Customer Reviews

Superman - Last Son Of Krypton

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It seems that most of the reviewers of this book started reading Superman comics *after* the Post-Crisis retrofit, and have limited appreciation for how this book, and its followup, _Superman: Miracle Monday_ fit into the continuity of the day, and that's too bad, because they fit flawlessly.

I read each book when it was released--at the same time as the first two Superman movies--and in both cases, I felt that the books would have made better films than the stories the movies actually used. I still feel that way. I won't rehash what others have said about the depth of character development. Those reviewers were right on the mark. Take all they said times ten.

But I do want to point out that what impressed me is how Eliot S! subtly wove so much of the DC universe into these two books, and how his attention to detail bound them so closely that I refuse to review them separately. Without wandering away from the actual main plots, Maggin manages to tell the reader about the universe beyond Metropolis, be it how to shop at an outer space bazaar, the nature and deployment of the Green Lantern Corps, or the heartbreak of unfair judging at a Smallville science fair.

Scenes and situations in the first book are masterfully echoed in the second, and character emotions and motivations are anything but two dimensional. I get misty when I reflect on the thoughts of Clark's "almost dad," who was wise enough to know that he should not raise the boy, when I consider Superman, his identity exposed, listening to the music that is humanity, and accidentally learning a lesson, and when I recall the only thing Superman wanted to know about the future--and the one thing Luthor wouldn't do despite the past.

The book is well worth reading. And if at all possible, get _Miracle Monday_ as well. And if you want a real challenge, try to find the 1982 DC Comics Presents Annual, introducing Superwoman, which revisits characters introduced in the novels, and provides a nice little "signature" for the series.

If anyone needs to know how to write a comic-book novel, remain faithful to the spirit and mythology of the series and yet take make it solid enough for a text-based medium, this is it. I read this novel as a teenager (to the point where my only paperback copy now is coverless and taped together) and was enthralled by its depictions of Superman and his supporting cast. Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane, Steve Lombard and *especially* Lex Luthor are painted with good humour and with a three-dimensionality they never truly achieved in the comics. Maggin takes the threads of Superman's history and the DC Universe, binding them together in a coherent narrative that gives us new insights into the psyche of the Man of Steel and his greatest foe. I cannot recommend this enough, and hope that someone brings it back into print one day.

Elliot S! Maggin was responsible for a great deal of the 1970's Superman mythos, and one of the creators influential in updating the character and making him the flagship of DC comics. With this novel and the sequel, Miracle Monday, he took the comic book characters and made them seem absolutely real. Maggin's Superman is THE Superman; the interpretation of the character that just feels right. The story is fantastic and the implications world-shattering, which is what should be the case when dealing with such a powerful protagonist. many modern comic book writers say they would not want to write Superman because he's too powerful and they feel like they couldn't come up with anything challenging for him. Well, this book shows that the trick is to write more powerful challenges, menaces that are a match for the Man of Steel. Maggin pulled this off many times in the comics and in both of the novels he wrote. His Lex Luthor is the most likeable and realistic version of the character ever put to print, which is a pretty good trick considering that this is the Lex who wears the 'Superfriends' costume with the jet boots. Lois Lane comes off as brash and independent, without the negative interpretation often seen in live action portrayals. This Lois isn't some spiteful witch or damsel in distress; she's a modern woman with a mind of her own. Superman and Clark Kent, the dichotomy between the two characters is almost palpable, and the reader really gets a sense of the terrible weight of living two lives. As much as I have enjoyed the more recent retellings of the Superman mythos, I have yet to see anything to equal this, even after almost thirty years. This book is fun for all ages, but definitely geared away from the kids. It's a book that should definitely go back into print, and one that anyone who loves Superman should pick up.

I had forgotten about this novel and its sister title Miracle Monday, both scripted by Elliot S! (the 's' stands for superman)Maggin until I was searching for the novelization of Kingdom Come. These are great books and really emblematic of the classic Man of Steel. There is great characterization in "Last Son", particularly the Lex Luthor character who is portayed as a truly three dimensional character. The way Luthor stores his many revolutionary and futuristic weapons and inventions is inspired. It also provides some insight into why a man of Luthor's capabilities would choose to become the man he is, an arch-villain. If you can find either of these books, and have an interest in Superman, you could do no better.

This book and it's companion "Superman: Miracle Monday" provide the most destinctive take on the popular hero in his prime. Released along with the movie, this book was largely ignored by the comics industry, but gobbled up as a bestseller on the stands. It continues to rate as the "perfect" Superman book even years after it is no longer available from the publisher (although, one can only guess as to why a best-seller wouldn't still be available...). I thoroughly enjoyed this book and wish he would write more!

If anyone needs to know how to write a comic-book novel, remain faithful to the spirit and mythology of the series and yet take make it solid enough for a text-based medium, this is it. I read this novel as a teenager (to the point where my only paperback copy now is coverless and taped together) and was enthralled by its depictions of Superman and his supporting cast. Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane, Steve Lombard and *especially* Lex Luthor are painted with good humour and with a three-dimensionality they never truly achieved in the comics. Maggin takes the threads of Superman's history and the DC Universe, binding them together in a coherent narrative that gives us new insights into the psyche of the Man of Steel and his greatest foe. I cannot recommend this enough, and hope that someone brings it back into print one day.

This is an excellent book. As an enthusiast of the pre-Byrne Superman, I have to compliment Mr. Maggin for overcoming the difficulty of depicting thoughtful and believable challenges faced by an immensely powerful Superman. At the same time, Maggin expands on Superman's appeal as a hero with three-dimensional psychological qualities and a lengthy and often tragic history. Maggin's Superman, with his acute awareness of his alien nature and impact on human life, is refreshingly distinct from the super-human-who-just-happens-to-be-from-another-planet framework of the more recent version.

Frankly, it's pure foolishness that Warner Books has taken this title out of print. Fortunately, there is inter-library loan, because this book is definitely worth hunting down.

In short, I recommend this book to anyone in search of a strong story centered around an intriguing and intelligent character. Plus, he's Superman. :-)

Mike Brokowski

This novelization of Superman the Motion Picture is a good suspenseful read, and in case you need any point clarified from the movie here it is in black and white, including over 30 b&w still photos.

As the dying planet Krypton tears itself apart, Jor-El, Krypton's greatest scientist, launches a tiny interstellar ship into the frigid void of space bearing in its hold his only child - the infant who will become Earth's Superman! From his childhood in Smallville, to his emergence as Metropolis newsman Clark Kent, through his battles with his arch-enemy Luthor, his story is told anew and as never before, with all the high drama and excitement that have enthralled three generations of fans!

You know, I don't know if I'd call this a masterpiece. The plot was just _WEIRD_ and it took a while to get my mind around the world Maggin had created (working at a t.v. station, Jimmy Olsen is FAMOUS??). However, the witty banter that Maggin created between The Man and Lex Luthor kept me smiling and giggling throughout.

This is a fun book!