Where many of the DC Comics New 52 titles have been diversifying themselves to pull in new readers, Superman #1 skips this beat and goes straight into simple nostalgic. I am assuming that this probably has something to do with writer George Perez thinking, “This is Superman. What more do I need to tell everyone?” And, what more does anyone need? Even if you have never read a Superman comic book, you literally have to have pulled yourself from underneath a rock not to know who Superman is, and Perez drives straight into the heart of the Man of Steel in this first issue.
The story revolves around the old Daily Planet building being demolished to make way for the new and shiny Daily Planet skyscraper now owned by media mogul Morgan Edge. This “new” Daily Planet will host both the print edition, run by Perry White, and a new Television station, which is has been taken over by Lois Lane. As the issue finally drives away from the Daily Planet drama, Superman confronts a fire alien, a surprisingly old school knuckle-buster where Superman just straight up fights an alien fire creature, beats it, and saves Metropolis from becoming one huge bon-fire while both the old and new publishing industries capture the ensuing battle to prove that both print and media are both vitally important parts of the publishing industry.
Artistically, the layout threw me for a minute as they featured seven or eight panels a page, or more at times, while most comics generally have about five panels at most. Artist Jesus Marino does it gracefully through, and channels Perez’s script brilliantly with clear and dynamic layouts. And, back the seven to eight panels per page, they are actually easy to read and never really crowded, just a bit smaller than what most comic book fans are probably accustomed to lately.
Is the comic accessible to new readers? Duh, it’s Superman, what more does anyone needs to know? The main question is, “Is the book good?” I loved the first issue of Action Comics that hit the shelves during the first week of the New 52 rollout, and I had high expectations for Superman #1. I have to admit that I am a little on the fence with this book though, not knowing if I liked this issue because I wanted to like it or because it really is good. It is better than some of the re-booted titles that have come out these past few weeks, but this is Superman and not Batwing (sorry, but I had to drop the bomb on that title though, especially since there is not one mention of Captain Marvel in DC’s New 52 line-up).
I guess I will say I liked it though, but expected a little more of Superman and a little less of the Daily Planet for this first issue. I’ll withhold my final judgment for the second issue with a positive feeling that it’ll pick itself up to the level I expect from Superman.
Rating 3.5/5
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