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Over the Thanksgiving break I decided to go and visit home. The great thing about home (well, one of many) is that is where my friends that also read comics happen to be. While we all read a few similar titles and characters we have just enough variation where borrowing things at times is definitely an option. So, while I was there I was lucky enough to get my hands on Superman: Earth One. I almost didn't take the opportunity to read it as I was very hesitant to "endorse" this idea of tapping into the "Twilight" crowd. However, my friend knows I like good reads and that I am partial to J. Michael Straczynski's writing. Plus, I trust his opinion of what is an enjoyable read.
Well, I can say that my concern was put to rest. First, let me be really clear in that there is nothing in the book that makes me think "Twilight". Now, I have pretty much zero knowledge of that property save what I occasionally come across on TV or in an article (and that's more than enough). But there was NOTHING within the pages of Superman: Earth One that made me think of the other property. Second, the book truly was a reimagining of Superman's origin, starting primarily with him leaving Smallville and going to Metropolis. Now, if you don't want any kind of spoilers you should avoid going any further. I will do my best to avoid details, but concepts will be discussed.
One thing that Straczynski did was to actually create an explanation for something that never really made "sense" anymore. That, of course, being how nobody living on Krypton was able to see the destruction of Krypton coming. The idea that only one scientist could have made such a discovery and been disregarded made sense back when Superman was first created due to how little we knew of science, but today it simply doesn't make sense, especially if a race is capable of the type of science that offers even limited ability to venture into space. Today, we can now perceive major geological events in an instant across the Earth (organize to deal with them . . . not always), so again I say that Straczynski definitely brought the destruction of Krypton "forward" and made things more sensible by today's standards.
The next thing Straczynski did was to plant Clark in the 21st century. Despite how he was raised (his family values) you can easily see that when Clark first gets to Metropolis his values are in flux as much as any adolescent today. While they all may be raised with the values of their family, things are no longer as they were when Superman was first created. In Superman: Earth One we see a Clark that was raised on a farm but has obviously been influenced by the entire country and perhaps the world. This is the internet age. Kids do, and will, have more influences in their lives than you can see or may even know about. So, while the Superman of old was one who took the idea of helping others to a greater level from the start, this Superman-to-be is focused on family, specifically his mother.
Clark is well aware of the abilities he has, but unlike the Superman of the past this Superman-to-be examines the possibilities of using his abilities to bring a level of success and fortune to his life that will bring him attention as superstar, but not a Superman. Even thinking of past conversations with his father, and engaging in current conversations with his mother, Clark is focused on taking care of "his own" first. Nothing horrible, not in the least, and something that regular people struggle with every day. This is where Clark shows that he is "human" in mind, if not body.
As the story unfolds Straczynski seems to borrow a bit from the 'Smallville' television series by giving weight and purpose to the ship that brought Superman to Earth. After all, what are the chances that an interstellar ship would break so easily? Plus, this also gives a vehicle (no pun intended) through which Clark finds out more about his home of Krypton. This is something that in my mind is a must for Superman to become Superman.
Once the story hits full stride we have the main cast of Superman's everyday characters at the ready. Lois Lane is present with just enough confusion between being a true reporter and opinion columnist to go with any reporter you will find in print, or TV especially. Jimmy Olsen has the edge of a true photojournalist that we are used to in today's world. Perry White is the last of the old guard of reporters, trying to keep a news paper going that actually focuses on news and not the trash that fills most papers or TV news sources today.
Clark's decision to finally don his suit (revised nicely by artist Shane Davis) is not only a point during which he decides to step forward to help those that only he can help, but it's a point where Clark sees the bigger picture. He finally comes to a point where he can see why his parents told him all the things they told him, and why becoming Superman is actually a decision that will make him more human than any job where his abilities will give him a huge edge over all others. Of course, Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen are a bit part to this realization.
Throughout Superman: Earth One Straczynski peppers in a variety of societal observations. They are not heavy handed in the least. They are very simple and subtle observations. They root the story in the "now" as opposed to the past. They are things that the Superman of old would not have seen, said, or done, but today many are aware of. Finally, Straczynski gives a significant weight as to why Superman cannot wear a mask through the words of Clark's mother. It is a message that truly resonates with today's day and age, and it lands heavy.
Superman: Earth One is a great read. I highly suggest you check it out when you can. I know I plan on getting my own copy soon. J. Michael Straczynski has written a wonderful story and Shane Davis' amazing artwork is undeniable. I am not a Superman fan by any means, but I am a fan of this story. This is not a story of the Superman of the past, and it isn't the Superman of "tomorrow" as he was subtitled for a while. This is a story of the Superman of today and who he would be if he walked the same path in a modernized world. Oh, and did I mention the story is all set up for a sequel?
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