Early reviews for the first entry in the DC Comics brand new line of graphic novels, Superman: Earth One
by writer J. Michael Straczynski and artist Shane Davis, are out and so far they’ve been pretty mixed, but one specific write-up stood out amongst the others.
In an article in The New York Post yesterday, the writer refers to Superman’s new look in Superman: Earth One as “more Robert Pattinson from the Twilight movies than Christopher Reeve from the Superman films.” I have yet to read the book yet, but oh boy… there’s so much wrong with this.
The article focuses a lot of attention on the different approaches that JMS has taken with the character in this new universe, basically calling Superman a moody hipster, which is kind of hilarious if you think about that for a second. My main problem with the article is not necessarily what is reported in the news, but what they chose to focus on. This piece is nothing more than a modern fashion article with references to hoodies and skinny ties, but DC Comics has always attempted to keep fashion relevant when updating a character (in an alternate universe in this instance).
He wears hoodies, has smoldering eyes and, as a lanky Clark Kent, wears low-cut pants and hipster skinny ties. Artist Shane Davis also made him less physically imposing — shorter and less beefy — than he has traditionally been depicted.
But you know what, I and countless other comics fans that pay attention to upcoming releases, which most of us do, knew that DC was approaching Superman in a modern era, so to me, this is not shocking at all, the changes they have made are exactly in line with what they’ve been saying all along.
What is shocking, however, is a lot of the fan reaction to this article, which basically labels the book as Superman for the Twilight age. No, this is not the Superman you’re accustomed to, this is a re-imagining of the character, and if you’re familiar with Smallville at all, it seems to be a very similar take on the character. So, don’t freak out, Superfans, keep an open mind, and let the work stand on its own. Don’t let The New York Post’s opinion of fashion determine whether you like the book or if you’ll give it a chance . But honestly, what else would you have Superman dress like in street clothes, while staying relevant? Also, if they chose not to change Clark Kent/Superman’s attitude, how would it be different than Secret Origins? No matter what, I’m looking forward to forming my own opinion of this book.
If the preview /Film is any indication, I don’t think we have anything to worry about.
Superman: Earth One will be released in comic book stores tomorrow, October 27, 2010, and in stores everywhere on November 2, 2010.
by writer J. Michael Straczynski and artist Shane Davis, are out and so far they’ve been pretty mixed, but one specific write-up stood out amongst the others.
I wonder if DC is promoting it for twilight fans? or are these places saying Twilight on their own so that Twifans will read their story about superman. I don’t think that just because Superman is young it means it will appeal to the twilight fans. Also I don’t think him wearing a skinny tie will either. Those reviewers are missing the point of what the Twilight fans like i think.
Comment by Fierste — October 26, 2010 @ 10:31 am
A Superman for the New Age In a World without heroes. Reinvent the Man Of Steel in a way to relate to this Generation of the misguided. Looking forward to see where DC goes with this concept
Comment by Michael Torrino — October 26, 2010 @ 3:16 pm
You are making a few assumptions; just because Superman needs to be relevant does NOT mean he has to dress like someone from Twilight. There are a huge myriad of looks out there and those few “emo” types are not the majority. With hundreds of other options they are obviously picking this specific look for a reason.
Also if you are saying we should focus at the work itself and not focus so much on the look (although it is a visual medium) couldn’t they just write better material with the current Superman and not upset a lot of fans.
Is this a new trend we need to endure with DC? First Wonder-woman and now this. If they mess with the Flash I am going to be upset.
Comment by Brian M. Frain — October 26, 2010 @ 6:07 pm
Superman will go back to the classic look. He always does. This Twilight crap is only another annoy phase. It will pass. Just be patient.
Comment by Andre — October 26, 2010 @ 7:14 pm
I think it looks pretty cool, give it a shot by all means, But, if he was a moody bisexual hipster with addictions to various drugs, that could also be really interesting and hilarious. I imagine being of Kryptonian decent, Superman would have no difficulty shaking off the effects of flimsy Earth drugs if/when crysis struck, although the effects of Kryptonite may greatly affect his ability to do this. Some off the wall memes (off the wall compared to the majority of popular comic releases) like that could work well as a tool with which to lighten or darken the mood. You read it here first guys, get scribbling ;)
Not that anyone would have an easy time publishing such material, go figure.
Comment by Gordon — October 27, 2010 @ 6:34 pm
I always liked the idea a few friends of mine formulated, of doing that to Batman too, make him younger, crazier, set it in a futuristic post apocalyptic road warrior style scenario where the young prodigy patrols a stretch of road in a synthesised drug fueled schitzophfrenic blur. Brutal mutant Highways, plateus, canyons & mountains. Alfred could be an animated cyborg consciousness inhabiting cobbled together mech-minions, built by Batman himself, nomadic Shamans, all sorts. With a western twist?
Comment by Gordon — October 27, 2010 @ 6:52 pm
I love you, Gordon!
Comment by MK2Fac3 — October 27, 2010 @ 10:21 pm
nice idea gordon.
as far as supes goes you’re dead on the money Brian M Frain, why have so many tangential books and alternates when The “Superman” series by JMS is in one of its most tepid and uninspired story arcs i can recall? i know he just started on the book but they need a whole new creative team on that.
Supes been here since the 30’s (ish) how can they not get him right yet?
It odd, he’s so traditional and iconic you can’t fundamentally change him, but he’s so outdated that he is fundamentally inaccessible, leaving his character obsolete.
Comment by adam — October 28, 2010 @ 8:45 am
Thanks guys ;P xXx
Comment by Gordon — October 29, 2010 @ 12:48 pm
This could be a character/psycho gang member or something ;)
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cyh25Ob_fB0/TG2LoCG2wqI/AAAAAAAAAME/U9Ozo-BUXv8/s1600/DarkFutureVigilanteLee.jpg
xXx
xXx
Comment by Gordon — October 29, 2010 @ 12:51 pm
Ugh don’t put that twilight garbage in the same sentence as superman ffs.
Not really a big superman fan, but I do like smallville and the superman/batman crossovers (for me mostly a superman story has to involve batman or I loose interest quickly unless it’s ground breaking). I will take a look at this though, it’s about time the boy scout look was dropped.
Comment by DeathAxe — October 31, 2010 @ 9:12 pm