World Famous Comics: Superman: The Man of Steel, Vol. 1
Superman: The Man of Steel, Vol. 1
By: John Byrne, Dick Giordano Publisher: DC Comics Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: DC Comics Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 152 Publication Date: September 01, 1991 Reading Level: Young Adult Release Date: September 01, 1991
Product Description: This is the bestselling book that reestablished Superman as the world's foremost superhero! Relive the legend of Superman, from the doomed world of Krypton to his first encounters with archenemy Lex Luthor, ally Batman, and fellow reporter Lois Lane.
Good But Not Great Although this book probably explains more and better than most books on the origin of Superman, it still fell short in some areas. Kryptonite is explained as well as Supe's costume. But the letter S on his costume is not explained. Lex Luthor is brilliantly explained. I mean, I never really wonder why he hated Superman so much...mmmm...other than because he's being evil. Origin of Bizarro is also in this book. What I didn't like about this book is there is very little action. Superman mostly fights nobodies on the street and the only real villain he fights is Bizarro. Artwork is what you would expect from any great Superman comic and writing is great but I felt someone bored by lack of any real villains. Subsequent volumes would probably be more exciting.
Excellent! Couldn't Put It Down John Byrne did do the impossible, and in my opinion, I actually think he improved on the character. I love that Clark becomes the focus and the real person and Superman is the hero. It just works better that way, and when you read this you can see it. This book is amazing, I couldn't put it down. Every story is just great, but I'm not so much of a fan of the way Lara and Jor-El are portrayed (not knowing love, at least not until the end). Besides that, I loved it. It was an interesting approach on the two characters and those who live on Krypton, so I have to give Byrne points for the new take, even though I didn't care for it much. Overall, this is a must buy if you are a Superman fan or new to the character. It's great!
Man of Steel Its okay. This is a very classic looking book, and its all very beautiful on a technical level, but I guess I was just hoping for more. Compared to Ultimate Spider-Man, this retelling/reboot just can't compete. I guess you had to be there back in '86 when all the changes and updates to the Superman mythology were new and could surprise you.
Byrne's impossible project in '86 Byrne did the impossible in '86 by actually getting me, a Marvel-exclusive comics fan, to buy & be interested in DC comics- specifically with this excellent reenvisioning of DC's famous Man of Steel. He takes nearly 50 years(!) of history and makes it look brand new.
Highlights here for me... *Issue 1- Quickly & clearly introduces us to Superman's origin; he gets his costume on the last 2 pages. *Issue 2- Superman & Lois Lane. This is the relationship that gives the characters their true heart & soul. *Issue 3- Batman! I like the interaction between Superman & Batman here. It's like a springboard to Generations. *Issue 4- Lex Luthor with hair; like a high school yearbook picture gone wrong. What's a hero without an enemy? *Issue 5- Bizarro! I love the character and I'm so glad he's included here. The story's interesting too. *Issue 6- Lana Lang; adding depth to Superman's relationships. Superman is established as being 28 years old.
I'm a huge fan of anything Byrne did in '85 & '86, especially his 6+1 issue run on the Incredible Hulk, and this renewed vision of the Man of Steel. Yet, as much as I love it, I actually considered maybe giving this 4-1/2 stars for several reasons. Firstly, DC seems to enjoy printing this on less than the best grade of paper; especially frustrating to see for die-hard fans like me. Secondly, the artwork seems a little bit dated, in that the inks aren't quite as refined here as in later volumes, and the colors at times seem a little bit flat. And Thirdly, Jimmy Olsen seems to me to be designed overall with a bit too much reference from the past- unless you like to imagine him as being the eighties version of Tucker Carlson. Still, even after pointing these things out, I can't quite give this mini-series anything less than a full 5 stars. It's just such a fresh burst of creativity, so monumental in its achievement at the time it was released, I can't see giving it any deductions for my relatively minor complaints. 5 stars!
Included in this volume: *Issues #1 to #6- John Byrne writes & pencils; Dick Giordano inks
P.S. And check out Modern Masters, Vol. 7: John Byrne (Modern Masters), for behind the scenes info on this famous paperback's creation.
An interesting re-boot story Back in 1986, when this story was first published, I was just barely beyond the learning to walk stage chronologically. As I got older, I started reading comic books. Superman began to take his place as my favorite title. People recommended that I read his 86 re-boot and so I as a first step ordered this book. I have to say that Ther Man of Steel: Vol 1 is no doubt an incredible piece of writing from John Byrne. in the near future, I intend on buying subsequent volumes to learn more about my favorite heroes beginnings. At the same time and not to go to far off topic, I also liked the PRE-CRISIS superman. I understand why he had to be re-booted though. This book is a must read for any Superman fan.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Trevor
