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Superman (2016)
Superman, Vol. 1: Son of Superman
After the stunning events of DC Universe: Rebirth, the world is left without Superman! Luckily, there is another Man of Steel to fill his shoes: the pre-Flashpoint Kal-El! However, can this new Superman protect the world while raising a super-son with his wife, Lois Lane? And should they help their boy use his new and rapidly increasing abilities, or hide them from the world?
Along with all-star illustrators Doug Mahnke (Final Crisis) and Patrick Gleason (Robin: Son of Batman), best-selling author Peter J. Tomasi brings you Superman, Volume 1: Son of Superman!
Collecting: Superman 1-6, Rebirth
Along with all-star illustrators Doug Mahnke (Final Crisis) and Patrick Gleason (Robin: Son of Batman), best-selling author Peter J. Tomasi brings you Superman, Volume 1: Son of Superman!
Collecting: Superman 1-6, Rebirth
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 4, 2017
337 people are currently reading
1498 people want to read
About the author
Peter J. Tomasi
1,387 books467 followersPeter J. Tomasi is an American comic book writer, best known for his work for DC Comics, such as Batman And Robin; Superman; Super Sons; Batman: Detective Comics; Green Lantern Corps; and Superman/Wonder Woman; as well as Batman: Arkham Knight; Brightest Day; Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors; Nightwing; Black Adam, and many more.
In the course of his staff career at DC Comics, Tomasi served as a group editor and ushered in new eras for Batman, Green Lantern, and the JSA, along with a host of special projects like Kingdom Come.
He is also the author of the creator-owned titles House Of Penance with artist Ian Bertram; Light Brigade with artist Peter Snejbjerg; The Mighty with Keith Champagne and Chris Samnee; and the critically acclaimed epic graphic novel The Bridge: How The Roeblings Connected Brooklyn To New York, illustrated by Sara DuVall and published by Abrams ComicArts.
In 2018 New York Times best-selling author Tomasi received the Inkpot Award for achievement in comics.
In the course of his staff career at DC Comics, Tomasi served as a group editor and ushered in new eras for Batman, Green Lantern, and the JSA, along with a host of special projects like Kingdom Come.
He is also the author of the creator-owned titles House Of Penance with artist Ian Bertram; Light Brigade with artist Peter Snejbjerg; The Mighty with Keith Champagne and Chris Samnee; and the critically acclaimed epic graphic novel The Bridge: How The Roeblings Connected Brooklyn To New York, illustrated by Sara DuVall and published by Abrams ComicArts.
In 2018 New York Times best-selling author Tomasi received the Inkpot Award for achievement in comics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 432 reviews
February 24, 2017
4.5 stars
Oh my god, they finally got Lois Lane right!
Yes! I love this version of her. She's not an angsty whiner who's constant spilling secrets or idiotically trying to get the story at all costs - she's smart, kind, tough, & funny.
And if you come after her kid, she's gonna fly to the moon, put on a Bat-bot costume, and kick your ass!
You'll probably have to read this for that to make sense...
So, yes, I'm 100% digging this Superdad thing!
For a long time now, Superman has been missing that human side that makes him relatable, and part of that was his flirty sparring with Lois. With some characters it doesn't matter who they're dating or even whether they're dating at all. Take Tony Stark, for example. It doesn't matter who you pair him with, he's still Iron Man. His love life doesn't affect much, story wise.
But Clark? He needs Lois for his stories to work. And as much as I loved the Power Couple, I think that's one of the things that went wrong with the New 52's Superman.
So this time around we're getting not only a comfortable, rock solid relationship between those two, but they have a kid to boot<--SUPERBOY!
This volume did a great job with what I hope will be the first of many stories about this family. Now, maybe not everyone will like the tone, or the fact that Superman isn't a young guy anymore, but for readers like me, it will be a winner.
Instead of Superman finding himself, he's moved past that and into a different phase of his life. I like that you see his badass side when he's fighting to keep his family safe, and I love that he trusts Lois to save herself every now and then. His parenting style seems to be a lot like his father's, and it's sweet to see those touching moments between Clark and Jon, as he's trying to help his son deal with being different.
Jon's not some perfect child, he's a kid...and he acts like one. But he's got a good heart, and he wants to do the right thing, even if he doesn't always do it the way he should the first time around.
I mean, most boys have a difficult time separating themselves from the shadow of their fathers, but it would be incredibly hard to live up to your expectations if your father was actually Superman.
However, he's already a lot like his dad.
He tends to get a little angry when you threaten his mom and try to eat his dog...
Again, this won't be for everyone, but I am personally LOVING this Rebirth title!
Oh my god, they finally got Lois Lane right!
Yes! I love this version of her. She's not an angsty whiner who's constant spilling secrets or idiotically trying to get the story at all costs - she's smart, kind, tough, & funny.
And if you come after her kid, she's gonna fly to the moon, put on a Bat-bot costume, and kick your ass!
You'll probably have to read this for that to make sense...
So, yes, I'm 100% digging this Superdad thing!
For a long time now, Superman has been missing that human side that makes him relatable, and part of that was his flirty sparring with Lois. With some characters it doesn't matter who they're dating or even whether they're dating at all. Take Tony Stark, for example. It doesn't matter who you pair him with, he's still Iron Man. His love life doesn't affect much, story wise.
But Clark? He needs Lois for his stories to work. And as much as I loved the Power Couple, I think that's one of the things that went wrong with the New 52's Superman.
So this time around we're getting not only a comfortable, rock solid relationship between those two, but they have a kid to boot<--SUPERBOY!
This volume did a great job with what I hope will be the first of many stories about this family. Now, maybe not everyone will like the tone, or the fact that Superman isn't a young guy anymore, but for readers like me, it will be a winner.
Instead of Superman finding himself, he's moved past that and into a different phase of his life. I like that you see his badass side when he's fighting to keep his family safe, and I love that he trusts Lois to save herself every now and then. His parenting style seems to be a lot like his father's, and it's sweet to see those touching moments between Clark and Jon, as he's trying to help his son deal with being different.
Jon's not some perfect child, he's a kid...and he acts like one. But he's got a good heart, and he wants to do the right thing, even if he doesn't always do it the way he should the first time around.
I mean, most boys have a difficult time separating themselves from the shadow of their fathers, but it would be incredibly hard to live up to your expectations if your father was actually Superman.
However, he's already a lot like his dad.
He tends to get a little angry when you threaten his mom and try to eat his dog...
Again, this won't be for everyone, but I am personally LOVING this Rebirth title!
February 6, 2017
Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason, the creative team best known for their New 52 Batman and Robin run, try and recapture that title’s magic by applying a similar formula to Superman Rebirth, giving Superman a young son sidekick - and unfortunately the result is not nearly as good.
Superman has a son now? you might ask, and, yeah, apparently he does! The New 52 Superman is dead and a flashback to the famous Death of Superman storyline where Superman fought Doomsday establishes that this is a pre-New 52 Superman (minus the red pants); except that dude wasn’t married to Lois and had a kid called Jon, so I don’t know which Superman this is! Did DC need to make this that complicated? Nope, especially as this is intended to be a jumping-on point for new readers (goddammit, they didn’t learn from their mistakes with the New 52!). I have no idea what plans they have for the character but I hope it’ll make sense in the end.
Damian Wayne may have been a little shit but he was at least interesting - Jon isn’t. Aside from the occasional moment where he’s wigging out over his developing powers, he’s a bland kid character without much personality.
The story of this first book is a shameless rip-off of Terminator. Really? Really. The Terminator-esque Eradicator wants to kill off the half of Jon that’s human and preserve the Kryptonian half, which makes no sense - how the hell do you do that without killing him?! Utterly ridiculous. Anyways, Superman and Jon fight Eradicator and you can imagine how it plays out – that’s the whole first volume.
It’s underwhelming, unimaginative stuff per Tomasi’s other Superman books. Gleason’s art is strong and striking at times, there’s a handful of sweet family moments, and it’s readable enough, but not a lot of the first Superman Rebirth book did much for me. For the most part it was disappointing, derivative tedium - a weak start to this Superman run.
Superman has a son now? you might ask, and, yeah, apparently he does! The New 52 Superman is dead and a flashback to the famous Death of Superman storyline where Superman fought Doomsday establishes that this is a pre-New 52 Superman (minus the red pants); except that dude wasn’t married to Lois and had a kid called Jon, so I don’t know which Superman this is! Did DC need to make this that complicated? Nope, especially as this is intended to be a jumping-on point for new readers (goddammit, they didn’t learn from their mistakes with the New 52!). I have no idea what plans they have for the character but I hope it’ll make sense in the end.
Damian Wayne may have been a little shit but he was at least interesting - Jon isn’t. Aside from the occasional moment where he’s wigging out over his developing powers, he’s a bland kid character without much personality.
The story of this first book is a shameless rip-off of Terminator. Really? Really. The Terminator-esque Eradicator wants to kill off the half of Jon that’s human and preserve the Kryptonian half, which makes no sense - how the hell do you do that without killing him?! Utterly ridiculous. Anyways, Superman and Jon fight Eradicator and you can imagine how it plays out – that’s the whole first volume.
It’s underwhelming, unimaginative stuff per Tomasi’s other Superman books. Gleason’s art is strong and striking at times, there’s a handful of sweet family moments, and it’s readable enough, but not a lot of the first Superman Rebirth book did much for me. For the most part it was disappointing, derivative tedium - a weak start to this Superman run.
October 16, 2017
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths.
Since I pretty much hated the New 52 Lois and Clark, it didn’t take much to improve things in my eyes, but I have to say WOW! I really loved this book. The art was great. The story was fast-paced, exciting, and explosive. But, mainly, I loved it because of the characters: Lois, Clark, and their son Jon.
The core theme of Son of Superman is family. This pre-Flashpoint Clark Kent dealing with guilt and worry over danger to his family, as he comes out as the new Superman. Lois is right there beside Clark, doing what she always does be smart, tough, and kind in equal measure, fighting to keep her husband and her son safe and headed in the right direction. And son Jon is struggling to learn his new role in the family as he grows into powers he is having a hard time dealing with.
I won’t go into the specifics of the actual plot other than say it involves the Eradicator, who takes a special interest in Jonathan Kent. There are some damn fine fight scenes with Superman. There are even a few with Lois. (If you’ve heard the old adage about not messing with a momma bear’s cubs, then you will understand what sparks Lois’ wrath.) And, yes, even young Jon gets into the mix, showing the Eradicator he did inherited both his father’s badassery and his mother’s tenaciousness.
Like I said earlier, this is a damn good book. Part of that is the art and the fights, but the real key to the fun is the family element: Clark and Lois just better together. To quote a sappy 90s romcom, Lois “completes” Clark and he returns the favor. And now the real power couple is not only back together and married but raising a son who is trying to come to grip with growing powers. This allows lots of family scenes, family dynamics, where Lois and Clark are deciding what to do, how to protect their son yet help him mature into a man. These pages of non-superhero action very touching and quite memorable. This the Superman Family I’ve always wanted to read about.
As for the new Superboy himself, Jon is a great character: a young man who has great powers and big expectations. I mean, who would want to try living up to your dad Superman’s legacy? So, Jon has his issues and his moments. He can be a naive, sweet kid one second then a whiny, petulant youth the next. He has super powers to rival most heroes, but he is still just a child whom his father wants to both shield and protect yet teach how to become a good man and a great Superboy. Jon’s struggles so realistic and touching that they are the foundations of this story, even as the title to the book proclaims.
Yeah, I know some readers might not like an older, mature Superman, preferring the more youthful, New 52 version. As for me, I’m really liking this more family centered Man of Steel and definitely recommend it to other Superman fans. At least, give it a try guys. You might be like me and find yourself loving it.
Since I pretty much hated the New 52 Lois and Clark, it didn’t take much to improve things in my eyes, but I have to say WOW! I really loved this book. The art was great. The story was fast-paced, exciting, and explosive. But, mainly, I loved it because of the characters: Lois, Clark, and their son Jon.
The core theme of Son of Superman is family. This pre-Flashpoint Clark Kent dealing with guilt and worry over danger to his family, as he comes out as the new Superman. Lois is right there beside Clark, doing what she always does be smart, tough, and kind in equal measure, fighting to keep her husband and her son safe and headed in the right direction. And son Jon is struggling to learn his new role in the family as he grows into powers he is having a hard time dealing with.
I won’t go into the specifics of the actual plot other than say it involves the Eradicator, who takes a special interest in Jonathan Kent. There are some damn fine fight scenes with Superman. There are even a few with Lois. (If you’ve heard the old adage about not messing with a momma bear’s cubs, then you will understand what sparks Lois’ wrath.) And, yes, even young Jon gets into the mix, showing the Eradicator he did inherited both his father’s badassery and his mother’s tenaciousness.
Like I said earlier, this is a damn good book. Part of that is the art and the fights, but the real key to the fun is the family element: Clark and Lois just better together. To quote a sappy 90s romcom, Lois “completes” Clark and he returns the favor. And now the real power couple is not only back together and married but raising a son who is trying to come to grip with growing powers. This allows lots of family scenes, family dynamics, where Lois and Clark are deciding what to do, how to protect their son yet help him mature into a man. These pages of non-superhero action very touching and quite memorable. This the Superman Family I’ve always wanted to read about.
As for the new Superboy himself, Jon is a great character: a young man who has great powers and big expectations. I mean, who would want to try living up to your dad Superman’s legacy? So, Jon has his issues and his moments. He can be a naive, sweet kid one second then a whiny, petulant youth the next. He has super powers to rival most heroes, but he is still just a child whom his father wants to both shield and protect yet teach how to become a good man and a great Superboy. Jon’s struggles so realistic and touching that they are the foundations of this story, even as the title to the book proclaims.
Yeah, I know some readers might not like an older, mature Superman, preferring the more youthful, New 52 version. As for me, I’m really liking this more family centered Man of Steel and definitely recommend it to other Superman fans. At least, give it a try guys. You might be like me and find yourself loving it.
March 29, 2017
"It's not about our powers, or strength, or heat vision. It's about character." This is why I read Superman.
Tomasi and Gleason are at it again, writing a compelling story with mind blowing illustrations. Only complaint I have is I don't exactly know why we're here, who the Whites are, or why there are two Superman. That's my fault for having not kept up on DC's "easy to follow" continuity in Rebirth.
Following the awkward mashup of Final Days of Superman, the main story follows Clark, Lois and Jon Smith hiding out in Hamilton County. It's Superboy's coming of age and it's great. The other part of the story follows the Eradicator, who looks like the character from the 90s Return of Superman, but whose origin sounds totally different. But a badass villain nonetheless. Overall, there's heart, action, and intrigue.
The artwork is simply beautiful, just like in Batman and Robin. Gleason's pencils, Mick Gray's inks, and John Kalisz's colors are incredible, especially on the covers and splash pages. There are two issues done by variant artists, Jorge Jimenez and Doug Mahnke, and they both manage to keep up with Gleason and team.
So a great beginning for this story, although it does suffer from some Rebirth continuity confusion, and it's fantastically illustrated as usual. The only Rebirth title I've really enjoyed so far.
February 5, 2017
This is by far my favorite Rebirth title.
Peter J. Tomasi knows how to write family dynamic. If you have a family, this book hits even better. If not, well it's still really well written.
Superman is trying to find his place. Trying to be the replacement the world needs now that their Superman has passed away. The single shot issue helps establish a conflicted Clark but once the main story hits, when you see the reason he's worried, is because of Jon (his son) it all comes together. Clark decides it's time to bring Jon out, and let him be who he's destined to be! Superboy!
There's so many amazing moments in this. From the Justice League appearance that scares Jon, to Jon fighting in Space, to Jon joining his dad in battle against the eradicator. It's so many "oh shit is about to go down" moments.
On top of that Clark and Lois are amazing together and talk like REAL parents. I freaking loved them talking in the bedroom, but even more so loved when the whole family is together. Oh did I mention Lois kicks some serious butt too? Cause she does, and it's amazing.
This whole story is very much worth the praise for the great dialog, VERY strong art, and well done storyline. I can't freaking wait for volume 2. Peter J. Tomasi has one of the best ongoing series atm in all of comics IMO.
Peter J. Tomasi knows how to write family dynamic. If you have a family, this book hits even better. If not, well it's still really well written.
Superman is trying to find his place. Trying to be the replacement the world needs now that their Superman has passed away. The single shot issue helps establish a conflicted Clark but once the main story hits, when you see the reason he's worried, is because of Jon (his son) it all comes together. Clark decides it's time to bring Jon out, and let him be who he's destined to be! Superboy!
There's so many amazing moments in this. From the Justice League appearance that scares Jon, to Jon fighting in Space, to Jon joining his dad in battle against the eradicator. It's so many "oh shit is about to go down" moments.
On top of that Clark and Lois are amazing together and talk like REAL parents. I freaking loved them talking in the bedroom, but even more so loved when the whole family is together. Oh did I mention Lois kicks some serious butt too? Cause she does, and it's amazing.
This whole story is very much worth the praise for the great dialog, VERY strong art, and well done storyline. I can't freaking wait for volume 2. Peter J. Tomasi has one of the best ongoing series atm in all of comics IMO.
June 30, 2019
The best rebirth story I've read yet. They've fixed everything they screwed up with the new 52 Superman and the whole depowered, wrestling Superman nonsense. Tomasi and Gleason are one of the best creative teams working at DC and it shows. I love the interactions between Clark, Lois, and their son Jon. My favorite parts are Clark showing Jon the ropes of what it means to be Superman. I hope they continue to focus on the family dynamic in this book. It's a great way of making it stand out from all the other Superman books.
Received an advance copy from DC and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Received an advance copy from DC and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2017
I hated everything about this comic. From the fact that it was supposed to be a fresh start for new readers but was ultimately a continuation of some previous story arc, to its dumb and nonsensical Terminator rip-off plot, to complete lack of subtlety in storytelling and character development, to the ugly-ass artwork. But there is one particular aspect of this book that absolutely drove me mad.
So Supes has a son called Superkid, or something. He's still young and doesn't know how to control his powers yet. At one point, a huge bird snatches the Supes' family cat, and as this little shit tries to save the poor animal, he accidentally laser-eye fries both the cat and the bird. Sure, shit like that could happen, although I am always opposed to such kind of animal exploitation in any kinds of stories — it's just a cheap and manipulative way to squeeze emotion out of the audience, and I usually can't stand it in my media. However, this is not my main problem with this scene. It's what comes next that makes me so angry.
"Sure, kid, your mother will be very proud that you accidentally killed a member of our family". I thought this response was ridiculous, but then...
Well, motherfuck me, that family just buried their cat and they couldn't look more happy about it. This is how Peter Tomasi thinks actual people behave. Too bad he apparently never met any to find out for sure. Fuck you, sir. Fuck you.
As a side note: why the fuck is Eddie Berganza still employed by DC Comics? It's 2017, we've successfully got rid of Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey and Louis CK, and yet this disgusting fuck still gets my money whenever I buy a Superman comic. Oh well, I guess I'm back to ignoring all Supes comics. I'm not missing out on anything, anyway.
So Supes has a son called Superkid, or something. He's still young and doesn't know how to control his powers yet. At one point, a huge bird snatches the Supes' family cat, and as this little shit tries to save the poor animal, he accidentally laser-eye fries both the cat and the bird. Sure, shit like that could happen, although I am always opposed to such kind of animal exploitation in any kinds of stories — it's just a cheap and manipulative way to squeeze emotion out of the audience, and I usually can't stand it in my media. However, this is not my main problem with this scene. It's what comes next that makes me so angry.
"Sure, kid, your mother will be very proud that you accidentally killed a member of our family". I thought this response was ridiculous, but then...
Well, motherfuck me, that family just buried their cat and they couldn't look more happy about it. This is how Peter Tomasi thinks actual people behave. Too bad he apparently never met any to find out for sure. Fuck you, sir. Fuck you.
As a side note: why the fuck is Eddie Berganza still employed by DC Comics? It's 2017, we've successfully got rid of Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey and Louis CK, and yet this disgusting fuck still gets my money whenever I buy a Superman comic. Oh well, I guess I'm back to ignoring all Supes comics. I'm not missing out on anything, anyway.
March 13, 2020
Score: 3.63 out of 5
Grade: 73% (B) | Good
A new take on Superman puts him up against his most difficult challenge yet….being a father. Here is my review of Superman Volume 1: Son of Superman:
The Good:
I loved seeing Superman as this larger-than-life father figure. There’s plenty of father and son bonding, if you call fighting a giant squid bonding. But it’s funny seeing Supes as this over-protective dad. Even though he’s one of the most OP heroes in comics, it’s nice to see him struggle with a very human problem of trying to be a good parent. I also LOVED the moment where Clark gives Jon his very own “secret identity hiding glasses” – like father, like son.
This book is all over the place in terms of consistent art. It starts off as juvenile, goes down the shitter about halfway through and then turns on the jets and knocks it out of the f***ing park towards the end. There are some fantastic one-pagers that I caught myself mesmerized by. I’m also a fan of how the Justice League were integrated in the story, especially how it takes the perspective from Jon’s view.
This book almost belongs in the Fast and Furious franchise because “it’s all about family”. (You better have read that in Vin Diesel’s voice.) There are some awesome family moments like Lois going all mama bear on the Eradicator. Even the young love between Jon and Kathy was cute and charming, just don’t get Kathy to touch Jon’s hand again. Poor kid nearly died…
The Bad:
Early on, Lois was just your typical boring mom. But she did have one badass moment, which almost makes up for it. I just wish we had that badass Lois from the beginning. And although I loved seeing Krypto (because dogs are the best), I wasn’t a fan of how he was used here. Krypto makes the ultimate sacrifice, which was unexpected and kind of sad, only to come back and completely negate that earlier sacrifice. It also doesn’t really make sense how he came back, but whatever, he’s a good boy and deserves ALL the treats!
There is ONE particular issue in this book that is complete sh** and just doesn’t hold up. The previous issue sets up a pissed off Jon to seek revenge from Krypto’s sacrifice … only for it to go absolutely nowhere. It also spends a fair bit of time on these two random guys in a bar … I don’t care, get back to Superman. And even when it does go back to Superman, his fight with the Eradicator is an incoherent mess. They leave the bar, fly around, and fight each other, but mere panels later, it shows the two of them still in front of the bar … did they just fly in circles or …?
Conclusion:
Thank goodness for the strong finish, otherwise this would have been an underwhelming read. The last two issues saved this book and ended on a high note. I still had fun with it and think there are some stellar moments to be experienced. It’s just that middle section that lacked any substance and was an incoherent mess.
Recommended for: Anyone looking for a fresh take on Superman, or just fans of the Fast and Furious franchise because family
Thanks for reading! :)
Grade: 73% (B) | Good
A new take on Superman puts him up against his most difficult challenge yet….being a father. Here is my review of Superman Volume 1: Son of Superman:
The Good:
I loved seeing Superman as this larger-than-life father figure. There’s plenty of father and son bonding, if you call fighting a giant squid bonding. But it’s funny seeing Supes as this over-protective dad. Even though he’s one of the most OP heroes in comics, it’s nice to see him struggle with a very human problem of trying to be a good parent. I also LOVED the moment where Clark gives Jon his very own “secret identity hiding glasses” – like father, like son.
This book is all over the place in terms of consistent art. It starts off as juvenile, goes down the shitter about halfway through and then turns on the jets and knocks it out of the f***ing park towards the end. There are some fantastic one-pagers that I caught myself mesmerized by. I’m also a fan of how the Justice League were integrated in the story, especially how it takes the perspective from Jon’s view.
This book almost belongs in the Fast and Furious franchise because “it’s all about family”. (You better have read that in Vin Diesel’s voice.) There are some awesome family moments like Lois going all mama bear on the Eradicator. Even the young love between Jon and Kathy was cute and charming, just don’t get Kathy to touch Jon’s hand again. Poor kid nearly died…
The Bad:
Early on, Lois was just your typical boring mom. But she did have one badass moment, which almost makes up for it. I just wish we had that badass Lois from the beginning. And although I loved seeing Krypto (because dogs are the best), I wasn’t a fan of how he was used here. Krypto makes the ultimate sacrifice, which was unexpected and kind of sad, only to come back and completely negate that earlier sacrifice. It also doesn’t really make sense how he came back, but whatever, he’s a good boy and deserves ALL the treats!
There is ONE particular issue in this book that is complete sh** and just doesn’t hold up. The previous issue sets up a pissed off Jon to seek revenge from Krypto’s sacrifice … only for it to go absolutely nowhere. It also spends a fair bit of time on these two random guys in a bar … I don’t care, get back to Superman. And even when it does go back to Superman, his fight with the Eradicator is an incoherent mess. They leave the bar, fly around, and fight each other, but mere panels later, it shows the two of them still in front of the bar … did they just fly in circles or …?
Conclusion:
Thank goodness for the strong finish, otherwise this would have been an underwhelming read. The last two issues saved this book and ended on a high note. I still had fun with it and think there are some stellar moments to be experienced. It’s just that middle section that lacked any substance and was an incoherent mess.
Recommended for: Anyone looking for a fresh take on Superman, or just fans of the Fast and Furious franchise because family
Thanks for reading! :)
August 26, 2024
An interesting take on one of DC's best-known superheroes. I'm curious to see where the story goes from here.
March 19, 2022
A surprisingly great entry into the Superman mythos. The theme of family is incredibly strong here and it's presented well through the Clark / Lois / Jon dynamic and The Eradicator. Most of the characterisations are good, esepcially this iteration of Superman who feels both unique and familiar at the same time. My biggest problem is the art in the middle. Even if it is a stylistic choice, much of the blue and red line work makes every panel look like it's trying, and failing, to be 3D, creating an extremely blurry experience that isn't pleasant for the eyes. A series that oozes potential, it's a Superman book that's worth reading.
April 5, 2017
I wanted to like this better than I did. Although the art is outstanding and the story is good, too, I'm having trouble feeling the love for Clark Smith. My heart still yearns for Clark Kent.
August 22, 2017
Having read a couple of DC’s Rebirth titles, it did seem like a light was shining on the publisher following The New 52, which, for many readers thought was considered a disappointment. As for Superman who really is DC’s shining example of what a superhero should be, we are always wishing the best for him even if he has featured in many bad comics, as well as having witnessed a poor cinematic portrayal nearly a year ago with Batman v Superman (yes, it still stings). Even with its front cover of a menacing Superman flying in with his eyes glowing red, I was hoping this first volume of Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason’s Superman run has something more under its surface than a man of action. Sadly, there isn’t.
Following their run on The New 52’s Batman and Robin, Tomasi and Gleason shifts the father-son dynamic towards Clark Kent and his son Jonathan. Living the simple farmer’s life with his wife, Lois Lane and his son, Clark steps out of the shadows, ready to assume the mantle of Superman, following the death of his New 52 counterpart. However, when the Eradicator tries to continue Krypton’s legacy by targeting Jonathan, both father and son must stand together against this mechanical threat.
For newcomers who wish to make a start at reading Superman comics, this is not a great place to start. Beginning with the Superman: Rebirth one-shot, you are introduced to the pre-Flashpoint Clark, who is acknowledging his life to Lana Lang whilst honouring the death of his counterpart. Right from the start, this issue is throwing too much information at the reader in terms of how one Superman is telling his “Death and Return” (with pages recreating his infamous battle with Doomsday) as well as telling another’s death. It suffers from exactly a recurring problem that many writers have with Superman, it is over-explaining the character whose simplicity as a do-gooder from Kansas is what defines him, and none of this overly convoluted sci-fi nonsense.
When we get to the first arc which initially sets up this interesting family dynamic, especially with how Jonathan is coming in terms of his powers, once the main villain is revealed, it pretty much goes downhill. Given his Terminator-like appearance, the Eradicator’s plan is to eradicate Jonathan’s human side whilst preserving his Kryptonian side. It doesn’t make sense and when his backstory is revealed and how he maintains Krypton’s legacy is even more puzzling.
Primarily drawn by co-storyteller Patrick Gleason, who may not be consistent when it comes to character design, but his art is vibrant and tender as he can balance big action and family intimacy. Despite the change of artists on some issues that can be jarring, there are plenty of splash pages that display heartwarming moments, even in the midst of the repetitive slugfest between its hero and villain throughout most of the arc.
Despite its initial set-up of a father-son dynamic that should’ve warmed our hearts as well as being the origin story of the new Superboy, is sadly succumbed by an overly convoluted plot. If this volume sets up what is to come for the rest of this ongoing run, I might as well read All-Star Superman over and over again.
Following their run on The New 52’s Batman and Robin, Tomasi and Gleason shifts the father-son dynamic towards Clark Kent and his son Jonathan. Living the simple farmer’s life with his wife, Lois Lane and his son, Clark steps out of the shadows, ready to assume the mantle of Superman, following the death of his New 52 counterpart. However, when the Eradicator tries to continue Krypton’s legacy by targeting Jonathan, both father and son must stand together against this mechanical threat.
For newcomers who wish to make a start at reading Superman comics, this is not a great place to start. Beginning with the Superman: Rebirth one-shot, you are introduced to the pre-Flashpoint Clark, who is acknowledging his life to Lana Lang whilst honouring the death of his counterpart. Right from the start, this issue is throwing too much information at the reader in terms of how one Superman is telling his “Death and Return” (with pages recreating his infamous battle with Doomsday) as well as telling another’s death. It suffers from exactly a recurring problem that many writers have with Superman, it is over-explaining the character whose simplicity as a do-gooder from Kansas is what defines him, and none of this overly convoluted sci-fi nonsense.
When we get to the first arc which initially sets up this interesting family dynamic, especially with how Jonathan is coming in terms of his powers, once the main villain is revealed, it pretty much goes downhill. Given his Terminator-like appearance, the Eradicator’s plan is to eradicate Jonathan’s human side whilst preserving his Kryptonian side. It doesn’t make sense and when his backstory is revealed and how he maintains Krypton’s legacy is even more puzzling.
Primarily drawn by co-storyteller Patrick Gleason, who may not be consistent when it comes to character design, but his art is vibrant and tender as he can balance big action and family intimacy. Despite the change of artists on some issues that can be jarring, there are plenty of splash pages that display heartwarming moments, even in the midst of the repetitive slugfest between its hero and villain throughout most of the arc.
Despite its initial set-up of a father-son dynamic that should’ve warmed our hearts as well as being the origin story of the new Superboy, is sadly succumbed by an overly convoluted plot. If this volume sets up what is to come for the rest of this ongoing run, I might as well read All-Star Superman over and over again.
November 22, 2016
Good! This is definitely one of the better Rebirth titles; Peter J. Tomasi I feel is a writer, who never blows my socks off with his stories, but he gets the job done, and never writes a bad story from what I've read! This one is no exception, and its a solid title; compared to Action Comics, its clear its superior in the story department, and unlike Action, it gets the family element right, mainly because Lois and Jon, don't stand around and cry every five seconds, they actually contribute and do useful things, who knew? So anyway, the story is that The Eradicator has returned who if you don't know played a role in Return of Superman; and he wants to kill Jon, in order to keep the racial purity of Krypton's heritage, that Clark broke when him and Lois had unprotected sex! (I'm assuming that's how Jon came to be?). Story wise this is a solid read, the dialogue is good, and its got a Terminator vibe about it, which is creative for a Superman Title. Only down side is the art, its not terrible, and I did like it, but compared to Action Comics, its pretty lacklustre in the art department! But otherwise a good first volume for a solid title!
November 4, 2016
Rebirth has been one the best things that could have happened to Superman
Tomasi and Gleason make the perfect duo. I loved Batman and Robin (Series that you should read because they would be bringing elements from that series to this one), and I'm sure that I will love this too.
Enjoyable from beggining to end. This issue brings back all the things that we like and adds some new things to bring Superman to a new era.
Tomasi and Gleason make the perfect duo. I loved Batman and Robin (Series that you should read because they would be bringing elements from that series to this one), and I'm sure that I will love this too.
Enjoyable from beggining to end. This issue brings back all the things that we like and adds some new things to bring Superman to a new era.
October 9, 2018
Finally a Superman writer I can get behind. This was a brilliant story.
I know Tomasi from his great run on X-O Manowar and I’m glad he’s gone on to write some good stuff I just hope he does some independent stuff soon.
This volume is about the Eradicator and lost souls of krypton. But this is the Superman from another dimension taking up the mantle.
All in all, great action, artwork, writing and also heartfelt, just how I like it.
I know Tomasi from his great run on X-O Manowar and I’m glad he’s gone on to write some good stuff I just hope he does some independent stuff soon.
This volume is about the Eradicator and lost souls of krypton. But this is the Superman from another dimension taking up the mantle.
All in all, great action, artwork, writing and also heartfelt, just how I like it.
January 1, 2017
I received this from Edelweiss and DC Comics in exchange for an honest review.
It seems that the Superman books are the cream of the crop with DC's Rebirth. This one, like the Action Comics volume, reintroduces the Superman family, and paves the way for a promising future.
I really like how the Eradicator was handled in this one, too.
It seems that the Superman books are the cream of the crop with DC's Rebirth. This one, like the Action Comics volume, reintroduces the Superman family, and paves the way for a promising future.
I really like how the Eradicator was handled in this one, too.
June 23, 2021
This was really good. Its about Clark as he visits the New 52 guys fortress and then trying to meet with his son and adjust to new reality when he has to solve the problems throughout the world and team up with the little Superboy to fight monsters and all until Eradicator finds them and wants to cleanse the human side of Jon and restore Krypton and so its about the Superman family fighting this being and there are adventures throughout and showdown at Moon and all that will follow.
Also Hell-bat suit. 'Nuff said.
This is a return to Superman and I remember reading it bi weekly and it still holds up to this day, Superboy teaming with his father, learning about his powers and ways of the world and facing a genocidal supremacist and fighting him and seeing Lois and Clark both get their awesome moments is a delight and its a treat to be reading through this. Loved this whole volume and the art throughout was spectacular. One of the best Superman stories ever.
Also Hell-bat suit. 'Nuff said.
This is a return to Superman and I remember reading it bi weekly and it still holds up to this day, Superboy teaming with his father, learning about his powers and ways of the world and facing a genocidal supremacist and fighting him and seeing Lois and Clark both get their awesome moments is a delight and its a treat to be reading through this. Loved this whole volume and the art throughout was spectacular. One of the best Superman stories ever.
March 9, 2017
Welcome back Superman. This is a Superman I can cheer for. He comes out of hiding and becomes a source of hope for the world. I particularly like the focus on his family. Both Lois and Jon do their part to defeat the villain. I don't want to spoil anything, but Lois is definitely not the damsel in distress of old. Overall, this is a big improvement over the new 52 Superman.
March 18, 2018
Great story!!! Good action and plotting. The family dynamic seems to be new angle to the Superman story. The artwork is amazing. Great start to the series.
January 7, 2017
[Read as single issues]
Fresh off a hugely successful run on Batman & Robin, Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason grab hold of the next most popular father/son duo as the Pre-Flashpoint Superman returns to the DC Universe with his wife Lois and 10 year old son Jon Kent. As they try to find their place in the world, they also have to deal with our universe's Eradicator, who wants to murder Jon. Supes ain't havin' none o' that.
You can tell Tomasi and Gleason are both fathers, because the family dynamics in these issues rings so very true; there are certain issues that are very light on action, but the dialogue and character interactions are so natural and engrossing that that's not a problem at all. That's not to say the fight scenes aren't amazing though - Lois Lane in Batman armour on the moon is a sentence that everyone needs to read in their life.
Gleason's artwork is complemented nicely by guest artist Doug Mahnke, and fill-in artist Jorge Jimenez will be launching Super Sons with Tomasi soon enough, so he gets to cut his teeth here first.
I've never been a massive fan of Superman, but this book is a breath of fresh air and one I'm very pleased to be reading.
Fresh off a hugely successful run on Batman & Robin, Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason grab hold of the next most popular father/son duo as the Pre-Flashpoint Superman returns to the DC Universe with his wife Lois and 10 year old son Jon Kent. As they try to find their place in the world, they also have to deal with our universe's Eradicator, who wants to murder Jon. Supes ain't havin' none o' that.
You can tell Tomasi and Gleason are both fathers, because the family dynamics in these issues rings so very true; there are certain issues that are very light on action, but the dialogue and character interactions are so natural and engrossing that that's not a problem at all. That's not to say the fight scenes aren't amazing though - Lois Lane in Batman armour on the moon is a sentence that everyone needs to read in their life.
Gleason's artwork is complemented nicely by guest artist Doug Mahnke, and fill-in artist Jorge Jimenez will be launching Super Sons with Tomasi soon enough, so he gets to cut his teeth here first.
I've never been a massive fan of Superman, but this book is a breath of fresh air and one I'm very pleased to be reading.
January 5, 2017
Closer to a 4.5, if I'm honest. A really heartfelt debut for the returning, pre-Flashpoint Supes. It's clear Tomasi and Gleason still have father-son relationships on the brain, after their sterling run on Batman and Robin.
The middle drags a bit, and Eradicator isn't a very interesting villain. But, just like a Marvel film, you're not here to see the baddie; you're better off focusing on the wonderful family unit of Clark, Lois and Jon, or the not-so-subtle themes of legacy and positive masculinity running through the book's veins.
I was hesitant about diving into Rebirth, but if things elsewhere are as high quality as the Johns-penned DC Universe Rebirth one-shot and the new Supes series here, then consider me the keenest of beans.
The middle drags a bit, and Eradicator isn't a very interesting villain. But, just like a Marvel film, you're not here to see the baddie; you're better off focusing on the wonderful family unit of Clark, Lois and Jon, or the not-so-subtle themes of legacy and positive masculinity running through the book's veins.
I was hesitant about diving into Rebirth, but if things elsewhere are as high quality as the Johns-penned DC Universe Rebirth one-shot and the new Supes series here, then consider me the keenest of beans.
February 9, 2017
Superman kicks off the Rebirth era in strong fashion with Son of Superman.
Following the death of the young Superman, an older version from the now-defunct post-Crisis reality begins to emerge from the shadows. This Superman’s been hiding out on the DC Earth for years, with his wife, Lois Lane, and their young son, Jonathan. The other heroes begin to become aware of him, though they don’t exactly trust him. Jonathan’s emerging powers inadvertently give rise to the birth of the Eradicator, determined to preserve a pure Kryptonian bloodline. Superman and Lois go to extremes to protect their son, leading to a massive showdown on the Moon that puts this Superman firmly in the public eye.
Long-time collaborators Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason get the Rebirth era of Superman off to an invigorating start. During the New 52 years, it was rare to find a truly compelling Superman tale. A host of top line creators struggled to find a compelling hook for the venerable character and his supporting cast. Bringing the post-Crisis Superman back into the spotlight, with his wife and son a prominent part of the proceedings, gives the writers a lot to work with. The “super family” concept, the need to both protect Jon and train him, provides a powerful dramatic engine for the reborn series.
Tomasi and Gleason have a strong grasp of their characters. They write the Clark/Lois relationship rather well, providing a relatable portrait of a long-term marriage that gives a realistic anchor to the wilder story of the book. The duo handles young Jon rather effectively, too. They get the right mix of childish wonder that a boy in Jon’s position would feel without making him excessively “goody two shoes.” Jon has a believable bond with each of his parents and the family dynamic gives the book dimensions that are fairly unique in DC’s current line-up.
Eradicator is a good villain for the inaugural arc. He provides a challenge firmly based in Superman’s heritage that gives the creative team an excuse to “go big.” Over the course of the story, other classic Superman elements come into play and the character’s new status quo is firmly established by the wrap. In seven issues, Tomasi and Gleason do more to bring Superman into the modern age than other creators did with the misguided “young and hip” makeover of the New 52 era.
Gleason is also the primary artist on the arc, working with long-time collaborators inker Mick Gray and colorist John Kalisz. That trio has a well-established aesthetic that works nicely for Superman. There are plenty of bold, one- and two-page splashes that project a lot of drama and the images have a dynamic flow that keeps the energy level high. They employ a savvy blend of traditional page construction and creative layouts and know when to mute things with a subdued palate and heavier use of shadows and when to cut loose with bright, bold tones. Also contributing here are Doug Mahnke (who has a long history with the character) and Jorge Jimenez. Both employ styles similar enough to Gleason’s that the occasional art team shift, while not invisible, isn’t disruptive. It’s a good indicator that, so far at least, this book is navigating the twice-monthly publishing schedule fairly smoothly.
If you felt like you haven’t read a satisfying Superman story in years, then Son of Superman is worth checking out. It will restore your faith in the franchise.
Following the death of the young Superman, an older version from the now-defunct post-Crisis reality begins to emerge from the shadows. This Superman’s been hiding out on the DC Earth for years, with his wife, Lois Lane, and their young son, Jonathan. The other heroes begin to become aware of him, though they don’t exactly trust him. Jonathan’s emerging powers inadvertently give rise to the birth of the Eradicator, determined to preserve a pure Kryptonian bloodline. Superman and Lois go to extremes to protect their son, leading to a massive showdown on the Moon that puts this Superman firmly in the public eye.
Long-time collaborators Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason get the Rebirth era of Superman off to an invigorating start. During the New 52 years, it was rare to find a truly compelling Superman tale. A host of top line creators struggled to find a compelling hook for the venerable character and his supporting cast. Bringing the post-Crisis Superman back into the spotlight, with his wife and son a prominent part of the proceedings, gives the writers a lot to work with. The “super family” concept, the need to both protect Jon and train him, provides a powerful dramatic engine for the reborn series.
Tomasi and Gleason have a strong grasp of their characters. They write the Clark/Lois relationship rather well, providing a relatable portrait of a long-term marriage that gives a realistic anchor to the wilder story of the book. The duo handles young Jon rather effectively, too. They get the right mix of childish wonder that a boy in Jon’s position would feel without making him excessively “goody two shoes.” Jon has a believable bond with each of his parents and the family dynamic gives the book dimensions that are fairly unique in DC’s current line-up.
Eradicator is a good villain for the inaugural arc. He provides a challenge firmly based in Superman’s heritage that gives the creative team an excuse to “go big.” Over the course of the story, other classic Superman elements come into play and the character’s new status quo is firmly established by the wrap. In seven issues, Tomasi and Gleason do more to bring Superman into the modern age than other creators did with the misguided “young and hip” makeover of the New 52 era.
Gleason is also the primary artist on the arc, working with long-time collaborators inker Mick Gray and colorist John Kalisz. That trio has a well-established aesthetic that works nicely for Superman. There are plenty of bold, one- and two-page splashes that project a lot of drama and the images have a dynamic flow that keeps the energy level high. They employ a savvy blend of traditional page construction and creative layouts and know when to mute things with a subdued palate and heavier use of shadows and when to cut loose with bright, bold tones. Also contributing here are Doug Mahnke (who has a long history with the character) and Jorge Jimenez. Both employ styles similar enough to Gleason’s that the occasional art team shift, while not invisible, isn’t disruptive. It’s a good indicator that, so far at least, this book is navigating the twice-monthly publishing schedule fairly smoothly.
If you felt like you haven’t read a satisfying Superman story in years, then Son of Superman is worth checking out. It will restore your faith in the franchise.
July 31, 2019
There's a new Superman with a son.
Characters and story plotting are somewhat good. Artwork is good to very good. Some homages to old characters from the mythology.
MY GRADE: B minus to B.
Characters and story plotting are somewhat good. Artwork is good to very good. Some homages to old characters from the mythology.
MY GRADE: B minus to B.
February 8, 2017
After five years of the love-it-or-hate-it New 52 where DC’s pantheon of superheroes where altering into younger, edgier, and less experienced versions of themselves, DC is has ushered in a new era known as Rebirth. DC’s Rebirth is not about another reboot, but more about honoring and accepting the companies entire 75+ years in comics. This means many of the most loved aspects about these characters has returned in their more approved status. For Superman, the original big-blue boyscout has returned to the forefront and it is one of the best Rebirth titles of the bunch.
SUPERMAN VOL.1: SON OF SUPERMAN collects DC COMICS REBIRTH: SUPERMAN and issues #1-6. After the death of the New 52 Superman in Superman: The Final Days of Superman, the world is without the Man of Steel. The current Superman here hails from the pre-Flashpoint era who married to Lois Lane has entered into the new world after years of staying out of sight. The many years of hiding, Clark and Lois had a son Jonathan who they are trying to raise, also deal with Jon’s emerging superpowers. So trying to keep a strong family bond and teaching Jon life lessons is Superman’s current outlook on life. With things slowly working out for the Kent family in this Rebirth world, an ancient Kryptonian instrument known as the Eradicator is out to bring Krypton back to life with Superman’s son as the key.
Because the new REBIRTH era is about installing the older feelings of classic characters, it is a mighty breath of fresh air for many heroes coming off of the 5 years of the edgy and darker NEW 52. Beyond the front cover of his angry glowing red eyes that is here, this is the quintessential Superman that is calm, loving, wise, and just likable again being the family man and farmer. This is helped greatly by the creative team of Peter Tomasi and artist Patrick Gleason who did top notch work together on a similar father-son angle in BATMAN & ROBIN in the New 52. The family aspect for Clark, Lois, and Jon can be a bit overly cheerful considering, but for those many people looking for the fuzzy warm feeling of the ideal Superman, it feels pretty great.
Tomasi makes a decent balance of the Kent family dealing with the current landscape and world building of the Kents morals and values, with the other parts plenty of action with the big villain of the piece being THE DEATH AND RETURN OF SUPERMAN fame The Eradicator (it’s not a spoiler since its in the description and his picture is on the back cover). So fans get a good balance of soft and happy moments of the Kent living on the farm and a good helping of action as the Super-family take on Eradicator to see his beef with Jon’s emerging powers. Additional winks and nods are filled throughout for long time fans to take in, especially a certain Kryptonian canine and Bat-cameo from the creative teams past work on BATMAN & ROBIN.
Long time collaborator Patrick Gleason does majority of the issues collected here and his art is topnotch level. Gleason’s cartoony style is vivid and lush with bold 2-page spreads that show the awe and somber moments wonderfully, while diving into action sequences that goes over the top like fighting on the moon! (And maybe even a secret lunar Bat-Cave?). Veteran artist Doug Mahnke does the SUPERMAN: REBIRTH #1 and issue #5 with guest artist Jorge Jimenez doing issue #4.
While I am giving Amazon a 5-star rating, it’s more around 4 ½ stars. The first thing is the common flaw among the whole REBIRTH line in that it caters heavily on older fans who know the DC lore and not so much for new readers. I will say SUPERMAN is one of the few that is not so bad for new readership to catch up on, yet it still suffers a bit for explaining things that lead here. So as you to the opening SUPERMAN: REBIRTH #1 getting readers up to speed of who and what has happened to get to this point, there is still a little hazy patch of clarification as to how this Superman came to be (there is a purposeful mystery in the whole REBIRTH universe about this in other series that look like they will be answered in the future. If you want a good prelude on this Superman, read Superman: Lois and Clark). Even this version of The Eradicator is explained almost as if readers should already know who he/it is (Tomasi does give a new/extended origin so its not too bad). Beyond the introduction for new readers, the overall story near the middle does get a little stale and the Eradicator could have been a little better done.
Beyond the gripes, for old school fans that want out of the dark and broody Man of Steel that the New 52 and current films have shown, SUPERMAN under the REBIRTH banner is a return to glory for the big blue boy scout. It has plenty heart, nostalgia, action, and great art to give fans that feeling they have longed for some time. It may not be breaking ground in terms of Superman stories, alas Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason’s work on The Man of Tomorrow is one of the strongest REBIRTH titles to show the return to DC’s roots and good sign of things to come. *Cue John Williams famous 1978 theme music*
SUPERMAN VOL.1: SON OF SUPERMAN collects DC COMICS REBIRTH: SUPERMAN and issues #1-6. After the death of the New 52 Superman in Superman: The Final Days of Superman, the world is without the Man of Steel. The current Superman here hails from the pre-Flashpoint era who married to Lois Lane has entered into the new world after years of staying out of sight. The many years of hiding, Clark and Lois had a son Jonathan who they are trying to raise, also deal with Jon’s emerging superpowers. So trying to keep a strong family bond and teaching Jon life lessons is Superman’s current outlook on life. With things slowly working out for the Kent family in this Rebirth world, an ancient Kryptonian instrument known as the Eradicator is out to bring Krypton back to life with Superman’s son as the key.
Because the new REBIRTH era is about installing the older feelings of classic characters, it is a mighty breath of fresh air for many heroes coming off of the 5 years of the edgy and darker NEW 52. Beyond the front cover of his angry glowing red eyes that is here, this is the quintessential Superman that is calm, loving, wise, and just likable again being the family man and farmer. This is helped greatly by the creative team of Peter Tomasi and artist Patrick Gleason who did top notch work together on a similar father-son angle in BATMAN & ROBIN in the New 52. The family aspect for Clark, Lois, and Jon can be a bit overly cheerful considering, but for those many people looking for the fuzzy warm feeling of the ideal Superman, it feels pretty great.
Tomasi makes a decent balance of the Kent family dealing with the current landscape and world building of the Kents morals and values, with the other parts plenty of action with the big villain of the piece being THE DEATH AND RETURN OF SUPERMAN fame The Eradicator (it’s not a spoiler since its in the description and his picture is on the back cover). So fans get a good balance of soft and happy moments of the Kent living on the farm and a good helping of action as the Super-family take on Eradicator to see his beef with Jon’s emerging powers. Additional winks and nods are filled throughout for long time fans to take in, especially a certain Kryptonian canine and Bat-cameo from the creative teams past work on BATMAN & ROBIN.
Long time collaborator Patrick Gleason does majority of the issues collected here and his art is topnotch level. Gleason’s cartoony style is vivid and lush with bold 2-page spreads that show the awe and somber moments wonderfully, while diving into action sequences that goes over the top like fighting on the moon! (And maybe even a secret lunar Bat-Cave?). Veteran artist Doug Mahnke does the SUPERMAN: REBIRTH #1 and issue #5 with guest artist Jorge Jimenez doing issue #4.
While I am giving Amazon a 5-star rating, it’s more around 4 ½ stars. The first thing is the common flaw among the whole REBIRTH line in that it caters heavily on older fans who know the DC lore and not so much for new readers. I will say SUPERMAN is one of the few that is not so bad for new readership to catch up on, yet it still suffers a bit for explaining things that lead here. So as you to the opening SUPERMAN: REBIRTH #1 getting readers up to speed of who and what has happened to get to this point, there is still a little hazy patch of clarification as to how this Superman came to be (there is a purposeful mystery in the whole REBIRTH universe about this in other series that look like they will be answered in the future. If you want a good prelude on this Superman, read Superman: Lois and Clark). Even this version of The Eradicator is explained almost as if readers should already know who he/it is (Tomasi does give a new/extended origin so its not too bad). Beyond the introduction for new readers, the overall story near the middle does get a little stale and the Eradicator could have been a little better done.
Beyond the gripes, for old school fans that want out of the dark and broody Man of Steel that the New 52 and current films have shown, SUPERMAN under the REBIRTH banner is a return to glory for the big blue boy scout. It has plenty heart, nostalgia, action, and great art to give fans that feeling they have longed for some time. It may not be breaking ground in terms of Superman stories, alas Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason’s work on The Man of Tomorrow is one of the strongest REBIRTH titles to show the return to DC’s roots and good sign of things to come. *Cue John Williams famous 1978 theme music*
February 6, 2017
Is this title going to be focusing on Superman as husband and father? It seems that way from the first volume. I'm not complaining about that. For me, the scenes that feature Clark acting as a mentor to his young son are the strongest in the book. It's where this version of Superman differentiates himself from virtually every other version out there. Because let's face it, sometimes Supes can be a little too powerful and morally upstanding for his own good. Yes, that makes him a good and effective superhero, but it also means that there's not enough tension in his battles, and uniform goodness can become uniform blandness. Focusing on him as father, husband, and teacher gives him a purpose, and it allows him to be somewhat fallible, because even the best people make mistakes when they're parenting.
But then there's the Eradicator story, which is just shy of awful. The Eradicator isn't interesting or exciting, and the twist that he's absorbed the souls of Krypton's dead is bizarre without adding anything to the story. I can accept a lot of weird crap in my superhero comics, but this is pushing my willing suspension of disbelief to its limits. It just does absolutely nothing for me, on any level, and it's a shame that it had to drag down the rest of the book. Superman as father is great, but if there has to be supervillains (and apparently, there do) then Tomasi needs to do better than this.
But then there's the Eradicator story, which is just shy of awful. The Eradicator isn't interesting or exciting, and the twist that he's absorbed the souls of Krypton's dead is bizarre without adding anything to the story. I can accept a lot of weird crap in my superhero comics, but this is pushing my willing suspension of disbelief to its limits. It just does absolutely nothing for me, on any level, and it's a shame that it had to drag down the rest of the book. Superman as father is great, but if there has to be supervillains (and apparently, there do) then Tomasi needs to do better than this.
May 19, 2018
Despite the brightly energetic and fun art, this fresh take on the Man of Steel doesn't fly so high...
Here we are, years and years and years (and years, and years, and years...) after we were first introduced to Superman, and so much has changed.
*upcoming sort of spoilers that shouldn't really be spoilers if you have basic knowledge of the story but still has major spoilers for the New 52*
Clark Kent is dead. Yup, he's dead (not sure how long that'll last). He died during some sort of event during the New 52, and now, another Superman from another dimension has brought himself, his wife and his son to our world.
This is their story.
The new take on Superman and the new feel (I think it's new, haven't read too much Superman) it instills within this iconic comic book is pretty interesting, and if done right, can become very enjoyable.
Now, though?
As I said, the art was a lively plus. The characters were also a good addition to the DC-verse.
But the story and the execution... Those need improvement.
If I'm remembering this correctly (which I think I am), the fight scenes were not fluid, and took some deciphering to get. The story wasn't much, either, and you could almost say that it was nonexistent. Perhaps it's because the characters are still getting established, perhaps not... I don't know. But maybe it'll get better.
I wouldn't really recommend this book to anyone, but I wouldn't really shout out that its terrible, either, because it wasn't. It just wasn't that good.
I'm not wowed, and I'm not repulsed. I'll be checking out the next volumes, though I won't be rushing to them.
Here we are, years and years and years (and years, and years, and years...) after we were first introduced to Superman, and so much has changed.
*upcoming sort of spoilers that shouldn't really be spoilers if you have basic knowledge of the story but still has major spoilers for the New 52*
Clark Kent is dead. Yup, he's dead (not sure how long that'll last). He died during some sort of event during the New 52, and now, another Superman from another dimension has brought himself, his wife and his son to our world.
This is their story.
The new take on Superman and the new feel (I think it's new, haven't read too much Superman) it instills within this iconic comic book is pretty interesting, and if done right, can become very enjoyable.
Now, though?
As I said, the art was a lively plus. The characters were also a good addition to the DC-verse.
But the story and the execution... Those need improvement.
If I'm remembering this correctly (which I think I am), the fight scenes were not fluid, and took some deciphering to get. The story wasn't much, either, and you could almost say that it was nonexistent. Perhaps it's because the characters are still getting established, perhaps not... I don't know. But maybe it'll get better.
I wouldn't really recommend this book to anyone, but I wouldn't really shout out that its terrible, either, because it wasn't. It just wasn't that good.
I'm not wowed, and I'm not repulsed. I'll be checking out the next volumes, though I won't be rushing to them.
February 5, 2017
One of the major themes in this graphic novel is that of father and son. While the 52 Superman has been protecting the planet, the original has been living a quiet mid-western life with his wife Lois and son Jonathan. Now he comes out of retirement to put the cape on once again.
Superman is the father of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) waiting for Jonathan to come to him confessing his struggle with his developing powers. Especially after the unfortunate death of the family cat. These little details, both in story and art, make the scenes where the father-son pair fight The Eradicator even more epic.
Read more at: http://jasoncstanley.com/comic-review...
Superman is the father of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) waiting for Jonathan to come to him confessing his struggle with his developing powers. Especially after the unfortunate death of the family cat. These little details, both in story and art, make the scenes where the father-son pair fight The Eradicator even more epic.
Read more at: http://jasoncstanley.com/comic-review...
October 6, 2017
I know something was done just right that there were at least two instances in which John Williams' iconic theme could've appropriately blared forth from the colorful pages. What was also nice about this collection was the family affair angle - Lois (a.k.a. 'Mama Bear') and Jon accompany and ably assist our title character throughout the adventure without falling victim to an Idiot Plot. Truth, justice, and the Americana feeling (including but not limited to the family farm, good-hearted neighbors, and the innocence of children) - I will gladly read further editions if they can keep up this momentum.
February 26, 2017
This wasn't bad but there are a few things I didn't know (and still don't know all the details about): Between Nu52 and Rebirth something major happens with Superman(s). This story picks up with a Superman who is married to Lois and they have a son. The main theme of the book is how do you raise a son in these circumstances and how do you help him learn to use these powers for good, etc.?
There's a villain of course, which helps to force some of the lessons needed to be taught. It feels like a Tomasi book, action filled but with bits of personal drama and characterization (still not quite enough for me, but much more than many mainstream books.)
There were several artists on this volume, the first and last issues done by Mahnke, which I really liked, having a harder edge to it, similar to Jim Lee, but without all of the crosshatching. Then you have Tomasi's partner from Batman, Gleason, who I'm still not sold on yet. Sometimes his panels look fantastic, other times his anatomy and facial features seem distorted. There's one other person who did one issues which I liked but sadly cannot remember his name.
I think if you are familiar with Tomasi's work, you will like this. There's obviously a major step forward for the life of Superman (and the DCU), and if you can accept that I think you will like this book.
There's a villain of course, which helps to force some of the lessons needed to be taught. It feels like a Tomasi book, action filled but with bits of personal drama and characterization (still not quite enough for me, but much more than many mainstream books.)
There were several artists on this volume, the first and last issues done by Mahnke, which I really liked, having a harder edge to it, similar to Jim Lee, but without all of the crosshatching. Then you have Tomasi's partner from Batman, Gleason, who I'm still not sold on yet. Sometimes his panels look fantastic, other times his anatomy and facial features seem distorted. There's one other person who did one issues which I liked but sadly cannot remember his name.
I think if you are familiar with Tomasi's work, you will like this. There's obviously a major step forward for the life of Superman (and the DCU), and if you can accept that I think you will like this book.
April 18, 2020
I just read Birthright few days ago so that's fresh in my mind but yeah this was a nice story with good art. Gasp Superman is dead but then another superman from probably an alternate timeline comes and takes over the mantle and he is married to Lois Lane and they have a son together who has both human and Krypton genes and dude is developing new powers everyday. This Kal-El is a grown up version and he and Lois try to continue their family where 1 and half people are super.
And then there is the villain of the arc, the eradicator who is sporting El family mantle of S The Eradicator is hell bent on purifying Superman's Krypton genes his solution just kill the kid but how can that happen when a super angry superman is in his path and super awesome Lois Lane to the scene who wouldn't stop at nothing to save her family. Nice one and good thing is that I have 4 more volumes to go in print and let's see if I get the further volumes or not well it would depend on how the story progresses and also on the price after all money money money.
I have always loved comics, and I hope that I will always love them. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics or Diamond Comics or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on the international and classic comics and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I can. I Love comics to bit, may comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
And then there is the villain of the arc, the eradicator who is sporting El family mantle of S The Eradicator is hell bent on purifying Superman's Krypton genes his solution just kill the kid but how can that happen when a super angry superman is in his path and super awesome Lois Lane to the scene who wouldn't stop at nothing to save her family. Nice one and good thing is that I have 4 more volumes to go in print and let's see if I get the further volumes or not well it would depend on how the story progresses and also on the price after all money money money.
I have always loved comics, and I hope that I will always love them. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics or Diamond Comics or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on the international and classic comics and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I can. I Love comics to bit, may comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
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