Review > Superman Earth One: A Modern Twist on the Man of Steel

23 March 2023
"Superman Earth One" by th legendary J. Michael Straczynski offers a fresh and modern take on the iconic Man of Steel. 

Straczynski, known for his work on "Babylon 5" and "Spider-Man," teams up with talented artist Shane Davis to bring a new dimension to the classic superhero. 

The graphic novel follows Clark Kent's journey to becoming Superman, and features a unique story retains the essence of a Superman story with familiar beats but places young Clark in a new ground reality.

Straczynski is a renowned comic book writer, screenwriter, and producer, who has worked on several critically acclaimed projects. 

His writing style is characterized by well-crafted character development, intriguing plot twists, and a knack for tackling complex themes. 

Meanwhile, Davis is an exceptional artist who has worked on popular comic book series such as "Green Lantern" and "Superman/Batman." His detailed illustrations bring the characters and settings to life, adding depth and emotion to the story.

Their qualities shine through - so much so that 2 sequels followed - Vol 2 and Vol 3. 

earth one superman

"Superman Earth One" takes place in an alternate universe, where Clark Kent is a recent college graduate struggling to find his place in the world. 

After discovering his alien heritage, he becomes Superman, using his powers to save the city of Metropolis from a dangerous threat. 

The plot is fresh and engaging, with an emphasis on Clark's journey of self-discovery and his struggle to balance his dual identities. The story is well-paced, with plenty of action and suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

One of the key themes explored in "Superman Earth One" is the concept of identity. 

Clark struggles to reconcile his human and Kryptonian sides, trying to find his place in a world that often rejects those who are different. 

Another prominent theme is the power of choice, as Clark must decide how to use his abilities and determine what kind of hero he wants to be. 

"Superman Earth One" has been well-received by both comic book fans and critics. 

The graphic novel has been praised for its fresh take on the character, with reviewers noting the dynamic artwork and engaging plot. 

Some have criticized the story for being too slow-paced or for diverging too much from the traditional Superman mythos, but overall, the response has been positive.

One potential flaw of "Superman Earth One" is that it may not appeal to die-hard fans of the character. 

The alternate universe setting and updated story may not be to everyone's taste, and some may prefer the classic version of Superman. However, for readers who are open to a new interpretation, "Superman Earth One" offers a compelling and exciting read.

J. Michael Straczynski said of his wondrous effort:

I wanted to create a story that was both familiar and fresh, that would honor the character's rich history while taking him in new and exciting directions.

"Superman Earth One" is a relevant and engaging read for comic book fans of all ages. The themes explored in the graphic novel - such as identity and choice - are timeless and resonate with readers today. Additionally, the artwork and story are visually stunning, making "Superman Earth One" a must-read for fans of the superhero genre.

"Superman Earth One" is a fantastic addition to the Superman canon. Straczynski and Davis have created a gripping and visually stunning graphic novel that offers a fresh take on the Man of Steel. The story is engaging, the themes are thought-provoking, and the artwork is simply breathtaking. While it may not appeal to everyone, "Superman Earth One" is sure to captivate readers who are looking for a modern twist on this iconic character. As Superman himself might say, "this graphic novel is faster than a speeding bullet and more powerful than a locomotive!"

Check out Earth Two. 

Here are ten pieces of trivia about the production of the first "Superman Earth One" graphic novel:

  1. J. Michael Straczynski initially pitched the idea for "Superman Earth One" to DC Comics in 2008, but the project was put on hold due to the financial crisis.
  2. Straczynski was inspired to write the graphic novel after reflecting on his own experiences growing up, and thinking about what it would be like to discover that you had superpowers.
  3. Artist Shane Davis was brought on board to work on the project after impressing DC Comics with his work on "Final Crisis: Rage of the Red Lanterns."
  4. Davis spent over a year working on the artwork for "Superman Earth One," using a combination of traditional and digital techniques to create the stunning visuals.
  5. Straczynski and Davis collaborated closely throughout the production process, with Straczynski providing detailed scripts and Davis bringing the story to life with his artwork.
  6. The graphic novel was originally planned as a standalone story, but its success led to the release of two sequels and helped to establish the Earth One series as a major part of DC Comics' publishing lineup.
  7. "Superman Earth One" was one of the first graphic novels to be released simultaneously in print and digital formats, reflecting the changing landscape of the comic book industry.
  8. The success of "Superman Earth One" helped to cement Straczynski's reputation as one of the most innovative and exciting writers in the comic book industry.
  9. The graphic novel has been translated into several languages, including French, German, and Spanish, allowing fans around the world to experience this fresh take on the Man of Steel.
  10. "Superman Earth One" was a critical and commercial success upon its release, earning rave reviews from critics and fans alike and helping to introduce a new generation of readers to the world of comic books.

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About the author Jimmy Jangles


My name is Jimmy Jangles, the founder of The Astromech. I have always been fascinated by the world of science fiction, especially the Star Wars universe, and I created this website to share my love for it with fellow fans.

At The Astromech, you can expect to find a variety of articles, reviews, and analysis related to science fiction, including books, movies, TV, and games.
From exploring the latest news and theories to discussing the classics, I aim to provide entertaining and informative content for all fans of the genre.

Whether you are a die-hard Star Trek fan or simply curious about the world of science fiction, The Astromech has something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and join me on this journey through the stars!
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