Superman: Earth One #1

I initially wasnt looking forward to this book and thought I would end up hating it, but I actually kind of loved it and cant wait to read the other volumes. I was sort of worried that it would be like Man of Steel where I liked and loathed the movie, mostly lothed. This is very similar in fact I presume that Man of Steel was heavily influenced by this book considering the plot is almost identical and both have the same goal. Though what seperates them is that I feel this book goes a little deeper into Clark's struggle to decide what he wants to do. He wants to just be a normal person and fit in, but he also has these powers that he can use to help people. I feel that aspect was handled very well and I hope the next volume further explores it. I think it also did a good job with most of the supporting characters. The Kents seemed like good people who were wanting Clark to use his powers to help people and to accomplish all he could in life. I also liked this version of Jimmy Olsen. He was willing to risk his life for the shot and stood up for his beliefs and the integrity of the Daily Planet. Lois Lane didnt have a huge role, but I think this version has some potential. She seems like a strong reporter who stands up for her beliefs. It also looks like the series may try to keep the classic love triangle between Lois, Clark, and Superman but its still too early to tell. The plot is that Clark is trying to decide what he should do with his powers when an alien with connections to Clark's homeworld threatens the entire human race and requests to meet with the Kryptonian. Clark must decide if he's ready to become the hero and to save the human race. The villain in this story really isnt that compeling, but this is a story that puts more emphasis on the hero. Another complaint I have is that I think the story is a little too short. Its around 130 pages when I think it could have been closer to 200 and leaves you wanting more. Though in my opinion it does do a good job at portraying Clark as a person trying to discover his identity. It doesnt feel like a half baked idea that just has him become the Superman we know in a sloppy way. The art is one area that I couldnt decide how I felt about it. Its a very moody brown and seems to take the color out of mostly everything. Id say if you are looking for a comic that reivents Superman and tells a completely different Superman story than your used to then this comic isnt for you. Though the tone is different than what I classically think of Superman it still retains alot of the character. I would say this is good if you are looking for a slightly different Superman origin story or if you felt Man of Steel had potential that it failed to live up to. This comic does have alot of destruction of building in Metropolis, but it does point out how much the damage would cost instead of having an ending that glosses over the destruction. It also does show that the people dont know what to make of him and fear that he may have plans to destroy them all. Overall I feel satisfied with the story and optimistic that the series will continue to be great and explore the character more. I would say this comic that is worth at least checking out.