, 2016
Superman fights his greatest foe ever.... An evil 3-D printer. One million stars!!!!!
December 30, 2019
I don't give 5 stars to graphic novels/collections very often but this one I really enjoyed. I feel like Superman comics in general very rarely have epic storylines that impact the character. The only one that really stands out to me was the Doomsday story from back in the day. I'll never forget rushing to the comic store as a kid to get the comic where Superman dies.
Anyways, this book isn't quite on that level maybe but having Superman's identity exposed to the world is kind of a big deal. I loved the story, the villain, and the artwork by one of the greatest. Only disappointment with this collection is that it doesn't get wrapped up in the end. You wanna have the next volume ready to go if you're going to read this.
5 stars for me from someone who's not a hardcore Superman fan but interested enough to read the comics every now and then.
Anyways, this book isn't quite on that level maybe but having Superman's identity exposed to the world is kind of a big deal. I loved the story, the villain, and the artwork by one of the greatest. Only disappointment with this collection is that it doesn't get wrapped up in the end. You wanna have the next volume ready to go if you're going to read this.
5 stars for me from someone who's not a hardcore Superman fan but interested enough to read the comics every now and then.
February 20, 2020
...No i sprawa się rypła. Cała opowieść o tym jak opinia publiczna dowiedziała się o tożsamości Supermana jest pełna fajnych momentów i dobrze prowadzona. W tym tomie na pierwszy plan wysuwają się relacje Clarka i Lois, a internetowy antagonista czeka sobie w tle.
June 16, 2022
The tone felt like it kept switching between juvenile and too adult - it was hard to take seriously, but then there would be some Mature content thrown in to remind you that they're adults. I like Yang but this was not working for me.
February 23, 2021
5 🌟
Clark has been slowly loses his powers and fights Hordr.
Clark has been slowly loses his powers and fights Hordr.
January 12, 2017
This volume starts off with a surprisingly dull process story (#40) of Superman testing out his new super-burst superpowers. It's a real yawn.
The heart of the volume is "Before Truth" (#41-44), which is the story of how and why Superman's secret identity was revealed, an event already depicted in Superman: Action Comics, Volume 8: Truth, which was being released simultaneously. The answer is ... surprisingly mediocre.
Oh, there's a nice build-up of events that believably crash down into Superman's identity becoming visible. But the main plot, of some cybertech entity called HODOR, is neither interesting nor fulfilling because of the lack of closure. And it's not that exciting having this big reveal come due to some no-name villain. And the actual reason that Lois that reveals Superman's identity seems kind of ... stupid.
Two things I liked in this volume: The JRjr art (but not his writing) and the strong use of Superman's supporting cast, something that was badly missing from the early years of the nu52 line. But it wasn't enough to make this game-changing reveal more than mediocre.
The heart of the volume is "Before Truth" (#41-44), which is the story of how and why Superman's secret identity was revealed, an event already depicted in Superman: Action Comics, Volume 8: Truth, which was being released simultaneously. The answer is ... surprisingly mediocre.
Oh, there's a nice build-up of events that believably crash down into Superman's identity becoming visible. But the main plot, of some cybertech entity called HODOR, is neither interesting nor fulfilling because of the lack of closure. And it's not that exciting having this big reveal come due to some no-name villain. And the actual reason that Lois that reveals Superman's identity seems kind of ... stupid.
Two things I liked in this volume: The JRjr art (but not his writing) and the strong use of Superman's supporting cast, something that was badly missing from the early years of the nu52 line. But it wasn't enough to make this game-changing reveal more than mediocre.
October 8, 2017
I like Gene Luen Yang. But I picked this up because I thought it was the first part of a story - not the middle of the story I wasn’t aware of.
I’m confused. If this collects Superman #40-44, why is it called volume 1?
I thought it was a prequel to Superman: Truth. Maybe it is. But is it part of the continuing story?? I'm so confused!
It doesn't help that everyone is acting all weird like they don't really know each other. Is this still part of the New 52 reboot? I'm so confused!
But getting past all that, the story was interesting. The writing was good. Superman dealing with losing powers and with new powers. A new digital supervillain. Some good old villains. Lois spilling secrets. I'll probably keep reading. But I'm going to have to get the story straight.
I think that it would have really helped if there was a paragraph of “Previously in Superman…” I think I would have been able to follow the story a lot better.
Thanks to NetGalley and DC Comics for a copy in return for an honest review.
I’m confused. If this collects Superman #40-44, why is it called volume 1?
I thought it was a prequel to Superman: Truth. Maybe it is. But is it part of the continuing story?? I'm so confused!
It doesn't help that everyone is acting all weird like they don't really know each other. Is this still part of the New 52 reboot? I'm so confused!
But getting past all that, the story was interesting. The writing was good. Superman dealing with losing powers and with new powers. A new digital supervillain. Some good old villains. Lois spilling secrets. I'll probably keep reading. But I'm going to have to get the story straight.
I think that it would have really helped if there was a paragraph of “Previously in Superman…” I think I would have been able to follow the story a lot better.
Thanks to NetGalley and DC Comics for a copy in return for an honest review.
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