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

"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. 

"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.

Leave a Comment supergirl

Supergirl - Movie Review

 

"Supergirl" is a 1984 superhero film directed by Jeannot Szwarc from a screenplay by David Odell.  It is based on the DC Comics character of the same name. 

The fourth film in the Superman film series it is set after the events of Superman III and serves as a spin-off of the series.

Despite its notable cast, which includes Helen Slater as Supergirl, Faye Dunaway, Hart Bochner, Peter Cook, Mia Farrow, Brenda Vaccaro, and Peter O'Toole, the film failed to impress critics and audiences alike, while also underperforming at the box-office.

The film follows the story of Kara Zor-El, the cousin of Superman, who travels to Earth to retrieve the Omegahedron, a powerful Kryptonian artifact that has been lost on the planet. Along the way, she assumes the identity of Linda Lee, enrolls in an all-girls school, befriends Lucy Lane, and falls in love with Ethan, a school groundskeeper. 

However, the Omegahedron falls into the hands of Selena, a power-hungry witch who seeks to use it to gain true magic. Supergirl then proceeds to battle Selena and her minions to save the world from her destructive plans.

The film has a light-hearted and whimsical tone that is in keeping with the Superman films of the time, and Helen Slater delivers a charming and charismatic performance as Supergirl. However, the film's campy humor and over-the-top performances by Faye Dunaway and Peter O'Toole were criticized by many, and the film ultimately failed to resonate with audiences.

Despite its poor reception, Supergirl has developed a cult following over the years, with fans appreciating its campy charm and Slater's endearing portrayal of the titular hero. The film's legacy also extends beyond its own story, as its failure led to the eventual sale of the Superman film rights to The Cannon Group, Inc. in 1986, which produced the critically panned Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.

Overall, Supergirl is a flawed but enjoyable addition to the Superman film series that is worth watching for fans of the character and those who enjoy campy superhero films. While it may not have achieved the same level of success as its predecessors, it remains an important part of Superman's cinematic history and a fun throwback to the superhero films of the 1980s.

Trivia and production notes about the Supergirl movie:

1. The film was a critical and commercial failure upon release, grossing only $14 million on a $35 million budget.
2. The film was originally intended to be the first in a Supergirl film series, but the poor box office performance led to those plans being scrapped.
3. The movie was shot on location in England, with many of the outdoor scenes filmed at various castles and historic sites.
4. Faye Dunaway played the main villain in the film, an evil sorceress named Selena who attempts to take over the world.
5. Selena's costume was designed by the legendary fashion designer Paco Rabanne, who also designed costumes for films like Barbarella and Two for the Road.
6. The film features a number of prominent British actors in supporting roles, including Peter O'Toole, Mia Farrow, and Brenda Vaccaro.
7. Helen Slater was a relatively unknown actress at the time of the film's production, having only appeared in a few small roles on TV and in films.
8. To prepare for the role of Supergirl, Slater underwent an intensive training regimen that included weightlifting, gymnastics, and martial arts.
9. The film's special effects were created by Derek Meddings, who had previously worked on the James Bond films and the Superman movies.
10. The film's score was composed by Jerry Goldsmith, who also composed the scores for films like Star Trek: The Motion Picture and Alien.
11. The film's script was written by David Odell, who had worked on The Dark Crystal and The Muppet Show.
12. Despite the film's poor reception, it has since gained a cult following among fans of the character and superhero movies in general.
13. The film was eventually followed by a Supergirl TV series in 2015, which starred Melissa Benoist in the title role.

Leave a Comment supergirl