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Superman (2016)
Superman, Vol. 2: Trials of the Super Son
Superman and his super-son Jon are back in the second volume by best-selling author Peter J. Tomasi!
With Jon becoming more and more powerful by the day, Superman's greatest foes are starting to take notice of the new super-kid on the block. When one of the most evil and ruthless of Superman's rogues' gallery comes for the Man of Steel's son, Clark must decide just how far he's willing to go to protect the ones he loves.
Superman and Jon Kent are transported to Dinosaur Island to find the last of the Losers! Then, after a quick trip to the county fair, Jon meets his match in Damian Wayne—and the Super Sons’ fathers soon put the two young heroes through their paces as a new crime-fighting team is forged!
Collecting: Superman 7-13
With Jon becoming more and more powerful by the day, Superman's greatest foes are starting to take notice of the new super-kid on the block. When one of the most evil and ruthless of Superman's rogues' gallery comes for the Man of Steel's son, Clark must decide just how far he's willing to go to protect the ones he loves.
Superman and Jon Kent are transported to Dinosaur Island to find the last of the Losers! Then, after a quick trip to the county fair, Jon meets his match in Damian Wayne—and the Super Sons’ fathers soon put the two young heroes through their paces as a new crime-fighting team is forged!
Collecting: Superman 7-13
168 pages, Paperback
First published April 11, 2017
40 people are currently reading
1220 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 263 reviews
June 18, 2017
4.5 stars
What happens when you pair up a smaller, slightly stabbier version of Batman with a smaller, slightly more naive version of Superman?
The main story focused on Damian and Jon getting forced by their fathers to work out their issues with each other.
Why would the boys have issues, you ask?
Well, Damian thinks Jon's powers are unstable and could quickly turn evil (Hmmm. He sounds a bit like his pointy-eared father, no?), so he attempts an ill-advised kidnapping that quickly goes south. After all, if Batman would invade the hellish Apocalypse to get his son back, Superman would have no problem invading the Batcave to get his back.
While Bruce talks to Clark to try and tries to take tempers down a notch, Joh and Damian take a different route - destroying a chunk of the Batcave in the process.
And that's why the Superdads decide to force them to 'work together' on a faux mission that will (hopefully) teach them the value of teamwork.
The first issue in this volume was a cute story about theKent Smith family going to the local county fair. Lois wants an uninterrupted evening with her guys, and Clark pinkie swears to stay out of costume - going so far as to hand over his cape so he won't be tempted.
Of course, some thugs decided to try to rob the gate, so Clark has to avoid capture by Lois and dash around in a silly makeshift disguise to stop them.
But even after going to all that trouble to stay out of the doghouse...?
The issue with Frankenstein was (to me) the lamest. It was still readable, and I liked that Lois has such big balls, but it just felt like an excuse to cram one of the DC monsters into a Superman story.
Meh.
Was there anything groundbreaking in this volume that I'd never seen before?
No.
But as a huge fan of not only Superman but of this family-oriented version of him, I absolutely LOVED it. And since tastes vary, I'm not going to say that this is for everyone, but I will say that this is my personal favorite Rebirth title.
What happens when you pair up a smaller, slightly stabbier version of Batman with a smaller, slightly more naive version of Superman?
The main story focused on Damian and Jon getting forced by their fathers to work out their issues with each other.
Why would the boys have issues, you ask?
Well, Damian thinks Jon's powers are unstable and could quickly turn evil (Hmmm. He sounds a bit like his pointy-eared father, no?), so he attempts an ill-advised kidnapping that quickly goes south. After all, if Batman would invade the hellish Apocalypse to get his son back, Superman would have no problem invading the Batcave to get his back.
While Bruce talks to Clark to try and tries to take tempers down a notch, Joh and Damian take a different route - destroying a chunk of the Batcave in the process.
And that's why the Superdads decide to force them to 'work together' on a faux mission that will (hopefully) teach them the value of teamwork.
The first issue in this volume was a cute story about the
Of course, some thugs decided to try to rob the gate, so Clark has to avoid capture by Lois and dash around in a silly makeshift disguise to stop them.
But even after going to all that trouble to stay out of the doghouse...?
The issue with Frankenstein was (to me) the lamest. It was still readable, and I liked that Lois has such big balls, but it just felt like an excuse to cram one of the DC monsters into a Superman story.
Meh.
Was there anything groundbreaking in this volume that I'd never seen before?
No.
But as a huge fan of not only Superman but of this family-oriented version of him, I absolutely LOVED it. And since tastes vary, I'm not going to say that this is for everyone, but I will say that this is my personal favorite Rebirth title.
wishlist-other
February 14, 2017Anyone else think it looks like Superman and Batman are about to kiss on this cover???
March 2, 2018
The second Rebirth Superman book surprisingly didn’t suck - it’s definitely a step up from the derivative Terminator-ripoff first volume - but Trials of the Super Son still never rose above middling.
This one is a mish-mash of rando stories. Clark, Lois and Jon go to the local fair where Lois makes Clark promise not to Superman all evening so they can have a family night out together butguesswhathedoes… In another story, Superman, Jon and Krypto somehow get transported to an island full of living dinosaurs and World War 2 pilots where they fight a giant white gorilla - it’s fair to say that one’s a fucking mess!
The title story sees Superman and Batman force their sons to “earn their capes” by undergoing an elaborate obstacle course Batman’s constructed. It’s important they get along because… ? I mean, it’s not like they need to work together - this is the first time they’ve met! And why do Supes and Bats care if their kids don’t like each other? Gah, it’s all so contrived! For anyone keeping track, this is where the Super Sons series spins off from.
The final story sees Agent Frankenstein invade Superman’s small town life to track down a wanted alien - but not if Frank’s estranged bounty hunter wife has anything to say about it! … zzz… pointless drek…
Honestly, none of the stories are that bad - some are predictable, some are plain dumb, Jon’s cutesy act gets old and annoying fast, and I could get nitpicky about some stuff like why didn’t Superman see through the alien’s disguise with his x-ray vision to start with - but they’re perfectly readable; they’re just not that good either. They’re so forgettable and disposable and ultimately the book reads like the pure product it is.
Doug Mahnke’s art is pretty good, though in some panels he makes Jon weirdly look like he’s wearing lipstick, and Patrick Gleason’s definitely done better work elsewhere. Like Peter J. Tomasi’s writing, the visuals are fine but nothing special.
Superman, Volume 2: Trials of the Super Son is a mildly interesting entertainment, though, given the low quality of most Superman comics in general, that unfortunately makes this volume somewhat notable! Definitely not a must-read for most and really only worth a look for Superman fans - can’t wait for Bendis to take over this line and hopefully turn things around!
This one is a mish-mash of rando stories. Clark, Lois and Jon go to the local fair where Lois makes Clark promise not to Superman all evening so they can have a family night out together butguesswhathedoes… In another story, Superman, Jon and Krypto somehow get transported to an island full of living dinosaurs and World War 2 pilots where they fight a giant white gorilla - it’s fair to say that one’s a fucking mess!
The title story sees Superman and Batman force their sons to “earn their capes” by undergoing an elaborate obstacle course Batman’s constructed. It’s important they get along because… ? I mean, it’s not like they need to work together - this is the first time they’ve met! And why do Supes and Bats care if their kids don’t like each other? Gah, it’s all so contrived! For anyone keeping track, this is where the Super Sons series spins off from.
The final story sees Agent Frankenstein invade Superman’s small town life to track down a wanted alien - but not if Frank’s estranged bounty hunter wife has anything to say about it! … zzz… pointless drek…
Honestly, none of the stories are that bad - some are predictable, some are plain dumb, Jon’s cutesy act gets old and annoying fast, and I could get nitpicky about some stuff like why didn’t Superman see through the alien’s disguise with his x-ray vision to start with - but they’re perfectly readable; they’re just not that good either. They’re so forgettable and disposable and ultimately the book reads like the pure product it is.
Doug Mahnke’s art is pretty good, though in some panels he makes Jon weirdly look like he’s wearing lipstick, and Patrick Gleason’s definitely done better work elsewhere. Like Peter J. Tomasi’s writing, the visuals are fine but nothing special.
Superman, Volume 2: Trials of the Super Son is a mildly interesting entertainment, though, given the low quality of most Superman comics in general, that unfortunately makes this volume somewhat notable! Definitely not a must-read for most and really only worth a look for Superman fans - can’t wait for Bendis to take over this line and hopefully turn things around!
July 9, 2019
This title continues to be the shining star of Rebirth. The Kents' family dynamic is perfection and Clark and Jon's relationship is the heart of this series. Plus, we get alternating top tier art from Patrick Gleason and Doug Mahnke.
This volume contains a bunch of shorter stories. First up, Superman takes the night off so the Kents can attend the county fair. Then we get a story where Clark and Jon are accidentally transported to Dinosaur Island. Next up, Damian and Jon finally meet and Damian's not a fan. So their dads force them to work together. Lastly, we have a team-up with Frankenstein.
If I had to give a recommendation for one DC book to buy, this would be it. This creative team is absolutely killing it.
Received an advance copy from DC and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This volume contains a bunch of shorter stories. First up, Superman takes the night off so the Kents can attend the county fair. Then we get a story where Clark and Jon are accidentally transported to Dinosaur Island. Next up, Damian and Jon finally meet and Damian's not a fan. So their dads force them to work together. Lastly, we have a team-up with Frankenstein.
If I had to give a recommendation for one DC book to buy, this would be it. This creative team is absolutely killing it.
Received an advance copy from DC and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2017
A extremely good volume once more. Rebirth for Superman has been wonderful.
We have a bunch of individual stories. The weakest being about the "losers" but even that was fun and exciting. Seeing Jon and Clark together just works so well. Their relationship is near perfect feeling of father and son. Then we get a issue where the Kents go out for a fun night and it's both touching and funny as hell. Then you got a great two parter to show how marriage can be bumpy through even the Superhero eyes. Then of course we got the big one. Damien meets Jon. DAMN is this entertaining as fuck!
Without giving spoilers Superman Rebirth really is just hitting ALL the right notes. Making sure it stays true to the character, letting us grow with his son, and then getting entertaining as heck stories with it. I really hope this series continues to be good otherwise I'll cry like a bitch! Keep it up peter!
We have a bunch of individual stories. The weakest being about the "losers" but even that was fun and exciting. Seeing Jon and Clark together just works so well. Their relationship is near perfect feeling of father and son. Then we get a issue where the Kents go out for a fun night and it's both touching and funny as hell. Then you got a great two parter to show how marriage can be bumpy through even the Superhero eyes. Then of course we got the big one. Damien meets Jon. DAMN is this entertaining as fuck!
Without giving spoilers Superman Rebirth really is just hitting ALL the right notes. Making sure it stays true to the character, letting us grow with his son, and then getting entertaining as heck stories with it. I really hope this series continues to be good otherwise I'll cry like a bitch! Keep it up peter!
April 13, 2020
Score: 3.57 out of 5
Grade: 71% (B-) | Decent
A collection of stories that follow a family outing to the fair, a journey to a mysterious island, super sons trying to get along and an unhappy intergalactic couple trying to make amends – this was an interesting one. Here is my review of Superman Volume 2: Trial of the Super Sons:
FAMILY FAIR
The Good:
This single-issue story had one of the best opening sequences in recent memory – smart, funny and straight up cooool! I don’t know what it is, but I love seeing super beings trying to be normal. I love how Lois is the one who definitely wears the pants in the relationship, even though Superman is a legit God. The ending was hilarious! I also love how Jon is intentionally a mini-Superman even when it comes to his choice of clothing and eye accessories.
The Bad:
The overall story feels juvenile and is definitely geared towards a younger audience. Not that it’s a bad thing (because I know kids read comics too…I mean, I was one of them), it just felt a little too kiddie for me. With a single-issue short story like this, you don’t really have much space to waste, so when the middle begins to drag a bit, I kind of got bored. The local bad guys at the fair were just generic and forgettable.
RETURN TO DINOSAUR ISLAND
The Good:
There’s this sense of mystery throughout this story, especially with the island giving off this heavy Skull Island/King Kong vibe. Superman V. Kong: Dawn of Justice anyone? The art was excellent especially with all the dangerous creatures on the island. They also introduce a new character called Captain Storm. I was a little hesitant at first, but the guy grew on me and I actually ended up feeling sorry for him in the end.
The Bad:
The sense of mystery is good up to a point – to the point where you just have no idea what’s going on and nothing really gets explained. Jon started to annoy me once he started b****ing to his dad about wanting to go home. I know he’s a kid, but your dad is Superman – I just don’t want to read kids being annoying. The conclusion was a little too convenient with finding the transporting device, which felt like we were shortchanged from a proper ending.
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER
The Good:
Seeing Superman and Batman as fathers is something I didn’t know I needed. Two of the greatest superheroes to ever exist, and then their sons – who just can’t get along. It’s fun, funny and f***ing awesome. Damian is a d***, Jon is a naïve idiot – this makes me want to check out the Super Sons run by Peter J. Tomasi. There’s so much rich content here, I just wanted as much of it as I could get.
The Bad:
The character of Maya I could have done without. She popped up and was solely there to push the plot forward. The final fight with Mr. Squish felt way too juvenile for me. Mr. Squish – more like Mr. Lame – ou got ‘em! I liked the idea of Damian and Jon having to work together, but Mr. Squish felt like a bad Saturday morning cartoon.
SINISTER PURPOSE
The Good:
The first half of this story was great! It didn’t take itself too seriously, Lois continues to be a standout character, and Superman takes on this big Frankenstein looking mofo. The story was fun and different, which I’m always down for!
The Bad:
The last half of the story takes itself more seriously and this is where it lost me. It turned into this tragic love story between these two alien creatures, which I could honestly care less about. At this point it felt less like a Superman story and more like an intergalactic Marriage Story. There’s also this farmer who comes out of nowhere to lend Superman a hand – ‘murica! The ending was also not that satisfying and wraps up way too quickly.
Conclusion:
As a whole, this book was decent with a few memorable moments. My favourite story of the bunch is without a doubt the In the Name of the Father run. Superman and Batman trying their best as fathers, Damian and Jon getting into fights – it’s just a damn good time! My least favourite story was Sinister Purpose. It started off fun, but the shift to a more serious tone lost my interest.
Recommended for: Fans of the rebirth Superman run or people who want to see younger versions of Batman and Superman beat the sh** out of each other
Thanks for reading! :)
Grade: 71% (B-) | Decent
A collection of stories that follow a family outing to the fair, a journey to a mysterious island, super sons trying to get along and an unhappy intergalactic couple trying to make amends – this was an interesting one. Here is my review of Superman Volume 2: Trial of the Super Sons:
FAMILY FAIR
The Good:
This single-issue story had one of the best opening sequences in recent memory – smart, funny and straight up cooool! I don’t know what it is, but I love seeing super beings trying to be normal. I love how Lois is the one who definitely wears the pants in the relationship, even though Superman is a legit God. The ending was hilarious! I also love how Jon is intentionally a mini-Superman even when it comes to his choice of clothing and eye accessories.
The Bad:
The overall story feels juvenile and is definitely geared towards a younger audience. Not that it’s a bad thing (because I know kids read comics too…I mean, I was one of them), it just felt a little too kiddie for me. With a single-issue short story like this, you don’t really have much space to waste, so when the middle begins to drag a bit, I kind of got bored. The local bad guys at the fair were just generic and forgettable.
RETURN TO DINOSAUR ISLAND
The Good:
There’s this sense of mystery throughout this story, especially with the island giving off this heavy Skull Island/King Kong vibe. Superman V. Kong: Dawn of Justice anyone? The art was excellent especially with all the dangerous creatures on the island. They also introduce a new character called Captain Storm. I was a little hesitant at first, but the guy grew on me and I actually ended up feeling sorry for him in the end.
The Bad:
The sense of mystery is good up to a point – to the point where you just have no idea what’s going on and nothing really gets explained. Jon started to annoy me once he started b****ing to his dad about wanting to go home. I know he’s a kid, but your dad is Superman – I just don’t want to read kids being annoying. The conclusion was a little too convenient with finding the transporting device, which felt like we were shortchanged from a proper ending.
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER
The Good:
Seeing Superman and Batman as fathers is something I didn’t know I needed. Two of the greatest superheroes to ever exist, and then their sons – who just can’t get along. It’s fun, funny and f***ing awesome. Damian is a d***, Jon is a naïve idiot – this makes me want to check out the Super Sons run by Peter J. Tomasi. There’s so much rich content here, I just wanted as much of it as I could get.
The Bad:
The character of Maya I could have done without. She popped up and was solely there to push the plot forward. The final fight with Mr. Squish felt way too juvenile for me. Mr. Squish – more like Mr. Lame – ou got ‘em! I liked the idea of Damian and Jon having to work together, but Mr. Squish felt like a bad Saturday morning cartoon.
SINISTER PURPOSE
The Good:
The first half of this story was great! It didn’t take itself too seriously, Lois continues to be a standout character, and Superman takes on this big Frankenstein looking mofo. The story was fun and different, which I’m always down for!
The Bad:
The last half of the story takes itself more seriously and this is where it lost me. It turned into this tragic love story between these two alien creatures, which I could honestly care less about. At this point it felt less like a Superman story and more like an intergalactic Marriage Story. There’s also this farmer who comes out of nowhere to lend Superman a hand – ‘murica! The ending was also not that satisfying and wraps up way too quickly.
Conclusion:
As a whole, this book was decent with a few memorable moments. My favourite story of the bunch is without a doubt the In the Name of the Father run. Superman and Batman trying their best as fathers, Damian and Jon getting into fights – it’s just a damn good time! My least favourite story was Sinister Purpose. It started off fun, but the shift to a more serious tone lost my interest.
Recommended for: Fans of the rebirth Superman run or people who want to see younger versions of Batman and Superman beat the sh** out of each other
Thanks for reading! :)
May 20, 2022
A collection of great stories that really help to cement the Kents, sorry, Smiths as a family. It wonderfully shows the relationship that the characters have with one another, as well as adding in some really fun Bat-Dad content midway through. Even the mundane is made fun when the Kents are around. A blend of wacky adventures mixed with wholesome family bonding, it's another hit for Rebirth Superman.
February 5, 2017
Very good! Superman is probably one of the best rebirth titles at the moment; and that's just partially due to Peter J. Tomasi's writing which remains solid through out! So this volume is a series of short stories, first issue being Clark having family time with Lois and John, which made for a very fun issue! Then we have the Trial of Super Sons story, which is basically just advertising for the new John and Damain team up series(Roll my eyes); and then finally a very good team up story with Frankenstein! The Family time issue, and the Frankenstein crossover were the best, and very well done, the cover story, was the least impressive, and I didn't really care for most of it. Overall another solid volume from this title!
April 9, 2017
This is probably about as good as Superman and Son can get. The first issue, a sort of slice-of-life family piece, is the best of the lot, and one of the best single issues I've seen from the Rebirth books so far. That's followed by a Darwyn Cooke homage, good pulpy fun with dinosaurs and a lost World War II regiment. And then the book's momentum comes screeching to a halt, because it becomes all about Damian's continued refusal to get along well with others. Specifically, Jon. Apparently there's going to be a new series starring the two of them being frenemies or something. I have zero interest in such a book, particularly after these two issues felt like such an awful slog. The collection ends with two issues dedicated to a guest stint by Frankenstein. I never got around to reading any of DC's Frankenstein books, so I wasn't thrilled at the idea. As it turns out, it's a decent, if mostly unremarkable story, redeemed by a few really good scenes towards the end. All in all, this volume is on average pretty good. I don't think I'm likely to continue with the series. It just doesn't quite feel like my kind of thing. Good, and maybe I'll pick up the next volume from the library if I need something to read and it's on the shelf, but nothing I'd go out of my way for again.
April 5, 2017
Having read plenty of DC’s Rebirth titles, it did seem like a light was shining on the publisher following The New 52, which many readers considered a disappointment. Although my Bat-fandom is still going strong from the likes of Tom King and James Tynion IV, the first volume of Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason’s Superman run did not shine so brightly for the Man of Steel. However, following the boring slugfest with the Eradicator, Tomasi and Gleason step up their game and deliver the Superman and Son story I wanted to read.
Please click here to read my full review.
Please click here to read my full review.
June 12, 2018
I loved this collection. The pairing-off of Damian and Jon is comedy gold and I can’t wait to follow their odd-couple adventures elsewhere. The artwork is also exceptional in this collection with some great single frames, but also with some really dramatic storyboarding. The writing is witty and playful and fresh and it takes full advantage of placing a familiar version of Superman into a completely new context.
Really fun stuff.
4.5/5
Really fun stuff.
4.5/5
June 6, 2025
Just finished Superman Vol. 2: Trials of the Super Son by Peter J. Tomasi, and it’s another strong, heartfelt entry in this fantastic run. The core of the story continues to be the father-son bond between Clark and Jon, and it really shines here—full of warmth, lessons, and those small, personal moments that ground the big action.
A big bonus in this volume is the introduction of Jon’s dynamic with Damian Wayne. Their clashing personalities bring a fun spark to the story—Jon’s optimism and Damian’s arrogance are a perfect mismatch, and it’s clear this is the beginning of something special. The seeds of Super Sons are being planted, and it’s a blast to see.
The action leans a bit cosmic, but the emotional through-line keeps it grounded. Not every subplot clicks, but the charm and character work more than make up for it. 4 stars—hopeful, fun, and full of heart.
A big bonus in this volume is the introduction of Jon’s dynamic with Damian Wayne. Their clashing personalities bring a fun spark to the story—Jon’s optimism and Damian’s arrogance are a perfect mismatch, and it’s clear this is the beginning of something special. The seeds of Super Sons are being planted, and it’s a blast to see.
The action leans a bit cosmic, but the emotional through-line keeps it grounded. Not every subplot clicks, but the charm and character work more than make up for it. 4 stars—hopeful, fun, and full of heart.
December 12, 2017
Whoa, wait a sec! This was actually... not bad?!
So yeah, I absolutely hated Tomasi's first volume of Superman. It was abysmal. Of course I was never intending to pick up the second one, but somebody convinced me that this one was still worth giving a read. I'm glad I did!
This book consists of seven issues which make up four short stories. The first one, issue #7, is brilliant, and could easily be the best Superman single issue in years. Yeah, it's one of those! A standalone, done-in-one little slice of life story is about Superfamily going to a fair and having a good time, and Supes still manages to save the day. It's a great issue, and I would recommend checking this volume out to any Superman fan, if only for this issue alone (or, you know, just get the single).
The next two-part mini-arc is set in The New Frontier universe, of all places! I happen to be a huge fan of Darwyn Cooke's classic storyline, and I was happy to go back to the Dinosaur Island with Superman (and son) for a fun, pulpy adventure.
Unfortunately, the book stalls out a bit after this arc. The next two-parter is focused on Jon 'Superson' Kent and Damian Wayne learning to be friends and superhero partners. While it had its moments, the story felt a bit overlong and sometimes poorly paced. I get it, Super-Sons is a big hit right now, and I will get to that comic eventually, but when I'm reading a Superman comic, I want more Superman. His involvement in this story was kept to a minimum, instead focusing much more on Jon, who I still don't quite like and can't yet forgive for killing that cat in volume 1 (Damian actually taunts him about that, reminding us that this shit occurred in a kid-friendly comic and was written as a sweet bonding opportunity for their Superfamily).
After that, the final two-issue arc is a sort of fight and then team-up between Superman, Lois and DC's Frankenstein. I believe this is the very first time I came across this character, and I can't say that I'm a huge fan. A pretty generic story that unfortunately did very little for me, although it was readable, and I liked Tomasi's characterisation of Lois here.
Overall, it was still a surprisingly solid collection for a writer I was all but ready to deem a hack. I'm not sure if I'll continue reading his Superman, because the same person who convinced me to read this volume says that the series goes right back to shit in the following ones (Tomasi attempting to expand on Morrison's Multiversity? Hell no, there's no way he could pull that off and not ruin anything), but now I'm willing to at least give his Super-Sons a try, even despite my prejudice towards Jon. Who knows, maybe one day I'll grow to like the kid?
So yeah, I absolutely hated Tomasi's first volume of Superman. It was abysmal. Of course I was never intending to pick up the second one, but somebody convinced me that this one was still worth giving a read. I'm glad I did!
This book consists of seven issues which make up four short stories. The first one, issue #7, is brilliant, and could easily be the best Superman single issue in years. Yeah, it's one of those! A standalone, done-in-one little slice of life story is about Superfamily going to a fair and having a good time, and Supes still manages to save the day. It's a great issue, and I would recommend checking this volume out to any Superman fan, if only for this issue alone (or, you know, just get the single).
The next two-part mini-arc is set in The New Frontier universe, of all places! I happen to be a huge fan of Darwyn Cooke's classic storyline, and I was happy to go back to the Dinosaur Island with Superman (and son) for a fun, pulpy adventure.
Unfortunately, the book stalls out a bit after this arc. The next two-parter is focused on Jon 'Superson' Kent and Damian Wayne learning to be friends and superhero partners. While it had its moments, the story felt a bit overlong and sometimes poorly paced. I get it, Super-Sons is a big hit right now, and I will get to that comic eventually, but when I'm reading a Superman comic, I want more Superman. His involvement in this story was kept to a minimum, instead focusing much more on Jon, who I still don't quite like and can't yet forgive for killing that cat in volume 1 (Damian actually taunts him about that, reminding us that this shit occurred in a kid-friendly comic and was written as a sweet bonding opportunity for their Superfamily).
After that, the final two-issue arc is a sort of fight and then team-up between Superman, Lois and DC's Frankenstein. I believe this is the very first time I came across this character, and I can't say that I'm a huge fan. A pretty generic story that unfortunately did very little for me, although it was readable, and I liked Tomasi's characterisation of Lois here.
Overall, it was still a surprisingly solid collection for a writer I was all but ready to deem a hack. I'm not sure if I'll continue reading his Superman, because the same person who convinced me to read this volume says that the series goes right back to shit in the following ones (Tomasi attempting to expand on Morrison's Multiversity? Hell no, there's no way he could pull that off and not ruin anything), but now I'm willing to at least give his Super-Sons a try, even despite my prejudice towards Jon. Who knows, maybe one day I'll grow to like the kid?
June 17, 2017
The focus on the relationship between Superman and his son is the main reason I enjoyed this so much. The Super Family get into all sorts of adventures in this volume--everything from Dinosaur Island to a local county fair. The highlight of this book is a bonding moment between Superboy and Robin. It's funny how those two are so much like their dads. Also, it was a pleasant surprise to get a Frankenstein story.
January 11, 2022
This was so good!
This is probably my favorite Superman run and it shows why. Tomasi does so well to dive deep into the character and first shows a family outing in Hamilton County and explores the dynamics between them and just its filled with life! <3
Then a team up and vs with Damian and then the son of the worlds finest come together for a fun spectacular filled adventure and its the trial of the supersons to earn their cape and I like that Nobody is here too and then she helps them in this mission and well seeing the friendship between Jon and Damian is so awesome and its filled with that childish-ness mischief but also innocence.
And finally Superman teams up with Frankenstein to take care of some outcast mercenary and it also involves his bride and also Lois and its a fun outing for comics first couple and well seeing how their love is eternal is just perfect!
My fav story was the one with the Losers and in that story Jon and Clark help Capt Morgan (from Darwyn Cooke's new frontier) and well its a fun outing in Dinosaur island and is filled wiht so much nostalgia and fun and makes you love it all the more.
This is one of the best Superman volumes ever and sure its filled with slice of life but its that thing which makes you love it and Tomasi excels at it and the art is again good throughout. A MUST MUST READ!
This is probably my favorite Superman run and it shows why. Tomasi does so well to dive deep into the character and first shows a family outing in Hamilton County and explores the dynamics between them and just its filled with life! <3
Then a team up and vs with Damian and then the son of the worlds finest come together for a fun spectacular filled adventure and its the trial of the supersons to earn their cape and I like that Nobody is here too and then she helps them in this mission and well seeing the friendship between Jon and Damian is so awesome and its filled with that childish-ness mischief but also innocence.
And finally Superman teams up with Frankenstein to take care of some outcast mercenary and it also involves his bride and also Lois and its a fun outing for comics first couple and well seeing how their love is eternal is just perfect!
My fav story was the one with the Losers and in that story Jon and Clark help Capt Morgan (from Darwyn Cooke's new frontier) and well its a fun outing in Dinosaur island and is filled wiht so much nostalgia and fun and makes you love it all the more.
This is one of the best Superman volumes ever and sure its filled with slice of life but its that thing which makes you love it and Tomasi excels at it and the art is again good throughout. A MUST MUST READ!
April 11, 2017
This was pretty rough unfortunately. It looks like the further we get away from the Final Days of Superman, the less coherent and compelling the story gets. I think it's best to think of this volume as separated into four, mini arcs. The first was interesting enough, with the continued look at Lois, Clark, and Jon trying to settle into their new lives. It's corny, cheesy, and cute but doesn't really push things along other than showing the challenges of trying to be Superman and Clark Kent at the same time in a small town. It's hard to be a hero and family man I guess. As for the other three arcs, it sort of all game me the same reaction: Forced conflict between a pair of characters I really didn't care about. Damian is as annoying as ever and really pulled any humanity out of the one arc. The Frankenstein arc felt tacked on and really didn't add anything to furthering the development of Superman or his family. The fact that this volume has Superman as it's banner, it sure left me at a loss to feel anything for him and more often left me to wonder where he was in all this. Lastly, I found it absolutely tasteless that one character said to another to not go "absolutely Fukushima" on them. Sure, "don't have cow" and "chill out" are dated, but by God, using an incredibly tragic and massive nuclear accident as a glib talking point is just disgusting.
March 19, 2018
I dont know why I didnt like this as much as the 1st. The dinosaur and Frankenstein storys were really quite cheesy in my opinion but the Sons story was pretty cool. The artwork was still just as good. Not sure if I'll continue with this one.
October 11, 2017
Well, I think Wonder Woman Vol. 2: Year One just met its rival for my favorite Rebirth series book so far. I thought Superman, Vol. 1: Son of Superman was really good, but Vol. 2 was even better.
I tell ya, there was not a single bound in the wrong direction. The artwork, the stories, the heartland ambiance . . . everything just clicked and I did not want it to end. From family night at the county fair to the 'Skull Island'-like central story (complete with assistance from a Sgt. Nick Fury doppelganger - his original WWII Howling Commando-era look, not Samuel L.) to the Frankenstein finale, it was a such a crime how much I enjoyed it that I think Batman may come after me.
Oh wait, the cover story. Jon and Damian - frenemies to the end (of adolescence?) - knock heads and various obstacles as they are put through their paces by dear ol' dads in an effort to provide a teachable moment of sorts. Bad guys eventually beware.
I tell ya, there was not a single bound in the wrong direction. The artwork, the stories, the heartland ambiance . . . everything just clicked and I did not want it to end. From family night at the county fair to the 'Skull Island'-like central story (complete with assistance from a Sgt. Nick Fury doppelganger - his original WWII Howling Commando-era look, not Samuel L.) to the Frankenstein finale, it was a such a crime how much I enjoyed it that I think Batman may come after me.
Oh wait, the cover story. Jon and Damian - frenemies to the end (of adolescence?) - knock heads and various obstacles as they are put through their paces by dear ol' dads in an effort to provide a teachable moment of sorts. Bad guys eventually beware.
June 24, 2017
This title is so much fun.
September 30, 2020
While the artwork and story were as amazing as they usually are, and the writers kept things fairly clean for a modern comic book omnibus, some of the visuals were freakier than I would have liked.
April 1, 2017
[Read as single issues]
We get a little bit of light-hearted action in this second volume of Superman, which is a good palette cleanser after the doom and gloom of the first book.
Opening with a little one-shot that lets the Kents enjoy their family time, we then progress into some father-son action as Superman and Superboy go on vacation to Dinosaur Island. And by vacation I mean 'get abducted by Kryptonian tech and have to fight dinosaurs' which is every bit as awesome as it sounds. This little two-parter also ties into Darwyn Cooke's New Frontier, which is nice.
Next is In The Name Of The Father, another two parter that has Superboy and Robin teaming up to prove to their parents that they're good enough to operate on their own. But Batman and Superman's intensive training programme might teach them more about each other than than their kids; this is also a lead-in to the new Super-Sons ongoing, so the arc pulls double duty. Patrick Gleason gets to draw this one, which is of course wonderful, since he drew the majority of Tomasi's Batman & Robin run too.
And finally, the weakest story of the bunch is Super-Monster, which sees Superman team up with Frankenstein to fight a rogue alien. That should be more fun than it is, but never mind. We do get Doug Mahnke drawing Frankenstein again though, so that's well worth the price of admission.
Superboy is still front and centre in this volume of the book, which I expect is the point since Superman and Lois get more of the spotlight in Action Comics, but it's beginning to feel more like a family book than just about Superboy.
We get a little bit of light-hearted action in this second volume of Superman, which is a good palette cleanser after the doom and gloom of the first book.
Opening with a little one-shot that lets the Kents enjoy their family time, we then progress into some father-son action as Superman and Superboy go on vacation to Dinosaur Island. And by vacation I mean 'get abducted by Kryptonian tech and have to fight dinosaurs' which is every bit as awesome as it sounds. This little two-parter also ties into Darwyn Cooke's New Frontier, which is nice.
Next is In The Name Of The Father, another two parter that has Superboy and Robin teaming up to prove to their parents that they're good enough to operate on their own. But Batman and Superman's intensive training programme might teach them more about each other than than their kids; this is also a lead-in to the new Super-Sons ongoing, so the arc pulls double duty. Patrick Gleason gets to draw this one, which is of course wonderful, since he drew the majority of Tomasi's Batman & Robin run too.
And finally, the weakest story of the bunch is Super-Monster, which sees Superman team up with Frankenstein to fight a rogue alien. That should be more fun than it is, but never mind. We do get Doug Mahnke drawing Frankenstein again though, so that's well worth the price of admission.
Superboy is still front and centre in this volume of the book, which I expect is the point since Superman and Lois get more of the spotlight in Action Comics, but it's beginning to feel more like a family book than just about Superboy.
August 25, 2018
Really funny and cute, enjoyed the chemistry between the fathers and the sons.
September 7, 2020
These volumes contain Superman comic issues in Rebirth Run this volume contains issues 7-13 and continues the story of Superman's son. The stories are varied and contain multiple 2-issue arcs. Superman and his family are living in a small town called Hamilton.
We have multiple stories first one shows us a simple day in the small-town life of superfamily. Then a couple of issues where Superman and his son Jon are mysteriously transported to a strange time and place where they have to fight off otherworldly monsters. Then a couple of issues where Superboy is pitted against Robin and they pit their heads against each other. And then, a couple of issues where few alien monsters fight and on and off.
The stories are ok but although the volume is subtitled - Trials of Super son, although not all stories feature Jonathan that's okay because original stories were not printed to be included together in a volume and it's okay because we are getting to read the volumes in bulk for a little bit cheaper. Time to continue through the series, I had read the first volume a long back and then waited till now to continue through the series.
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.
We have multiple stories first one shows us a simple day in the small-town life of superfamily. Then a couple of issues where Superman and his son Jon are mysteriously transported to a strange time and place where they have to fight off otherworldly monsters. Then a couple of issues where Superboy is pitted against Robin and they pit their heads against each other. And then, a couple of issues where few alien monsters fight and on and off.
The stories are ok but although the volume is subtitled - Trials of Super son, although not all stories feature Jonathan that's okay because original stories were not printed to be included together in a volume and it's okay because we are getting to read the volumes in bulk for a little bit cheaper. Time to continue through the series, I had read the first volume a long back and then waited till now to continue through the series.
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.
September 14, 2017
An excellent collection. Loved all three stories: the Losers team-up, Batman & Robin team-up and the Frankenstein team-up.
June 14, 2017
Tomasi does a brilliant job with Superman and his slice of family life storylines are great.
A big part of why I bought this is the initial meet between the super sons and I gotta say it was adorable. I love Damian, and Jon is the perfect odd couple match for him.
This is the Superman for those who miss the old boy-scout. One of the best Rebirth series by far.
A big part of why I bought this is the initial meet between the super sons and I gotta say it was adorable. I love Damian, and Jon is the perfect odd couple match for him.
This is the Superman for those who miss the old boy-scout. One of the best Rebirth series by far.
May 21, 2017
Riffing on the title of an era-spanning collection of stand-alone's from a decade ago, this has neither the charm or skill on display then (and that wasn't much). Superman and Batman are oddly portrayed, their respective minors are only characterized by naivety and rage, and their is neither coherence or resolution in the story.
June 2, 2017
I think the reason I'm enjoying this series so much is that Superman and I now have an additional thing (including wanting to do what is right) in common: We are both raising a son. Superman is of course nearly perfect in his role, and it's nice to have something to aspire to. In other words, he's a role model for me in a new way. Superman has now "grown up", meaning he has a family now, creating a new set of responsibilities that have to be juggled with his old one of keeping the world safe. I'm not sure if this appeals to the younger crowd but I can expect it's doing well with the 30+ readers.
In this volume I particularly liked the story with Batman, who's got his own set of problems being a father as well as raising someone with the unique problems of Damian. Also, I'm always a sucker for seeing the World's Finest together, especially when they aren't fighting.
There's a two-parter with Frankenstein and SHADE, but didn't really care for it. It only advanced one of the minor sub-plots slightly, although it did serve as a reminder that this book is about family.
Gleason's art is really growing on me now too.
In this volume I particularly liked the story with Batman, who's got his own set of problems being a father as well as raising someone with the unique problems of Damian. Also, I'm always a sucker for seeing the World's Finest together, especially when they aren't fighting.
There's a two-parter with Frankenstein and SHADE, but didn't really care for it. It only advanced one of the minor sub-plots slightly, although it did serve as a reminder that this book is about family.
Gleason's art is really growing on me now too.
August 22, 2017
I have loved the first 2 volumes of Superman Rebirth! The first two issues that make up this collection feature Superman and his son being transported to Dinosaur Island and the plot and writing are old school Superman fun and action. The remainder of the volume explores the relationship between Batman's son Damien and Superman's son Jon and watching these younger versions of their fathers fight (and eventually work together) is just as much fun to watch as it is when their dads do it.
July 26, 2018
Another fantastic entry for Rebirth Superman. This and Vol. 1 are pretty much exactly what I want from an ongoing Superman story. They are fun, fast-paced and Tomasi really nails Superman's personality.
The dynamic between Jon and Damian is just incredibly fun to read, and the one-shot issue where Clark, Lois and Jon go to the county fair is now among my favorite single issues of Superman ever. It's so simple, sweet and get's the characters just right.
The dynamic between Jon and Damian is just incredibly fun to read, and the one-shot issue where Clark, Lois and Jon go to the county fair is now among my favorite single issues of Superman ever. It's so simple, sweet and get's the characters just right.
April 15, 2017
This has pretty much everything, a call back to the Losers story from New Frontier, the set up for the Super Sons series, and Doug Mahnke drawing Frankenstein. One of the easiest five star ratings I've given.
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