Superboy Takes Flight...Again.

When I stopped reading comic books in 1994, Conner Kent had just come on the scene and was this arrogant little twit with an awful haircut, sunglasses, leather jacket, and Chachi leg band.  He was one of four new Supermen who appeared after the famous "Death of Superman" saga in which Doomsday supposedly killed the Man of Steel. I really didn't think he'd last. 

When I started reading comics again in 2007, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Conner Kent had not only stuck around, but that he'd matured, changed to a much simpler costume, was kinder and more respectful of others, and gotten a whole helluva lot more sexy.  He had suddenly (13 years later) gone from one of my least favorite characters to one of my all-time favorite characters. 

So when I heard about DC Comics' new reimagining of their entire universe now in 2011 and saw the cover of Superboy #1 from the New 52 collection, I was, naturally, a bit scared.  Gone were the casual T-shirt, muscles, and tight-fitting jeans.  Conner now resembled a cross between Tron and the New Mutants' Warlock. 

I bought and read the new #1, and...it didn't suck.  For once, the art on the interior (by R.B. Silva) was better than the cover art.  (It's usually the other way around.)   The story was pretty interesting, too, but I have to try to forget everything that Conner once was.  While sad that Conner was once again scrawny looking, I was relieved that he wasn't mechanical, as the cover implied.  He's this naive human-like construct, living in a "Truman Show" world.  He was created from half Kryptonian DNA and half -- shhhh!  Supposedly, it's a secret.  Unless it's something different than Lex Luthor's DNA this time around, it's not going to be much of a surprise for those of us already familiar with Conner's origins. 

I look forward to seeing where DC takes Conner this time around.  Let's just hope that on the way, he swings by a gym and an Abercrombie & Fitch.

Joking Around With Lex Luthor

Action Comics #897

I recently read Action Comics #897, where Lex Luthor is headlining until the milestone 900th issue when Superman is supposed to return to the title. 

In Luthor's quest for the Black Lantern energy (see: Blackest Night), he has to visit Batman's arch-nemesis, The Joker, in prison.  What results brings out the best of Joker.  He's comical, yet cunning.  He's a smart-ass, yet sedate.  He's not the maniacal Joker we're used to seeing in the Bat titles.  Paul Cornell writes the Joker as if he has a real sense of humor, a trait sorely lacking in other Joker appearances.  He is not only The Joker, he's a joker.  After reading this interpretation of the Clown Prince of Crime, I would love to see a mini-series featuring the Joker, with Paul on writing chores.  

Superman's Origin Gets A Breath of New Life

Throughout my many, many years of reading comics (from about ages 10-24), I never really got into reading Superman in the comics. I liked him as a character...but his storylines never seemed to interest me. Now getting back into comics as an older adult, it seems that DC Comics has finally given Superman the storylines he's always deserved. I currently read all of his titles, from his self-titled series to Action Comics. They all offer a unique and interesting perspective to the Superman universe.

I've recently picked up the first two issues to DC Comics' new mini-series, Superman: Secret Origin. I wasn't sure how interesting it would be given that I'm already familiar with Superman's origin, life in Smallville, move to Metropolis, etc. Plus, the story's been done before, several times. This one, though, thankfully brings something new to the table, as one would only expect from writer Geoff Johns.

Johns shows Clark Kent as being like any other kid. He delves into Clark's uncertainty of himself and his abilities, his fear of hurting people, his fear of fitting in, his fear of being adopted, and his fear of being from another planet. He's your everyday naive kid with a good heart that doesn't want to hurt other people's feelings. Johns also moves along the storyline at a quick pace so as to not lose readers already familiar with Superman's secret origin. Each issue is a totally new part of Clark's life as a kid. The first issue of the mini-series deals with Clark learning of his extraterrestrial origins, discovering his abilities, and meeting the teenage Lex Luthor at a county fair. The second is Clark's first meeting with the Legion of Superheroes and donning his Superboy persona and costume.

Geoff Johns also adds new information about Clark as an adolescent boy, his first meetings with his friends and foes, and discovering his powers. Case in point: Clark accidentally discovers his heat vision power when he gets excited from Lana Lang kissing him.

In addition to the fantastic writing, there's the art. Gary Frank does a beautiful job bringing the characters of the Superman mythos to life. His rendition of Clark Kent looks exactly like a young Christopher Reeve who, as you know, played Superman in the original Superman movies. (And, if you don't know that, WTF?) It's remarkable. And Clark's facial expressions really complement Johns' comfortable writing style and help to move along the storyline.

Whoever thought they've seen all there is to see about Superman's secret origin should give this new mini-series a try. You'll discover something you never knew before...and get a great storytelling experience. What do you have to lose?