Hi everyone! How are you all? Today is Friday, and it’s time for another review. Today, I’m reviewing the graphic novel Superman: Year One by Frank Miller, John Romita Jr, Danny Miki and Alex Sinclair.
Superman Year One was published in 2019 by DC Comics and is 211 pages long.
The Plot
The storyline is a reimagining of Superman’s origin story, exploring the early years of Clark Kent and leading up to him becoming the Man of Steel. The tale begins with a young Clark Kent struggling to find his place in the world as he tries to come to terms with his extraordinary abilities.
Characters
Clark Kent/Superman
Clark Kent is Superman’s secret identity. An alien from Krypton, he is sent to Earth as a baby and raised by Jonathan and Martha Kent in Smallville.
This version of Superman’s origin story explores Clark’s attempts to find his place in the world, struggling with fitting in and feeling like an outsider due to his unearthly abilities. Throughout the book, he grows from a confused and unsure teenager to a confident and responsible hero. He is kind-hearted and always tries to do what is right, even if it means risking his own safety.
Jonathan and Martha Kent
Jonathan and Martha are Clark’s adoptive parents. They are kind-hearted people who took him in as a baby. They are loving and supportive but also extremely cautious about Clark’s powers and what they might mean for his safety and well-being. Throughout the story, they encourage Clark to use his powers responsibly and help those in need.
Lana Lang
Lana is Clark’s childhood friend and his first love interest. She is a feisty, independent girl who shares his sense of relentlessness regarding their fight against their school’s bullies. She is the first person other than the Kents to learn of Clark’s superpowers.
Lois Lane
Lois is a tenacious journalist working for the Daily Planet who is tough and determined, constantly pushing the boundaries to get the story she wants. She is also fiercely headstrong and refuses to let anyone stand in her way. She first meets Superman when her helicopter crashes, and he saves her.
Lex Luthor
Lex is a brilliant but morally lacking wealthy businessman and scientist. In this story, he wants to pit Batman and Superman against one another to have them destroy each other.
Lori
Lori is a mermaid of Atlantis, who Clark meets during his short stint in the Navy. She becomes besotted with him, and he stays with her for a while after beating her father, who seems to have gone insane.
Batman
In this book, Batman appears as a more dark and violent version of the caped crusader than in most stories. He’s always got an edge, but here it is razor sharp. He is pitted against Superman by the nefarious Lex Luthor, but Wonder Woman arrives and stops them from destroying themselves.
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman prevents Superman and Batman from killing each other, suggesting they join forces to stop Luthor.
Writing Style
Frank Miller’s writing is great. He expertly weaves Clark Kent’s journey of self-discovery, from learning about his powers and dealing with high school bullies to his desire to know more about the world and to engage with it. He manages to craft a sympathetic narrative that is — especially regarding the struggle of growing up — relatable, all while showcasing Clark’s iconic power and strength.
One downside to the story, however, was the time jumps. I know there is only so much space to tell the story, but the cuts between the different parts of the book were a little jarring, though I must say it didn’t detract much from the story.
Artwork
The artwork throughout the graphic novel is lovely, with John Romita Jr’s talent shining through every page. The imagery is crisp, clean, and detailed, making it easy for readers to get enveloped in the story world.
The characters are meticulously detailed, and the action sequences are dynamic and quite cinematic, especially the scenes in Atlantis, making it a complete visual spectacle from start to finish.
The inks, done by Danny Miki, are precise and detailed, bringing the characters to life, and the colours, masterfully done by Alex Sinclair, are bold and vivid, creating a vibrant and immersive experience that is simply beautiful to look at.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Superman: Year One is an entertaining graphic novel that does justice to the iconic hero’s legacy while fleshing out his backstory slightly, adding depth and dimension. If you love Superman, then this is worthy of being on your shelf.
I’m giving Superman: Year One a 6/10.
Have you read Superman: Year One? What did you think?
Thank you, as always, for reading my review.
Until next time,
George
© 2024 GLT
Categories: Book Reviews, Reading
GEORGE L THOMAS 
Leave a comment