SUPERMAN: YEAR ONE
Frank Miller and John Romita Jr. reveal the origins of the Man of Steel in Superman: Year One
The Man of Steel’s origin story, retold by Frank Miller.
While he has long been associated with Batman, Frank Miller is a massive fan of the Man of Steel. now, with artist John romita Jr., the Dark Knight Returns creator is embarking upon his first series starring the Metropolis Marvel in Superman: Year One, a three-issue, large-size miniseries from dC’s black label imprint.
“dC executive editor dan didio asked me if i’d be interested in doing Superman, and my response was, ‘i thought you’d never ask!’” laughs Miller. “Out of all the superheroes, Superman is the one i’ve been wanting to have a crack at. he was the first superhero i fell in love with, as before i could even read i watched the old Fleischer cartoons on tV. that was probably the biggest thing that got me into comic books, so this was just a wonderful challenge and opportunity.”
Miller believes it has much in common with Batman: Year One, his 1987 series with david Mazzucchelli. “the goal is the same on both books, which in this case is to introduce the myth of Superman to someone who has never heard of him before,” he explains. “they could pick this up, knowing nothing about Superman and walk away knowing everything they need to know.”
with the first issue alone moving from his final hours on krypton to his school days in Smallville, Superman: Year One spans considerably more than 12 months. “it takes in years one through to 21,” says Miller. “we see him learning about the mighty power and all the abilities he has got within him, and how he became the ‘man’ part of Superman.”
romita Jr. was impressed by how Miller highlights the impact being raised by John and Martha kent had. “i hadn’t thought about it until i was working on all these vignettes in this kid’s life, where his father says ‘easy, don’t show off,’ and his mother is worried about him,” he reflects. “that then gets supersized when you think about how these two kansas farmers affected this incredible super being.” SJ
Superman: Year One kicks off on 19 June