Clark Kent is trying to find his place in the world. Sent to our world from a dying planet, raised by two simple folk, he now wants to give something back to the world. His first step is to provide for his mother – consequently he applies for a number of jobs where his abilities and above-human intelligence would warrant a sizeable income, but he cannot decide on one that would make him happy, as his mother wants. His search is interrupted by the arrival of another alien, one called Tyrell who has been searching for the Last Son of Krypton for decades. Tyrell threatens to annihilate thousands of people unless the Kryptonian steps forward and reveals himself. But can Clark trust Tyrell to keep his word? And can he risk revealing himself to a world not yet ready to face its place in the universe?
J. Michael Straczynski delivers a solid story about Clark Kent making his first attempt to protect Earth from an outside force. He couples heavy action sequences with much slower flashbacks to Clark talking with his parents about the responsibilities and risks of revealing his superpowers. It's a style that would be used again in Man of Steel (which draws a significant amount of inspiration from this story). The story itself is pretty straightforward and follows the same sort of format Superman origin stories tend to follow. Clark has doubts, there's a threat, Clark reveals himself as Superman to stop the threat. The introduction of Tyrell was an interesting twist, as it changes what had been previously established about the destruction of Krypton, and it's elements like this that really show what the 'Earth One' range can do.
Where the story falls down is the more human elements of the story. It's great seeing Superman realise something no one else does, or even for him to be outsmarted, but it consistently sets him more apart from humanity than he already is. Usually the role of keeping him in touch with the human race is up to Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, and that's true here. Unfortunately, it seems like their roles have been reversed for some reason, and it makes them less interesting. Jimmy is constantly putting himself in danger for a better photograph (much like Lois normally does) but it feels more like a thrill-seeking action than quest for a story. This is a major point of the plot, which is why it feels like there's a heavy emphasis on it. Traditionally, Superman's strongest link with humanity has been his relationship with Lois (not counting his parents). Earth One only gives him the beginning of this relationship, and makes it about Lois and Jimmy, but more one-sided; Clark feels like he has a connection with them, but they don't really know him at all.
For fans of Man of Steel, this book will feel very familiar, but if you're after more, there is a sequel. For new readers, it's a good way of introducing the main concepts of Superman without being caught up in the continuity of the main series. The book works well as a stand alone story (much like the film did) and makes an easy read for newcomers to the superhero style.
Superman: Earth One – 9781401224691 - $17.99 – 136 pages
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