Superman: Secret Origin #4
Issue 4 of 6
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Gary Frank and Jon Sibal
Covers by Gary Frank
DC Comics
Price $3.99; Release date: January 27, 2010

If there’s one thing that can be said about last week of comic releases, is that this was a week for the art lover. Case in point: Superman: Secret Origin #4.

The story by Geoff Johns for this issue is not bad, showing the first face to face meeting between Lex Luthor and Superman, as well as a new origin for the villain Parasite, but the main reason to pick up this issue is the fantastic art of Gary Frank. The first thing to note is the way he draws Clark Kent. You may argue that Frank draws him to look a little too much like Christopher Reeve, but I think it adds another layer to the character, since so many of us identify Reeve as the ultimate Superman. It’s something that will appeal to casual fans, and I think once this series is done, this is going to be a great book to give to your non-comic reading friends.

The next thing to note is the action scenes between Supes and Parasite. Frank does more than just take off the glasses to show the change between Clark and Supes. His whole demeanor changes when Superman is in costume. Frank draws a very dynamic action scene but more importantly, he captures the small moments between the characters.

The issue culminates with Jimmy Olsen becoming Superman’s pal, and this scene packs as much punch as the fight scene that precedes it. In a week with a lot of great art, this one was by far my favorite.

Rating: 5 out of 5