Customer Reviews

Absolute Superman: For Tomorrow

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This is my first review for amazon, so I decided to do it on Superman: For Tomorrow. Well here's what I thought about it: I thought it was pretty awesome, but before I tell you why I liked it I should probably tell you the story. The story is set a year after an event known as "the Vanishing" in which thousands of people on the Earth just one day vanished. Many people are greatly affected by "the Vanishing" one of them being Superman who lost his wife, Lois Lane, because of the Vanishing. Superman feeling guilty about not being on Earth when the Vanishing happened (he was in space helping out Green Lantern Kyle Rayner) decides to "confess his sins" to a priest, Father Leone. He tells Father Leone about what he did to investigate the Vanishing, and about how he was linked to a second "mini" Vanishing (what?). All the while Superman is investigating the Vanishing he draws the attention of a man named Mr. Orr; who works for a secret organization that has 80% of the population working for them in one way or another. Mr. Orr is perhaps my new favorite character. I don't know why but he has a aura of mystery around him that, in my opinion, makes him awesome. Anyways over the course of the story Superman receives criticism, for his handling of the situation, from the media, a sorceress (who tries to kill him no less), and even his own peers in the JLA. Heck Aquaman and Wonder Woman try to kill him at times. It is implied that even Batman may want him dead (at least that's my opinion). The story also give a unique look into Superman's psyche, but the story does haves its faults.
The story at times is a little complicated and at times a few heroes seem out of character. The thing that I found weird was how Wonder Woman was working with the sorceress who tried to kill Superman. Her reason for trying to kill Superman is to try to stop his from committing suicide (that doesn't begin to make sense). Another thing I found weird was a scene with Aquaman when Aquaman tries to attack him with an army. Superman states that the reason why Aquaman tried to attack him is because he (Superman) got involved with a nation's affairs and how Aquaman is the King of Atlantis a nation with it's own affairs. I found that kind of odd. Another that I found odd was the dialogue. The dialogue is so over stylized that at times I had to read it like two or three times to make sure I understood it. However, there was one thing that I think everyone loves about this story and that is the art.
The story is drawn by Jim Lee (who is one of my favorite comic book artists). Jim Lee's art is incredible, and is one of the best artists in the comic book industry (in my opinion). Every page has so much detail on them and looks great. My only complaint about the art though is that every woman looks the same. The only who seems to stand out of all them is Lois Lane who just has different looking eyes, but despite that the art is still great and wonderful.
In my opinion I don't think this is a Superman story for everyone. Some may not like it because of the dialogue or the way Superman is presented. In this story Superman is sort of a brooding character who at times doubts himself; however, I liked it, and I give it a 4 out of 5. The reason I give it a 4 out of 5 is because I liked the art and the story, a look into Superman's mind, and the great action, but I hated the over stylized dialogue and the out of character moments of a few heroes.

jim lee's artwork is really the only reason to have this as an absolute edition. i hate talking down on superman, but this is one of the worst storie's i've "ever" touched. i would normally leave something worth being in plain sight out in the open around my home. something you couldn't help walking by, & wondering what it's all about. not this book. this book is going into the office among all the other obscure material, & not in prominent display status. no this book will never be looked at by anybody i know, & loaned out as i encourage you to read this immediately. should be called absolute waste of time. i wouldn't even think of regifting this garbage. it's that bad. no this book will be my burden. this book will be my knee jerk reaction to buying anything jim lee is associated with. truly truly truly disappointed. worst superman story ever. even worse than the death of superman. could have been a definitive book. don't know how it ever saw the light of day. i would be ashamed to be the team who put this out. hope they are alway's associated with how horrible it really is.

I received this edition as a gift. Amazon sent a copy that was missing the shrink wrap and had a dented and cracked slip cover. After returning it for an exchange, Amazon sent me another copy in even worst condition. It looked like someone had read it, than tied it to the back of their car and dragged it around the block. Amazon informed me to return the second damaged copy and they would refund the purchase price. Since then I've noticed that Amazon has increased the purchase price. I've had good experiences with purchases from Amazon in the past but was disappointed with this one.