Superman: Son of Kal-El #1

In this current landscape, maybe a Superman that asks questions of the modern world with a fresh approach isnt a bad idea. Taylor and Timms get this new take on Superman off on a high note where the sky wont even be the limit. Read Full Review

Superman: Son of Kal-El is everything a Superman story should be, even if it is about an entirely different Superman. The script introduces Jonathan Kent perfectly and the artwork impresses throughout. Even if you're not a fan of the Man of Steel, you would do well to check this book out. Read Full Review

Despite my misgivings about Jon's age, Taylor has proven that Bendis didn't ruin Jon Kent as a character. Superman: Son of Kal-El #1 is a fantastic start to both the series and to Jon's career as the Superman of the 21st Century. Read Full Review

Taylor has crafted a heartfelt and human story in this debut and it's truly something to behold. Read Full Review

Superman is all new, but the core ideas that make Superman a "Super" man remain. This comic is full of hope for a new and better world. This is a very promising start to an all new Superman title. Read Full Review

Superman Son Of Kal-El #1 will make a believer out of anyone who doesn't think Jon is ready to be Superman. Taylor looks to be telling a different kind of Superman story with a different Superman, and if he can nail it as well as he did this first issue, this book will be incredible. Timms is the perfect artistic partner for him on this one. Where this book goes, only they know, but one thing's sure- it will be amazing. Read Full Review

Overall this is a strong start to what could be an excellent series. Read Full Review

This series feels akin to Taylor's Nightwing in that it could just be banger after banger each month. Read Full Review

This is a strong start to a complex, interesting story. The art is fantastic, and the banter is top notch. Read Full Review

One of the most controversial decisions of the last few years at DC has been aging up Jon Kent from a sweet ten-year-old to a powerful 17-year-old with a lot of deep-space trauma. I was skeptical"but this new run by Tom Taylor and John Timms may just prove it a winning decision. Read Full Review

Superman: Son of Kal-El #1is a great introduction for readers to Jon Kent in his new ongoing series. Taylor does a fantastic job at setting up this new storyline and the themes involved, making a Superman who is very keenly aware of the most pressing issues we have today. Jon continues the legacy of his parents but still aims to strike out on his own, making him a very relatable character even as he has Kryptonian strength. I'm very much looking forward to where this story goes. Read Full Review

This is everything you could ask of a Superman title. If you’re already a fan of Jon or have yet to be introduced to him, definitely pick this one up. Read Full Review

Jon Kent is already proving himself worthy of the Superman title in a quick, character-driven opening issue that is great for both new and old readers. Read Full Review

Readers discover what Taylor's true mission is with this series after only one issue. SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL #1 is meant as the book to take young, adolescent Jon Kent and transition him to adulthood, as well as the future SUPERMAN. Read Full Review

Superman - Son of Kal-El #1 us an interesting mix of legacy and evolution to create a new trajectory for Superman that speaks to the challenges we face in the year 2021. Part Clark and part Lois, this book is all about Jon, and Im excited to see where that goes. Read Full Review

Superman Son of Kal-El is an easy entry point for readers interested in a new twist on the classic superhero. Tom Taylor's DC legacy may provide longtime readers hints or red herrings as to the direction of the series. Either way, readers are given a Superman determined not just to fight the problems of the world, but to be a solution. Read Full Review

Jon Kent begins his solo adventures with a exploration of what it means to be Superman. It's the sort of story that Jon needs, and a fantastic example of what a Superman storyshould be. Read Full Review

Final Verdict: 8.0 – A well-written, entertaining start that is filled with strong characterization and some very clever moments. Read Full Review

Tom Taylor and John Timms kick off Jon Kent's era as the new Man of Steel with a strong start in Superman: Son of Kal-El #1. The entire issue gets over how important Jon Kent is to the DC Universe and why he can potentially be a better Superman than his father. By the end you are left looking forward to what Jon's era as Superman will be moving forward. Read Full Review

I'm a fan of Tom Taylor and John Timms and love what they bring to comics but this issue just felt like recap for people who aren't familiar with the Jon Kent character and didn't do much for me overall. That being said though, the tone is nice and the art is great and I'm willing to give this issue the benefit of the doubt overall because every comic is someone's first comic and you need to spend some time introducing your main character in the first issue but I hope it gets deeper than the surface level stuff that we get here throughout. Read Full Review

It's one issue and I still trust the creators. Because all I want is a comic book with good stories. Fingers crossed. Read Full Review

allenquanobi

Jul 27, 2021

I really hope this book succeeds financially and hits the numbers. I want this ongoing to go forever. This is the best Jon has been written since Super Sons, and it's a perfect introduction to a new Superman for a new generation. It's like Tom Taylor listened to what the fans wanted and also catered to new Superman fans in order to show what Superman should be. It's literally everything I want in a Superman book. The art is also beautiful from John Timms. This is a 10, and if the rest of the series can keep this up, it'll be one of the greats.

cincyfan

Jul 28, 2021

That was fantastic!! I thought I'd check this out because what I had read about it sounded really cool also that is an amazing cover. After reading it I am blown away! I loved every page bring on issue two I'm definitely in on this gem of a book!

BigCliff

Jul 31, 2021

Tom Taylor is about to become my favorite writer with DC because from Dceased, nightwing & now this, he writes the kind of stories I'm truly interested in. I love the way this story starts. Seeing the synergy between the league & how they're all dedicated to the birth of John is tremendous. We see they're a well oiled machine at this point & they're truly a family. We also set up John's conflict & journey. He's dealing with what It means to come from a legacy, what that legacy/symbol means to you, what do you do when you literally have the power to change the world & more. The moment he treats the forest fire guy with compassion we know that his heart is in the right place & that his heroism comes from a place of love, wanting to help & mak e a change. I never read many stories with Jon nor Damian but I'll definitely continue this. Bring on #2 more

Dave

Jul 26, 2021

This book is probally the best older Jon has been written to date amazing what a competent writer who is not a has been hack can do. Jon should still be ten , but if I can get over that and judge the book on its own merits, and ignore the baggage that previous writers have put ont character this book works. Taylor used what was happened in Damian’s book to add to the story unlike other writers who are so full of themselves egomaniacs they can’t be bothered. I would give this a ten but until Jon is ten all books with him loose .5 points

Gavan

Jul 27, 2021

Overall a fantastic issue that sets up for a great story to begin this series with. The only reason I give this a 9.5 instead of a 10 is because of Robin looking roughly the same age and height along with similar maturity level as Jon when Jon is 17 and Damian (who’s a bit of a hothead no matter his age) is 14

mynameisraj

Jul 27, 2021

This is the best Jon has been written since Super Sons, Taylor is just hitting it out of the park here. Timms kills it but theee is one panel where Jon’s hand looks like a mitten.

Crimson Knight

Jul 27, 2021

This is an amazing start! This is Tom Taylor turning Jon kent into the Superman of a more complicated world. Truth,Justice and a better tomorrow.

daspidaboy

Jul 27, 2021

A really strong debut issue for Johnathan Kent. He's not trying to replace clark Kent and treating his dad like trash. He's trying to be his own character and how even with all of his power, Jonathan Kent can't punch climate change, erosion of free press, an social inequality.

deen

Jul 29, 2021

I'd say I'm hooked. At least for a while. Tom Taylor has yet to disappoint me, as his is a style that at least consistently entertains me. I just dock a single point for the art, as it was a little awkward in moments, where faces don't quite come together. Overall the art does move fairly well, and gives us a cool, sleek new Superman in Jon. I'll be cautiously optimistic that this series can prove to be something special.

Criminology.

Oct 16, 2021

Interesting premise and interesting themes. The book is also very neatly constructed, the pacing is smooth which goes great with this more calm issue and the ideas are well-developed and well-presented. Taylor knows what he wants to do with this story and it shows in pretty much every moment of it. Honestly everything here fits my ideas for a perfect issue of a superhero comics. From his birth Jon was supposed to be more than those before him and now finally he has the chance to be that. But how? That's one of questions this book would try to answer( and kind of already did) and of course many more related to that. Honestly I think that's a great main premise, especially for the character of Jon. After the aging it seemed that nobody kn ew what to do with him and I'm so glad that Taylor tries to make something meaningful out of it, which is also not so different from the things, Superman's comics usually present. I think that this issue find this rare perfect balance of familiarity and innovation. One very minor gripe for me is the art. It's pretty serviceable and it's does not distract from the story at all, but it's not that visually interesting or memorable, especially compared to Taylor's Nightwing. more

Fracadactyl

Jul 27, 2021

For the parts that annoy me, why does Damian look closer to Jon in height and age when Jon is basically an adult while Damian isn't even 16? I read the Robin books recently and this is going to be annoying. But I like just about everything else, for Jon to truly be "Super" he has to find himself a foothold first. Naturally, that includes his newer origin that retroactively fits him into DC's continuity. It's also why he's questioning the role of such a Superman. Instead of just trying to replace his father and be constantly compared to him, Jon wants to do things his father couldn't do. Best of all that's based on character and taking inspiration from people around him like Lois.

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Dispatchdcu - Jul 27, 2021

Email me if you’re ever interested in putting trying your hand at some reviews for my site. https://comicbookdispatch.com/ take a look. See what you think. My email is dispatchdcu@gmail.com plus you can follow me on almost all social media @dispatchdcu. Have a good one!!!

Robin

Jul 27, 2021

Amazing start for the book, the decision of aging Jon up is still the worst. I am still not at all on board as the Jon character is NOT interesting at all since the age up. There is nothing to set him apart from his father 'Clark', and him being around young Damian makes it work as his is supposed to be the childish one out the two super-sons. In general I am looking forward to what the writer is going to do with the story, not the character at all. The issue is getting a 8.5 just because it is setting up some interesting storylines for the near future but character wise I would give this issue a 3

TJMB3891

Jul 29, 2021

Very strong start. I wanted to give it a 9, 9.5 but there was a lot of recap. Now I understand, this is a new jumping on point and people who aren't too familiar with Jonathan needed this information and it was done very well. Someone else who reviewed it on here said it was the "best older Jon has been written" and I would definitely have to agree with that because...I mean, ya know...Bendis is a total hack. John Timms' art was fantastic and Gabe Eltaeb's colors were beautiful. Maybe the best color job I've ever seen him do. The pages where he's in the middle of the wildfire just looked gorgeous. Tom Taylor knows how to write fun stories with a lot of heart and if you're going to write a Superman story that's pretty much the recipe that 's required. Now, this definitely rates a 9 in my heart but I'm very familiar with the character and didn't need the recap so personally it gets an 8.5 but we're off to a great start. more

BronzeAgeHuman

Jul 30, 2021

My pull list hasn't had a Superman book on it since the original Doomsday arc, but there's issue #2 now... The direction here is different and interesting, without being disrespectful of the character's history and symbolism. I can't help but wonder where it's going to go, given some of the.. let's say historical challenges to the goals these characters have set. I'm warning myself that there is a lot of room for this to go wrong, to get preachy or awkward, etc., but for now, I'm intrigued by the setup, I'm loving the tone, and I'll be back next issue. I really liked it.

Jawsh

Dec 16, 2021

This feels classic.

Fmernamz0

Jul 27, 2021

wow, what a fantastic start

Psycamorean

Jul 27, 2021

Hey so, Merlyn's review is stupid, and here's why: First he complains about Jon Kent not using the classic Superman phrase. Even though it shouldn't bother a human being as much as it bothers him, there's a good reason beyond just L E F T I S M. Jon Kent is trying to be a different Superman, one focused on creating a better future, hence the new phrasing. Second, he complains about the complaints about climate change. He points out that the Californian fires are not being caused by climate change, which I guess is a step beyond outright climate change denialism. But he's technically right. These fires are usually caused by people lighting something they shouldn't be lighting. The reason the wildfires break out like they do, however, is b ecause there is a massive drought in that part of the country. Everything is very dry and hot, and therefore flammable. Climate Change didn't spark up the bush, but it is why that bush is bone dry and why the fires spread into uncontrollable infernos. You'd have to be an idiot to continue denying this stuff happens. I'm sorry if it scares you or hurts your feelings, but your feelings don't matter when it comes to truth and facts. He also complains about the complaints about inequality. Uh, okay. And he also complains about the complaints about demagogues, and then calls out Tom Taylor's own politics. Now, I have no idea about the demagoguery of the Greens over in Australia, because I don't keep up with their politics. But the policies of their confederation seem pretty good: "The party cites four core values, namely ecological sustainability, social justice, grassroots democracy and peace and non-violence." It seems really dumb of Merlyn to call out someone for their support of demagogues when Merlyn has spent his entire account history defending Trump. Sometimes the mirror is hard to look into, alas. Also, no, Jon's birth is not fanfiction. Merlyn is a fake Superman fan, because he doesn't remember Jon's birth being retconned back in the rebirth era, which this issue lines up with! more

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Psycamorean - Jul 28, 2021

I tried to talk it out one-on-one. He wouldn't do it. I am pretty much indifferent to him at this point. I just think he has terrible, easily refuted views and since he constantly invokes them when criticizing comics, usually negatively, I just want to point it out how dumb his views are. Going through and refuting him takes little effort, so it's not much of a bother.

Psycamorean - Jul 28, 2021

Hating a comic (or any media really) for disagreeing with you politically is one of the lowest forms of thought. And I think that's super commonplace in the comics sphere. Comics folk are easily angered and very opinionated. I think people like Merlyn make the rest of us look like shit. He gets a lot of support in this community from other shitty people with terrible views. I don't see the downside to calling them out, only the upside of showing them that they're unwanted in the community.

Psycamorean - Jul 28, 2021

Typically, I'm not so hawkish with people who disagree with me. Even when they disagree with me in a way that I find reprehensible, like denying climate change or equal rights. Usually, if I do engage, it's to try to move them over. Merlyn, as I said earlier, is unwillingly to even talk about it. All this is to say that Merlyn is a specific case where I'm not concerned with changing his mind. I just want him and people at his level to go away.

Psycamorean - Jul 28, 2021

I think one of the great things about comics is just how diverse they are. You get so many different perspectives, and it's what keeps the medium alive imo.

Toonstrack - Jul 28, 2021

Good job dismantling the lies!

Mingthemerciless - Jul 28, 2021

Lol...so anyone that doesnt share psychos politics and actually expresses it here is "shitty people" that he demands should go away from these boards. And Merlyn triggers him to the extent that he writes reviews about his reviews. Get help kid...seriously.

Psycamorean - Jul 28, 2021

Yeah, actually, you are shitty. I've seen your comments before. Thanks for helping me remember you. Go away now.

Psycamorean - Jul 28, 2021

You don't actually review anything on the site, you just comment about your crappy politics most of the time, usually in defense of Merlyn.

Mingthemerciless - Jul 28, 2021

When a writer chooses to saturate his work with his politics he is open to criticism for it. But in psychos world view if you disagree with his politics you are a mon person and should be ostracized. Inside every lefty is a totalitarian screaming to get out isn't there psycho?

Psycamorean - Jul 28, 2021

Social ostracization has nothing to do with totalitarianism. I assume you meant "non-person," and that's not something I said. Merlyn is definitely a person with feelings and passions and thoughts. He's just really stupid and I don't like how he makes the rest of us look. You keep calling me a psycho, but I think I've been very reasonable.

Emma - Jul 28, 2021

this site has gone nefarious with so many trolls offended at being blocked by stalkers, he blocked you, get over it!

Mout - Jul 28, 2021

these guys are sad, all they do is complain about POLITICS and comics being WOKE, it´s exhausting

Psycamorean - Jul 28, 2021

I could understand it more if instead of there being an acknowledgement of climate change, the politics on display were like Frank Miller's Holy Terror.

Mingthemerciless - Jul 28, 2021

Yes being triggered by Merlyn to the point of reviewing his reviews then declaring everyone that agrees with him"shitty people" who should never post here again positively screams reasinable...at least to your fellow budding totalitarians it does.

Mingthemerciless - Jul 28, 2021

Love the parseltongue "social ostrasizatiion has nothing to do with totalitaruanis" whitewashing if your totalitarian fantasy if removing everyone you dont agree with politically. North Korea is probably taking notes right now. But of course demanding an ideological purge of these boards screams reasonable..lol

Mingthemerciless - Jul 28, 2021

Look I want to just enjoy comics too. And if a new title starts a discussion about any aspect of it one shouldn't have to be trolled by neurotic children with totalitarian fantasies. Is this beyond you.

Mingthemerciless - Jul 28, 2021

Climates change. Man doesn't change them. But I ll call your bluff cite for me one precedent where a "green policy" has changed a climate back to what you believe is the right climate. Good luck.

Mingthemerciless - Jul 28, 2021

Anyway enjoy the book as long as it lasts. I'm sticking with Clark Kent.

Psycamorean - Jul 28, 2021

I do think people who look at Merlyn's reviews and think he's making good points are really idiotic. And I think people who support those ideas on display are typically not great people, morally. I mean, just look at what one of Merlyn's groupies posted on his profile page. About how the gays are taking over. It's not only bigoted (and therefore shitty), it's also insane. I don't want these people representing this community or the broader comics community.

Psycamorean - Jul 28, 2021

I don't know what you were getting at with your second comment because it isn't written well, but totalitarianism is a form of government that is centralized, dictatorial and requires complete subservience to the state. I'm not advocating for any of that. I'm fine with political disagreements. I just don't support disinformation and misinformation, nor do I support bigotry. Those are beyond the pale of political disagreement.

Psycamorean - Jul 28, 2021

The difference here is I can enjoy comics regardless of the politics in them. For instance, I'd say Dark Knight Returns is pro-fascist. Obviously, I disagree with that. But I can still recognize that it's a entertaining read and very important to the growth of Batman as a character. I think being so dogmatic that you can't enjoy things that don't subscribe 100% to your beliefs is cowardly and childish.

Psycamorean - Jul 28, 2021

Climates do change over time, that's true. But man, with his fossil fuels and plastics, accelerate the process to the point where inhabitability will one day be impossible. Fossil fuels create carbon emissions that build up in the atmosphere, and absorb and radiate heat. This leads to temperatures rising which leads to the waters of the Earth rising in temperature as well. This causes a lot of things.

Psycamorean - Jul 28, 2021

The rising temperatures melt the ice in the north and south poles, which rises the water levels, which leads to massive floods and coastal regions being consumed by the oceans. The heat of the oceans and the heat in the air mix to create more and more violent and dangerous weather patterns. The heat acidifies the oceans, killing off sea life, which leads to ecological collapse.

Psycamorean - Jul 28, 2021

The heat creates intense droughts that cripple our food supply and lead to wildfires breaking out, either because of lightning, sparks or some asshole lighting something on fire. The heat also kills many, many animals, including bugs. If bugs go extinct, everyone else does. This is on top of deforestation and hunting, which destroys habitats and kills so many more animals. Humans are responsible for plenty of ecological ills outside of the direct cause-and-effect of climate change.

Psycamorean - Jul 28, 2021

We've driven an insane amount of species to extinction. It is undeniable the effect humanity has on the environment and the climate. We are killing our planet. As for your request, I think I should disabuse you of the notion that we can just snap our fingers and fix this. We can't. The damage has been done. All we can do is enact policies now to prepare for the devastation of climate collapse and to slow the heating process down.

Psycamorean - Jul 28, 2021

Therefore, there is no policy that has "changed the climate back" to something resembling a viable climate. That's such a stupid notion, and it shows how little you actually know about this subject or basic science. As for policies to enact to lessen the burden of climate change, we need to invest in green energy. Wind, solar, hydro, and even nuclear. All of those are better than fossil fuels.

Psycamorean - Jul 28, 2021

I think it would be beneficial long term, not just for the climate, but economically. It is a necessity. We need to put water conservation efforts at the forefront. We are nearly out of drinkable, useable water. The water that we use, in America, to grow our crops in the Midwest is almost completely dried up. We need to move towards public transit instead of everyone having a car, with electric cars being a nice transition.

Psycamorean - Jul 28, 2021

We need to actually recycle plastics and paper goods, instead of shipping them off to China. We need to stop using plastics. Microplastics are everywhere, in everything. We know it creates hormonal imbalances, causes cancer, and it will slowly sterilize men. It is no good for us or the environment. These are all policies put forth by politicians who fight for green policies. And I think they'd be helpful in saving humanity from the worst of climate change.

Mr. White - Jul 29, 2021

@Psycamorean - while I somewhat see what you're saying...I think you're giving Merlyn a bit too much of your time. Even if it's not "a bother". Confession - when I come to this site I do go hunting for his comments cos, while I never agree with them, I find them amusing & I know they're almost always going to cause a ruckus. That said I've had a brief 1-1 with him in the past & he comes across as straightforward. He knows what he likes and how he likes it. His review of comics seem to be tied to

Mr. White - Jul 29, 2021

his views (political and otherwise) and that's how he has chosen to operate. Which is at his sole discretion and within his rights. Those that agree with him are already of a similar mindset. No one would be changing their stance based on his reviews. Point is, if you don't agree with it/ have an issue with it...tough. Move on. I (and I'm sure a great number of others) certainly did. You do you, while he does him.

Psycamorean - Jul 29, 2021

@Mr. White I don't think I'm giving him that much time. I review a lot of comics, and the majority of those reviews have nothing to do with Merlyn. Did you see the massive wall of text I wrote about climate change above? That's me putting forth effort. Me typing up a short paragraph about Merlyn's shitty takes is maybe a 30 second ordeal. He doesn't have nuanced or original opinions, so I don't have to think hard about my responses.

Psycamorean - Jul 29, 2021

Just as it's within his rights to criticize these comics however he wants to (I kind of disagree with this wording - we're on an internet forum and therefore subject to moderation. This is a private platform, not a public one - I get what you mean), it is within my rights to use my platform at my own discretion.

Psycamorean - Aug 10, 2021

@Mingthemerciless Hey so, in light of the IPCC climate report, I just want to stress that continued dismissal of anthropogenic climate change will end in deadly consequences, almost assuredly now.

Ultimate Goblin - Feb 6, 2022

Wow, Psycamorean, I think you really have some problems with other people opinions... You know, they are exist... And so be it! It just weird, that someone's reviews are bother you so badly... Just chill, man. Read comics and enjoy the best of them.

Psycamorean - Feb 6, 2022

I'm super chill and I enjoy comics.

Ultimate Goblin - Feb 6, 2022

You aren't if you want to shut Merlyn no matter what... If he hates most of the comics he reads, then it's only his problem and you could just feel for him a bit, because it's him who sad and angry, not you :D

KFuqua

Jul 30, 2021

This was an enjoyable book with decent art. I'm not a big Tom Taylor fan, but I thought this was okay. I do hate the whole aging up thing, but if I ignore that, it was good.

DoorMan

Jul 28, 2021

Would have scored higher had it not been for the slight push of, I would assume, Taylor's personal politics. Still excited for the series though.

Jmowarp

Jul 27, 2021

Didn’t expect to care for this book, but was pleasantly surprised. Figured I’d at least give the series a chance because anything written by Tom Taylor is can’t miss right now. The man is firing on all cylinders, and this book was no exception. Can’t wait for more!

The Casual Comic Fan

Oct 13, 2021

This issue is the first I have read of Tom Taylor's work, and if I have to be completely honest, I was a little underwhelmed. I've always dreamt of DC finally going into the future with a new age of hero's. Son of Kal-el is my first dip into Future State, and honestly, It was not what I was expecting. Obvious Spoilers for Superman: Son Of Kal-el #1 I'll start with the things I liked about the book. I think, all in all, it was a pretty solid first step. It started with Jon's birth at the Fortress; It was charming and wholesome, in my opinion. However, I did find it a little off how Wonder Woman told Superman how strong Jon would be. It felt like she was just being used to push exposition rather than be her character. Batman saying it a lso bothered me, but it at least was said and acted in his character. It's totally believable that he would've tested Jon's DNA, it's weird, but Wonder Woman rightfully points that out, which makes the scene a little less cringeworthy. I also appreciated the banter between Jon and Damien later in the story. It reminded me of the banter they had in SuperSons (Which, if you haven't read it, I would highly suggest doing so). Though that just reminded me of how much I missed Jon as a kid. Though that will be discussed in my criticism. Now on to the stuff I did not like. I honestly feel that Jon Kent is kind of bland. There are some neat moments of characterization, with one example being the way he dealt with the flaming man in the woods. Other than that, I think Jon is just a watered-down Superman. I also don't like how black and white this issue can seem sometimes. For example, when the military man told Jon that he would take care of him and then proceeded to smack the defenseless man in the face with the butt of his gun. That gave me a lot of "Grrr Government Bad" kind of vibes, which, at least for this story, I think could've been done with more nuance. Even Damian Validates his feelings by saying, "This guy could easily be in Mid-Autopsy with his powers being extracted and weaponized." I think there is one major flaw that this book will have to face, and honestly, it's not even Tom Taylor's fault. It's the fact that Jon should not have been aged up in the first place. Brian Micheal Bendis did this because apparently, there was a story that needed to be told with him. If I have to be completely honest, I saw absolutely no point in changing his age. This handicaps Jon because now we, as the reader, have no idea what his character is. He was simple to characterize as a child, but now he has skipped over potential years of development. I honestly feel bad for Tom; he has the job of pushing Jon's character in the right direction that doesn't make him seem too much like Superman but familiar enough that he is characterized well. Doing all this without the potentially exceptional characterization that could've been done if it weren't for him being aged up. I am hoping for the best. more

REYNARD

Jul 27, 2021

This feels like fanfiction. Ironic to read Taylor's in-continuity stuff knowing how depressing DCEASED & INJUSTICE are.

TheKize

Jul 29, 2021

I'm not as impressed as many folks seem. I thought there was a lot of telling versus showing regarding Jon's potential to surpass his father as Superman. It's not clear to me why this series is starting now, or what it's actually about. I get that eventually we are to expect that Clark Kent will no longer be on Earth, but right now he's still doing his normal thing, not having left for Warworld yet.

Valiant Son

Aug 26, 2021

"Your son could be the greatest hero this world has ever seen." Why? What is it about the birth of a half-Kryptonian, half-human child, that could possibly lead Wonder Woman to make such an astonishing statement? Batman then goes on to tell us that, "His unique physiology. Kryptonian and human. He could be... more than Clark." Why? His unique physiology would much more likely make him weaker than Clark, given the way that Clark's powers work. What utter nonsense. This is sadly another example of writers telling us that character x is incredibly powerful or heroic, without actually showing us. This lazy, stupid and sloppy writing is becoming all too common. "You're powerful enough to be the cure." So said every authoritarian and totalitar ian movement in history. This isn't about being on the left or the right. This is the thinking of all totalitarians and dictators; they believe that they have identified the problems with society, that they have the solution to those problems, and that they have a moral duty to force that solution on everyone else. These people are not heroes, and it seems that Jonathan Kent isn't going to be a hero either. Now, it could be that Tom Taylor is writing a character arc that sees Jonathan move down the path of totalitarianism and ultimately come to realise the hubris and the folly, but I'm not convinced. Others have written comics about superheroes going bad because they think they have the right to force people to behave the way they want them to, and maybe this is what Taylor is doing, but it doesn't feel like it yet. In fact, it feels much more like the current destruction of the X-Men (I had hoped that their supremacist and separatist state might be revealed for what it is, but it seems if that was Hickman's plan - and who knows if it was - he lost the argument over editorial direction). In terms of basic competence in writing a comic, Taylor doesn't do a bad job, but neither is it anything especially good. The art is equally competent, without offering anything exceptional. I don't like where this is going, and for the record, I do believe in anthropogenic climate change, I do believe regulation of industry, and I am a trade unionist, but I am also an actual liberal who believes in freedom and democracy. more

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Merlyn - Aug 26, 2021

Well, Hickman just gave an interview where he basically said he was overruled by the writers in the X-Men line so I kinda have the same impression, that he wanted to show down the line that the X-Men are wrong in their total disdain of human norms but the other writers just loved too much the supremacist angle (probably because that's their thinking in real life too, just like Taylor here) and Hickman lost control of the situation.

Valiant Son - Aug 26, 2021

I saw Hickman's comments too. It certainly seems that the self-proclaimed progressives (anti-democratic element) overruled him on the story. I'm sick of the pretence that these people are the good and progressive: they aren't.

Merlyn - Aug 26, 2021

I agree 100%. Unfortunately they've bullied their way into make everyone else shut up and not say anything against them (if they do, they get cancelled by the angry mob) and right now they're enjoying the fruits of that. You can see it on their social media but what's worst, in the comics we love. And that despicable attitude is adopted by their fans, too.

Psycamorean - Aug 27, 2021

Hey so, I feel like you should learn what these terms actually mean. Authoritarianism is blind submission to an authority. If Jon was authoritarian, he wouldn't butt heads with the military here, as they're the authority. Totalitarianism denotes a complete state control of every aspect of life and society. Nothing Jon does here is an attempt at that, nor is that the case for issue two, if you've yet to read it.

Psycamorean - Aug 27, 2021

I think what you forget about all of this is that the way regimes become authoritarian or totalitarian is through the refutation of personal freedom and rights. Nothing Jon advocates for is doing that, nor do his actions support that sort of analysis. I think you need to weigh the balances of freedoms. You're pro-democracy and freedom, that's good. So we should protect those things, right? So apply that to climate change and the combat against that. What is more of a rejection of freedom?

Psycamorean - Aug 27, 2021

A carbon tax to disincentivize corporations and individuals from continuing to burn fossil fuels, or living in a dystopian nightmare where drinkable water is rare, coastal regions are underwater, and going outside is a death sentence? Which one takes away more personal freedoms? And what comes with societal upheaval like climate change could produce? A dissolution of democracy.

Psycamorean - Aug 27, 2021

Authoritarianism and Fascism springing from a migrant crisis on an unprecedented scale, or water wars creating isolationist and brutal governments trying to keep their populations under control. If you are a true liberal who believes in freedom and democracy, you should be on the side of the people advocating for real and quick change on the climate change front, because otherwise what you believe in will be destroyed.

Psycamorean - Aug 27, 2021

As for the Hickman thing, I don't know what type of bullshit spin on this you two have been reading, but Hickman put up moving forward to a vote, and the majority voted for sticking in "act one" of his plans because they had stories they were telling that weren't finished, and Hickman respected that. This is a small form of a democracy at play, btw. Hickman might come back to continue his story, he may not. But he wasn't bullied out of anything.

Psycamorean - Aug 27, 2021

He's sticking at Marvel and doing other books for them. He wouldn't do that if he was bullied. You guys really need to try not being snowflakes, and look at things objectively.

Psycamorean - Aug 27, 2021

Oh, and it's been previously established in Tomasi and Gleason's Superman run that Jon would be a stronger Superman than Clark.

Merlyn - Aug 27, 2021

Can I just ask why you're stalking me? It's a comic that appeared more than a month ago, you're not following Valiant Son, the only way you could've seen this is by deliberately looking for my activity even though you have me blocked. The very definition of stalking. Seems pretty weird to me.

Psycamorean - Aug 27, 2021

Nah, I'm not stalking you. I saw this because The Dark Knight Detective liked it, and I'm following them.

Merlyn - Aug 27, 2021

Still don't see why that would require you to involve yourself in a conversation that didn't involve you, I don't do that, but ok.

Psycamorean - Aug 27, 2021

Because I think the review is weak and it's a public forum.

Valiant Son - Aug 28, 2021

Psycamorean, I'm well-versed in what authoritarian and totalitarian mean: I'm a graduate in History, and a teacher of that. You don't seem to understand, however, or rather you choose to ignore it. I have explained - quite cogently - why these terms apply. You don't like the interpretation, but that doesn't mean that I am wrong.

Valiant Son - Aug 28, 2021

You then go on to waffle off-topic about your political views, and create a straw man, where you seek to imply that I believe certain things, when I haven't said that. This is pretty poor academic debate. If you presented this too me in an essay, I would return it with lots of red ink, but I'm on holiday, so I won't.

Valiant Son - Aug 28, 2021

You are clearly very worked up by people who hold differences of opinion from you. The vast quantity and volume of comments here, and elsewhere, demonstrate that. I suggest that you relax a little more.

Merlyn - Aug 28, 2021

Trying to school a graduate in History on the topic of... history. Never change, Psycamorean, never change. :))

Psycamorean - Aug 28, 2021

Your reasoning why those terms apply is just quotes from the characters. That's poor reasoning. Every government or political figure on the planet considers themselves righteous, and you could easily attribute quotes to them that could be deemed authoritarian or totalitarian. What makes them different is their action and political advocacy.

Psycamorean - Aug 28, 2021

Let's drop the idea that this is some cogent historical argument, when it really just comes across like every eye-rolling fan argument of why superheroes should go bad. Here, let me actually make your argument better: Superheroes have a lot of power, and therefore can supercede the systems and power structures in place that keep the average person from doing anything they want.

Psycamorean - Aug 28, 2021

A superhero with a mindset that they can fix everything, without any real idea of how to do that, like say, a teenager who spent most of his life in a pit (That's Jon, if you aren't sure), will cause unintended consequences. With that said, here is the problem with that line of thinking as it concerns this comic. Nothing Jon does in either this issue or the next promotes an authoritarian or totalitarian stance.

Psycamorean - Aug 28, 2021

He doesn't like police and military brutality, he saves refugees, and he stops a shooter. These are all in line with the actions of the average superhero. So basically, the problem here is that you're conflating intent with action, when the action is on par with what every other superhero in the DC universe would do. You could argue that he has more power than the average superhero, but we have plenty of checks and balances on Superman characters in the DCU, like magic characters.

Psycamorean - Aug 28, 2021

As for why I went off on a political tangent, you seem very upset with the politics of Tom Taylor and those who you assume to believe similar things, and I believe that's the real problem here because otherwise the alarmism in your review doesn't make sense. You dislike progressives. You were demonizing a group of people who are more readily upholding the values you claim to love than you apparently are, because otherwise you'd be on their side.

Psycamorean - Aug 28, 2021

I'm not debating you, but rather I just think your argument sucks.

Valiant Son - Aug 28, 2021

You seriously have too much time on your hands. Your critique of my review is flawed. Move on, child.

Psycamorean - Aug 28, 2021

I think your critique of my critique is flawed since you don't actually refute anything. Use that education of yours and that teaching skill to school me. It took me a generous five minutes to type out what I said. I do have a lot of free time, because I'm so efficient at getting shit done.

Valiant Son - Aug 28, 2021

I'm not engaging with you any further because not only do you ignore anything that doesn't fit with your narrative, but also you try to assert what I think without knowing anything about me, and most importantly, you suck the joy out of life. Go away, you irritating child. I'm sure that you will reply because you are clearly the kind of egotistical who just has to have the last word.

Psycamorean - Aug 28, 2021

I explicitly engaged with what you said, and my assertions about your beliefs were based entirely in what you said in your review and your comments afterwards. I know you don't want me to do this, but I could explain each of my assertions one by one and connect them with your exact words. I don't have to insult you or pull my credentials to validate and bolster my argument. A refusal of engagement shows you can't defend your argument. How embarrassing.

RA

Aug 27, 2021

Many things are working in this first issue. Jon's compassion and understanding of humanity is similar to Clark's. We see this displayed in small ways throughout the issue and it shows both new readers and longtime fans how Jon is trying to wear the cape. We also see a dialogue between Damian and Jon that reminds avid readers of their friendship and introduces new readers to their bond. The art from John Timms is poignant and telling! However, Tom Taylor tries too hard to force the reader to understand specifically what types of issues Jon faces and tries to make this a distinction between he and his father. I found this distasteful. While different generations deal with different issues, The Superman Storyline has always been "more abou t" showcasing the resilience of truth and justice regardless of the problem than the "issue at hand", and that an individual like Superman can always exemplify the principles behind goodness despite what they are facing. While some will certainly have issues with the revised birth of Jon Kent, I don't necessarily. The issue arises when the reader realizes that the revised birth is used to position Jon Kent as a product of Earth-0 as opposed to an alternate Earth and therefore create a different distinction between him and his father. Jon Kent is born of this planet while Clark is not. I can see why Tom Taylor thought this way, but I don't foresee it being a great plot device for Jon Kent. Hopefully I am wrong. As I continue to read this series, I hope to see a subtler story being told as opposed to the on-the-nose political and social commentary Taylor is trying to pass as storytelling. There are some gems in this first issue and I hope he runs with those instead. more

Merlyn

Jul 27, 2021

If there was no name on the cover I still would have known who wrote this. All the cliches are there, there is not an original bone in Tom Taylor's body. The refuse to use the classic catchphrase "Truth, Justice and the American Way" because in his leftist mind America sucks, the tireless complaining about climate change (that's not why those fires are happening in California btw, you have to be very stupid to believe that), inequality and demagogues (by demagogues he means the politicians he doesn't like even though he's a Green and the Greens are the kings of demagogy). Also, this is fan-fic, Jonathan wasn't born like this, wasn't he born in another universe? I like Jonathan but as long as he is going to be a speaking-tube for Taylor's st upid ideas, this is going to suck. P.S.: I love it when retards give their reviews in comparison to mine, it just shows how obsessed they are with me and how little they think about themselves. I absolutely LOVE IT! :) more

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daspidaboy - Jul 27, 2021

Do you not like politics in your comics?

Merlyn - Jul 27, 2021

No, I don't like when comics are political propaganda. Is that wrong?

DiegoLDUganda - Jul 27, 2021

XD

DoorMan - Jul 28, 2021

I agree. I think bad policies being imposed by state and federal bureaucrats along with morons like Newsom at the helm are what I would attribute to the fire breakouts. We need to allow for controlled burns to prevent accretion of flammable vegetation. This is why fires in the state are out of control. But of course any one who pursues controlled burns are hindered by government with policies such as The Clean Air Act which treats smoke from controlled burns as a pollutant.

Mingthemerciless - Jul 28, 2021

For all the potential this new improved superman is supposed to have hes a bit of a cretin. Brainiac has been messing with planets for years and even Apokalips us a terraformed planet-albeit a pretty nasty one. This new improved Superman could remove excess CO2 in Earths atmosphere in a bout 6 issues and stop supposed man made global warmi...I mean climate change dead. But Taylor's not interested in that aspect of the Superman mythos hes interested in propaganda.

Mingthemerciless - Jul 28, 2021

Doorman CA supposedly has a surplus. Newsom could use it for back burning forest management and getting the electrical lines safer and retrofitted. Instead hes paying bribes to beat his recall. You won't stop forget figures with back burning but you will save property and life. Aussie aboriginals taught back burning to the whites. Maybe they can teach Newsom and Taylor?

Merlyn - Jul 28, 2021

You guys are coming here with facts and logic when it's all about "let's shame people into believing they're to blame for the fires" and not moronic politicians.

Toonstrack - Jul 28, 2021

Guys, merlyn didn't even say anything about the book in this comment. Hes clearly avoiding speaking on its actual content and wants to direct our attention to the politics of its writer. I implore everyone to judge the books on its actual merits instead. Just a tip.

daspidaboy - Jul 28, 2021

Thanks @Toonstrack. I will take your advice on judging a book based on its merits.

Mout - Jul 28, 2021

dumb

Mingthemerciless - Jul 28, 2021

Ok Toon. Thanks for that tip. Do have anything for getting stubborn stains out in the wash too?

Merlyn - Jul 28, 2021

@daspidaboy: The politics are part of the "merits" of the book. They're in there, you know.

Merlyn - Jul 28, 2021

@Toonstrack: I remember I gave you several warnings if you come here, you should have something to actually say, not just tell people not to read my review. Do this again and I'll block you permanently.

Merlyn - Jul 28, 2021

And I did say a lot of stuff about the book, you just refuse to see them because you don't like what I have to say. That's a pretty big difference.

Mingthemerciless - Jul 28, 2021

Dap if I may add..I have no qualms with comics using politics and social issues to tell a good story. But writing to sell an ideological adherence is not necessary. If you remember ten nights of the beast it's set in the context of conflict with USSR and has Reagan in not an entirely flattering portrayal but it doesn't bludgeon you with the writers views.

Mingthemerciless - Jul 28, 2021

Now pick up the first issue if the current legends of the dark knight and the writer takes a swipe at Trump and the election by the Joker for no reason other than to show the writers lefty cred. It sours the reader if the reader doesn't come to the book for that stuff.

Toonstrack - Jul 28, 2021

@Merlyn I never told anyone to not read your review, lest I would have posted this in the comments. I want people to read your review, acknowledge you say nothing about the book(you ignore art, story, character, setup and everything else) and judge it for themselves with that in mind. If that's too much for you than block me if you want. Although I prefer having opposing opinions visible to me, in the spirit of discussion.

Merlyn - Jul 28, 2021

I did say a lot of things about the book, you just don't like what I have to say. Those are two very, very different things. I also prefer that but you deliberately ignore all my arguments.

Weird Science Jim - Aug 1, 2021

What does it matter what he thinks of America, he is Australian. I already got in an argument with you about “American Way”, but this is a kid who was born on another planet (even though it was retconned and even then, was born in the arctic) and spent almost half his life in an earth-3 volcano and in the future. He doesn’t have much of a connection to America.

Weird Science Jim - Aug 1, 2021

Plus, that whole thing is 100% a marketing thing than a political one!

Merlyn - Aug 1, 2021

That would be my question exactly, why is he so interested in American politics since he is from Australia? He always feels the need to comment on the political climate there, that's when he isn't complaining about Scott Morrison that he isn't "green enough" or that he's linked to QAnon (yes he said that on his twitter, I'm not making this up). He grew up in Smallville in the Rebirth era, I'd say he's as American as you can be.

Merlyn - Aug 1, 2021

I don't know what thing you are referring to, be more specific, I've complained about a lot of stuff. :))

PeteRick - Sep 13, 2021

The story is screwed up from the get go, Bendis ruined this franchise and they just pretend it's nothing I'm baffled at some of ya'll who thinks this is a good storyline, even might be, but due to what bendis have done with the character background, it is impossible to like, even if Jerry siegel came back from the dead to write this shit!!!

RKS

Aug 01, 2021

Headed to a $1 near you soon. Tom Taylor is a horrible writer.

S.J

Mar 15, 2022

I have never seen such a bad Superman comic book.