SUPERMAN: YEAR ONE
Clark Life
RELEASED OUT NOW! PUBLISHER DC COMICS
Writer Frank Miller Artists John romita Jr, danny Miki
Given that he celebrated his 80th birthday last year, you’d think there wasn’t much more that could be added to the origin of the Man of Steel. And you’d be right. Beyond a hint that the infant Kal-El psychically persuaded Jonathan Kent to adopt him, Frank Miller doesn’t radically reinvent Superman’s formative days in part one of this three-issue mini-series. Instead, he expands upon what’s previously been chronicled in Smallville and various comics. There’s a wistful nostalgic feel, and barring the presence of mobile phones and an emo schoolmate, the story could have taken place at any point during Superman’s long history.
Opening with a thrilling prologue depicting the destruction of Krypton and his subsequent space flight from the baby Kal-El’s point of view, this first 64-page issue covers Superman’s childhood, ranging from his first attempt to fly to his teenage relationship with Lana Lang. Apart from Lana and the Kents, the only other familiar face so far is Peter Ross. And while the young Clark’s main opponent in #1 is the local bully, his biggest threat comes from within as he struggles to not reveal his immense powers to the world. It’s a situation Miller ekes much humour out of in what’s one of his more goodhearted scripts.
Year One’s being released on DC’s Black Label imprint, whose oversized format really enhances John Romita’s Jr’s kinetic, highly detailed pencils. With Metropolis yet to come, Superman: Year One could equal Batman: Year One if Miller and Romita keep up their excellent work. Stephen Jewell
While mostly associated with Marvel, Romita’s father John Romita Sr drew romance stories in a brief ’60s spell at DC.