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12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
This book is very odd., September 5, 2009
This review is from: Absolute Superman: For Tomorrow (Hardcover)
This is a tough book to love. First of all it barely functions on its own--the story directly follows events in the Superman issues that preceeded it, which depicted mass "vanishings" of people from all over the world, including Lois Lane, and Superman's inability to stop that or even understand what was happening. So if you haven't read those stories, when you start reading this book it takes few chapters for you to get over the "huh??" factor. Add to that the non-linear storytelling and you get even more confused.
The dialog is troublesome. Mr. Azarello writes dialog in an over-stylized manner that features continual word-play that is not nearly as clever as he seems to think. The characterizations are unremittingly pompous and puffed up, as well. Not to mention overly laden with gravitas: a Catholic priest with incurable cancer! Oh the agony and the irony!! Every character acts like they've got the weight of the wold on their shoulders...of course, that may be fitting in Superman's case, but when ALL the characters stagger around, brooding, moody, and trying to be profound every time they open their mouths, it gets a little much. The writing is simply heavy handed in every way.
That being said, the book comes together in the last few chapters, as all the hints and suggestions and confusions work out and you start getting your questions answered. The whole point of the non-linear storytelling comes clear as you experience a big "AH-HA!" moment, which is rewarding. The finale is not that satisfying as a super-battle in and of itself, although there is a grand-scale throwdown, it isn't very inventive. (Perhaps you recall Superman VS. Batman in "Hush"?--THAT was inventive!) Rather, the emotional impact of the resolution is what makes an impression and pays back the heavy investment you've made in reading the eleven preceding chapters.
The artwork, of course, it what is going to really sell this book to most readers. Mr. Lee does his usual job of drawing a lot of muscles pretty well, and creating big, bold compositions and imagining settings on a large and lavish scale. His usual faults are present, of course: everybody kind of looks the same--both their faces and their bodies. In the case of Wonder Woman, this works perfectly--she looks absolutely, jaw-droppingly amazing. In the case of Lois Lane, Lee's inability to differentiate his character-types means she's rendered as a pretty anonymous "babe", which is unfortunate.
In conclusion, I would recommend this book to Superman fans only. If you aren't already strongly predisposed to like the character, and pretty familiar with the Superman lore, I don't think this is the place to start. I'd have to recommend "All-Star Superman" for that--the storytelling is a lot more clever (and the artwork is truly ART--vs. Mr. Lee's merely entertaining efforts here)...or "Superman: For All Seasons"...or "Superman: Birthright". Those are all better choices for someone looking for great stand-alone storytelling, and they would have been better choices for compilation in an Absolute Edition, as well.
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8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Greatest Superman story ever? Are you kiddng me?!?!?!?, October 16, 2009
This review is from: Absolute Superman: For Tomorrow (Hardcover)
This has to be, hands down, one of the most confusing Superman stories I have ever read. Basically a collection of the 12 part mini series of the same name, this thing HURT. As already covered, a lot of the essential plot devices don't come together until later in the series, and even when it happens, you wind up saying... "HUH?!?!?" I'm not going to sit here and spoil it for those that actually want to read it, you brave souls... but I will basically sum up my BIGGEST problem with the story with a question...
HOW IN THE HOLY H*** DO YOU GET PISSED OFF ABOUT A PROBLEM THAT WAS ULTIMATELY YOUR OWN FAULT?!?!? And no, that convenient "Kryptonian" trick doesn't explain it away.
Orr's kinda creepy... there, I said it.
What saved this from a one star review was Jim. I like to pretend we're on a fist name basis. He's just made of awesome, topped with awesome sauce. He draws a great Superman, no question... too bad the story couldn't follow suit. I like to consider his involvement an attempt to polish a "turd." Because in the end...
I bought this series because of him. But I swear, this is the last time. I passed on his stint on All Star Batman and Robin, because they basically tried the same thing. And I swore I'd never let Jim convince me to buy another bad story.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superman: Man of Tomorrow; Jim Lee's art of Superman's future, April 25, 2011
This review is from: Absolute Superman: For Tomorrow (Hardcover)
Absolute Superman, this artistic approach on Superman is ultimately my favorite version of him. Jim Lee is a genius and these other comic book artist haven't caught on; I mean, he looks so vibrant and his colors are truly mesmerizing, his persona is realistic and edgy in addition to his red glowing premature heat vision eyes filled with intimidation and business to deal justice. The only reincarnations of Superman I know of looking his best is in the futuristic Final Crisis universe of Superman in the game DC Universe; high hopes for the television series of Smallville's Superman to pull off a satisfying Superman look on Tom Welling and Cartoon Networks old "Justice League Unlimited" series (was ok, his portrayal in the series sold him though). The story is...not...bad, but very confusing but ultimately GREAT! story concepts; although, leaving the audience in "huh?", "why?" and "what's going on?" on some of the stories concepts doesn't make it a fantastic read from start to finish; only when you get through all the "huh?", "why?" and "what's going on?" you're like "ohh!?" but this stories like 1 puzzle with 100,000 pieces scattered over 100,000,000 different football fields with tall grass and at the end of the day someone has quickly put them all together for you like "see!" in a matter of 3 seconds (figatively speaking of course, need I even say(?) ) None the less great story concepts, but the art is "Perfect!" and I really wish other comic book artist would take on the idea versus a kinda cheesy look of Superman. This Superman should look ever so good as Batman looks awesome in MOST of his comics.
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