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Superman: Year One #1
Superman: Year One (2019) #1
From the burning world of Krypton to the bucolic fields of Kansas, the first chapter of SUPERMAN YEAR ONE tracks Clark Kent’s youth in Kansas, as he comes to terms with his strange powers and struggles to find his place in our world. DC BLACK LABEL is proud to present the definitive origin of Superman as rendered by the legendary comics creators Frank Miller and John Romita Jr.!
68 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2019
8 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Frank Miller
1,356 books5,347 followersFrank Miller is an American writer, artist and film director best known for his film noir-style comic book stories. He is one of the most widely-recognized and popular creators in comics, and is one of the most influential comics creators of his generation. His most notable works include Sin City, The Dark Knight Returns, Batman Year One and 300.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 3, 2022
"You're something this old world's never seen before. You're going to change it, just by being there. So change it for the better." -- Jonathan 'Pa' Kent, to his adolescent son Clark
A legendary artist/writer combo like Miller (Batman, Daredevil) and Romita Jr. (Spider-Man, Thor) providing their retelling on the celebrated Superman origin automatically produces some interest. But does this first chapter really succeed? It was often pretty solid if just in a straightforward manner - focusing solely on Clark Kent's childhood and teenage years in rural Smallville - but does not quite produce the 'wow' factor that is probably required at this late date. Still, the scenes of his salt-of-the-earth parents nurturing him, as well as his defending the underdog classmates from the usual bullies, are sort of indelible and heartwarming moments for the character in any interpretation.
A legendary artist/writer combo like Miller (Batman, Daredevil) and Romita Jr. (Spider-Man, Thor) providing their retelling on the celebrated Superman origin automatically produces some interest. But does this first chapter really succeed? It was often pretty solid if just in a straightforward manner - focusing solely on Clark Kent's childhood and teenage years in rural Smallville - but does not quite produce the 'wow' factor that is probably required at this late date. Still, the scenes of his salt-of-the-earth parents nurturing him, as well as his defending the underdog classmates from the usual bullies, are sort of indelible and heartwarming moments for the character in any interpretation.
June 26, 2019
Alive and Kicking
I remember seeing a teaser on Instagram for this and going nuts. Now even though every single thing Miller has put out in the last decade or so has been very very very questionable, I still get very excited when a title is released with his name on it. (A little less excited after Xerxes) And I was also very curious to see how Miller is going to take this tired old origin and make it fresh and BLACK LABEL. And that’s one thing I was afraid of. The fact that this book is under the black label is the thing where I was like “they better do something”. And I’ll get into that later on.
I don’t want to sound like a buzzkill here, but to me this first issue was at best, light entertainment. Is it a Superman origin? Yes. Does it feel new or slightly original? Nyet. While I did appreciate things like the subtle tellings of some panels, the Lana Lang scenes, or the artwork by Romita. But this isn’t a great book. Probably the biggest reason why is the narration and the dialogue. None of it is good. At all. Why the hell does Frank Miller always have to make himself sound like the most over dramatic, repetitive, and stunted sounding narrator ever? I’m not gonna pull quotes here but you’ll know it when you see it. In terms of the characters, they’re all cartoons. All exaggerations of what they usually are. I did sorta care about Clarke, Ma, and Pa Kent sooooo thats good I guess. And guys when I say the dialogue isn’t well written I mean it. There were many many moments where I face palmed reading a line. One thing that Miller does in this book that I don’t think John Byrne, Max Landis, Mark Waid, or Geoff Johns did with their books is really lay into the highschool bullying aspect of Clarke’s life. Cuz I’d say 85% of the book is about that. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing though. The bullying stuff may be cliched and tropey as hell, but it was engaging enough. In terms of putting a “Black Label” on this book, Nah. Besides one scene that implies something, there is nothing about this book that suggests “Mature Readers”. I know it's just the first issue, and by the looks of how this book ends, things may be getting a little more violent but that is neither here nor there yet. Soooooo what’s with this issue. There is very little blood, one nasty implication, and no real curse words. Oh I’m sorry they say “damn” and someone paints the words “weirdos suck” on a school bus. OOOOHH!!! What vulgar language. Clarke Kent’s relationship with Lana Lang is probably the best and most compelling thing about this book. Especially at the end. Miller did nail that aspect.
John Romita Jr’s artwork is very hit or miss for most people. To me sometimes it’s 10/10 brilliance like in Dark Knight Last Crusade (also written by Millar) and sometimes I’m like naaaah. Too blocky and awkward looking. But here I think his art is inconsistently good. It is mostly well done artwork though.
In the end I have a lot of problems with this first issue. I’m not gonna reiterate all of them though. I’m not lying when I say this book does have entertainment in it. I don’t really have any urge to continue reading this run even though I’m definitely gonna. The art is well done and there is a few aspects of Superman’s character Miller either nailed or made new.
Letter Grade: (C+)
I remember seeing a teaser on Instagram for this and going nuts. Now even though every single thing Miller has put out in the last decade or so has been very very very questionable, I still get very excited when a title is released with his name on it. (A little less excited after Xerxes) And I was also very curious to see how Miller is going to take this tired old origin and make it fresh and BLACK LABEL. And that’s one thing I was afraid of. The fact that this book is under the black label is the thing where I was like “they better do something”. And I’ll get into that later on.
I don’t want to sound like a buzzkill here, but to me this first issue was at best, light entertainment. Is it a Superman origin? Yes. Does it feel new or slightly original? Nyet. While I did appreciate things like the subtle tellings of some panels, the Lana Lang scenes, or the artwork by Romita. But this isn’t a great book. Probably the biggest reason why is the narration and the dialogue. None of it is good. At all. Why the hell does Frank Miller always have to make himself sound like the most over dramatic, repetitive, and stunted sounding narrator ever? I’m not gonna pull quotes here but you’ll know it when you see it. In terms of the characters, they’re all cartoons. All exaggerations of what they usually are. I did sorta care about Clarke, Ma, and Pa Kent sooooo thats good I guess. And guys when I say the dialogue isn’t well written I mean it. There were many many moments where I face palmed reading a line. One thing that Miller does in this book that I don’t think John Byrne, Max Landis, Mark Waid, or Geoff Johns did with their books is really lay into the highschool bullying aspect of Clarke’s life. Cuz I’d say 85% of the book is about that. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing though. The bullying stuff may be cliched and tropey as hell, but it was engaging enough. In terms of putting a “Black Label” on this book, Nah. Besides one scene that implies something, there is nothing about this book that suggests “Mature Readers”. I know it's just the first issue, and by the looks of how this book ends, things may be getting a little more violent but that is neither here nor there yet. Soooooo what’s with this issue. There is very little blood, one nasty implication, and no real curse words. Oh I’m sorry they say “damn” and someone paints the words “weirdos suck” on a school bus. OOOOHH!!! What vulgar language. Clarke Kent’s relationship with Lana Lang is probably the best and most compelling thing about this book. Especially at the end. Miller did nail that aspect.
John Romita Jr’s artwork is very hit or miss for most people. To me sometimes it’s 10/10 brilliance like in Dark Knight Last Crusade (also written by Millar) and sometimes I’m like naaaah. Too blocky and awkward looking. But here I think his art is inconsistently good. It is mostly well done artwork though.
In the end I have a lot of problems with this first issue. I’m not gonna reiterate all of them though. I’m not lying when I say this book does have entertainment in it. I don’t really have any urge to continue reading this run even though I’m definitely gonna. The art is well done and there is a few aspects of Superman’s character Miller either nailed or made new.
Letter Grade: (C+)
June 21, 2019
Whohoo guys another retelling of Superman!
And by Frank Miller...old Frank Miller...so...oh no?
This actually isn't bad. We open up with the destruction of Krypton. New twist? Clark remembers it all. He sees the events of his father and his mother saying goodbye and getting him to safety before their deaths. Once on earth he slowly grows up in a small town learning to be a good person. He deals with bullying, racism, sexism, and violence including a attempted gang rape.
So let's get the controversy out of the way. There's a scene in which Lana Lang is nearly raped by a few high school bullies. These same bullies are pieces of shit who have beaten up kids simply for being "nerdy" or "colored" so we know they are pieces of shit. However, Lana is attempting to report them to the police and have proof and when the boys find out they try to shut her up for good. This is a Black Label title. Meaning DC gives more freedom for cursing, violence, sexual content and so on. Frank Miller is no stranger to rape in his story as a plot device and he put it in here. I'm not a huge fan of this scene (I mean no one should be of rape) but it didn't upset me as much as other scenes of rape in his other work or other comics I read. I think it could have ended without the scene of them grabbing her legs and maybe just with the threat was enough but still...
Getting back to the story itself. I thought it was solid enough. It's a very slow burn and gives a deep look into the background of Clark and what shaped him to be who he is. It goes from childhood up to late teen and him heading into the Military. I really loved the art here, and Romita can be a huge miss, but he does his thing here. I also thought the ending leaves from some interesting ideas.
Saying that, there were things I didn't love. The rape scene felt forced and kind of unneeded and this is from someone who usually doesn't shy away from violence in a movie/book/comic if it is important. Also, no MAJOR changes to the background. It felt a little safe at times.
Overall though I am interested to see what comes next. I didn't "LOVE" this title but I thought it was a good start. I think the next book/issue/volume or whatever you call it can be great. Seeing Clark go through the Military can be really interesting. This is a 3.5 but I'll raise it to a 4 just for the art alone. I dig this style a lot.
And by Frank Miller...old Frank Miller...so...oh no?
This actually isn't bad. We open up with the destruction of Krypton. New twist? Clark remembers it all. He sees the events of his father and his mother saying goodbye and getting him to safety before their deaths. Once on earth he slowly grows up in a small town learning to be a good person. He deals with bullying, racism, sexism, and violence including a attempted gang rape.
So let's get the controversy out of the way. There's a scene in which Lana Lang is nearly raped by a few high school bullies. These same bullies are pieces of shit who have beaten up kids simply for being "nerdy" or "colored" so we know they are pieces of shit. However, Lana is attempting to report them to the police and have proof and when the boys find out they try to shut her up for good. This is a Black Label title. Meaning DC gives more freedom for cursing, violence, sexual content and so on. Frank Miller is no stranger to rape in his story as a plot device and he put it in here. I'm not a huge fan of this scene (I mean no one should be of rape) but it didn't upset me as much as other scenes of rape in his other work or other comics I read. I think it could have ended without the scene of them grabbing her legs and maybe just with the threat was enough but still...
Getting back to the story itself. I thought it was solid enough. It's a very slow burn and gives a deep look into the background of Clark and what shaped him to be who he is. It goes from childhood up to late teen and him heading into the Military. I really loved the art here, and Romita can be a huge miss, but he does his thing here. I also thought the ending leaves from some interesting ideas.
Saying that, there were things I didn't love. The rape scene felt forced and kind of unneeded and this is from someone who usually doesn't shy away from violence in a movie/book/comic if it is important. Also, no MAJOR changes to the background. It felt a little safe at times.
Overall though I am interested to see what comes next. I didn't "LOVE" this title but I thought it was a good start. I think the next book/issue/volume or whatever you call it can be great. Seeing Clark go through the Military can be really interesting. This is a 3.5 but I'll raise it to a 4 just for the art alone. I dig this style a lot.
June 19, 2019
Tono pausado, casi tierno, para contar los primeros años en Smallville. Buen dibujo de Romita Jr. y buen color, pero la historia de origen no sobresale entre las muchas que ha habido antes. Por poner un ejemplo, en ese acento cercano a lo sentimental "Las cuatro estaciones" le da mil vueltas. El comienzo es lo mejor con diferencia, un punto de vista refrescante, con ese plano subjetivo, desde los ojos del bebé, de lo acontecido en Krypton y durante el viaje. Pero luego, a pesar de que Miller cuela temas actuales como el bullying para configurar la bondad de Clark Kent, solo el personaje de Lana resulta atractivo e interesante.
Por ser los autores quienes son, espero, aunque con cierto temor, la llegada del segundo volumen de los tres que componen esta serie, última obra de quien para mí es el mejor guionista de superhéroes que haya habido. Quiero ver cómo trata Miller el berenjenal hacia el que encamina al personaje, porque tal como acaba este volumen, puede ser un error mayúsculo. O un acierto de genio, claro.
Por ser los autores quienes son, espero, aunque con cierto temor, la llegada del segundo volumen de los tres que componen esta serie, última obra de quien para mí es el mejor guionista de superhéroes que haya habido. Quiero ver cómo trata Miller el berenjenal hacia el que encamina al personaje, porque tal como acaba este volumen, puede ser un error mayúsculo. O un acierto de genio, claro.
June 21, 2019
It's the first issue of the goddamn Superman! Jokes aside this was actually better than I was expecting from Miller who before seemed to have had a very cynical view of the Man of Steel. But here it seems like Miller really is passionate about the character and wants to write a good Superman story! But ya props to Miller for writing a very good first issue!
So this issue really just focuses on Clark growing up in Kansas and learning from his parents. I enjoyed this issue, I just wish it was shorter because this is a very meaty first issue and the pacing felt a bit off at times. John Romita Jr's art is fantastic and is probably some of his best work yet! Props to the colourist as well, as this issue had lots of bright, hopeful colours which is a big step up from Miller's usual grimmer books. There's also a certain retcon that doesn't match up with what we knew about Superman from All-Star Batman, but I guess Miller is going for that more optimistic view in general of the boy in blue.
Overall though, this was a good first issue of this series! I didn't know where Miller was going to take this, but I think he's going in the right direction! Highly recommend this one!
So this issue really just focuses on Clark growing up in Kansas and learning from his parents. I enjoyed this issue, I just wish it was shorter because this is a very meaty first issue and the pacing felt a bit off at times. John Romita Jr's art is fantastic and is probably some of his best work yet! Props to the colourist as well, as this issue had lots of bright, hopeful colours which is a big step up from Miller's usual grimmer books. There's also a certain retcon that doesn't match up with what we knew about Superman from All-Star Batman, but I guess Miller is going for that more optimistic view in general of the boy in blue.
Overall though, this was a good first issue of this series! I didn't know where Miller was going to take this, but I think he's going in the right direction! Highly recommend this one!
April 5, 2020
Diferente das outras contribuições que Frank Miller fez ao universo do Batman, quase quarenta anos atrás incluindo Cavaleiro das Trevas e Ano Um, este Superman: Ano Um não traz muitas modificações para o mito do Superman. Pelo menos não nesse primeiro volume que trata da chegada do bebê Kal-El à Terra e seu crescimento com os Kent e se encerra com seu alistamento na marinha americana. Talvez o mais inovador e mais diferente apresentado neste quadrinho seja o formato utilizado: magazine e, não o americano com que estamos acostumados. Os desenhos de John Romita Júnior também não trazem muitas diversificações na forma de narrar com imagens, repetindo as crianças com cabeções que ele havia trazido em Kick-Ass. Por outro lado a finalização com pincel fino feita por Dani Miki harmoniza muito mais com o restante do traçado desenvolvido por John Romita Junior, deixando os desenhos e as narrativas mais leves. Não é quadrinho ruim, mas não cumpre a promessa que é a de se igualar com outras propostas que recontam a origem dos heróis DC Comics como feito com o Batman pelo próprio Frank Miller em 1986.
July 6, 2019
Prior to reading this, I read an article that says Frank Miller doesn’t get Superman, but what I think the author meant to say is “I don’t get Frank Miller”. Yes, Miller slightly deviates from the Boy Scout Kent we all love, but that is kind of the point of the Year One titles. This title is not without its flaws and I could live without Romita Jr’s constant living off of his father’s superior coattails, but for the first installment of DC Black Label’s second title, it’s not bad at all.
July 8, 2019
So Clark Kent fought bullies? Yet another take on Superman's origins. But that is not the purpose of this title, which is to detail the events of Superman's first year. I like the extra size format. Cute, but not the price. Ha. A good story overall, and I will be in it for the long haul.
June 23, 2019
Sometimes it seems like I either outgrow or get tired of comic writers... I'd rather re-read Sin City or something. I laughed randomly at the writing.
WHY does the situation with the bullies take up most of the book???
Toddler Clark looks like a Peanuts character.
Will not continue. Still not a fan of the character.
WHY does the situation with the bullies take up most of the book???
Toddler Clark looks like a Peanuts character.
Will not continue. Still not a fan of the character.
June 20, 2019
Enthralling
December 11, 2024
Superman: Year One är ett försök till tuffare omtag av den klassiska hjälten signerad Frank Miller och tecknad av Ron Romita Jr. Frank Miller är en legendarisk serieskapare som med sin nytolkning av Batman i The Dark Knight Returns förändrade serielandskapet.
Ron Romita jr är en omtyckt och klassisk tecknare som tecknat allt från X-men till Spindelmannen. Det är inte deras första samarbete då de på 90-talet gjorde miniserien Daredevil: The Man Without Fear.
Den här serien följer Superman från barndomen i Smallville, hans äventyr i Atlantis och som soldat i Navy Seals. Serien avslutas under de första åren i Metropolis så titeln är egentligen ganska missvisande. Precis som i många andra serier av det här slaget har föräldrarna Kent och klassiska karaktärer som Lois Lane, Lex Luthor och Batman stor betydelse för hur den ikoniska karaktären utformas.
Nästintill allt är riktigt dåligt med den här serien och i princip alla andra som fått försöka skildra ungdomsåren har gjort ett bättre jobb. Det finns originella idéer men dessa faller i utförandet. Den överraskar också med ett långsamt tempo och få vändningar vilket är den exakta motsatsen till vad man väntar sig av Frank Miller.
Samspelet mellan karaktärerna känns ogenomtänkt och hastigt och karaktärer gör ibland saker utan synbar anledning eller motivation.
Serien får heller inte så mycket hjälp av illustrationerna. Där Romitas personliga stil tillför mycket är i de mer realistiska versionerna av Spider-man eller Daredevil. Här känns han väldigt malplacerad, särskilt i den första delen. Ron Romita jr kan helt enkelt inte rita barn och ungdomar.
Ron Romita jr är en omtyckt och klassisk tecknare som tecknat allt från X-men till Spindelmannen. Det är inte deras första samarbete då de på 90-talet gjorde miniserien Daredevil: The Man Without Fear.
Den här serien följer Superman från barndomen i Smallville, hans äventyr i Atlantis och som soldat i Navy Seals. Serien avslutas under de första åren i Metropolis så titeln är egentligen ganska missvisande. Precis som i många andra serier av det här slaget har föräldrarna Kent och klassiska karaktärer som Lois Lane, Lex Luthor och Batman stor betydelse för hur den ikoniska karaktären utformas.
Nästintill allt är riktigt dåligt med den här serien och i princip alla andra som fått försöka skildra ungdomsåren har gjort ett bättre jobb. Det finns originella idéer men dessa faller i utförandet. Den överraskar också med ett långsamt tempo och få vändningar vilket är den exakta motsatsen till vad man väntar sig av Frank Miller.
Samspelet mellan karaktärerna känns ogenomtänkt och hastigt och karaktärer gör ibland saker utan synbar anledning eller motivation.
Serien får heller inte så mycket hjälp av illustrationerna. Där Romitas personliga stil tillför mycket är i de mer realistiska versionerna av Spider-man eller Daredevil. Här känns han väldigt malplacerad, särskilt i den första delen. Ron Romita jr kan helt enkelt inte rita barn och ungdomar.
June 19, 2019
It was interesting to see the demise of Krypton from Clark's POV. But, that's about it. Year one doesn't have the appeal of the Bat just yet. It has some good seeds, but we'll have to wait and see if it will come to fruition.
September 10, 2019
When I first read that Frank Miller was taking on a Superman Year One story, I was both ecstatic and horrified. I have read some of the best takes on Superman such as the Dan Jurgens run (by far the best), Secret Origin by Geoff Johns, among others. I have read some average takes on Superman such as the Superman Earth One series by J. Michael Straczynski. Nothing against Straczynski. He is a great writer and has written some amazing material. I’m just not sure that he understands the character.
My first thought when I read about this series coming out was “Oh God, not ANOTHER Superman origin story. Haven’t we seen this enough?!?” However, it is Frank Miller, and Miller is by far one of my favorite comic book writers so the series would be my due attention. Even so, I was not sure that Miller is a writer that understands Superman as a character. I had, of course, read his take on Superman in his Dark Knight Returns series and was not 100% thrilled with it. But that was in a book where Superman wasn’t the highlight of the story. So, again, this new series would get my due attention.
So, with issue #1 of this series I did not love it but I also did not hate it. It was an interesting take on the character and I don’t think he completely went off the rails with the character’s motivations but I don’t think in this issue, he really got the spirit of who Superman is as a hero. However, I think there is potential in this series and I think that Frank will get there. I did enjoy the end of this issue when [SPOILER] Clark decides that he wants to go out and see the world and enlists in the navy. It certainly made me want to continue the series. This is definitely a thought-provoking take on a legendary character and it could be a fun ride to see how this iteration becomes Superman.
My first thought when I read about this series coming out was “Oh God, not ANOTHER Superman origin story. Haven’t we seen this enough?!?” However, it is Frank Miller, and Miller is by far one of my favorite comic book writers so the series would be my due attention. Even so, I was not sure that Miller is a writer that understands Superman as a character. I had, of course, read his take on Superman in his Dark Knight Returns series and was not 100% thrilled with it. But that was in a book where Superman wasn’t the highlight of the story. So, again, this new series would get my due attention.
So, with issue #1 of this series I did not love it but I also did not hate it. It was an interesting take on the character and I don’t think he completely went off the rails with the character’s motivations but I don’t think in this issue, he really got the spirit of who Superman is as a hero. However, I think there is potential in this series and I think that Frank will get there. I did enjoy the end of this issue when [SPOILER] Clark decides that he wants to go out and see the world and enlists in the navy. It certainly made me want to continue the series. This is definitely a thought-provoking take on a legendary character and it could be a fun ride to see how this iteration becomes Superman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2019
Art: 5 stars. Best Romita in years. Story: 1. Worst frank miller ever. I swear this thing doesn’t even feel like it’s going in order half the time, not to mention the slightly misogynistic vibe it’s giving off.
December 9, 2019
This was either another FM cash grab or Miller trying to prove himself. Either way, pretty good book.
It is a superman story centering around a very young superman, no suit. Just him living in Kansas. It felt like a warming, calm, and i guess nice superman story. The narration by Miller was, as always, in haiku format, but it still flowed with the story. Yeah, it sort of gets away from the main hero's concept a little bit. How? Well remember tdkr?
But it was a nice way of a "god" looking at the world like this strange, peculiar, and fragile world of ours. Looking at it with delicacy. It is essential superman, i guess.
The art takes a little getting used to, but there's effort and there are nice moments.
Good enough with a smallville feel to it.
It had no right to be black label though. Then again, what is black label anymore?
That army twist has some good story potential. that could either make it or break it.
It is a superman story centering around a very young superman, no suit. Just him living in Kansas. It felt like a warming, calm, and i guess nice superman story. The narration by Miller was, as always, in haiku format, but it still flowed with the story. Yeah, it sort of gets away from the main hero's concept a little bit. How? Well remember tdkr?
But it was a nice way of a "god" looking at the world like this strange, peculiar, and fragile world of ours. Looking at it with delicacy. It is essential superman, i guess.
The art takes a little getting used to, but there's effort and there are nice moments.
Good enough with a smallville feel to it.
It had no right to be black label though. Then again, what is black label anymore?
That army twist has some good story potential. that could either make it or break it.
July 9, 2019
While I enjoyed this issue and it is easily the best take on Superman that I've seen from Frank Miller, I'm still not exactly sure what to think about it. There are aspects of this story that I thought were inventive while still holding true to the essence of the character, but also there were things that just seemed off (is that the right word?). I'm going to hold out final judgement until all four issues are out and I've been able to read them more than once. At the very least this is an intriguing book.
November 5, 2019
Não se enquadra nos meus padrões de qualidade, é demasiado adolescente e a narração é chata. Demasiadas frases curtas, usa e abusa do mesmo início e tipo de frases, para além de que o traço fica estranho em certas partes. Gostei, sim, do esquema de cor, muito vivo e chamativo, e que utiliza tons diferentes para situações específicas. Fiquei um bocado desiludida por ser do Frank Miller... mas, é óbvio que não me encaixo no público alvo.
June 22, 2019
Sorry, but I think I will skip it this further. Miller wrote this and it can't be good. I idealize his work before Sin City, but after few SC books and atrocious TDKSA, that man lost his mind.
Here, Miller is in his game, given this is Black Label product, but Miller never pushed it further to it, and at the same time, he remained shy as possible. Like as is he was holding his darker side onto the hero who was anything but dark. But I blame DC editorial for this.
As for the story, this, as title suggests is origin story, with the exception that Clark actually witness the destruction of Krypton, lands in Kansas, go to school, save Lois from gang rape in an awkward scene (this is BL after all) and this - joins the NAVY?!! Wtf? Anyway, you won't miss anything if you miss another Superman origin story. Or you are simply tired from Bendis melodrama.
Art by John Romita JR was never to my taste, and this looks as if Romita was stepping backward off Kick Ass series, which imo is his best artistic work.
All in all, it's worth only for nerds of DC flagship characters who tend to read its every issue and die hard fans of Superman.
Here, Miller is in his game, given this is Black Label product, but Miller never pushed it further to it, and at the same time, he remained shy as possible. Like as is he was holding his darker side onto the hero who was anything but dark. But I blame DC editorial for this.
As for the story, this, as title suggests is origin story, with the exception that Clark actually witness the destruction of Krypton, lands in Kansas, go to school, save Lois from gang rape in an awkward scene (this is BL after all) and this - joins the NAVY?!! Wtf? Anyway, you won't miss anything if you miss another Superman origin story. Or you are simply tired from Bendis melodrama.
Art by John Romita JR was never to my taste, and this looks as if Romita was stepping backward off Kick Ass series, which imo is his best artistic work.
All in all, it's worth only for nerds of DC flagship characters who tend to read its every issue and die hard fans of Superman.
July 26, 2019
Δεν είμαι ιδιαίτερος φαν του Superman, αλλά έχω διαβάσει κάποιες ιστορίες του που μου άρεσαν στο παρελθόν και βλέποντας το δίδυμο Miller - Romita Jr ομολογώ ότι δελεάστικα πολύ. Δυστυχώς, κακώς!
Οκ, ας δεχτώ το ότι άλλαξαν εντελώς τον ερχομό και την ανατροφή του, όπου αντί να τον δεχτούν οι επίγειοι "γονείς" του, πρακτικά εισέβαλε στη ζωή τους και τους έκανε πλύση εγκεφάλου και ότι από μικρό παιδί χρησιμοποιεί συχνά τις δυνάμεις του για να κάνει εντύπωση στους γύρω του. Αλλά το γεγονός ότι αποφασίζει να ενηλικιωθεί/μάθει τις δυνάμεις του και να γυρίσει τον κόσμο καταταγόμενος στο ναυτικό (εξαιρετική απόφαση, όντας ο ήρωας - σύμβολο της ειρήνης και της "πάλης" έναντι της καταπίεσης των αδυνάμων) , παρότι πηδάει, τρέχει και πετάει ασταμάτητα, είναι τουλάχιστον ανεπαρκές και καθόλου πειστικό.
Επίσης περίμενα πολύ καλύτερα σχέδια απ' τον Romita, καθώς έχουμε δει εξαιρετικές δουλειές του στο παρελθόν. Η λεπτομέρεια των background και γενικά των γύρω χώρων και αντικειμένων είναι αρκετά καλή, αλλά η σχεδίαση των χαρακτηριστικών των προσώπων μου άρεσε ελάχιστα έως καθόλου.
Οκ, ας δεχτώ το ότι άλλαξαν εντελώς τον ερχομό και την ανατροφή του, όπου αντί να τον δεχτούν οι επίγειοι "γονείς" του, πρακτικά εισέβαλε στη ζωή τους και τους έκανε πλύση εγκεφάλου και ότι από μικρό παιδί χρησιμοποιεί συχνά τις δυνάμεις του για να κάνει εντύπωση στους γύρω του. Αλλά το γεγονός ότι αποφασίζει να ενηλικιωθεί/μάθει τις δυνάμεις του και να γυρίσει τον κόσμο καταταγόμενος στο ναυτικό (εξαιρετική απόφαση, όντας ο ήρωας - σύμβολο της ειρήνης και της "πάλης" έναντι της καταπίεσης των αδυνάμων) , παρότι πηδάει, τρέχει και πετάει ασταμάτητα, είναι τουλάχιστον ανεπαρκές και καθόλου πειστικό.
Επίσης περίμενα πολύ καλύτερα σχέδια απ' τον Romita, καθώς έχουμε δει εξαιρετικές δουλειές του στο παρελθόν. Η λεπτομέρεια των background και γενικά των γύρω χώρων και αντικειμένων είναι αρκετά καλή, αλλά η σχεδίαση των χαρακτηριστικών των προσώπων μου άρεσε ελάχιστα έως καθόλου.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2020
I haven’t read too many Frank Miller books (I know), and haven’t read them in a long time. That being said, the guy’s a legend. Just took me a bit to get used to his descriptive and constant narration and writing style. Danny Miki and Alex Sinclair’s inks and colors play a huge part in the book’s feel. I don’t think I’d enjoy it if it weren’t colored the way it was. They take JRJR’s art to another level. Story wise, I didn’t mind this take on Supes’ origin. I’ve read a fair share of them — EARTH ONE, BIRTHRIGHT, SECRET ORIGIN, and AMERICAN ALIEN. I like the idea of three (longer) issues that are fleshing out his adolescence. A tad bit of the narration and Clark’s thoughts (or what I think is supposed to be his thoughts) become confusing. Like they become one. And some of the dialogue was a bit odd to me but maybe it’s a southern thing. Overall, I thought it was decent. Nothing too exciting or compelling, but I’m looking forward to Book 2 and 3 just to see more of Clark’s coming-of-age and how his beliefs really start to cement.
June 25, 2019
As good as you can expect from a first issue of Year One.
As incredible as you can expect from a Miller /Romita Jr. story.
But anyway, even when it's a good first issue, the big part of the story is coming in the two next issues.
* * *
Tan bueno como lo que puedes esperar de un primer número de Year One.
Tan increíble como lo que puedes esperar de una historia de Miller y Romita Jr.
Pêro de todos modos, aunque sea un buen primer número, la parte más impactante de la historia llegará en los dos números siguientes.
As incredible as you can expect from a Miller /Romita Jr. story.
But anyway, even when it's a good first issue, the big part of the story is coming in the two next issues.
* * *
Tan bueno como lo que puedes esperar de un primer número de Year One.
Tan increíble como lo que puedes esperar de una historia de Miller y Romita Jr.
Pêro de todos modos, aunque sea un buen primer número, la parte más impactante de la historia llegará en los dos números siguientes.
December 11, 2024
This isn't the worst, but I just felt like I've seen this story so many times and it doesn't add anything new to the mix. We get the standard destruction of Krypton and Superman's experiences growing up as Clark Kent, and while it would be inaccurate to say it's the exact same thing we've seen before in countless movies, novels, and comics, nothing is offered here that expands the mythos in any way that seems worthwhile.
July 5, 2025
Timely read with the new Superman movie coming out next week. Thoroughly enjoyed the story line and illustration. Good fun variation/details of the classic Superman storyline including how he dealt with the bullies in high school and enlists for the navy. Wished they had stayed within a more classic journey line…the Atlantis chapter did not jive with me and I lost interest in those chapters. Would still recommend it.
November 10, 2019
Nice first issue. Start of at Krypton and we then follow Clark growing up in Smallville. We watch him make friends, deal with bullies, find a high school sweetheart and see everyone deal with the idea of him leaving the nest for the Navy once school is finished. Definitely on board to see how the Navy thing pans out and what happens between him and Lana Lang.
January 12, 2020
Although I like the style of art, the text and storyline are confusing. Also, I was hoping for a deeper, meaningful origin story of Superman’s morals and all you get is repetitive jargon written for exaggerated suspense. Though I’m going to stick with it and see if it gets better, as I hear Frank Miller is suppose to be a good writer.
August 28, 2020
2.5/5 Esas caras deberian estar tipicificadas como delito en el codigo penal del dibujante. Aún no me he recuperado del estropicio que hizo Romita Jr en la ultima etapa de King con Batman y aquí vuelve a liarla otra vez. La historia llega a ser entretenida sin descubrir nada nuevo ni hacer especial ni siquiera con un poco de mimo. Aprobado raspadito.
October 27, 2019
I liked the tone of this story, very bright and uplifting with its simplicity. That tone fits the Kent Family and their values as well as Superman's morality. Overall a solid book with good supporting art. This is a Clark Kent/Smallville story that did not disappoint.
December 6, 2019
I love a lot of Frank Miller’s work but Superman Year One just doesn’t seem to hit the mark in my opinion. Too many repeating sentences, unrealistic dialogue and a boring origin story. John Romita Jr.’s artwork is quite stunning though!
April 4, 2020
Mais uma desnecessária origem do Homem de Aço. E ainda que sesta aventura pertença ao universo do Cavaleiro das Trevas de Miller, a história toma muita liberdade com a infância terrestres de Kal El. Além disso, os desenhos de Romita Jr. estão ruins! Parece que ele está desenhando bonecos Funko!
April 10, 2020
This is one of the best single-issue comics I have read in a long time. It is a great retelling of Clark Kent's childhood and origins. I have been critical of John Romita Jr.'s art in the past, but it fit perfectly with this book. I can't wait to read more of the series.
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