Superman Vol. 5: Hopes and Fears - A Review

Superman Vol. 5:

Hopes and Fears

(Rebirth)

by

Peter J. Tomasi

A Review

A series of three stories — the first of which is a bit different from most Superman stories in that it is written more as a patriotic travelogue than a traditional Superman adventure. If I was to read only this first story, I probably would not read any additional Superman comics. Other than a slight twist at the end, it seems more like a (true) history book than the adventures of a well-known superhero.

The remaining two stories are more typical of the Superman vs Supervillains.  We see Superman at his best against two very different kinds of evil — as expected Superman wins the day - except …

Six single issues of Superman magazine have been joined together to create this book. Together they make a fun read for this sexagenarian who is in the midst of reliving his childhood. For the Superman fan, this 4-star book is worth a read.  

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

Superman: The Oz Effect - A Review

Superman - Action Comics:

The Oz Effect

Deluxe Edition

by

Dan Jurgens

A Review

Superman is back!

Take that from a sexagenarian who grew up with Superman during the Silver Age of Comics. He has matured, he has married Lois Lane, they have a son named Jon – but it was good to see some of the old, familiar characteristics of one of my favorite superheroes of that era.

In the current story, Superman (aka Kal-el on Krypton) meets a man claiming to be his father, Jor-el. The truth of that claim is never quite resolved, but it is the conflict between Ka-el and Jor-el that takes up most of this book. With the exception of missing the departure of Supergirl from Krypton (was she dropped from the modern age stories?), the story fits well with the traditions with which I was raised.

The colors are bright and attention-getting. I would not expect a 21st-century artist to imitate the work of those who lived through the 50’s and 60’s; such is the case, As the attached clipping may show, occasionally I was caught a bit off guard.

It was fun for this old man to catch up with a story that he followed as closely as possible as a child and a young teen.

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.