As we left Superman in issue one, he was a young fellow, heading off to the Army. Now, in DC’s Superman Year One Issue 2, he’s in basic training.
Basically, the young impetuous one is having a heckuva time laying low and making hay. Hey, I’m pretty powerful, the super one thinks, and hey, why not live it up a little? A bar fight here, a few extra duties on KP, get along okay with the guys and sail through.
Not even close. This story, written by Frank Miller, with John Romita Jr on pencils, Danny Miki on inks and Alex Sinclair on colours, takes us patiently by the hand and walks us through Superman’s army experiences. Oh, it’s not that fun. It’s early to rise and late to flop. It’s not a stroll on the beach, nor is it all that exciting, to be honest. It’s only in the second act that things pick up. And THEN it gets interesting!!
So, perhaps the first half of the book is a bit stuck and needs a shove. Or some serious conflict. Or something. But a strongly compelling second half, with its weaving of other-worldly existence in Atlantis lending some much needed R&R to the plan. Come on in, the water’s fine!
Miller’s prose is okay, if a bit sedate and matter of fact. And Romita Jr’s idiosyncratic penciling (small eyes, variable anatomy, and stylized poses) has its bright and shiny moments too. Just don’t expect miracles, be level headed about purchasing this one. It’s a long and winding road that leads us on.
DC Superman Year One #2, $7.99 for 61 pages of content. Rated Teen +
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