Superman: Peace on Earth (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA-Using rich full-color illustrations in folio format and a brief text, the authors take the character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster from his entry into human society as a baby through his political education as an adult. Upon discovering our planet's unfed multitudes, Superman plans to provide rations from America's overproduction of grain, but learns of the difficulties presented by regimes that come between the offer of food and their starving underclasses. He comes to the ultimate understanding that the best he can do is to teach those in need how to farm for themselves. In short, this slender story is a kind of expansive holiday card. The artwork and the pace of the narrative, however, are compelling, drawing readers through Superman's continuing realizations as he encounters new-and human-made-obstacles to his plan to feed the hungry. This volume will appeal to middle-grade readers for whom the ideas may be fresh and challenging. The size makes it a good candidate for booktalking.-Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: DC Comics (November 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563894645
• ISBN-13: 978-1563894640
• Product Dimensions: 13.3 x 9.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #706,906 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A coffee table Superman book..., January 7, 2001

By	John Dennett "geek of all trades" (Longmont, CO USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

...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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Truimph of the Human spirit! A magnificent read!, January 14, 2000

By A Customer

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fosters a spirit of hope and faith in humanity, April 1, 2004

By	hiroaki8 (Alabama) - See all my reviews

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.