Legendary, award-winning creator Darwyn Cooke (DC: THE NEW FRONTIER) joins forces with acclaimed artist Tim Sale (BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN) for this oversize hardcover of SUPERMAN: KRYPTONITE DELUXE EDITION!
This classic graphic novel features an unforgettable story of Superman's first encounter with Kryptonite, the radioactive chunks of his home planet which can kill him and how it changed his life forever! And even if the Man of Steel can survive, will he be able to save Lois Lane from the clutches of a mysterious stranger?
This deluxe hardcover graphic novel features covers, behind-the-scenes sketches and scripts from Cooke and Sale. SUPERMAN: KRYPTONITE DELUXE EDITION collects SUPERMAN CONFIDENTIAL #1-5 and #11.
Darwyn Cooke was an Eisner Award winning comic book writer, artist, cartoonist and animator, best known for his work on the comic books Catwoman, DC: The New Frontier and Will Eisner's The Spirit.
In 1985, Cooke published his first comic book work as a professional artist in a short story in New Talent Showcase #19, but economic pressure made him leave the career and he worked in Canada as a magazine art director, graphic and product designer for the next 15 years.
In the early 1990s Cooke decided to return to comics, but found little interest for his work at the major publishers. Eventually he was hired by Warner Bros. Animation after replying to an ad placed by animator Bruce Timm.
He went on to work as a storyboard artist for Batman: The Animated Series and Superman: The Animated Series, and in 1999 he animated the main title design for Batman Beyond. He then worked as a director for Sony Animation's Men in Black: The Series for a year.
DC Comics then approached Cooke about a project which he had submitted to the publisher years earlier which eventually became Batman: Ego, a graphic novel published in 2000.
The critical success of that project led to Cooke taking on more freelance work, such as X-Force, Wolverine/Doop and Spider-Man's Tangled Web for Marvel Comics and Just Imagine... Stan Lee for DC.
In 2001, Cooke and writer Ed Brubaker teamed up to revamp the Catwoman character. They started with a 4 issue serial "Trail of the Catwoman" in Detective Comics #759-762 in which private detective Slam Bradley attempts to investigate the death of Selina Kyle (AKA Catwoman).
The story led into a new Catwoman title in late 2001 by Brubaker and Cooke, in which the character's costume, supporting cast and modus operandi were all redesigned and redeveloped. Cooke would stay on the series, which was met with critical and fan acclaim, up until issue #4. In 2002 he would write and draw a prequel, the Selina's Big Score graphic novel which detailed what had happened to the character directly before her new series. Cover to DC: The New Frontier #6. Cover to DC: The New Frontier #6.
Cooke's next project was the ambitious DC: The New Frontier (2004), a six issue miniseries which sought to tell an epic storyline bridging the gap between the end of the golden and the start of the silver age of comic books in the DC Universe. The story, which was set in the 1950s, featured dozens of super-hero characters and drew inspiration from the comic books and movies of the period as well as from Tom Wolfe's non-fiction account of the start of the US Space Program The Right Stuff. The major DC characters are introduced in "The New Frontier" in the same order that DC originally published them, even down to the correct month and year in the story's timeline. In 2005, Cooke won an Eisner Award for "Best Limited Series", and a Joe Shuster Award for "Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Cartoonist" for his work on the series.
Most recently, Cooke contributed to DC's artist-centric anthology project Solo. His issue (#5, June, 2005) featured several different stories in different styles with a framing sequence featuring the Slam Bradley character. In 2006, Solo #5 won an Eisner Award for "Best Single Issue."
In July 2005, it was announced that in 2006 Cooke and writer Jeph Loeb would produce a Batman/Spirit crossover, to be followed shortly afterwards by an ongoing Spirit series written and drawn by Cooke. Batman/The Spirit was ultimately published in November 2006, followed in December by the first issue of Cooke's The Spirit. In June 2007, Cooke and J. Bone won a Joe Shuster Award for "Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Artists" for their work on "Batman/The Spirit", and Cooke won "Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Cartoonist" for his work on "The Spirit".
In July 2006, it was announced that Warner Bros. Animation and DC Comics would release a series of direct-to-DVD animated movies based on important DC com
Originally published serially as Superman: Confidential, this is a story from Superman’s early days when he’d only just appeared and didn’t know the extent of his vulnerabilities yet. A shady casino owner called Anthony Gallo comes to Metropolis with his lucky giant hunk of green crystal and the Man of Steel has his first encounter with Kryptonite.
As always with Darwyn Cooke, he tells a story set in the Golden Age, like his best known book DC: New Frontier, though this time he only writes it with Tim Sale drawing. Unfortunately it’s not among his better efforts.
None of the various storylines grabbed me. The main one is Clark realising what we already know - that he’s vulnerable to Kryptonite - and seeing him realise it is really boring. There’s a subplot about Superman and Lois’ relationship hitting a rocky patch due to him always shooting off to save someone - couldn’t care less about that one! And Lex is in the background scheming like the corniest of the corndog bad guys.
Cooke also writes Lois in this extremely annoying way. Here’s a snippet of her “witty” dialogue that had me wanting to punch the book - Clark’s testing out some surveillance equipment and asks her if that’s her:
Lois: Well that’s quite a question, Clark. I mean, are any of us really us? In this crazy, mixed-up world of ours, can anyone truly say - Right. I forgot sarcasm is lost on you. Yes, Clark, it’s me, Lois Lane. Testing one-two-three. Kilroy was here. Waiter, I ordered the lobster, the rat cobbler is for my friend. And remember, it’s not really goodbye, it’s just me hanging up on you.
AAARGH, my brain! Fuuucking hell, Cooke couldn’t have written lamer dialogue if he tried!
I’m also not really a fan of Tim Sale’s art but I especially hate the way he draws Superman. Sale’s Superman has a tiny face and a giant head - he looks like Down’s Syndrome Superman! Lois looks like a petulant little girl playing dress up in her mommy’s clothes and Jimmy looks about 12!
The bizarre lump of talking Kryptonite (it’s something else really but I won’t spoil it here) sequences that opened each issue weren’t bad especially with Dave Stewart’s colours. The best part of the book was when Clark was talking with his folks at the farm after he tells them where he came from (remember it’s the really early days of Superman):
Martha: I suppose you’ll want us to call you Kal-El now?
Clark: What? I’ve learned a lot in the last while. I’ve learned I can be hurt… maybe even killed. I’ve seen my birthplace and learned all about the two amazing people who were my mother and father. But nobody had to tell me what my name is. It’s Clark. The name my Ma and Pa gave me (hugs them).
(Superman voiceover looking up at the sky: Mother, Father, Ma and Pa. The five of us take a moment to settle in together.)
It’s so charming and so Superman, I loved that page. Shame the rest of the book’s not like that. It’s a boring, all over the shop, and totally pointless story that didn’t need to be told. You’ll know how sick and tired Superman feels around the green crystal if you read Superman: Kryptonite!
You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.
As complicated as it is to create stand-alone stories in a comic book industry where everything is retconned, there are stories that successfully manage to bring in a significant tale that ultimately ends up being immortally relevant for a character’s lore. Superman’s stories have always been one of the most difficult ones for writers and artists to innovate with as the direction they could take are innumerable and limited at the same time. With a character of such importance and status, there is a fine line to travel on where originality clashes with pertinence. Lucky for us, a number of talented individuals will always push things forward with the proper initiative and ideas to give us memorable and iconic moments in a hero’s journey through life. This is where legendary, award-winning creator Darwyn Cooke and the equally legendary and acclaimed artist Tim Sale join forces to deliver a wonderful tale that introduces Superman to his greatest weakness for the first time in his superhero adventures: kryptonite.
What is Superman: Kryptonite about? Collecting issues #1-5 of Superman Confidential and issue #11, the story follows a young Clark Kent in his early days as the Man of Steel when he juggles both of his professions only to quickly realize that even Superman has vulnerabilities. Drawing upon the foundation set by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale in Superman for All Seasons, this story continues to explore Clark Kent’s identity and struggles on Earth by giving fans an inside look at a hero struck by the dreaded feeling of fear that he has never known before. On one hand, Louis Lane investigates the mysterious figure Anthony Gallo by utilizing all the necessary strategies to get inside information on his suspicious activities, while on the other hand, Clark Kent finds himself pulled towards his undying desire to help the world while putting his own life second. In this story arc, Superman discovers far more about himself than he ever thought he would in his life on Earth.
What happens when you grow up acknowledging that you’re invulnerable and indestructible, only to suddenly discover one day that you can be harmed? Learning about the subtle sensations that encapsulate both fear and pain is a process explored throughout life from birth. To be struck by a wave of these emotions without knowing how to put it all in words is undoubtedly one of the scariest thought ever and it is one that Superman himself discovers when he is forced to bail on an intimate arrangement with his one true love in order to save a whole island from a roaring volcano. This brings him to not only realize the struggles of juggling two identities (one as Clark Kent and his journalism, the other as Superman and his superheroism) but also to realize that he is just as liable as any other human being. His quest for self-discovery is further explored when the first traces of kryptonite is introduced into the story and brings Clark Kent to introspect on his identity, his strengths but especially his weaknesses. The ultimate lessons he learns from all this is what makes this story so engrossing, regardless of a couple plot holes towards the end.
The artwork is reminiscent of Tim Sale’s previous work, especially in Batman: The Long Halloween, and is not a style that will please everyone unanimously but remains strangely captivating and appropriate. Several panels convey the stronger emotions, such a fear, anger, and pain, with a lot of intensity, especially when it regards Clark Kent/Superman. Some character designs are bit rougher around the edges, but the overall structure promotes a fluent read that quickly draws the readers attention to key elements to focus the story-telling on the dialogues and events. In fact, a lot of panels contain so much subliminal information that a general feeling of exhaustiveness is felt throughout the story arc. In fact, the dual-perception between Clark Kent and Louis Lane was clever and brilliantly conveyed. The creative team that worked on this project is without a doubt an astonishing combo that offers fans the chance to see what happens when great talent get together.
Superman: Kryptonite is a tale of self-discovery that introduces the Man of Steel to his unbeknown psychological and physical vulnerabilities.
This story did have some potential. It isn't bad, but the overall story is a bit weird. A sentient piece of Kryptonite comes to earth and is snagged by an arch-criminal. This piece wants to reunite with Superman. Told you it is a bit strange. Now the other part of the story of a young Superman who is still trying to figure out if he is indestructible was actually well done. It was interesting to see Superman get worried and even talk to his parents. It would have been cool to explore this more.
The rest of the story? Umm Daily Planet wants to infiltrate a casino, evil mafia dude becomes one with the kryptonite and the oddball ending made this an ok comic. Ambitious but failing to meet the high standards of the story. Nothing bad, but nothing good. Just ok. Shame, this story had some great potential.
Another Superman comic that is very character strong and narratively weak. Cooke has a great understanding for who Clark is, but doesn't quite know how to write a coherent plot to go along with him. That's not to say it's all bad. There are so many great snippets that, as stand alone panels, work really well. Pre-existing fans will definitely find enough to enjoy, however, those who are looking for a nice starting point should seek out alternatives.
A solid outing from the late Mr Cooke, with stylish artwork by Tim Sale that is both reminiscent of- and differentiated from his pencils for Superman for All Seasons.
Ultimately this is a story about vulnerability, and it plays off the fun conceit that we, the readers, already know that Supers is well-nigh invulnerable, but at this early stage in his superheroing career, does he? He naturally has his doubts, even before his first encounter with the kryptonite radiation that plays a big role in how this story unfolds.
Bonus points for Strong Female Characters in the form of Lois Lane and Ma Kent, points deducted for the presence of the Royal Flush gang- what a bunch of maroons!
I was hoping for something akin to Superman For All Seasons (which had a similar style of artwork) or Superman: Birthright (also featuring Supes' early days). Kryptonite, however, wasn't as strong as either of those books, but it was still a satisfactory work. Though it got a little wobbly in the last two chapters, the two or three scenes on the Kent farm (a troubled son leaning on his parents for some support) - plus a scene of Superman commiserating with a polar bear (!) - made it worth a read.
Superman Kryptonita, embora não seja oficialmente uma sequência de Superman As Quatro Estações, após concluir a leitura, senti que espiritualmente ela pode ser considerada uma continuação, pois Darwyn Cooke consegue manter a essência que Loeb trabalhou com o personagem anteriormente, sendo uma história do Superman mais humana e sensível, ao invés de algo voltado para ação.
Nessa HQ temos o sentimento de medo sendo trabalhado no Superman. Assim como em Quatro Estações, aqui também é questionado a respeito da invencibilidade do Superman, porém trazendo para o que tange ele ser ferido ou até mesmo morrer, culminando assim em seu medo.
Na trama, vamos acompanhar como um pedaço de Kryptonita chegou na terra e como foi parar em Metrópólis, após já estar na terra a alguns anos. Aqui, a Kryptonita é trabalhada como um ser consciente, que analisa os humanos em seu entorno, conseguindo até manipula-los. Esse lado mais místico e até mesmo humanizado da Kryptonita foi algo que não me comprou, sendo o fator que mais me tirou da trama em determinados momentos. E somado com o final, que não achei bom, foram minhas ressalvas a respeito da HQ, tendo em vista que seu desenvolvimento, até o capitulo final, foi bem executado.
Todo o potencial da história fica por conta de trabalhar o lado humano do Superman, destacando que antes de ser o Supeman, ele é Clark Kent, um homem de Smalville que fora criado por pais fazendeiros do interior, que o ensinaram a respeito de amor e ajudar o próximo.
Toda essa essência do Superman é trabalhada durante a HQ, e conforme as angustias do Clark surgem, o leitor vai ficando preocupado junto, porque nós leitores sabemos o que a Kryptonita causa no Superman, mas ele ainda não sabe. Inclusive, todo esse momento prévio que não existe Kryptonita, mas sua ameaça já é conhecida pelo leitor, cria uma camada de tensão na trama, que são potencializadas nos momentos íntimos do Clark com sua família, quando ele revela seus medos de ser ferido e morrer.
Por fim, destaco a arte do Tim Sale, que como sempre, é estupenda, conseguindo representar muito bem o Superman e todo seu altruísmo, bem como os seus momentos de incertezas.
Set in Superman's past it tells the story of Clark encountering Kryptonite at first. It starts with Lois investigating Anthony Gallo, some weird man but what happens when she finds there is something more to him and also Clark saving people and feeling vulnerable and what not and more confusing stuff happens in the middle and then all stories intersect and they meet at Gallo and we find that .
Clark learns of his origins and there is a good moment between Martha and Jon and him and yeah its fun Clark talking about his vulnerabilities and learning of his people and helping the strange visitor but overall its so bland and boring and like "For Tomorrow" it has a solid creative team but really boring premise and is a chore to read. Some scenes are downright confusing and its muddled plus this is the worst Tim sale I have seen.
Overall I won't recommend it, its a chore to read but has some good moments so yeah pick and choose. You might like it too.
R.I.P. Darwyn Cooke, a truly talented artist and writer!
Good! Yet another book I've read but never reviewed! So Superman Kryptonite is basically a sequel to Superman: For All Seasons, and collects issues of superman confidential. This book deals with one thing: vulnerability! So superman has been on the job for a few months, him and Lois have began to see each other; every time superman gets into a hairy situation, he is generally very scared, he's thinking this might be what ends him! Some really powerful, its definitely a story which shows that even superman gets scared! The Kryptonite obviously comes into play later, I won't spoil how, but this is truly a good superman story!
I had never heard of this book until I just happened to see it sitting on the shelf at the library, with Darwyn Cooke's name popping out on me since he just passed away. In a change of pace, it is only written by him, but the art is none other than Tim Sale.
The primary theme here is Clark learning about vulnerability. The double meaning here is him learning about connecting to the human race, despite his powers, but also what it means to feel fear of death, in his case when he gets near kryptonite. He also learns about the home planet of Krypton and just wanted happened to it.
The story takes place some time after he has arrived in Metropolis. He's been operating for a little while as Superman but still not quite sure the extent of his powers. It makes a nice companion piece/sequel to Superman for All Seasons. Sale makes an effort to differentiate his art from that book, but it is still Sale so there is a continuity in the visuals. And while it doesn't have that small town charm that SAS had, it does have that touch of humanity for Clark, as well as the warmth of his parents.
It's not quite a home run but a worthwhile follow-up.
O arco de histórias trazido neste encadernado capa dura foi publicado originalmente no título Superman: Confidencial, que tinha como mote apresentar histórias do passado do Homem de Aço. Este encadernado traz as cinco primeiras edições desta série e mais o número 11, que demorou para ser feito. Contudo, a história me parece enrolada e demorada para chegar naquilo que ela se propõe, que é mostrar um ser de kryptonita senciente que chegou na Terra junto com o Superman e está em busca de liberdade. Para isso ele se funde ao corpo de um ganancioso milionário que estabelece um Cassino em Metrópolis que ameaça tanto o Planeta Diário como a LexCorp. Apesar dos desenhos lindos de Tim Sale, o roteiro de Darwyn Cooke está longe das melhores coisas que ele já fez. E mesmo os desenhos de Tim Sale parecem também distantes dos seus melhores trabalhos. Então se você está em dúvida se adquire ou não essa edição, eu diria para você ficar com a opção 2.
The book explores the first encounter of Superman with his infamous weakness, the Kryptonite.
There are beautiful, heartwarming moments between Superman and his parents, which are the actual gems of the book. Tim Sale has drawn many minor details and beautifully captured the emotions of the characters.
I have to say that it is not the best work of either of the storytellers. Darwyn Cook has written better and there have been better artworks by Tim Sale. This doesn't mean that this book is by any means, bad.
Superman: Kryptonite by Darwyn Cooke and illustrated by Tim Sale gathers the first five issues of Superman Confidential as well as issue 11. It tells the story of when Clark Kent first leaves Smallville for Metropolis and begins his life as Superman. Kent is new at the superhero world and is as of yet, unsure of the true extent of his powers and his invulnerability. He is also in the very early stages of his relationship with Lois Lane.
The story begins, being voiced by an unknown entity, as it follows the rocket sent to Earth from Krypton carrying the baby that would grow up to be Superman. Behind the rocket, a huge green rock follows, entrapped within an alien being. The parallel between the two as they both travel to Earth lays the groundwork for the story. While the baby is rescued by the Kents and raised, the being inside the Green rock is taken to a monastery where he is worshiped until a treasure comes and steals him away.
In Metropolis, Superman is facing the Royal Flush Gang when he is forced to stop a tanker truck. As he tries to carry it away, they attack, ripping the tanker open and causing a great explosion. He struggles with the tanker and the explosion but eventually saves the day. Unknown to Superman, he is being watched. Lex Luthor is monitoring his activities and in fact sent the Gang to face him. Luthor is gathering information on Superman, on his strengths and weaknesses.
Superman’s alter ego, Clark Kent, is given a mission by his editor Perry White. Along with Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, they are sent to investigate this new investor and businessman Tony Gallo. White believes that Gallo is far more than the businessman he pretends to be. White believes the new Casino owner is actually a gangster who has been bribing his way into Metropolis.
The story of Tony Gallo unfolds. Businessman, investor, Casino owner, murderer, racketeer. In his mentally unstable mind, Gallo believes himself to be untouchable as he worships before the great green stone he has hidden in his suite. In the brand new Casino, Gallo has built, erected on a stand, is a 10 foot tall green meteorite from the planet Krypton.
There are several moments that make this series well worth the reading. The vulnerability in the man of steel. Superman is unsure, of himself and of others. His inability to commit to Lois is driving her away and his knowledge of his heritage as the last Kryptonian may yet drive a distance between himself and the Kents. Then there is his power. How limitless is it really? How strong is he? How much can he stand before he gets hurt?
Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen are throwbacks to the original characters. The hard nose reporter who is not afraid to use her looks and charm to get her story. Jimmy Olsen is portrayed here as far more than a naive cub reporter and photographer but as something akin to a young street wise kid who can work the back alleys of Metropolis.
Luthor is diabolical in his methods and his desire to rid Metropolis of the alien menace. This is the real Luthor, not some joke of the man recently portrayed on the movie screen. No this is the powerful, ruthless businessman whose empire rules the city.
Then there is Gallo. What a terrific character. His violent and bloody past and his charm. This is a perfect foil for the good natured and well-mannered Clark Kent. This was a character that I would have liked to see go on in other books.
A terrific story by the late Darwyn Cooke and as always, the unique and brilliant artwork of Tim Sale.
If you missed this one, you missed one of the good ones.
“From battling crime and corruption in Metropolis to preventing disasters all over the world, Superman has yet t ofind a force that can stop him. But when a suave, savage crimelord makes his move on Metropolis, he brings his most prized possession with him: Kryptonite! Now everyone from Lois Lane to Lex Luthor to Superman himself is racing to uncover the secret of this green meteorite…”
After seventy years of Superman storytelling, you’d think that everything has been done. Well, Sale and Cooke’s Kryptonite is here to prove you wrong.
We rarely see Superman’s earliest days, when the Man of Steel doesn’t know just how invincible he is. He’s insecure, perhaps even fearful, that one day he’ll find the one thing that’ll kill him, but Superman still faces boiling lava, exploding tanks, you name it…because that’s who he is. But Superman’s fear of mortality and “screwing up” is not only a brilliantly realistic conceit as he begins his journey as a superhero, but it makes him all the more human–especially when he confides in his parents about his fears.
Because Superman’s just starting out, his relationships with Lois, Jimmy and Lex are starting to form too. Sale and Cooke lay the foundations without playing the same old tune, and I especially liked how Lois is shown as determined, sassy and sophisticated–but not once the damsel in distress.
The storytelling is specifically unique because part of the story is told from the perspective of…Kryptonite. That’s right, a chunk of green alien rock has a narrative. It might be a stretch for new readers, but it works, it’s convincing, and by the end, it all makes sense. Let’s just say that the climactic moment is one of the best, and most emotional, Superman moments I’ve read.
With Sale and Cooke at the helm, you’d think that the art would be hands-down fabulous. And for the most part, it is–there were just some moments when Clark looks…somewhat doughy, and Lex’s head is shaped like an egg. A couple of frames threw me for a loop, but it wasn’t enough to make me put down the book.
This is one of the books I'd give to people who don't like Superman, who think he's boring because he can't be hurt, because he can do anything, because he's so far removed from humanity he might as well be a God.
Superman in this story is still relatively new in that he is still scared about what might hurt him. It's a concept that I hadn't ever thought of. If you were seemingly invulnerable of course you'd be scared whenever you encounter a new threat. You might be resistant to cold, but what about fire? What happens when you run out of air? What about a nuclear explosion? What about some unknown disease?
It's no surprise that Darwyn Cooke gets this character, he's always had such a great grasp of these heroes, and he naturally skews towards a more hopeful, optimistic incarnation. I like his vulnerable Clark, his feisty Lois and sassy streetwise Jimmy Olsen.
There's a moment I hadn't noticed in my first read-through where Clark's father Jonathan tells him that if he's scared and needs to talk, just go to him don't burden his mother with those fears. A nice gesture from a loving father, but part of Clark's origin is that eventually Jonathan dies, leaving Clark without anyone to unburden himself to.
I've always loved Tim Sale's artwork, but I found it a bit hit-or-miss in Superman For All Seasons. I'm not sure whether Sale is channeling Cooke's own style, was trying a more classical style in the previous book or has just grown as an artist but I'm really loving the style he's using here.
Possibly my favourite panel is seeing Superman vomiting up flaming lava, it's surreal and terrifying and really illustrates the strange in-between world Clark finds himself in and it's a brilliant combination of Cooke's writing and Sale's art.
Definitely a read for those who think that Superman is nothing more than an empty caricature of a superhero.
A well crafted story by Cooke of Superman's first encounter with Kryptonite, cleverly updated with modern touches. And something about Tim Sale's Superman art just brings a smile to my face.
Superman: Kryptonite is a comic written by the legendary Darwyn Cooke and drawn by the amazing Time Sale. The story is about Superman discovering his weakness, Kryptonite. In the newspaper they work, Clark Kent, Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen are assigned the hard task of exposing a casino owner named Galo. In the process of doing so, they discover there's an object that causes Superman to lose his powers. Lex Luthor also finds that out and he tries to understand how to use it, but he's unable to do so. Eventually, the protagonists find out the truth behind Kryptonite and Galo's involvement in the whole story. This was a very nice comic. The story was very interesting, uplifting and enjoyable. Superman was very well written and it's clear that Darwyn Cooke truly understood the character. It's very interesting to see the way Superman reacts to the fact that he knows now that there's something that can actually hurt him. Very interestingly, he likes these news, because he feels like this makes him a mortal and more human and it helps him get in touch with his human side and connect with other people. This is probably the best part of the entire comic and it truly feels like something Superman would think, because he's an exceptionally selfless character, with a lot of love inside him for humanity. There are also some other great moments with Superman, like the one when he is heroically saving people from an erupting volcano, while Lois is waiting for him to come to their date. Another positive aspect of the comic is the very unique way it shows the duplicity of people. Unfortunately, the comic also has some negative aspects. One of the most obvious and annoying ones is the dialogues, which are very badly written and feel unrealistic. Something else that bothered me in this comic is Lois' character, which is written in a very bad, annoying and unrealistic way The artwork by Tim Sale is good, but it's not as good as in some of his previous works, like "Batman: The Long Halloween" and "Superman for all Seasons". His Superman feels very different and all the characters just don't look as good. His style is still great and it's clear that he's a talented artist, with good storytelling skills, but it just isn't as good as in some of his other works. Overall, this was a flawed, but good comic. It might seem childish at times, but it actually has some mature content, like suicides and while it's not something special, it's a short, easy and fun read. 8/10
Kryptonita me ha funcionado en la misma línea que lo hizo "Superman: las cuatro estaciones", un cómic que, personalmente, tengo por el mejor del personaje. Y lo ha hecho por dos motivos: principalmente por el dibujo de Tim Sale que comparten (acompañado al color por un magnífico Dave Stewart), pero también por el tono emotivo de sus diálogos y situaciones. Sin duda, es mi versión preferida de Superman, quien pudiendo ser un dios es en esencia una persona de bien cuyas virtudes proceden de la educación y el amor recibidos de sus padres humanos. Una trama sencilla, centrada en la primera aparición de Krypton, su planeta de origen, y de la kryptonita, el talón de Aquiles del superhombre invulnerable, cuya idea parte del número 61 0riginal, publicado nada menos que en el año 1949. Reseñable el tono y unos personajes bien configurados en un cómic amable que deja un grato recuerdo.
The late Cooke was an extraordinary writer not just an artist that rivals with the best in the business as we know. So this is a story where Superman faces the only element in the universe that can stop his cells from doing what they do to make him super but in reality this is a story to show the facets of the character which bring him close to mankind, unlike what we see with Dr Manhattan or Miracleman. After all this is not a deconstruction of the genre, being rather a homage and a fine example of a good superheroes story.
There is only one thing that can kill Superman, a green meteorite from his home planet. When Kent, Lane and Olsen are assigned some surveillance work, they come to realise that a city magnate has secrets which can kill.
Cooke's marvellous story has some great characterisation and the clean simple lines of the artwork makes the book shine.
Wasn’t a huge fan of the plot/storytelling device for this one. Although the twist/reveal was somewhat interesting, it was a bit unnecessary and strange. The artwork was good, as is the standard for Sale, but the colouring felt very oversaturated and contrast-y. I think Birthright and For All Seasons did this type of story better.
So good! Sale and Cooke are a brilliant combo. I think some other reviewers on here missed that this is a tribute to the Silver Age and some of the cheesier plot points are very intentional. I loved it and wished there was more!
"pensez ce que vous voulez de nos faiblesses. ce sont elles qui nous rendent humains." c'était trop émouvant wow ;( clark qui en apprend plus sur sa planète natale et sur ses parents biologiques, encore au début de sa carrière de superhéros
For me this is the best Superman story I have ever read. From start to finish the tale is engaging and filled with excellent dialog. The illustrations are well done and while new have a touch of nostalgia to them. The origin story told from the view of an alien presence trapped inside a meteor made of Kryptonite on the same route taken by the rocket carrying the Kal-El. Collection issues #1-5 and #11 of Superman Confidential, this TPB is an excellent addition to any collection.
A well-crafted story from two top comic creators (Darwyn Cooke and Tim Sale). Though, funny enough, it actually has less to do with kryptonite than you'd think. There are some nice moments and twists. A worthwhile read for Superman fans. (B+)