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Superman Red & Blue (2021-) #5
Superman Red & Blue #5
There’s no dog in the Multiverse quite like Superman’s real best friend, Krypto!
Join us this month for an epic retelling of Superman’s canine companion’s origin story, along with four additional tales about the Man of Steel, including one that proves that even in his secret identity Clark Kent is just as super. While Superman is known for his larger-than-life heroism, in this issue we tell the story of a delicate infant rocketed through the unforgiving universe! Also, meet for the first time the man rescued by Superman more often than anyone else in the Multiverse. And follow Pa Kent as he learns what it really means to be the father of a superhero.
You won’t want to miss the penultimate issue of this star-studded anthology celebrating the Man of Steel!
Join us this month for an epic retelling of Superman’s canine companion’s origin story, along with four additional tales about the Man of Steel, including one that proves that even in his secret identity Clark Kent is just as super. While Superman is known for his larger-than-life heroism, in this issue we tell the story of a delicate infant rocketed through the unforgiving universe! Also, meet for the first time the man rescued by Superman more often than anyone else in the Multiverse. And follow Pa Kent as he learns what it really means to be the father of a superhero.
You won’t want to miss the penultimate issue of this star-studded anthology celebrating the Man of Steel!
45 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2021
28 people want to read
About the author
Judd Winick
787 books392 followersJudd Winick is an American cartoonist, comic book writer, screenwriter, and former reality television personality known for his diverse contributions to storytelling across multiple media. He first entered the public eye in 1994 as a cast member on The Real World: San Francisco, where he formed a close friendship with AIDS educator Pedro Zamora, an experience that deeply influenced his later work. Winick memorialized their bond in Pedro and Me, a critically acclaimed autobiographical graphic novel that earned several literary awards and became a staple in school curricula.
Winick's career in comics took off with The Adventures of Barry Ween, Boy Genius and continued with major runs at DC Comics, including Green Lantern, Green Arrow, and Batman. His stories often explored socially relevant themes, such as HIV, homophobia, and identity. He was recognized for introducing gay characters and tackling difficult subjects with empathy and clarity. His work on Batman notably included resurrecting the character Jason Todd as the Red Hood, a storyline later adapted into the animated film Batman: Under the Red Hood, for which Winick wrote the screenplay.
Beyond comics, he created The Life and Times of Juniper Lee for Cartoon Network and served as head writer for Hulu's The Awesomes. In 2015, he launched the Hilo series, an all-ages sci-fi adventure inspired by his own children. The bestselling series has been widely praised and is expected to reach its eleventh volume in 2025.
Winick lives in San Francisco with his wife, Pam Ling, also a Real World alum, and their two children. He continues to create heartfelt and imaginative stories for audiences of all ages.
Winick's career in comics took off with The Adventures of Barry Ween, Boy Genius and continued with major runs at DC Comics, including Green Lantern, Green Arrow, and Batman. His stories often explored socially relevant themes, such as HIV, homophobia, and identity. He was recognized for introducing gay characters and tackling difficult subjects with empathy and clarity. His work on Batman notably included resurrecting the character Jason Todd as the Red Hood, a storyline later adapted into the animated film Batman: Under the Red Hood, for which Winick wrote the screenplay.
Beyond comics, he created The Life and Times of Juniper Lee for Cartoon Network and served as head writer for Hulu's The Awesomes. In 2015, he launched the Hilo series, an all-ages sci-fi adventure inspired by his own children. The bestselling series has been widely praised and is expected to reach its eleventh volume in 2025.
Winick lives in San Francisco with his wife, Pam Ling, also a Real World alum, and their two children. He continues to create heartfelt and imaginative stories for audiences of all ages.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 18, 2024
"Superman Red & Blue #5" is a spectacular anthology that truly captures the multifaceted essence of the Man of Steel. This issue is a shining example of what makes Superman such an enduring and beloved character, showcasing a blend of profound storytelling and stunning artwork. Each story dives deep into Superman's humanity and heroism, highlighting his compassion, strength, and unwavering sense of justice.
More than just a comic, "Superman Red & Blue #5" is a celebration of what makes Superman a timeless symbol of hope and resilience. The harmony between the narratives and the visuals creates a masterpiece that resonates with both longtime fans and new readers alike. This issue is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of hope and the endless possibilities of storytelling. It's a five-star triumph that stands tall in the pantheon of Superman lore.
More than just a comic, "Superman Red & Blue #5" is a celebration of what makes Superman a timeless symbol of hope and resilience. The harmony between the narratives and the visuals creates a masterpiece that resonates with both longtime fans and new readers alike. This issue is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of hope and the endless possibilities of storytelling. It's a five-star triumph that stands tall in the pantheon of Superman lore.
January 20, 2023
I wish that the whole series had achieved this issue's quality. Herein there's a touching and slightly harrowing Clark Kent story by G. Willow Wilson, wasted (almost; it's still worth reading) on the glorified fan art of one Valentine de Landro. Chris Sprouse (an excellent artist) illustrates a pleasant little Jimmy Olsen story by Josh Williamson. Mark Buckingham beautifully illustrates a few pages of non-story narration, which are very nice if ultimately meaningless, and Daniel Warren Johnson closes the issue out with a gut-wrenching father/son story which he illustrates himself. It's fine. The real gem here is the sweet opening Krypto/Superboy story by Judd Winick (a name DC fans see in print too seldom in these latter days) and artist Ibrahim Moustafa. This is one of the only tales in this ENTIRE anthology which consists of art and writing which are both of the highest quality and each designed to compliment the other in the telling of a story.
May 20, 2023
“i love you. i’m proud of you. you are special.” 😭😭😭😭
November 14, 2022
I first became aware of this title after it received three Eisner nominations in 2022: Best Anthology, Best Writer/Artist (Daniel Warren Johnson), and Best Short Story ("Generations" by Daniel Warren Johnson). The 8-page "Generations" story by Daniel Warren Johnson was simply AMAZING. It reflected a pure love for the character and a beautiful message.
Because it is an anthology book, I ranked each of the stories individually:
Fetch - 9/10
De-escalation - 8/10
Your Favorite - 8/10
Red Sun...Blue Dot - 9/10
Generations - 10/10
Because it is an anthology book, I ranked each of the stories individually:
Fetch - 9/10
De-escalation - 8/10
Your Favorite - 8/10
Red Sun...Blue Dot - 9/10
Generations - 10/10
May 29, 2023
I feel like whatever I read or watch about Superman from here on, I'll be expecting this portrayal of him. Alien sunshine ball!
September 13, 2024
"Fetch"
Against all odds, I am writing my review of this story in the form of a puddle. I have no working bones or anything like that, just the melted remains of a guy who loves his dog and loves sad Clark and loves the art in this story. This Krypto is the cutest illustrated dog in the history of illustrated dogs, fight me.
Wow, you'd fight a puddle-guy? Pick on someone your own size, bully. Superman is going to beat you up for me. And you're not going to be allowed to give Krypto any treats or nothin'.
(I want more Krypto stories. I've read very few.)
"De-Escalation"
I like it. There's something about the conversation with the robber that feels a little too glib, but that's a small problem.
"Your Favorite"
It's nice. Even in the context of these anthologies, this feels very slight, though. I think that the "twist" of it actually becoming more about Jimmy than it was about Superman... I dunno. I like what little I know of Jimmy, but I would have taken something that's more devoted to Superman's best qualities than what amounts to selfie glorification. (I'm not much of a grump about selfies. I just think it's a weak landing for a story that could have been more.)
That said, the reader is let in on what seems to be Jimmy's (intended) favorite, and it's very good. I've written before about how Superman being nice to kids is absurdly pleasant to me. And--you can call it tired all you want--but I like images of Superman (or, more commonly in my experience, Wonder Woman) with doves in the background.
Especially given how they're often deployed, I just think it's valuable to remind audiences that Superman and Wonder Woman aren't cool because they can beat people up. They're cool because they would really like to avoid it, but sometimes can't.
"Red Sun... Blue Dot"
It's fine? It just feels extremely unoriginal. The only thing I get out of it is Jor-El's opening comments perhaps being a comment on our own approach to climate change, but two things on that: I am really tired of climate change discourse (not because I'm a skeptic, but because I'm very angry at people who only want the government to do anything about it, while they refuse to make lifestyle changes that could help) and this story just doesn't have any follow-through on that theme. Nothing potent, anyway.
"Generations"
OH THEY HIT ME WITH A SWEET, SAD ONE JUST TO BOOKEND THIS PUDDLE MAN'S REVIEW OKAY (great art, and it's always impressive when someone goes full cartoonist and does both the art and writing)
Against all odds, I am writing my review of this story in the form of a puddle. I have no working bones or anything like that, just the melted remains of a guy who loves his dog and loves sad Clark and loves the art in this story. This Krypto is the cutest illustrated dog in the history of illustrated dogs, fight me.
Wow, you'd fight a puddle-guy? Pick on someone your own size, bully. Superman is going to beat you up for me. And you're not going to be allowed to give Krypto any treats or nothin'.
(I want more Krypto stories. I've read very few.)
"De-Escalation"
I like it. There's something about the conversation with the robber that feels a little too glib, but that's a small problem.
"Your Favorite"
It's nice. Even in the context of these anthologies, this feels very slight, though. I think that the "twist" of it actually becoming more about Jimmy than it was about Superman... I dunno. I like what little I know of Jimmy, but I would have taken something that's more devoted to Superman's best qualities than what amounts to selfie glorification. (I'm not much of a grump about selfies. I just think it's a weak landing for a story that could have been more.)
That said, the reader is let in on what seems to be Jimmy's (intended) favorite, and it's very good. I've written before about how Superman being nice to kids is absurdly pleasant to me. And--you can call it tired all you want--but I like images of Superman (or, more commonly in my experience, Wonder Woman) with doves in the background.
Especially given how they're often deployed, I just think it's valuable to remind audiences that Superman and Wonder Woman aren't cool because they can beat people up. They're cool because they would really like to avoid it, but sometimes can't.
"Red Sun... Blue Dot"
It's fine? It just feels extremely unoriginal. The only thing I get out of it is Jor-El's opening comments perhaps being a comment on our own approach to climate change, but two things on that: I am really tired of climate change discourse (not because I'm a skeptic, but because I'm very angry at people who only want the government to do anything about it, while they refuse to make lifestyle changes that could help) and this story just doesn't have any follow-through on that theme. Nothing potent, anyway.
"Generations"
OH THEY HIT ME WITH A SWEET, SAD ONE JUST TO BOOKEND THIS PUDDLE MAN'S REVIEW OKAY (great art, and it's always impressive when someone goes full cartoonist and does both the art and writing)
Read
August 26, 2021“your favorite” and “generations” <333333
September 1, 2021
All winners, no fluff. The very last story was especially good, simple but very powerful. I loved the whole thing.
January 9, 2022
That 8-page short story by Daniel Warren Johnson in this issue is a 5 out of 5 and a true hidden gem.
June 13, 2022
Nice moments here and there.
June 27, 2024
"I love you. I'm Proud of you. You are Special." as much as I love depressing stories, nothing beats a hopeful superman story, fucking hell does this shit makes me cry.
July 14, 2025
Daniel warren johnson i fucking love you
July 21, 2025
4,5🌟
l'ultima storia😭😭😭😭😭😭
l'ultima storia😭😭😭😭😭😭
September 16, 2025
AAAAAAA I LOVE IT😭😭😭😭
September 13, 2025
I read this short story just days after watching James Gunn’s Superman, still caught in the emotional turmoil of a film that reminded me why I fell in love with the idea of superheroes in the first place. Then I read Generations.
In just a few pages, Daniel Warren Johnson delivers the single most human portrait of Superman I’ve ever seen. No battles. No villains. Just a father trying to figure out how to raise a boy who could one day move mountains. Jonathan Kent’s humble, uncertain conversation in a church leads to the most profound and simple advice a parent can give. Tell him you love him. Tell him you’re proud of him. That’s it. That’s the story. And somehow, it’s everything.
As Superman grows, we see how those words root themselves deep into the man he becomes. Superman isn't just someone who saves people, but someone who sees them. He affirms them. He makes them feel worthy. He tells children, victims, strangers, “You are special,” “I love you,” “I am proud of you.” And when he finally turns toward the Earth and says, “I love you”, tears.
I LOVE when characters are symbols of hope. When they inspire others not just by being strong, but by reminding us that we can be strong, too. This story captures that spirit in the purest way possible. It makes you want to be your own hero. It reminds you there’s a hero in everyone (Thank you, Aunt May).
This isn’t a Superman story that makes him feel alien, it makes him feel familiar. It doesn’t just tell you how powerful he is, it shows you how good he is. And through that goodness, it reminds us how much power we hold in even the smallest acts of love and affirmation.
The story is so short, my review might be longer than the actual comic. In just a handful of panels, it says more about Superman than entire runs (Snyder) ever could.
In just a few pages, Daniel Warren Johnson delivers the single most human portrait of Superman I’ve ever seen. No battles. No villains. Just a father trying to figure out how to raise a boy who could one day move mountains. Jonathan Kent’s humble, uncertain conversation in a church leads to the most profound and simple advice a parent can give. Tell him you love him. Tell him you’re proud of him. That’s it. That’s the story. And somehow, it’s everything.
As Superman grows, we see how those words root themselves deep into the man he becomes. Superman isn't just someone who saves people, but someone who sees them. He affirms them. He makes them feel worthy. He tells children, victims, strangers, “You are special,” “I love you,” “I am proud of you.” And when he finally turns toward the Earth and says, “I love you”, tears.
I LOVE when characters are symbols of hope. When they inspire others not just by being strong, but by reminding us that we can be strong, too. This story captures that spirit in the purest way possible. It makes you want to be your own hero. It reminds you there’s a hero in everyone (Thank you, Aunt May).
This isn’t a Superman story that makes him feel alien, it makes him feel familiar. It doesn’t just tell you how powerful he is, it shows you how good he is. And through that goodness, it reminds us how much power we hold in even the smallest acts of love and affirmation.
The story is so short, my review might be longer than the actual comic. In just a handful of panels, it says more about Superman than entire runs (Snyder) ever could.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews