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Superman (2016) #1-2
Superman: The Rebirth Deluxe Edition, Book 1
The first two volumes of Superman as a part of DC Universe: Rebirth are collected here in hardcover for the first time ever!
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 star illustrators Doug Mahnke (Final Crisis) and Patrick Gleason (Robin: Son of Batman), best-selling author Peter J. Tomasi brings you Superman, Volumes 1 & 2: Deluxe Edition! This collection features the first two paperback volumes of the series, combined to make a deluxe edition graphic novel in hardcover for the first time ever.
Collecting: Superman 1-12, Rebirth
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 star illustrators Doug Mahnke (Final Crisis) and Patrick Gleason (Robin: Son of Batman), best-selling author Peter J. Tomasi brings you Superman, Volumes 1 & 2: Deluxe Edition! This collection features the first two paperback volumes of the series, combined to make a deluxe edition graphic novel in hardcover for the first time ever.
Collecting: Superman 1-12, Rebirth
336 pages, Hardcover
First published October 3, 2017
163 people are currently reading
183 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 64 reviews
February 3, 2018
Although continuity dependent, it’s fun and exciting to watch the return of pre-Flashpoint Superman, and him having a family for a change. I really appreciate what Tomasi and Gleason have done, making Superman more human and empathetic as a father and husband, yet just as mighty as always. Building on this family dynamic, the last entertaining third follows the friend-enemy relationship of Jon versus Damian as the “Super Sons”. There are two “OK” issues, Dinosaur Island and Frankenstein Returns. But incredible illustrations all around.
June 17, 2025
Solid. Superman has gone public and is now Superman of this world. Him and Lois are getting use to their new life here and Supes has been working with his son, Jonathan getting acclimated with his current budding powers as well as new abilities that have been popping up. Superman man deals with an Eradicator who is trying to bring Kryton back by starting with Jon. He wants to “eradicate” Jon’s human half. Big drawn out battle there. Clark and his son also get warped to another reality that reminds me of the Savage Land. My favorite arc tho was Superman and his son dealing Batman and his son. That was some fun stuff and has me excited to read the Super Sons omnibus. There has been some small things bubbling in the background that has been teasing things to come also. The artwork in here is the star of the show. Book is gorgeous to look at. All artist involved did a helluva job.
November 14, 2017
I enjoy Supes as a father, but mixing in Batman and (shudder) Damian was a little over the top.
I loved the character design work on the new Eradicator in the first arc, though!
I loved the character design work on the new Eradicator in the first arc, though!
July 13, 2020
Definitely something of a new return for the Man of Steel, and a very good one. We see him as his new family, his wife Lois Lane and their son Jon, live their lives together while also seeing their super son grow and getting into action packed moments with some superfriends and a pair of bickering alien lovers. A perfect beginning to this new Superman series as it has plenty of super excitement. A (100%/Outstanding)
July 31, 2019
The cornerstone of the DC Rebirth era, other than the return of Wally West and the reveal of Dr. Manhattan's meddling, was the return of the pre-Flashpoint Superman. He was brought back into the DC continuity in Convergence, Superman: Lois and Clark, and Superman: The Final Days of Superman (the last two of which are must-reads), but now he sets off on a rebooted on-going series.
Superman isn't the easiest character to write in a compelling way due to his good-boy demeanor and his vast power. But what Tomasi does here is brilliant, leaning full-tilt into the squeaky-clean image and focusing on Superman being a family man. Here, Clark Kent struggles to balance his superhero responsibilities now that he's public with his responsibilities as a husband and father. Clark and Lois's son, Jonathan Kent, is the breath of fresh air that Superman needs. Jonathan adds a great dynamic to this story, bringing out the best parts of Clark's character as he tries to guide his son through this world and the discovery of his Kryptonian abilities.
But to make matters more complicated, he has to deal not only with the Eradicator, but also with what is definitely the best part of the book: introducing Jonathan to Batman and his son Damian Wayne, the latest Robin. This arc was great! That little shit Damian decides to kidnap Jonathan because he's concerned about his lack of control of his powers and proceeds to run tests on him, until both Batman and Superman swoop in and put the boys on punishment, forcing them to bond. I can't wait to read more about Jonathan and his budding odd-couple relationship with Damian. Their adventures continue in Super Sons: The Complete Series Omnibus so I'll be getting to that soon.
If you're looking for some good Superman stories, put this series on your list!
This collects:
Superman, Volume 1: Son of Superman
Superman, Vol. 2: Trials of the Super Son
Superman isn't the easiest character to write in a compelling way due to his good-boy demeanor and his vast power. But what Tomasi does here is brilliant, leaning full-tilt into the squeaky-clean image and focusing on Superman being a family man. Here, Clark Kent struggles to balance his superhero responsibilities now that he's public with his responsibilities as a husband and father. Clark and Lois's son, Jonathan Kent, is the breath of fresh air that Superman needs. Jonathan adds a great dynamic to this story, bringing out the best parts of Clark's character as he tries to guide his son through this world and the discovery of his Kryptonian abilities.
But to make matters more complicated, he has to deal not only with the Eradicator, but also with what is definitely the best part of the book: introducing Jonathan to Batman and his son Damian Wayne, the latest Robin. This arc was great! That little shit Damian decides to kidnap Jonathan because he's concerned about his lack of control of his powers and proceeds to run tests on him, until both Batman and Superman swoop in and put the boys on punishment, forcing them to bond. I can't wait to read more about Jonathan and his budding odd-couple relationship with Damian. Their adventures continue in Super Sons: The Complete Series Omnibus so I'll be getting to that soon.
If you're looking for some good Superman stories, put this series on your list!
This collects:
Superman, Volume 1: Son of Superman
Superman, Vol. 2: Trials of the Super Son
July 4, 2018
This was... okay, I guess? But also pretty stupid. I’m a bit confused — did DC reboot their universe YET AGAIN? WTF is up with these guys? Hey DC, have you heard that saying, “Doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results is the definition of insanity”?
You know what? I’m going to spoil this one, so
SPOILER ALERT — SPOILER ALERT — SPOILER ALERT
So, okay, despite this being a big ol’ #1, we apparently join this story already in progress. The beginning is front-loaded with an expository infodump about how Superman is watching Superman without getting involved, but then Superman fights, erm, The Human Torch, I think, so Superman helps out, except Superman is killed so Superman steps in to become Superman.
But this watching Superman is wearing the black suit from the Superman of the 1980s, and he tells Lana Lang (who we will never see again, because she’s just an audience stand-in to be talked at)... sorry, Superman tells Lana all about how he fought Doomsday and died, then rose again on the third day and that’s why we have chocolate bunnies delivering eggs at Easter. That last part isn’t in here but it might as well be because it makes about as much sense as anything else in this story.
Superman says he’s waiting for Superman to come back from the dead the way he did, but they make it very clear that this fireman guy INCINERATED Superman. Lana even carries his ashes in an urn. Even for a nutso superhero fantasy, how is that a resurrectable corpse? Yet they are surprised when it doesn’t work.
Superman then decides that the world needs a Superman, so he starts Supermanning again. Fine.
But here’s my question: is this Superman from the past of an alternate universe? Because he’s extremely very similar to the Superman we knew back in the day, except this guy is married to Lois Lane and they have a son named Jon. I freely admit I didn’t keep up with Superman back then, but I don’t recall there being a kid.
I thought they did away with parallel Earths, but since there is an Earth 2 comic running, I guess those are back now, too?
So anyway, this appears to be yet another soft reboot, since this universe has holdovers from the previous universe. Again. Does no one at DC have a dictionary which can explain to them what “reboot” means? This is the same stupid problem the New 52 had.
All right, so nevermind all that corporate we-must-make-changes-but-not-too-many-changes-because-we-killed-sales garbage, let’s look at the stories themselves.
So the first arc deals with Superman deciding to take up the mantle again. We know he will; he’s Superman. There’s a bunch of stuff with young Jon, who has uncontrollable power flare-ups due to being just a kid. In one scene the family cat is nabbed by a hawk, and Jon uses his heat vision to blast the bird... and vaporize the cat. This is straight out of Straczynski’s excellent reboot of the Squadron Supreme (Supreme Power: Hyperion), where a very young Hyperion accidentally vaporizes a puppy given to him. That scene worked there because it was a gritty take on those heroes, but here the cat incineration is a bit much. Tonally it doesn’t fit the book. Plus, you know, ripoff.
Superman teaches Jon, there’s a fight with a giant octopus, people aren’t sure whether to trust this new Superman, yadda yadda. It’s all very surface level, and you don’t feel like anyone is actually going to distrust this guy. I mean, he looks and acts exactly like the old guy, so.
Somehow the guy who killed Superman gets bits of Jon’s blood from the octo fight and invades the Fortress of Solitude, where Superman and Lois bring Jon after he bumps his head, and he is revealed to be none other than THE ERADICATOR!
Who?
Yeah, me neither, man.
Turns out this guy is a robot built by Zod to kill his enemies by sucking out their lifeforce and sending it into the Phantom Zone while their bodies await trial. Except the souls of the Kryptonians are also inside the Eradicator, powering him. And his robot body transformed into a nondescript humanoid body when Krypton exploded because reasons. Also there were a lot of him. So he’s sort of like Braniac and sort of like Bizarro, which makes about as much sense as anything else here.
Superman takes the battle to Batman’s batcave on the dark side of the moon (which is literally dark in this universe, because fuck science, man), and the Eradicator eats Krypto. Oh, did I forget to mention Krypto the Superdog suddenly shows up out of nowhere? Yeah, he’s here. Then the Eradicator eats Superman, who explains to the Kryptonian ghosts in Raddie’s belly (I’m assuming) that they need to fight Raddie.
Meanwhile, outside in the cave, Lois manages to don some giant batarmor (we’re even treated to a shot of her a la Iron Man from the Marvel movies) and starts fighting The ‘Cator. Now, this being Batman’s moonhouse, you’d think he’d have some protocols in place to keep people from just stealing his stuff. Smartest guy in the world who is always three steps ahead of everyone, yet doesn’t use the thumbprint technology we have to keep anyone else from looking at our phones... sure, dude.
So anyway, the Eradicator, who apparently sucks souls out of people’s bodies also bodily consumes entire people, despite those two things being mutually exclusive, and those souls now possess Superman, giving him the power to escape from Er’s tummy and become full size again, just in time to save Lois and Jon.
It clearly states he only has 10% power, yet he’s standing toe-to-toe with a supercharged Superman, which causes me to ask the question: how did Superman stand against him in the first place when he was at 40,000% power?
None. Of. This. Makes. Sense.
Superhero stories are inherently silly, but you need to have *some* internal consistency FFS.
Raddie says that one Kryptonian soul still resides within, so Superman yells, “Krypto, heel!” And the superdog tears himself from inside the roboman. Easy win. Kryptonian souls fly off into space. Superman rights the fallen American flag and lunar lander, which everyone on Earth sees. Superman gets a medal. Yay!
Which would have been a cool moment except for all the goofiness that went before it.
Other adventures in this book include Jon building a flying saucer model that somehow connects to the Kryptonian crystals, thus transporting the two guys and the dog to Skull Island where they fight dinosaurs and an albino Gorilla Grodd. I mean, it’s not actually Skull Island, but it’s pretty clearly the same sort of place, complete with impenetrable fog that Superman can’t get out of. It also transports them back in time, I guess, because they find the remains of WWII soldiers and their tanks, boats and planes. Not to mention a soldier still living on the island. Since the guy looks to be no more than 50 years old, this must be somewhere around 1972.
Which is when the events of the movie Kong: Skull Island take place. Hmm.
So either this place has magical age-retardation powers or it’s in the past, or maybe some other explanation entirely. I suppose it doesn’t really matter, since this is no more ridiculous than the other arcs in this book.
Krypto gets swallowed by a pteranodon, which leads to the one amusing line of this whole series: “What is with you getting eaten all the time?” Which was exactly the question I asked the page before.
We also get the son of Batman teaming up with the son of Superman, which was honestly the best part of this book. I see that this is also an ongoing series, and that has promise — provided it’s not written by these guys, because we really need someone who understand basic storytelling to write these.
Preferably by someone who hasn’t taken the dictum of “save the dog, kill the cat” as the core of their yarn spinning.
You know what? I’m going to spoil this one, so
SPOILER ALERT — SPOILER ALERT — SPOILER ALERT
So, okay, despite this being a big ol’ #1, we apparently join this story already in progress. The beginning is front-loaded with an expository infodump about how Superman is watching Superman without getting involved, but then Superman fights, erm, The Human Torch, I think, so Superman helps out, except Superman is killed so Superman steps in to become Superman.
But this watching Superman is wearing the black suit from the Superman of the 1980s, and he tells Lana Lang (who we will never see again, because she’s just an audience stand-in to be talked at)... sorry, Superman tells Lana all about how he fought Doomsday and died, then rose again on the third day and that’s why we have chocolate bunnies delivering eggs at Easter. That last part isn’t in here but it might as well be because it makes about as much sense as anything else in this story.
Superman says he’s waiting for Superman to come back from the dead the way he did, but they make it very clear that this fireman guy INCINERATED Superman. Lana even carries his ashes in an urn. Even for a nutso superhero fantasy, how is that a resurrectable corpse? Yet they are surprised when it doesn’t work.
Superman then decides that the world needs a Superman, so he starts Supermanning again. Fine.
But here’s my question: is this Superman from the past of an alternate universe? Because he’s extremely very similar to the Superman we knew back in the day, except this guy is married to Lois Lane and they have a son named Jon. I freely admit I didn’t keep up with Superman back then, but I don’t recall there being a kid.
I thought they did away with parallel Earths, but since there is an Earth 2 comic running, I guess those are back now, too?
So anyway, this appears to be yet another soft reboot, since this universe has holdovers from the previous universe. Again. Does no one at DC have a dictionary which can explain to them what “reboot” means? This is the same stupid problem the New 52 had.
All right, so nevermind all that corporate we-must-make-changes-but-not-too-many-changes-because-we-killed-sales garbage, let’s look at the stories themselves.
So the first arc deals with Superman deciding to take up the mantle again. We know he will; he’s Superman. There’s a bunch of stuff with young Jon, who has uncontrollable power flare-ups due to being just a kid. In one scene the family cat is nabbed by a hawk, and Jon uses his heat vision to blast the bird... and vaporize the cat. This is straight out of Straczynski’s excellent reboot of the Squadron Supreme (Supreme Power: Hyperion), where a very young Hyperion accidentally vaporizes a puppy given to him. That scene worked there because it was a gritty take on those heroes, but here the cat incineration is a bit much. Tonally it doesn’t fit the book. Plus, you know, ripoff.
Superman teaches Jon, there’s a fight with a giant octopus, people aren’t sure whether to trust this new Superman, yadda yadda. It’s all very surface level, and you don’t feel like anyone is actually going to distrust this guy. I mean, he looks and acts exactly like the old guy, so.
Somehow the guy who killed Superman gets bits of Jon’s blood from the octo fight and invades the Fortress of Solitude, where Superman and Lois bring Jon after he bumps his head, and he is revealed to be none other than THE ERADICATOR!
Who?
Yeah, me neither, man.
Turns out this guy is a robot built by Zod to kill his enemies by sucking out their lifeforce and sending it into the Phantom Zone while their bodies await trial. Except the souls of the Kryptonians are also inside the Eradicator, powering him. And his robot body transformed into a nondescript humanoid body when Krypton exploded because reasons. Also there were a lot of him. So he’s sort of like Braniac and sort of like Bizarro, which makes about as much sense as anything else here.
Superman takes the battle to Batman’s batcave on the dark side of the moon (which is literally dark in this universe, because fuck science, man), and the Eradicator eats Krypto. Oh, did I forget to mention Krypto the Superdog suddenly shows up out of nowhere? Yeah, he’s here. Then the Eradicator eats Superman, who explains to the Kryptonian ghosts in Raddie’s belly (I’m assuming) that they need to fight Raddie.
Meanwhile, outside in the cave, Lois manages to don some giant batarmor (we’re even treated to a shot of her a la Iron Man from the Marvel movies) and starts fighting The ‘Cator. Now, this being Batman’s moonhouse, you’d think he’d have some protocols in place to keep people from just stealing his stuff. Smartest guy in the world who is always three steps ahead of everyone, yet doesn’t use the thumbprint technology we have to keep anyone else from looking at our phones... sure, dude.
So anyway, the Eradicator, who apparently sucks souls out of people’s bodies also bodily consumes entire people, despite those two things being mutually exclusive, and those souls now possess Superman, giving him the power to escape from Er’s tummy and become full size again, just in time to save Lois and Jon.
It clearly states he only has 10% power, yet he’s standing toe-to-toe with a supercharged Superman, which causes me to ask the question: how did Superman stand against him in the first place when he was at 40,000% power?
None. Of. This. Makes. Sense.
Superhero stories are inherently silly, but you need to have *some* internal consistency FFS.
Raddie says that one Kryptonian soul still resides within, so Superman yells, “Krypto, heel!” And the superdog tears himself from inside the roboman. Easy win. Kryptonian souls fly off into space. Superman rights the fallen American flag and lunar lander, which everyone on Earth sees. Superman gets a medal. Yay!
Which would have been a cool moment except for all the goofiness that went before it.
Other adventures in this book include Jon building a flying saucer model that somehow connects to the Kryptonian crystals, thus transporting the two guys and the dog to Skull Island where they fight dinosaurs and an albino Gorilla Grodd. I mean, it’s not actually Skull Island, but it’s pretty clearly the same sort of place, complete with impenetrable fog that Superman can’t get out of. It also transports them back in time, I guess, because they find the remains of WWII soldiers and their tanks, boats and planes. Not to mention a soldier still living on the island. Since the guy looks to be no more than 50 years old, this must be somewhere around 1972.
Which is when the events of the movie Kong: Skull Island take place. Hmm.
So either this place has magical age-retardation powers or it’s in the past, or maybe some other explanation entirely. I suppose it doesn’t really matter, since this is no more ridiculous than the other arcs in this book.
Krypto gets swallowed by a pteranodon, which leads to the one amusing line of this whole series: “What is with you getting eaten all the time?” Which was exactly the question I asked the page before.
We also get the son of Batman teaming up with the son of Superman, which was honestly the best part of this book. I see that this is also an ongoing series, and that has promise — provided it’s not written by these guys, because we really need someone who understand basic storytelling to write these.
Preferably by someone who hasn’t taken the dictum of “save the dog, kill the cat” as the core of their yarn spinning.
January 20, 2018
This was awesome! The New-52 Superman is gone for good, and pre-Flashpoint Kal-El (who got "killed" by Doomsday) steps in to fill his shoes, bringing Lois and their son Jon Kent along for the ride.
Writer Peter J. Tomasi made this collection work with his fine characterisation and diverse storylines. Highlights include a battle on the moon with the Eradicator (and the Hellbat-Armor thrown in for good measure!), a goofy return to the silver age (with a story set in the 1940s on dinosaur island), appearances by Batman/Damian, the return of Krypto the Superdog, and a short team-up with Frankenstein and bride (yes, really!)
Tomasi understands Superman's character and writes him like the inspiring, strong, deeply caring figure he should be, while developing the difficult relationship between him and his son Jon, who has to come to terms with his emerging powers. Lois is also a key part in most of the stories, underlining the recurring "Family"-theme here.
And one more thing: Doug Mahnke's art here is outstanding. I've rarely seen Superman and his world drawn so well. His work is immensely detailed, and he has a keen eye for action scenes.
So, 14 issues of Superman, top-notch presentation and artwork, with well-written characters and high entertainment value, for a bargain price. Highly recommended!
Writer Peter J. Tomasi made this collection work with his fine characterisation and diverse storylines. Highlights include a battle on the moon with the Eradicator (and the Hellbat-Armor thrown in for good measure!), a goofy return to the silver age (with a story set in the 1940s on dinosaur island), appearances by Batman/Damian, the return of Krypto the Superdog, and a short team-up with Frankenstein and bride (yes, really!)
Tomasi understands Superman's character and writes him like the inspiring, strong, deeply caring figure he should be, while developing the difficult relationship between him and his son Jon, who has to come to terms with his emerging powers. Lois is also a key part in most of the stories, underlining the recurring "Family"-theme here.
And one more thing: Doug Mahnke's art here is outstanding. I've rarely seen Superman and his world drawn so well. His work is immensely detailed, and he has a keen eye for action scenes.
So, 14 issues of Superman, top-notch presentation and artwork, with well-written characters and high entertainment value, for a bargain price. Highly recommended!
September 17, 2019
Superman v Rebirthu je pro mě hrozný překvapení, jde o strašně fajn rodinný komiks s fajn kresbou. Jediný co se tomu vlastně dá vytknout jsou wtf momenty alá zvláštní oponenti.
December 25, 2017
Hay veces que es difícil dar contraargumentos a la gente que dice que Superman es el más aburrido de todos los superhéroes.
Un poquito peor si la mitad de los números aquí reunidos tienen un arte caricaturesco e infantil.
Pero... le doy una estrella más de la debida porque siempre se agradece ver a Superman regresando al tono de Boy Scout correcto en él.
Un poquito peor si la mitad de los números aquí reunidos tienen un arte caricaturesco e infantil.
Pero... le doy una estrella más de la debida porque siempre se agradece ver a Superman regresando al tono de Boy Scout correcto en él.
March 23, 2018
DC relaunched, then rebirthed. I'm just getting to this now in a reading project let's go ahead and call
DC: AFTERBIRTH!
Superman. What we have here is apparently an alternate Earth Superman that we got to know during Flashpoint. Sooooo our relaunch involves a character who is a clone of our Superman that came about from a 2011 comics event.
Two things:
1. DC, c'mon, dudes. Relaunch the shit or don't. I don't get why they keep doing this, relaunching but not really. It's super annoying. If I'm looking for a jump-on point with Superman, it's not this.
2. Let's face it, it's totally irrational, but nobody likes when a character is replaced with an exact clone. No matter how exact. We just plain don't like it. I think because it implies that if we were cloned, nobody would know the difference, and that fucks with a person's sense of self. I'd like to think if I were cloned right now, my girlfriend wouldn't figure it out at first, but then she would, and she would hold the clone hostage, bust me out of mega-prison where I have to wear magnet boots, and the clone would grow a beard and go off and live his own life, ultimately shaming me by being a much better version of me.
I mean, people don't like when you replace Peter Parker with AN EXACT CLONE OF PETER PARKER. This happens here and there in other media too. There was a Futurama where Bender was replaced with an exact Bender clone, and the writers got a nice pile o' hate mail. Or, we have cat cloning. That shit's real. $25,000, but still, very real. And I think most of us view the idea with a level of suspicion. Because...it's just not the same.
Anyway, I don't know why this happens as often as it does in comics, but replacing a character with an exact clone? Never works. Just let's not do that. Let's do...anything else but that.
There's some mileage in this book of Superman as a dad. That's probably the best stuff, although it gets a little adorable for my liking when Batman comes on the scene and superdads unite. It's cute, but cute wasn't really what I was looking for. When I want cute, I know exactly where to look: Me, in the mirror. That's all the cute I can handle.
DC: AFTERBIRTH!
Superman. What we have here is apparently an alternate Earth Superman that we got to know during Flashpoint. Sooooo our relaunch involves a character who is a clone of our Superman that came about from a 2011 comics event.
Two things:
1. DC, c'mon, dudes. Relaunch the shit or don't. I don't get why they keep doing this, relaunching but not really. It's super annoying. If I'm looking for a jump-on point with Superman, it's not this.
2. Let's face it, it's totally irrational, but nobody likes when a character is replaced with an exact clone. No matter how exact. We just plain don't like it. I think because it implies that if we were cloned, nobody would know the difference, and that fucks with a person's sense of self. I'd like to think if I were cloned right now, my girlfriend wouldn't figure it out at first, but then she would, and she would hold the clone hostage, bust me out of mega-prison where I have to wear magnet boots, and the clone would grow a beard and go off and live his own life, ultimately shaming me by being a much better version of me.
I mean, people don't like when you replace Peter Parker with AN EXACT CLONE OF PETER PARKER. This happens here and there in other media too. There was a Futurama where Bender was replaced with an exact Bender clone, and the writers got a nice pile o' hate mail. Or, we have cat cloning. That shit's real. $25,000, but still, very real. And I think most of us view the idea with a level of suspicion. Because...it's just not the same.
Anyway, I don't know why this happens as often as it does in comics, but replacing a character with an exact clone? Never works. Just let's not do that. Let's do...anything else but that.
There's some mileage in this book of Superman as a dad. That's probably the best stuff, although it gets a little adorable for my liking when Batman comes on the scene and superdads unite. It's cute, but cute wasn't really what I was looking for. When I want cute, I know exactly where to look: Me, in the mirror. That's all the cute I can handle.
November 14, 2017
An excellent introduction to Superman and his status quo within DC Rebirth. Peter Tomasi allows the reader to move past the convoluted history of the New 52 Superman with only limited explanation. This is effective in pushing the story forward with Superman and his new family dominating the opening Deluxe Volume. After having read the opening Flash and Batman volumes I was excited to read a Superman comic. I've previously found the character to be stagnant with limited storytelling potential.
The status quo Tomasi develops is dynamic and unique for the character. Giving Superman a family adds another layer and provides an interesting dynamic for Superman and his abilities. Jon Kent is a great addition to the Superman universe with a lot of storytelling potential. The stand alone issue where the Kent family visits a state fair is a particular stand out. Demonstrating the appeal of Superman on a basic level while showcasing the potential of having a family within the comic. This has been the strongest Deluxe Edition to date and I look forward to seeing where the story goes from here. Well done!
The status quo Tomasi develops is dynamic and unique for the character. Giving Superman a family adds another layer and provides an interesting dynamic for Superman and his abilities. Jon Kent is a great addition to the Superman universe with a lot of storytelling potential. The stand alone issue where the Kent family visits a state fair is a particular stand out. Demonstrating the appeal of Superman on a basic level while showcasing the potential of having a family within the comic. This has been the strongest Deluxe Edition to date and I look forward to seeing where the story goes from here. Well done!
August 1, 2020
Entertaining. Some of his foes are quite bizarre, as is the storyline of a new Superman. (2018)
Like it even better the 2nd time through. (2020)
Like it even better the 2nd time through. (2020)
April 7, 2020
So, I held off writing about this for a little bit to read Convergence: Superman and Superman: Lois and Clark, since supposedly flesh out the backstory of why pre-flashpoint Supes is back (they don't much). Still, they're a decent little prologue to this adventure. I don't really get what was going on in the background with Convergence because it's part of a larger event which I didn't read (something about converging multiverses and an edgy Justice League where Bruce Wayne died and his father is Batman), but Lois and Clark has its moments, especially with introducing Jon, their son. There's a few minor inconsistencies between that book and Superman: Rebirth, but nothing crazy.
Anyway, after the lukewarm reception to new 52, the much-hyped reboot of the Superman series is helmed by writers Peter J. Tomasi (who also helmed the previous Last Days of Superman arc, as well as the later issues of Superman/Wonder Woman) and Patrick Gleason, along with artists Doug Mahnke and Jorge Jimenez (another familiar face from New 52). Though I'm not the biggest fan of Jimenez, his work here is pretty serviceable, and Mahnke's work is often stunning, with the bright, vibrant colours that mark Superman as such a charming and aspirational series, despite none of it being as experimental or unique as, say, Rocafort's art in some of the earlier New 52 stuff. On the one hand, I do really love that there's a consistent creative vision behind all this (this team stayed on for around 40 issues), unlike the constant revolving door of New 52, but on the other, it does make for a somewhat safer and less varied reading experience.
There is a lot of comfort to this routine, though, and it allows for somewhat slower pacing and more long-form character arcs since there's less conflicting voices to synthesize. Each story is a multi-issue arc, and there's more room for character moments as a result. The family aspect of it is especially heartwarming. I've never really agreed that Clark needs Lois to be humanized, that's what the Kents and his reporter job are for, but it's a great dynamic and Jon is an excellent addition the the roster of Superman characters.
The biggest issue with this volume is that, as I've hinted at with the opening and the constant callbacks to The New 52, it doesn't really work well as a standalone reboot. If you haven't read the end of the New 52 Superman, it would be a little hard to follow. And even in that arc, pre-flashpoint Superman just kinda shows up, so then you have to read Convergence and Lois and Clark. Not that I didn't enjoy my time with those, but this thing is being advertised as a reboot even though it's heavily reliant on continuity (at least in the first few issues), so it's rather frustrating as a jumping-off point. On top of that, the one-shot at the start is somewhat of a Death of Superman follow-up. All in all, it's just not very friendly to new readers without the needed background knowledge.
The villains are largely forgettable, but some of the locations are pretty cool, especially the King Kong-esque Dinosaur Island. The team-up with Batman and son makes for a nice parallel, and a pretty wholesome reflection on raising and insipring super-kids, without being too overly corny. Once it gets going, the new series starts to stand pretty well as its own story. Though it has a bit of a rocky start, I'm intrigued to see where Tomasi & Co take this run.
Anyway, after the lukewarm reception to new 52, the much-hyped reboot of the Superman series is helmed by writers Peter J. Tomasi (who also helmed the previous Last Days of Superman arc, as well as the later issues of Superman/Wonder Woman) and Patrick Gleason, along with artists Doug Mahnke and Jorge Jimenez (another familiar face from New 52). Though I'm not the biggest fan of Jimenez, his work here is pretty serviceable, and Mahnke's work is often stunning, with the bright, vibrant colours that mark Superman as such a charming and aspirational series, despite none of it being as experimental or unique as, say, Rocafort's art in some of the earlier New 52 stuff. On the one hand, I do really love that there's a consistent creative vision behind all this (this team stayed on for around 40 issues), unlike the constant revolving door of New 52, but on the other, it does make for a somewhat safer and less varied reading experience.
There is a lot of comfort to this routine, though, and it allows for somewhat slower pacing and more long-form character arcs since there's less conflicting voices to synthesize. Each story is a multi-issue arc, and there's more room for character moments as a result. The family aspect of it is especially heartwarming. I've never really agreed that Clark needs Lois to be humanized, that's what the Kents and his reporter job are for, but it's a great dynamic and Jon is an excellent addition the the roster of Superman characters.
The biggest issue with this volume is that, as I've hinted at with the opening and the constant callbacks to The New 52, it doesn't really work well as a standalone reboot. If you haven't read the end of the New 52 Superman, it would be a little hard to follow. And even in that arc, pre-flashpoint Superman just kinda shows up, so then you have to read Convergence and Lois and Clark. Not that I didn't enjoy my time with those, but this thing is being advertised as a reboot even though it's heavily reliant on continuity (at least in the first few issues), so it's rather frustrating as a jumping-off point. On top of that, the one-shot at the start is somewhat of a Death of Superman follow-up. All in all, it's just not very friendly to new readers without the needed background knowledge.
The villains are largely forgettable, but some of the locations are pretty cool, especially the King Kong-esque Dinosaur Island. The team-up with Batman and son makes for a nice parallel, and a pretty wholesome reflection on raising and insipring super-kids, without being too overly corny. Once it gets going, the new series starts to stand pretty well as its own story. Though it has a bit of a rocky start, I'm intrigued to see where Tomasi & Co take this run.
April 22, 2018
"When it comes to Superman, no one else even comes.close."
I read it two times. First time it was good but second time it was COOL. I started my rebirth reding with Batman I Am Gotham and I loved that emotional tragedy completely. Superman rebirth starts with some events where one Superman dies and the other comes out of shadows as the Colors Should Always Fly. Some events can confuse you so its better to get your hands on some previous comics from DC52.
Superman Rebirth One Shot and Son of Superman are really.. what we can say.. it's just what you are expecting. Or more than expectations. Story loses its fun when Damian and Jon (Son of Superman) meet. I didn't like the way Super fathers were trying to teach them.. play tag. They were doing good but I couldn't connect myself with the story. And also Damian seems like a fool here. He surely shows his experience and ability but still Jon wins heart.
Well. It's Superman so it's full of learnings. I always admire Superman. Even after having all those world shattering powers, he is still so humble and so calm and decent. He talk so politely and it melts the heart. Everytime. He says so many great lines likes...
.. It's not about our heat vision or super strength or flying power. It's about characters. Its about doing the right things when no one else will. And when no one is watching..
..There is never 'I' jon..
..Every action doesn't deserve a reaction..
These are not what he said exactly but he said something like that.
I would highly recommend DC Rebirth and this is a good point to start reading adventures of new (old) Superman again.
I read it two times. First time it was good but second time it was COOL. I started my rebirth reding with Batman I Am Gotham and I loved that emotional tragedy completely. Superman rebirth starts with some events where one Superman dies and the other comes out of shadows as the Colors Should Always Fly. Some events can confuse you so its better to get your hands on some previous comics from DC52.
Superman Rebirth One Shot and Son of Superman are really.. what we can say.. it's just what you are expecting. Or more than expectations. Story loses its fun when Damian and Jon (Son of Superman) meet. I didn't like the way Super fathers were trying to teach them.. play tag. They were doing good but I couldn't connect myself with the story. And also Damian seems like a fool here. He surely shows his experience and ability but still Jon wins heart.
Well. It's Superman so it's full of learnings. I always admire Superman. Even after having all those world shattering powers, he is still so humble and so calm and decent. He talk so politely and it melts the heart. Everytime. He says so many great lines likes...
.. It's not about our heat vision or super strength or flying power. It's about characters. Its about doing the right things when no one else will. And when no one is watching..
..There is never 'I' jon..
..Every action doesn't deserve a reaction..
These are not what he said exactly but he said something like that.
I would highly recommend DC Rebirth and this is a good point to start reading adventures of new (old) Superman again.
December 23, 2018
After a number of years in the wilderness of the New 52, this Superman is a welcome return of the optimism of the Man of Tomorrow. It’s admittedly difficult to read completely in isolation - some of the Rebirth continuity is dependent on the stories that came immediately before, and major plot developments happen in the companion Action Comics. Yet this is the ‘older and wiser’ Superman that Superman: Lois & Clark set up, the one that is the logical step along from the original power couple getting married. Where the concept of Superman as a father didn’t work in the cinematic Superman Returns, here it is a delight and a source of joy. Doug Mahnke and the art team deliver up some sublime illustration as well, filled with iconic moments that never feel like posturing. Some of the stories are less successful than others (the Frankenstein mini-arc is fun, and “Super Sons” with Batman and Robin is a backdoor pilot for a spin-off series. There’s a few comments I’ve read that the stories feel inconsequential, and it’s not an unfair observation. I prefer to see it as a carefree set of tales that acknowledge continuity as much as the modern DCU dictates, and writers Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason has room for fun in the process. Welcome back, Clark.
March 21, 2019
First, let me say upfront I do not care for the "this is the Superman from before the New 52, who has been here the whole time and now that the New 52 Superman worked himself to death he is going to step up and come out of hiding and be the official Superman." I admit it offers some interesting dynamics between the rest of the DC universe, since they all know this is not "their" Superman and it takes time for everyone to warm up to him and the other way around. But just like with how there are two Wally Wests in the Flash Rebirth series, it just feels like the character is never quite grounded to the story-line since at any moment there may be two of them or the one I am following will die and the other will be the "official" one.
ANYWHO... I liked the stories a lot, I love seeing Superman juggle being a super hero and being a father, member of his community, and all other aspects of his life. I wasn't sure how I felt about Jon, the new Superboy, but after his character was given the chance to do things that impacted the direction of the plot I found him to fit in well.
Lois who still feels out of place, this volume ended without her really solidifying her place in this new universe.
ANYWHO... I liked the stories a lot, I love seeing Superman juggle being a super hero and being a father, member of his community, and all other aspects of his life. I wasn't sure how I felt about Jon, the new Superboy, but after his character was given the chance to do things that impacted the direction of the plot I found him to fit in well.
Lois who still feels out of place, this volume ended without her really solidifying her place in this new universe.
February 13, 2018
I must admit I quite enjoyed this volume - following read Superman: Lois and Clark https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... and DC Universe: Rebirth https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... last year, I was looking forward to seeing the "old" Superman back again. This is the Superman and Lois who are basically from the 1986 to 2011 incarnation - ie before the New 52 - and the one I enjoyed the most (though the Golden Age and Silver Age Superman are very good as well). But I enjoyed how Superman matured, how Clark was well developed, how Clark and Lois married. And most of you, a Superman who enjoyed being both Superman and Clark, and who inspired people in both personas.
With this we also have the development of their son, Jon - and I must say that I enjoyed his slow evolution in this volume (covers 14 individual comics) into being Superboy - but with still a long way to go.
So I will probably grab the Action Comics Rebirth Deluxe Edition to read more of this character. Whilst I still dislike much about the New 52, I have hope that at least for Superman (and Lois!) we are coming back to a character I recognise :)
With this we also have the development of their son, Jon - and I must say that I enjoyed his slow evolution in this volume (covers 14 individual comics) into being Superboy - but with still a long way to go.
So I will probably grab the Action Comics Rebirth Deluxe Edition to read more of this character. Whilst I still dislike much about the New 52, I have hope that at least for Superman (and Lois!) we are coming back to a character I recognise :)
May 18, 2019
3.5.
Pre 52 superman is here and has a kid and once had a mullet!!
Plot - there were a few stories in here including one about eradicator coming to earth to eradicate Jon, one where a Frankenstein cop goes searching for a criminal, one where Jon and Damian have to work together and some filler stories here and there.
Thoughts - took me a long time to read this because the first arc was pretty boring and I found it uninteresting but after a few issues it gets better but then there are some filler stories but what really lights up the book is the trials of the supersons arc where Jon and Damian had to work together which obviously doesn’t work by force but in the end they do help each other to save their fathers, the art by Patrick Gleason is great and it’s so colourful. Another great part about the book is the family aspect, usually superman is untouchable but now he has more responsibilities as a father which grounds him more.
Overall good book
Pre 52 superman is here and has a kid and once had a mullet!!
Plot - there were a few stories in here including one about eradicator coming to earth to eradicate Jon, one where a Frankenstein cop goes searching for a criminal, one where Jon and Damian have to work together and some filler stories here and there.
Thoughts - took me a long time to read this because the first arc was pretty boring and I found it uninteresting but after a few issues it gets better but then there are some filler stories but what really lights up the book is the trials of the supersons arc where Jon and Damian had to work together which obviously doesn’t work by force but in the end they do help each other to save their fathers, the art by Patrick Gleason is great and it’s so colourful. Another great part about the book is the family aspect, usually superman is untouchable but now he has more responsibilities as a father which grounds him more.
Overall good book
March 14, 2018
I loooooved this book soooo much. And I KNOW I write that about almost EVERY book I read but STILL.
I bought the book without really knowing what I'd get and I was honestly SO satisfied with how it turned out to be. First of all, I didn't know that there'd be ANOTHER front as you removed the frame of the book. It was SO good looking and ughhh so pretty.
I just began reading comics so I'm not very familiar with all the characters. That wasn't a problem as I read through this book though, since it gave the reader (moi) discreet explanations and clues now and then.
The art was amazing and super detailed, the dialouges were PERFECT and the stories/ issues or whatever you call them (I'm new, okay) were exciting, and nice, and good, and just perfect.
Yup, I couldn't be happier. I loved it.
I bought the book without really knowing what I'd get and I was honestly SO satisfied with how it turned out to be. First of all, I didn't know that there'd be ANOTHER front as you removed the frame of the book. It was SO good looking and ughhh so pretty.
I just began reading comics so I'm not very familiar with all the characters. That wasn't a problem as I read through this book though, since it gave the reader (moi) discreet explanations and clues now and then.
The art was amazing and super detailed, the dialouges were PERFECT and the stories/ issues or whatever you call them (I'm new, okay) were exciting, and nice, and good, and just perfect.
Yup, I couldn't be happier. I loved it.
February 24, 2023
Can barely remember it. Was trying to get back into comics through the Comixology app. Had tried during the new 52 reboot (which I found terribly confusing, the series' were set in different time periods). I think the key (for us elders) is to pick one title, read the series, possibly reading a few others if your favourite character gets caught in a crossover, but trying to keep up with all the series at once, especially after the fact, made for an uncomfortable reading experience.
(Note: I'm a writer, so I suffer when I offer fewer than five stars. But these aren't ratings of quality, they're a subjective account of how much I liked the book: 5* = an unalloyed pleasure from start to finish, 4* = enjoyed it, 3* = readable but not thrilling, 2* = disappointing, and 1* = hated it.)
(Note: I'm a writer, so I suffer when I offer fewer than five stars. But these aren't ratings of quality, they're a subjective account of how much I liked the book: 5* = an unalloyed pleasure from start to finish, 4* = enjoyed it, 3* = readable but not thrilling, 2* = disappointing, and 1* = hated it.)
January 20, 2021
I almost gave this book 5 stars. Right off the bat, it's the best Rebirth book I've read so far. The art! The action! The emotion!
Krypto is one of my favorite characters (seriously) and in this volume, he is a good boy. The "Smith" family is so filled with love that you feel it while you're reading. He's Superman, but you still root for him and fear for his safety, as well as the safety of his family.
The second half of this book may not have the emotional lock as the first, but it's still really fun. Frankenstein, his bride, and an alien? Time traveling and dinos? Yeah, I love this writing/art team. Oops, I DID give this book 5 stars. Just now. Ok, I'm heading out.
Krypto is one of my favorite characters (seriously) and in this volume, he is a good boy. The "Smith" family is so filled with love that you feel it while you're reading. He's Superman, but you still root for him and fear for his safety, as well as the safety of his family.
The second half of this book may not have the emotional lock as the first, but it's still really fun. Frankenstein, his bride, and an alien? Time traveling and dinos? Yeah, I love this writing/art team. Oops, I DID give this book 5 stars. Just now. Ok, I'm heading out.
February 15, 2020
Mixed bag of stories. I love this new take on Superman from Tomasi. The world he has constructed with these new sets of circumstances is such a refreshing take on the Superman mythos. I really detest Superman stories that lean in on his Kryptonian heritage, so the first arc was not for me. The one shot: 'Our Town' however, was so bloody good. It should be obvious at this point, that Superman is much more interesting when transplanted into low stakes fare, than giant action set pieces. Jon Kent is so lovable, but I find Lois and her role, lacking. Pretty enjoyable on the whole.
September 2, 2020
Superb!
Art was colorful and emotional. Stories were typically epic and yet very human at their core. This book is all about family, heritage, and legacy. Parents and kids.
I wasn't sure about a Superman from another reality taking over for the dead one in the mainstream continuity reality, but when the stories, pacing, relationships, artwork, and dialogue are this good I find I don't mind.
Peter J. Tomasi was already a name I look for. I'll have to add Patrick Gleason to that list.
I laughed, I cried, I put the next volume on hold from the library.
Art was colorful and emotional. Stories were typically epic and yet very human at their core. This book is all about family, heritage, and legacy. Parents and kids.
I wasn't sure about a Superman from another reality taking over for the dead one in the mainstream continuity reality, but when the stories, pacing, relationships, artwork, and dialogue are this good I find I don't mind.
Peter J. Tomasi was already a name I look for. I'll have to add Patrick Gleason to that list.
I laughed, I cried, I put the next volume on hold from the library.
May 30, 2024
This kicks off a bold new direction for Superman durning the rebirth era: a father and a family man. The stories contained in here see Superman fights giant squids, dinosaurs, Frankenstein, and the Eradicator. All while raising his son in the small town of Hamilton. Each story shows Jon growing, learning lessons. Robin shows up to test Jon and they have to work out their differences in order to defeat enemies. Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason really struck gold with the ideas they had for this series. All of the action and huge fights are great, but the best issue is probably the one where it’s just Clark, Lois, and Jon going to the county fair together. Superman raising a sun is such a good idea and it’s incredibly important to see. Heroes are meant to be both inspirational and aspirational, we should see our heroes doing things we do or may one day do. So to see Clark take on this role so different from his past is very important. Patrick Gleason is my favorite Superman artist. He draws the perfect Superman, light, aloof, happy. But also able to turn and get dark and heavy at the drop of a pen. His work is clearly inspired by two masters who contributed a lot to Superman, Kevin Maguire and Tim Sale. Doug Mahnke also does a good Superman. He leans into the more intense action side of the character. This book has what Superman fans need.
March 3, 2025
A good book, mainly developing Jon and his powers. I didn't understand all the context as I mainly read pre New 52, but enjoyable nontheless.
I liked the Dinosaur Island New Frontier shout-out, though it was a bit confusing, and Maya/Nobody, I'm glad her character got more appearances past her Robin book. The Eradicator story and random Frankenstein appearance weren't for me but not bad.
I'm not sure if I'll read more though as I'm not the biggest Superman (or Superboy) fan, I'm sure it'll appeal to you more if you are.
I liked the Dinosaur Island New Frontier shout-out, though it was a bit confusing, and Maya/Nobody, I'm glad her character got more appearances past her Robin book. The Eradicator story and random Frankenstein appearance weren't for me but not bad.
I'm not sure if I'll read more though as I'm not the biggest Superman (or Superboy) fan, I'm sure it'll appeal to you more if you are.
April 16, 2018
A good jumping on point for anyone new to the world of Superman. Having tried to get into the character during JMS run I found this volume to be much more exciting. Dealing with the "other" 52 universe Superman was a little confusing however the volume quickly gains speed as Superman's family helps round out the book. Great writing from Peter J. Timasi and good overall art. The final story is a little bit weak but overall a good start to Superman and the DC Rebirth.
January 17, 2019
Living this..
I have always been more of a Batman girl, but I love Tomasi take on Superman. There's a lightness to it that is just fun. Jon, Superboy, always adds the little something extra to push the stories from good to great. Throw in some Damian Wayne for levity and you have a story that will keep you coming back for more. The art is beautiful and expertly colored for a visually pleasing read.
I have always been more of a Batman girl, but I love Tomasi take on Superman. There's a lightness to it that is just fun. Jon, Superboy, always adds the little something extra to push the stories from good to great. Throw in some Damian Wayne for levity and you have a story that will keep you coming back for more. The art is beautiful and expertly colored for a visually pleasing read.
June 20, 2025
This is the first time I’m reading a Superman series. I chose this one because I heard good things about it and I know that the New 52 is a bit controversial. And talking about that run, I was so confused when I started this one, I had to watch a couple of videos to get the context.
I absolutely loved this volume! It’s super fast-paced, full of action, and has great family moments. It’s really fun to get to know Clark as a dad.
I absolutely loved this volume! It’s super fast-paced, full of action, and has great family moments. It’s really fun to get to know Clark as a dad.
December 14, 2018
I like the concept of exploring Superman as a father, given that the default portrayal has been to explore his role as a son. Still, the story arcs here feel fairly inconsequential, like self-contained palette cleansers between big stories, yet not really any big stories. It's also so entrenched in pre-Rebirth continuity that it's not exactly an inviting jumping on point.
January 31, 2020
A bit of a mixed bag, but overall good. Some good Father/Son stories, some filler-type stuff, and some really fun Robin/Superboy interactions. Art changes in between issues is jarring sometimes, but when it remains consistent it looks great. I will never understand changing between artists with such different styles issue-to-issue.
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