Saturday, October 31, 2009

Superman: Secret Origins #2 (of 6)

So how many additional origin stories does Superman need? Didn't Man of Steel and Birthright cover this ground already?

We can be thankful that this Secret Origin is in the hands of DC's current master of adjusting continuity, Geoff Johns.

Even though Clark Kent's backstory is well-trod ground, a good writer can always find a new angle or a previously undiscovered corner to explore, and that's pretty much what we're seeing here.

In fact, in this issue Clark seems to be stealing from Peter Parker - he's shy, an outcast, desperate for friends, clumsy with girls, and only comfortable when he puts on his costume and becomes another person.

Still, the story is touching as Clark tries to learn more about his own origins, and meets a team of super-heroes from the future who show up to say "Thank you."

Penciler Gary Frank seems to be having a blast here, mixing in dynamic splash pages with small, personal moments. His work is lean and powerful, and the young heroes look like kids - something many artist struggle with. Here Frank demonstrates an artist in total control.

I'm enjoying this series, and that's good, because right now it's the only Superman comic that's generating any interest from me. And considering it's yet another trip to the "origin" well, that's impressive.

Grade: A-

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