Review: Superman Giant #4

“I’m ready, push the Button.” – Superman

Synopsis:

How do you make a Superman story interesting when there are only two things that can harm the Man of Steel: Kryptonite and magic? One way is to put those around him in danger and another is to create a situation that he’s never been up against before. In this issue we see Superman having to rescue a girl named Alice by taking a trip on some strange computerized beam. The character that operates the machine that will send Superman after the girl in trouble warns him that it will probably drive him insane. Being the hero he is, he doesn’t hesitate for one second and he is sent to save Alice.

The Creative Team:

Tom King has created a way for us to get inside the person that is Superman. He puts a character in danger and the Last Son of Krypton has to risk his mental health to save her. What draws us into this story is the not knowing what’s going to happen factor, and then when we get there, we observe the Man of Steel’s doubts about his proper influence on the human race. We see different scenarios as to what could happen if Superman’s influence affected some who might be emotionally or mentally unstable. It’s an awesome look into the world’s first Superhero. Great stuff includes another glimpse into Lois Lane’s spelling problems, made popular by the first Christopher Reeve Superman movie. Also, Kal-Els looking to his father, Jor-El for an explanation of a crisis that prompts him to stop being the world’s oldest boy scout.

Adam Kubert and Sandra Hope bring a certain blocky look to the Man of Tomorrow that is appropriate and works well within this tale. I always enjoy Kubert’s take on Superman. He’s got the best squared off jawline in the world of comics when Kubert draws him. It’s a sobering issue filled with a philosophical dilemma and these artists are on top of their game here. Highlights include the alien landscape and Superman’ battle with his inner demons when he tells Wonder Woman that he wants to quit being Superman.

In Conclusion:

Superman has to wrestle with his inner demons in an explosive issue that challenges him in ways that he’s never been challenged before. This is a great comic that shows us what Clark Kent struggles with on a day-to-day basis as he wrestles with the responsibilities of being Superman. While he’s trying to cope with these issues, will he regain his senses in time to save Alice? to be continued! **** (9.2 rating)

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Writer – Tom King
Art – AndyÂ Kubert, Sandra Hope
Colors – Brad Anderson
Letters – Clayton Cowles
Publisher – DC

Author Profile

Kevin Given

Kevin Given has studied with â€œ Longridge Writers Group â€ and â€œ Writerâ€™s Boot Camp â€ a speech/communications major from the University of Maine Presque-Isle/Orono sites. He has created the â€œ Karl Vincent Vampire Hunter â€ franchise which includes novels and comic books. They can be found on amazon, Indyplanet and Kindle. For a limited time you can get digital copies of â€œ Karl Vincent: Vampire hunter â€ # 1 and â€œ Files of Karl Vincent â€ # 1 for free on Indyplanet. Kevin is producing the third novel in the series â€œ Dracula Rising â€ (working title) and developing â€œ Foul Blood â€ into comic book form. Don't forget to check out the YouTube show " Comics: Let's Talk " hosted by Kevin Given