Customer Reviews

Superman: Kryptonite

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

 

 

There are two primary elements to the enjoyment of any novel; the caliber of the writing itself, and obviously the plot. Some stories are stronger in one area than the other, with an exceptional effort by one component having the ability to offset the deficiencies of its shameful counterpart. This trade is a good example of exactly that. Darwyn Cooke's artistic acumen at conceiving engaging dialogue and vivid characterizations clearly compensates for the shortcomings and flimsiness confined within the plot, specifically the rather curious and confounding conclusion. This is a literary equivalent of the means justifying the end, or a case of enjoying the journey despite its eventual dubious and disappointing denouement. Cooke especially shines during his contrasting of Superman's initial inner fears over his own mortality versus his eventual peaceful acceptance and contentment with his emerging humanity. One relevant point worth mentioning is the book's titular focus on kryptonite, which is a bit misleading, considering it only plays a minor role in the grand scheme of things. What would have been especially intriguing was its' early apparent impression of sentient kryptonite. This however was not the direction explored, and how this eventually plays out remains to be read, since further discussion would only reveal major spoilers. On the artistic side, Tim Sale's illustrations continue to have their usual merits and blemishes. His Lois Lane is undeniably gorgeous and quite a woman, a magnificent mirror image of his Selina Kyle from When in Rome. However his pudgy, adolescent aged Clark Kent more befits a hulking Nebraska Cornhusker lineman than a lithe, swift Superman, but this is admittedly splitting hairs. So despite its somewhat unsatisfying ending, Cooke and Sale superbly deliver an enjoyable and charming update on the early, more innocent days of the man of steel.

When I put this down, I thought to myself: "Tim Sale and Darwyn Cooke make a great team". It isn't just the artwork, but the bright and rich environment that is as wholesome as it is deceiving. It's so brilliantly constructed that your natural reaction as a reader is to reject the grim bits of violence you encounter, something I actually enjoy being tricked into doing.
There are hints of both "For All Seasons" and "The New Frontier" strung along... for the former it only makes sense as this more of the first quarter of Superman's sophomoric stage, and the latter introduces a presence far less sinister than New Frontier's "The Centre", but still we have the concept of a quiet alien entity watching over humans, waiting for the time to act. When it states its name, it is a bit of a disappointment. I was actually hoping for another green alien whose name starts with "Br", but this is meant to be a creation exclusive to the "Confidential" series.
The story itself deals with Superman's attachment to his adopted humanity, and by that extension, his questionable mortality. As other reviewers have said, it pushes thoughts not usually explored in the patterns of random, routine, and reflection: the fear that comes with the discovery that Superman is invulnerable to extreme cold and heat, the feelings of dread and terror after his first kryptonite-assisted beating, and then the relief that Superman feels when he realizes he is a mortal after-all - just like his Ma and Pa.
I love the artwork. I love the simplicity of the story. And I love that it's on my shelf.

Darwyn Cooke has a knack for getting back to the early days of iconic superheroes. He's done runs on Batman, Catwoman, and the whole DC Universe. In New Frontier, he was so successful recreating the superheroes of yesteryear that the graphic novels were turned into a made for DVD movie that became highly successful.

In Superman: Kryptonite, Cooke manages to write about Superman's first encounter with the dreaded meteorites from his exploded home planet, and to find a way to get Superman in touch with his Kryptonian heritage for the first time. I thought the story was well done and presented a number of surprises in a story that everyone thought they already knew.

I was somewhat dismayed by the fact that Cooke didn't draw this one. It took me a little while to get used to his artwork, but now I'm a fan. His artwork is more cartoony and exaggerated than I normally like because I was a big Neal Adams fan while growing up. But Cooke brings a lot of energy and edginess to his illustrations.

Tim Sale drew the pages, and his artwork underscored the simple yet involved story Cooke recounted. I liked the way the pages were broken down into panels, though I don't know if that was Cooke or Sale's presentation. The brightness of the colors on the pages, the heroic stances, the clear definitions between good and evil really too me back to my younger days when I'd spend hours reading comics and imagining what it would be like to have super powers and a secret identity.

Superman's relationship with Lois Lane during the early years after they met is shown really well in this story. I liked the feel of the old school relationship while couched in a world filled with computers and cell phones. Jimmy Olsen has a newsboy look about him that doesn't fit in today's world, but he's got a violent and street smart streak through him that was fascinating to watch in action.

I also really enjoyed the way Superman didn't know his own limitations, and the way he wondered if each increasingly dangerous encounter he had would be the one that seriously injured him or killed him. I hadn't really thought about that before. In other comics I'd only been exposed to the idea of Superman getting hurt by magic, by equally tough villains, or while under a red sun. Seeing this worry reflected in the pages of this book was interesting.

The way Superman talked to his parents was amazing. I liked the way Jonathan told Clark to never mention his fear or his pain to Martha because she wouldn't be able to take it. And then Martha got onto Clark for listening to his father. It was touching and comical at the same time, and at the heart of the way Cooke understands characters.

If you haven't read this one, you owe it to yourself to pick it up. Cooke and Superman both shine in this graphic novel.

I'm not ashamed to say I love Tim Sale. I could watch this guy illustrate a text book. I absolutely love his art and the way he takes readers back in time. Here, teamed with Darwyn Cooke who also has a talent for time travel, we get an reimagined tale of the first time Clark experiences Kryptonite. Overall the story was fantastic. I loved Luthor having a rival on his level and the scenes with the Kents in Smallville were great. Like I said, the art is the star of the book and almost perfect other than Jimmy looking too young. The story was close to perfect as well with a few minor points in time hang-ups for me. Overall this is a very very good book and can be read by anyone no matter their opinions of Superman.

Great story and the art is incredible (of course, it's Tim Sale). If you read and liked "The New Frontier" you'll like this as well.

This book retells how Superman first encounters Kryptonite (his only weakness) according to the old classic Superman comics. Some characters and parts of the story are changed somewhat because the author felt the original story is a little bit too far-fetched and unbelieveable. Unfortunately, the new story does not really create a more believeable account and is pretty "out there" compare to most Superman stories. The sci-fi aspect of the story is not really too intriguing or clever. It is also worth noting that during this time, Superman is still uncertain of his limitations or know if he has any so the Superman presented here is not one with upmost confidence but requires therapy and counseling with his Ma and Pa. Finally, Lois Lane also whips his butt good in the book which will leave you wondering whether you're reading about Superman or Supergirl? I bought this book primarily because of the artwork and Tim Sale creates masterpieces on each page with classic Superman style artwork that you will enjoy and cherish for a long time.