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New Super-Man #3
Equilibrium #3
Shanghai is under siege. Emperor Super-Man rules the streets. And Kong Kenan--the New Super-Man--is running out of options.
Kenan's mind is reeling from revelations about his parents. Meanwhile, his teammates in the Justice League of China are dropping one by one. And from across the globe, Task Force X Director Amanda Waller has sent in the one force that can stop the chaos and carnage from spreading: Harley Quinn, Deadshot and Killer Croc, a.k.a. the Suicide Squad!
But the Emperor isn't the only Super-Man they've been licensed to kill. Unless Kenan acts fast, he'll become a casualty of war.
Yet even as the struggle rages on, the New Super-Man is transported to Old Gotham City, to the era when the magic that fuels his powers began...and where his true enemy will reveal himself at last...
New York Times best-selling writer Gene Luen Yang continues his acclaimed vision of comics' greatest heroes in New Super-Man Vol. 3, illustrated by Billy Tan and Brent Peeples. Plus, a story starring Laney Lan by acclaimed and award-winning writer Mariko Tamaki. Collects New Super-Man #13-19.
Kenan's mind is reeling from revelations about his parents. Meanwhile, his teammates in the Justice League of China are dropping one by one. And from across the globe, Task Force X Director Amanda Waller has sent in the one force that can stop the chaos and carnage from spreading: Harley Quinn, Deadshot and Killer Croc, a.k.a. the Suicide Squad!
But the Emperor isn't the only Super-Man they've been licensed to kill. Unless Kenan acts fast, he'll become a casualty of war.
Yet even as the struggle rages on, the New Super-Man is transported to Old Gotham City, to the era when the magic that fuels his powers began...and where his true enemy will reveal himself at last...
New York Times best-selling writer Gene Luen Yang continues his acclaimed vision of comics' greatest heroes in New Super-Man Vol. 3, illustrated by Billy Tan and Brent Peeples. Plus, a story starring Laney Lan by acclaimed and award-winning writer Mariko Tamaki. Collects New Super-Man #13-19.
168 pages, Paperback
First published June 19, 2018
1 person is currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Gene Luen Yang
365 books3,392 followersGene Luen Yang writes, and sometimes draws, comic books and graphic novels. As the Library of Congress’ fifth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, he advocates for the importance of reading, especially reading diversely. American Born Chinese, his first graphic novel from First Second Books, was a National Book Award finalist, as well as the winner of the Printz Award and an Eisner Award. His two-volume graphic novel Boxers & Saints won the L.A. Times Book Prize and was a National Book Award Finalist. His other works include Secret Coders (with Mike Holmes), The Shadow Hero (with Sonny Liew), Superman from DC Comics (with various artists), and the Avatar: The Last Airbender series from Dark Horse Comics (with Gurihiru). In 2016, he was named a MacArthur Foundation Fellow. His most recent books are Dragon Hoops from First Second Books and Superman Smashes the Klan from DC Comics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 7, 2018
I want to like this series more than I actually do. The characterization is paper thin and the storytelling uneven. There's no weight behind anything. I like Gene Luen Yang's solo work, but his DC work is just not very good or compelling. I'm just bored with the majority of it.
January 4, 2018
So this is the end of "New Super-man" solo title. The next time we see him he'll be New Super-man and the Justice League of China! So how was this? A pretty fun send off but not as great as I hoped.
So in this one we have a Khan who is far more focused on what he must do. He's still learning to use his powers and still on his chase to be the best he could be HOWEVER he now has a more family dynamic to cover. Especially with his recent findings on his mother. Also the flash of china, bat-man of china, and wonder woman of china all team up together to stop a threat. Then head to America to meet the Justice League of America!!! Oh snap!
Good: The moments of tenderness with Khan and his family is great. Also the stuff with JLA meeting the JLC was wonderful. Just real fun and humor you expect from Gene Luen Yang. I also think the art is solid and some wonderful fights in here on top of great emotional faces and such.
Bad: The ending kind of was a let down. Nothing too big or exciting. It felt like just another issue. Also the big bad was just a super charged super saiyan type. Been there done that.
Overall this was a solid send off. I was hoping for a bigger ending to lead into the Justice League of China but for now this will do for a fun adventure. A 3 out of 5.
So in this one we have a Khan who is far more focused on what he must do. He's still learning to use his powers and still on his chase to be the best he could be HOWEVER he now has a more family dynamic to cover. Especially with his recent findings on his mother. Also the flash of china, bat-man of china, and wonder woman of china all team up together to stop a threat. Then head to America to meet the Justice League of America!!! Oh snap!
Good: The moments of tenderness with Khan and his family is great. Also the stuff with JLA meeting the JLC was wonderful. Just real fun and humor you expect from Gene Luen Yang. I also think the art is solid and some wonderful fights in here on top of great emotional faces and such.
Bad: The ending kind of was a let down. Nothing too big or exciting. It felt like just another issue. Also the big bad was just a super charged super saiyan type. Been there done that.
Overall this was a solid send off. I was hoping for a bigger ending to lead into the Justice League of China but for now this will do for a fun adventure. A 3 out of 5.
January 16, 2018
So not good.
World: The art is okay, it’s solid middle of the road current DC, I wished the characters would be a bit more detailed and the costumes could be a bit more consistent but that’s fine. The world building here is fairly choppy and slap dash. I do like the China setting most of the time but someone who lives in Asia I will tell you that there are a lot of things that don’t look and make sense to people who live in China (like me). That being said, it is amusing but also sometimes annoying.
Story: The story is fairly choppy and rushed. The pages this arc takes from Death of Superman are completely lost in emotion and completely rushed and unearned. The stuff with I-Ching was also wonky and unsatisfying yeah it was kind of a mess. The stuff with the Suicide Squad and the Justice League was also fairly wonky. I still feel that Kenan as a character at it’s core is too flawed and poorly written to be interesting. I don’t. On paper the boxes are ticked for an action romp but the execution really leaves a hollow emotionless taste in my mouth.
Characters: Kenan is not written all that well, he’s jumpy and all over the place in terms of his characterization and personal voice. One moment he’s this another moment he’s that. Then there’s Lanni Lan which annoys the heck out of me cause no Chinese woman would suddenly use English to speak her name in a broadcast, it’s stupid. The rest of the cast are meh and fairly forgettable and the team chemistry and quiet moments are fairly unearned. Dr. Omen is the most inconsistent of the bunch being emotionally a mother in one and a cold person in the next, it’s jarring and lazy writing.
I wanted to like this series, I did. I thought it was a fresh flavor but I wished it would have gone full on China instead of trying to put Chinese cookie cutter stamps on Western Comic tropes and icons, can’t a Chinese book stand on it’s own? In the end we have a book that feels like pandering and sometimes bordering casual racial stereotypes are the order of the day.
Onward to the next book!
*read individual issues*
World: The art is okay, it’s solid middle of the road current DC, I wished the characters would be a bit more detailed and the costumes could be a bit more consistent but that’s fine. The world building here is fairly choppy and slap dash. I do like the China setting most of the time but someone who lives in Asia I will tell you that there are a lot of things that don’t look and make sense to people who live in China (like me). That being said, it is amusing but also sometimes annoying.
Story: The story is fairly choppy and rushed. The pages this arc takes from Death of Superman are completely lost in emotion and completely rushed and unearned. The stuff with I-Ching was also wonky and unsatisfying yeah it was kind of a mess. The stuff with the Suicide Squad and the Justice League was also fairly wonky. I still feel that Kenan as a character at it’s core is too flawed and poorly written to be interesting. I don’t. On paper the boxes are ticked for an action romp but the execution really leaves a hollow emotionless taste in my mouth.
Characters: Kenan is not written all that well, he’s jumpy and all over the place in terms of his characterization and personal voice. One moment he’s this another moment he’s that. Then there’s Lanni Lan which annoys the heck out of me cause no Chinese woman would suddenly use English to speak her name in a broadcast, it’s stupid. The rest of the cast are meh and fairly forgettable and the team chemistry and quiet moments are fairly unearned. Dr. Omen is the most inconsistent of the bunch being emotionally a mother in one and a cold person in the next, it’s jarring and lazy writing.
I wanted to like this series, I did. I thought it was a fresh flavor but I wished it would have gone full on China instead of trying to put Chinese cookie cutter stamps on Western Comic tropes and icons, can’t a Chinese book stand on it’s own? In the end we have a book that feels like pandering and sometimes bordering casual racial stereotypes are the order of the day.
Onward to the next book!
*read individual issues*
December 17, 2018
Meh. They try, but a lot of the Chinese cultural concepts seem to be larded on as an afterthought or used as a bludgeon to lecture the reader with, not integral parts of the story, and the utter ignorance of a Chinese reporter working for a Chinese company talking about winning a Pulitzer is off-putting coming from a supposedly professional writer who should know it is a limited, American prize.
November 28, 2018
Loved, loved the cover issue art throughout this trade. Even though the Yin/Yang storyline brought a neat aspect to the storytelling, it was not really the best sendoff for Kenan. Hopefully the new team title (although TBH, this already felt like one) will still give him a chance to shine. I will say, however, that Kenan's realization on why he will not judge Americans and "those people" was a great character development moment.
June 13, 2024
Look, Gene.
I know racist stereotype caricatures of Chinese people are a powerful image; one that outrages most everyone who sees it.
But you already filled your quota in American Born Chinese so why on God's green earth did you think it was ok to do it again?! Just so we can have further BS on bootleg Supes's take on x-ray vision, oh scratch that, ILLUSION-PROOF VISION?!
Just...no.
And whichever editor at DC said it was ok even if it mildly served the story should NOT be working in comics anymore.
Regardless, story of the fledgling premier superhero of China unlocking his powers, learning more about his family, and finding his place as a leader of superpeople is pretty good. As far as antagonists go, the forces of good go through a pretty tough gamut, going from a delusional madman thinking himself the new Emperor of China, escaped super convicts, escaped super convicts from America (Task Force X), Justice League of America (for a brief bit), Lex Luthor, and to top it all off, a fundamental force of the Universe AND a legion of multi-face demons!
ACTION! AND! MAGIC!
I know racist stereotype caricatures of Chinese people are a powerful image; one that outrages most everyone who sees it.
But you already filled your quota in American Born Chinese so why on God's green earth did you think it was ok to do it again?! Just so we can have further BS on bootleg Supes's take on x-ray vision, oh scratch that, ILLUSION-PROOF VISION?!
Just...no.
And whichever editor at DC said it was ok even if it mildly served the story should NOT be working in comics anymore.
Regardless, story of the fledgling premier superhero of China unlocking his powers, learning more about his family, and finding his place as a leader of superpeople is pretty good. As far as antagonists go, the forces of good go through a pretty tough gamut, going from a delusional madman thinking himself the new Emperor of China, escaped super convicts, escaped super convicts from America (Task Force X), Justice League of America (for a brief bit), Lex Luthor, and to top it all off, a fundamental force of the Universe AND a legion of multi-face demons!
ACTION! AND! MAGIC!
February 26, 2021
Another awesome volume by Gene
April 9, 2021
This review covers all four volumes of New Super-Man, since I read them all in quick succession.
Kong Kenan is probably the most unlikeable protagonist since Amazing Spider-Man's Alpha. For the first five or so issues of the series, he's an insufferable git, and I did wonder if I was going to enjoy the book. But his superhero origin really kicks into gear, and the metamorphosis is both subtle and drastic. The shift in his demeanour, in the way he deals with his situations, goes through such a change that's very well executed by writer Gene Luen Yang, so that by the time the book ended, I was really invested in Kenan's story.
The story itself expands well as it goes on. From humble(ish) beginnings, Kenan's journey from asshole to true superhero, as well as the expansion of the Justice League of China, and the revelations surrounding Kenan's parents, all feel like proper stepping stones for a new superhero, and the stakes get gradually higher without losing the personal connection to Kenan specifically.
There are some nice Rebirth links, including some stuff from the end of the New 52 era like The Final Days Of Superman, as well as a Superman Reborn tie-in issue, and the addition of Avery Ho (from Flash's Rebirth title) as the Flash for the JLC helps ensure that Kenan is a part of the DC Universe, rather than just sitting off to the side. And Superman himself shows up a few times, as well as the JLA.
The first 18 issues feel like one big origin story, and then the final trade is like a new beginning, building off of the first three and striking out in a new direction as the JLC tries to establish itself alone. I feel like there were a lot more stories to be told here, but the way Yang manages to wrap everything up by the end of issue 24 is satisfying enough that I didn't feel like we'd been left out to dry.
I really enjoyed how Yang crafted the world of New Super-Man - we learn a little about how China is set-up, and the politics surrounding its superhero community, as well as some insights into Chinese culture too. It's undoubtably there, and it gives the book a unique feel, but it's not so thrust in your face that it detracts from the superheroics at all - so you can learn things, and have them explode too! Yang also has Kenan's powers work in a different way to Superman's, tying them into his heritage and a traditional Chinese way of thinking that I think helps him continue to grow over all 24 issues - just when he thinks he's got a handle on it, some new wrinkle appears that keeps Kenan learning.
The book begins with art by Viktor Bogdanovic, or Greg Capullo-lite, which establishes a gritty side to the book. Billy Tan draws the majority of volumes 2 and 3 though, and his art is much sleeker, and actually seems to suit the book more. Brent Peeples takes the book over the finish line though, with some more standard superheroic visuals, but I definitely think Tan was the most impressive of the bunch by a mile.
New Super-Man was a surprisingly fun book; the main character feels fully formed and interesting, going through a real metamorphosis, and the world that he inhabits feels as much a part of the DCU as it does its own thing. The art's fairly consistent although better at certain points than others, which is to be expected across 24 issues. I do hope we continue to see Kenan, and characters like him, across the DCU in the future, especially if they're pulled off this well.
Kong Kenan is probably the most unlikeable protagonist since Amazing Spider-Man's Alpha. For the first five or so issues of the series, he's an insufferable git, and I did wonder if I was going to enjoy the book. But his superhero origin really kicks into gear, and the metamorphosis is both subtle and drastic. The shift in his demeanour, in the way he deals with his situations, goes through such a change that's very well executed by writer Gene Luen Yang, so that by the time the book ended, I was really invested in Kenan's story.
The story itself expands well as it goes on. From humble(ish) beginnings, Kenan's journey from asshole to true superhero, as well as the expansion of the Justice League of China, and the revelations surrounding Kenan's parents, all feel like proper stepping stones for a new superhero, and the stakes get gradually higher without losing the personal connection to Kenan specifically.
There are some nice Rebirth links, including some stuff from the end of the New 52 era like The Final Days Of Superman, as well as a Superman Reborn tie-in issue, and the addition of Avery Ho (from Flash's Rebirth title) as the Flash for the JLC helps ensure that Kenan is a part of the DC Universe, rather than just sitting off to the side. And Superman himself shows up a few times, as well as the JLA.
The first 18 issues feel like one big origin story, and then the final trade is like a new beginning, building off of the first three and striking out in a new direction as the JLC tries to establish itself alone. I feel like there were a lot more stories to be told here, but the way Yang manages to wrap everything up by the end of issue 24 is satisfying enough that I didn't feel like we'd been left out to dry.
I really enjoyed how Yang crafted the world of New Super-Man - we learn a little about how China is set-up, and the politics surrounding its superhero community, as well as some insights into Chinese culture too. It's undoubtably there, and it gives the book a unique feel, but it's not so thrust in your face that it detracts from the superheroics at all - so you can learn things, and have them explode too! Yang also has Kenan's powers work in a different way to Superman's, tying them into his heritage and a traditional Chinese way of thinking that I think helps him continue to grow over all 24 issues - just when he thinks he's got a handle on it, some new wrinkle appears that keeps Kenan learning.
The book begins with art by Viktor Bogdanovic, or Greg Capullo-lite, which establishes a gritty side to the book. Billy Tan draws the majority of volumes 2 and 3 though, and his art is much sleeker, and actually seems to suit the book more. Brent Peeples takes the book over the finish line though, with some more standard superheroic visuals, but I definitely think Tan was the most impressive of the bunch by a mile.
New Super-Man was a surprisingly fun book; the main character feels fully formed and interesting, going through a real metamorphosis, and the world that he inhabits feels as much a part of the DCU as it does its own thing. The art's fairly consistent although better at certain points than others, which is to be expected across 24 issues. I do hope we continue to see Kenan, and characters like him, across the DCU in the future, especially if they're pulled off this well.
December 12, 2018
This was just a slip shod run through of New Super-Man versions of old Superman stories with a hearty helping of white shaming thrown in to boot.
September 6, 2018
This is the third volume and final volume of a fun series. I’m not usually a fan of Superman but this “New Superman” has really been a delight to read. This particular volume collects issues 13 through 19. I was actually looking forward to this volume to come out; something very rare for me with comics. I really am a fan of the writer Gene Yang and he does not disappoint in this book.
One of the big reason why I enjoyed this series is because this is different than the typical Superman: While the writing of this book is in English this New Superman is ethnically Chinese. I love the Asian cultural flavor to the story; it is unique in a stimulating way that non-Asians would also enjoy this work. I thought this reflected the skill of the author Gene Yang a Chinese American computer science teacher turned comic book writer. As usual I really appreciated how Yang is able to tell the story without resorting to profanities, excessive violence or sexual immorality. He’s proof that good storyline is so much better than cheap tricks and thrills. Plus he’s able to make the story funny as well.
Volume three picks up where volume two left off. The New Superman who is a young man name Kong Kenan, has just discovered the identity of his mother. That discovery comes at a surprised not only because she was the whole time hidden in plain sight but also because she has just been snatched away by evil forces at the moment she revealed her identity. In the quest of fighting the bad guys, wondering about his mother and also leading the “Justice League of China” Kong travels to Shanghai and even outside of China in the United States. Not only do they battle the villains that appeared in volume two but here the American Suicide Squad even make their appearances! The squad were sent to try to stop the Chinese Justice League from getting out of control.
There is a lot of moments where the comics makes us conscious of the American counterpart of DC heroes and villains and I appreciated this look at regular DC Comics characters from a different angle. In that vein I thought the best part of the book was issue 16; here we see the Chinese Superman transported by the villainous leader All-Yang back into time in 1937 America in an unspecified Chinatown. The graphics even feel like 1930s Pulp comics; the Chinese characters were “sterotyped” with extreme prejudice and an alleged hero Slam Bradley makes his appearance beating up the Chinese men. It was a critique of the original star of the first issue of DC Comics’ famous “Detective Comics” before there was Batman and also the racism that was visible in that historical issue. I thought it was neat to see DC Comics being aware of their own past without overdoing it and becoming some kind of social justice Leftist agenda.
Volume three ends with an issue or chapter that was less about the Chinese superman but more about the journalist Laney Lan who we saw in the series as the one who cover the Chinese Superman. I thought this closing chapter was neat in exploring the theme of an adult child relating to her parents, living in light of their expectation…and knowing secrets of her father’s double life in America. This was very real and very relatable and I was blown away by it; it was more social commentary than action thriller.
If it’s not apparent already I really enjoyed this book and I recommend it.
One of the big reason why I enjoyed this series is because this is different than the typical Superman: While the writing of this book is in English this New Superman is ethnically Chinese. I love the Asian cultural flavor to the story; it is unique in a stimulating way that non-Asians would also enjoy this work. I thought this reflected the skill of the author Gene Yang a Chinese American computer science teacher turned comic book writer. As usual I really appreciated how Yang is able to tell the story without resorting to profanities, excessive violence or sexual immorality. He’s proof that good storyline is so much better than cheap tricks and thrills. Plus he’s able to make the story funny as well.
Volume three picks up where volume two left off. The New Superman who is a young man name Kong Kenan, has just discovered the identity of his mother. That discovery comes at a surprised not only because she was the whole time hidden in plain sight but also because she has just been snatched away by evil forces at the moment she revealed her identity. In the quest of fighting the bad guys, wondering about his mother and also leading the “Justice League of China” Kong travels to Shanghai and even outside of China in the United States. Not only do they battle the villains that appeared in volume two but here the American Suicide Squad even make their appearances! The squad were sent to try to stop the Chinese Justice League from getting out of control.
There is a lot of moments where the comics makes us conscious of the American counterpart of DC heroes and villains and I appreciated this look at regular DC Comics characters from a different angle. In that vein I thought the best part of the book was issue 16; here we see the Chinese Superman transported by the villainous leader All-Yang back into time in 1937 America in an unspecified Chinatown. The graphics even feel like 1930s Pulp comics; the Chinese characters were “sterotyped” with extreme prejudice and an alleged hero Slam Bradley makes his appearance beating up the Chinese men. It was a critique of the original star of the first issue of DC Comics’ famous “Detective Comics” before there was Batman and also the racism that was visible in that historical issue. I thought it was neat to see DC Comics being aware of their own past without overdoing it and becoming some kind of social justice Leftist agenda.
Volume three ends with an issue or chapter that was less about the Chinese superman but more about the journalist Laney Lan who we saw in the series as the one who cover the Chinese Superman. I thought this closing chapter was neat in exploring the theme of an adult child relating to her parents, living in light of their expectation…and knowing secrets of her father’s double life in America. This was very real and very relatable and I was blown away by it; it was more social commentary than action thriller.
If it’s not apparent already I really enjoyed this book and I recommend it.
July 22, 2018
Gene Luen Yang uses the third and final New Super-Man volume to complete his character’s arc. Following the revelation that both his parents are alive, Kong Kenan has seen his world shattered. His city is under siege by Emperor Super-Man, his Justice League teammates are scattered, and the Suicide Squad is in town. Determined to end the crisis, Super-Man must regain his focus - and master his abilities - to win the day. A vision then send the JLC to Metropolis to recover an artifact. Tussles with the Justice League, Lex Luthor, and ancient demons help Kenan fulfill his destiny and embrace his heroic nature. Yang does his best to close out the New Super-Man arc before the title’e relaunch. The best work comes from moving Kenan from billy to hero and fully developing the JLC as characters in their own right. Even the not-so-subtle commentary on classic DC stereotypes from the 1930s is a great look at how far comics have evolved. However, the book is still filled with unnecessary characters and a host of guest stars; this tends to rush the book’s pace and leave many areas uncharted as of this writing. The varying art styles do not help either, as they range from dark cartoons to undefined color romps. New Super-Man: Equilibrium looks for a balance, but is still shaky on the dismount.
September 10, 2018
3.5 Stars.
This Volume was pretty good once I remembered where the story left off...
Emperor Super-Man (actually the Ministry's Super-Man Zero) is still reigning in Shanghai. The JLC (New Super-Man, Bat-Man, Flash and Wonder-Woman) are fighting against him, but are interrupted by the arrival of Suicide Squad, who are not only authorized to kill the self-proclaimed Emperor, but also Kenan! The fight continues and tapers off...
Kenan is then taken by All-Yang (the opposite version of his mentor I-Ching) to the past, where he is shown that his powers should be used to rule, which Kenan obviously rebels against. He knows that he must find a specific talisman in America that will help him unlock the rest of his powers. The JLC take him to Metropolis to find it, and get involved with the Justice League.
(This is where it gets a little confusing...)
All-Yang shows up and releases some powerful demon-like beings. Both Leagues take them on, and Kenan is able to unlock the rest of his powers. When he does that, the "S" on his chest
PICK UP SOON
This Volume was pretty good once I remembered where the story left off...
Emperor Super-Man (actually the Ministry's Super-Man Zero) is still reigning in Shanghai. The JLC (New Super-Man, Bat-Man, Flash and Wonder-Woman) are fighting against him, but are interrupted by the arrival of Suicide Squad, who are not only authorized to kill the self-proclaimed Emperor, but also Kenan! The fight continues and tapers off...
Kenan is then taken by All-Yang (the opposite version of his mentor I-Ching) to the past, where he is shown that his powers should be used to rule, which Kenan obviously rebels against. He knows that he must find a specific talisman in America that will help him unlock the rest of his powers. The JLC take him to Metropolis to find it, and get involved with the Justice League.
(This is where it gets a little confusing...)
All-Yang shows up and releases some powerful demon-like beings. Both Leagues take them on, and Kenan is able to unlock the rest of his powers. When he does that, the "S" on his chest
PICK UP SOON
September 22, 2018
Solid if not spectacular. The first half of this book ends the Emperor Superman arc begun last volume. Kenan continues to work on his Chi, and the league gets back together with Flash finding a way to help Wonder Woman return to form. The "shock" ending (for Kenan) of volume 2 is dealt with and confirmed. The Great Ten are brought in and join the Justice League of China against Emperor Superman and the criminals he freed while escaping.
The second half follows Kenan and co. to America again, as the mysterious--and before this volume unnamed--twin of Master I-Ching has given Kenan just enough information to be trouble. And it is trouble. A horde of eastern "demi-gods" are unleashed on Metropolis and the leagues team up to figure out the win. Kenan manages to entirely power-up, and continues to show the character growth that's been more and more evident as the series progresses.
The story was good enough. Not a volume I'd rush and out and buy right away, but worth reading.
The second half follows Kenan and co. to America again, as the mysterious--and before this volume unnamed--twin of Master I-Ching has given Kenan just enough information to be trouble. And it is trouble. A horde of eastern "demi-gods" are unleashed on Metropolis and the leagues team up to figure out the win. Kenan manages to entirely power-up, and continues to show the character growth that's been more and more evident as the series progresses.
The story was good enough. Not a volume I'd rush and out and buy right away, but worth reading.
September 9, 2023
Kong's maturation continues here, as he truly grows into the role of being China's New Super-Man, facing down All-Yang's Emperor Super-Man and the villains they loosed to overwhelm the city. Gene Luen Yang aptly mixes action with behavior for all of the characters, evolving the New Justice League into a functional team, while also throwing in a bit of The Great Ten (and Suicide Squad, for no good reason). Once again, the American Justice League makes an appearance, as a mis-used tool leads to a world-endangering attack. The scale of the story feels good and there's plenty of action in several different sequences throughout. Kong's family life gets revealed to all of its members, but doesn't lead to unearned resolutions. The battle between All-Yang and I-Ching is an interesting idea that pays off pretty well. All in all, this series made significant improvements from its shaky first volume, leading to an interesting and unique corner of the DC Universe.
February 25, 2023
Volume 3 lost its way a bit, I felt, became a more generic superhero comic rather than the Superman with Chinese Characteristics series I had been enjoying. It has also become more uneven, with some issues excellent and others kind of mediocre.
The strength of this volume was the development of the title character, from whiny and selfish bully to a more mature hero beginning to take his superhero responsibilities seriously. And a favourite moment, in issue 18, was the insertion of a fable - beautifully written and beautifully drawn - to provide a flashback to the origins of Master I-Ching and All-Yang.
The big weakness has been the artwork. Three different artists are used in this volume, and the lack of consistency in depicting the main characters was seriously annoying. Each time a new artist took over it felt like I was looking at a group of strangers again.
The strength of this volume was the development of the title character, from whiny and selfish bully to a more mature hero beginning to take his superhero responsibilities seriously. And a favourite moment, in issue 18, was the insertion of a fable - beautifully written and beautifully drawn - to provide a flashback to the origins of Master I-Ching and All-Yang.
The big weakness has been the artwork. Three different artists are used in this volume, and the lack of consistency in depicting the main characters was seriously annoying. Each time a new artist took over it felt like I was looking at a group of strangers again.
March 17, 2019
I can't believe I'm actually rooting for this book. In the first place, I never thought of even giving it a chance, and then I checked it out, and I just couldn't stop.
It has lots of action, but not senseless (it's not a Transformer movie), the dialogues are dead on, and the characters are not too complex, yet so likeable.
The end of this storyline marks the "end of an era" as the book gets retitled for the next volume. My guess is that it was struggling with sales at the moment. Too bad fandom didn't find it in time.
It has lots of action, but not senseless (it's not a Transformer movie), the dialogues are dead on, and the characters are not too complex, yet so likeable.
The end of this storyline marks the "end of an era" as the book gets retitled for the next volume. My guess is that it was struggling with sales at the moment. Too bad fandom didn't find it in time.
February 22, 2019
In the end, Kenan's character development was really uneven and wrapped up too quickly and neatly. This volume also suffered from way too many guest stars: the entire Justice League and the Suicide Squad, who seem to show up in every mid-tier DC book sooner or later, plus a good half dozen other characters that at least put in cameos.
July 9, 2018
Seems a little rushed.
This book worked when we saw the characters' emotions. It works a lot less when it tries to tell too many stories.
That Slam Bradley passage (although it didn't really make sense in the story) was really good and thought-provoking.
This book worked when we saw the characters' emotions. It works a lot less when it tries to tell too many stories.
That Slam Bradley passage (although it didn't really make sense in the story) was really good and thought-provoking.
June 21, 2018
I really like this series, and I'm not at all happy that it's been cancelled. I really like that they're their own characters and not rehashes of pre-New 52 characters.
August 2, 2018
3.5.
Interesting take using Chinese culture and history to update a classic model.
Interesting take using Chinese culture and history to update a classic model.
August 10, 2018
I am liking this series more as I read them.
May 12, 2019
I really like what they are doing with the JLA China.
May 20, 2019
The 3rd installement of a promising series. Unfortunatly, passed a certain point, the art suffers a downgrade. Still some fun moments.
February 6, 2021
5 🌟
The Justice League of China stops Emperor Superman.
The Justice League of China stops Emperor Superman.
May 29, 2021
Still a fun read, but not as fun as the previous volume. The Justice Leagues meet and have to defeat All-Yang! Kong Kenan still is a fun character to watch grow.
May 10, 2022
This one was pretty cool. There was decent action and the myths explored were interesting as well.
March 20, 2024
Wttttttttttttttttttfffffffffff
June 29, 2020
This went to a very trippy place and I didn't enjoy it as much as I did the mystery-tinged stories told in the early issues.
We discussed this further in a special episode of Comic Book Coffee Break: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvNw_...
We discussed this further in a special episode of Comic Book Coffee Break: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvNw_...
August 11, 2024
In this volume Super-Man Zero is approached by someone named All-Yang and told he could be the emperor of China, and so he becomes Emperor Super-Man. Of course the Justice League of China have to stop him, but the Suicide Squad get mixed up and try to bring them both down. Then it’s reveled that All-Yang is the evil brother of Kenan’s master I-Ching and they have to work to stop him. I thought this volume did a good job at bringing a lot of Kenan’s journey to a head and contrasting who he is now with Emperor Super-Man. I also found the conflict with All-Yang and I-Ching super interesting. I think Gene Luen Yang might have been prepared to wrap up his story with this one and it could have been a satisfying ending. Billy Tan delivers some more very clean cool pencils as well as Brent Peeples delivering some high octane action. If this was our send off I would have been happy.
May 22, 2020
This trade paperback picks up where the previous volume left off, collecting the next seven issues (13–19) of the 2016 series.
New Super-Man, Vol. 3: Equilibrium covers three stories: "Shanghai Under Seige", "Equilibrium", and "Day in the Life of a Shanghai Reporter".
"Shanghai Under Seige" is a two-issue story that has Kenan Kong and the Justice League of China battling Superman Zero who has rechristened himself as Emperor Super-Man – the one and rightful person in China to bear the Superman title. Deadshot from the Suicide Squad kills Emperor Super-Man with a Kryptonite blade with Harley Quinn promising that they were sent to kill Kenan Kong also.
"Equilibrium" is a four-issue story that has Kenan Kong trying to save I-Ching, his master and mentor, from All-Yang, his twin brother. In order to do this, Kenan Kong and the Justice League of China, heads to the United States to reclaim it – from Lex Luthor. The Justice League also makes an appearance, since the Justice League of China inadvertently attacked them.
"Day in the Life of a Shanghai Reporter" is a one-issue story that focuses in a day of a life of Laney Lan – the reporter that is close to Kenan Kong. Laney Lan is to New-Superman as Lois Lane is to Superman. It is a story that takes place about six-weeks after Super-Man made his debut.
Gene Luen Yang penned most of the trade paperback (New Super-Man #13–18) with Mariko Tamaki penning the one-shot (New Super-Man #19) and for the most part, I am rather intrigued by the storyline. Kenan Kong finally mastered his powers and throughout his journey, he found his redemption and finally understood the meaning of a hero. Furthermore, the Justice League of China breaks away from the Ministry of Self-Reliance.
Brent Peeples (New Super-Man #15–16, 18–19), Billy Tan (New Super-Man #13–14), and Joe Lalich (New Super-Man #17) are the pencilers for the trade paperback. For the most part, their penciling style, with the exception of Joe Lalich, complements each other rather well, yet remains distinctive, which makes the flow of the trade paperback somewhat smooth – artistically speaking.
All in all, New Super-Man: Equilibrium is a wonderful continuation to the series and I cannot wait until I read the next trade paperback.
New Super-Man, Vol. 3: Equilibrium covers three stories: "Shanghai Under Seige", "Equilibrium", and "Day in the Life of a Shanghai Reporter".
"Shanghai Under Seige" is a two-issue story that has Kenan Kong and the Justice League of China battling Superman Zero who has rechristened himself as Emperor Super-Man – the one and rightful person in China to bear the Superman title. Deadshot from the Suicide Squad kills Emperor Super-Man with a Kryptonite blade with Harley Quinn promising that they were sent to kill Kenan Kong also.
"Equilibrium" is a four-issue story that has Kenan Kong trying to save I-Ching, his master and mentor, from All-Yang, his twin brother. In order to do this, Kenan Kong and the Justice League of China, heads to the United States to reclaim it – from Lex Luthor. The Justice League also makes an appearance, since the Justice League of China inadvertently attacked them.
"Day in the Life of a Shanghai Reporter" is a one-issue story that focuses in a day of a life of Laney Lan – the reporter that is close to Kenan Kong. Laney Lan is to New-Superman as Lois Lane is to Superman. It is a story that takes place about six-weeks after Super-Man made his debut.
Gene Luen Yang penned most of the trade paperback (New Super-Man #13–18) with Mariko Tamaki penning the one-shot (New Super-Man #19) and for the most part, I am rather intrigued by the storyline. Kenan Kong finally mastered his powers and throughout his journey, he found his redemption and finally understood the meaning of a hero. Furthermore, the Justice League of China breaks away from the Ministry of Self-Reliance.
Brent Peeples (New Super-Man #15–16, 18–19), Billy Tan (New Super-Man #13–14), and Joe Lalich (New Super-Man #17) are the pencilers for the trade paperback. For the most part, their penciling style, with the exception of Joe Lalich, complements each other rather well, yet remains distinctive, which makes the flow of the trade paperback somewhat smooth – artistically speaking.
All in all, New Super-Man: Equilibrium is a wonderful continuation to the series and I cannot wait until I read the next trade paperback.
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