Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Superman : Earth 1

So, I am probably late in getting this out, but I finally got around to reading Superman : Earth One, written by J. M. Straczynski (JMS) with art by Shane Davis.
I know that there has been a whole lot of buzz, both positive AND negative, about this book. I have to say that for me the whole experience of the book was a very positive one.
JMS has always had a great insight into people who are at that point in their lives where they are faced with major decisions about themselves and where their lives are heading. This new retelling of how Clark Kent transitions into Superman is done really well. Clark is definitely a contemporary, twenty-something character who is trying to find his way in today’s world. He has finished junior college, has moved to the nearest big city and is trying to find a job, make sure his mother is taken care of AND figure out what his powers mean, both to himself and the world around him. It is during a battle with other aliens from his home solar system that he sees what Lois and Jimmy do to help him, a total stranger in mortal danger. It is these actions that really set him on his path to be Earth’s champion, or more accurately, Humanity’s champion. I think, though that the epilogue (set in the format of Clark Kent’s exclusive interview with Superman) is where JMS really defines the how and why of Superman and his relationship with our planet and our species.
I feel that the criticism of hardcore Superman fans is wholly unjustified. While the cover art does have a bit of an “emo” or “Twilight” feel to it, those similarities disappear once the book is opened. The styling and illustration of Clark Kent and his clothing and demeanor are all updated, but still maintain much of the classic Clark character. The uniform, the S-shield and its meaning are all explained very masterfully and really serve to more fully flesh out the character of Superman. The design and styling of the uniform really help to bring Superman, as an icon, fully into the 21st century.