Customer Reviews

Superman: Peace on Earth

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

...and I mean that in the best way possible. ;-)

Nice timeless story by Paul Dini wherein Superman confronts the fact that he can't save the world by himself, but let's face it: the reason to buy this book are the amazing full-page painted illustrations from Alex Ross. Beyond his trademark realism, Ross really conveys the essense of Superman's power and dignity here.

This oversized format is a terrific forum for his talents and fans of his work will be thrilled to own it.

Printed in an oversized format, Peace on Earth is an awe-inspiring look at how Superman attempts to thwart world hunger. Alex Ross' breathtaking art is unbelievable. His paintings escpecially those of the U.S. Congress are exalting. The writing is an illustrious and creative account of how Superman expericenes opposition to his attempts in stopping starvation. Overall the book is a compliment to the human spirit, and an agonizing glance at world hunger. This graphic novel is a 1000 times better than any "comic book" I have ever read and I highly encourage you to pick this book up. Also if you enjoy this book, try Batman: War on Crime, another great read by the same creative team.

It wasn't horrible, but I couldn't recommend this book to anyone but collectors (thats obviously who it was made for anyways). These books (this one as well as the Shazam and Batman takes by the Dini/Ross collaboration) aren't well written, and I don't think anyone cared when they were making these books. They're just an excuse for Ross to paint. I'd heard these books described as illustrated novellas, but that is hardly the case. I think if I typed up the text of one of these books it'd take up MAYBE 1 1/2 - 2 pages. I found that these books read like those large over sized picture books we're bought as kids to teach us about the animals at the zoo and things in that vein. These books were made to make money, the only reason to buy them is if you're a collector. Otherwise I'd go for the more story oriented Ross works (Kingdom Come, Earth X, The Marvels), and if it's just the art you want go to his web site, but there's no reason to waste your money here.

Good comic books give us escapist fantasy. The *best* comic books hold a mirror on humanity and force us to confront certain truths about ourselves.

In the current Modern Age of comics, it's easy to buy into the myth that these characters are god-like and the paramount force for good (The Dark Knight Strikes Again, Kingdom Come, JLA, Miracleman).

And so it's with a certain cynicism that certain comic-book writers and fans have asked, "Well, if Superman really existed, if he were really that mighty, couldn't he control just about everything happening on Earth and turn it into paradise?"

Dini and Ross remind us why even the Man of Steel can't solve all of Earth's problems (and gently hint that it's wish fulfillment on the part of fans to pray for deliverance from a Superman in the real world). They even suggest why Superman *shouldn't* solve all the issues affecting humanity. You'll need to read it to find out why.

It's graphic novels like these that make me proud to be a fan and not ashamed of this great hobby of ours.

Good, easy read for people who have either never picked up a comic book before or haven't picked one up in years as the story doesn't rely on continuity (although it would spoil them for better stuff rather than the pap the big publishers churn out weekly).

Highest possible recommendation.

i thought superman peace on earth is a great story and the artwork is even better!

Teach a man to fish and he'll spend all day in a boat with a funny hat on. Okay, so that's not how it's supposed to be.

Superman: Peace on Earth is a great story, the tale is heartwarming, the artwork of Alex Ross is fantastic and I think makes a great effort to be much more then a comic book. I think that Paul Dini and Alex Ross are trying to help elevate the characters (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel) of these oversized books from just being characters and helping them deal with actual situations in real life. What if Superman was real? Would people just accept handouts from him even if he was working toward a selfless goal. Or would people see him as a symbol of imperialism or think that he has some hidden agenda?

I think that the overall moral of the story is great, even if you can do great things for other people, sometimes the best thing you can do is help other people do great things. In this case, Clark Kent, farmboy from Kansas helping teach some kids to grow things.

I wish someone out there in the DC office would take Alex Ross,give him a big paycheck and make him do Superman & JLA for the rest of his life.Alex is a true artist and I dare anyone comic book fan or art critic to dispute that..Now that I have that off my chest about this book...It certainly isnt a comic book..At least in the format most people are familiar with..Its more a story that was visualised by Alex Ross's work and unfortunetly that dosent make it a good read for everone..the story itself is about charity work which carries some good values in itself..Its more a story of reflections and it does make you think.More suited for for a mature reader as anyone expecting action packed story will be sorely dissapointed.

The first of the Alex Ross/ Paul Dini graphic novels. What can I say, the artwork AND the writing doesn't get any better than this. I don't know of any book that has captured the fundamental essence and decency of the character better. Here is a man whose one reason to exist is to help those who need his help. Whose one real defeat is to be thwarted in giving that help. Superman never for one moment doubts that the reason for his great gifts is to help others. This is largely due to the down to earth teachings of Pa Kent: "As far back as we go, we've always had problems with sharing. Seem's everyone's so busy holding on to what they've got to care about how their neighbors are doing."
If the real America had a face, it would be the one on this cover.

Alex Ross strikes again, and he doesn't dissapoint! No other illustrator in the comics industry comes close to posessing the kind of talent that Mr. Ross showcases again with Superman: Peace on Earth. This book is touching and moving in a way that most people would deem "comic books" incapable of. I have also just read Batman: War on Crime, and it exudes the same brilliance of artwork and story as this Superman book. Also, check out Kingdom Come! They just don't get much better than this...

My dad bought this book for me for my birthday without looking inside first. When he eventually looked through it, he was disappointed; I wasn't. This book is not about fighting the usual comic book villains, this is more about facing the real-life situation of world hunger. I don't want to spoil it for you, but Superman learns that even with all his super powers, he can't do everything.
There were parts of this book that almost made me cry. I highly recomend this book to anyone who likes Superman but wouldn't mind seeing a little less of the Lex Luthor stuff.
Although I didn't give this book 5 stars, I still think it's a great book. The illustrations, while not my favorite, are nicely done.
...now if I could just find my copy. Must have lost it somewhere in one of my many moves...