All Star Superman: The Deluxe Edition

let's not mince words; Superman, like many of his DC and marvel compatriots have so long and storied history - and so many different titles - that finding a story that is not hopelessly mired in continuity can seem really daunting to people. Grant Morrison, Frank Quietly, and Jamie Grant's 2005-2008, 12-issue serial, "All Star Superman" is as good of a one and done story about the Man of steel as you are likely to find. it has justifiably been heralded by comic book fans since its run began 20 years ago. spoilers ahead! Superman is called into action to help a group of scientific explorers who are undertaking the first manned mission into the sun! lex luthor, in an attempt to get his final revenge on Superman, has arranged the whole disaster. The story of this book is how Superman handles the news, gets on with his life, makes peace with his family, friends, and foes, and prepares for death. The overarching story line is modeled on the labors of Hercules. there are 12 tasks that future travelers note that Superman accomplished before his death. some of them are silly, others - like curing cancer or making a new life for the bottle city of kandor - are so winningly optimistic and hopelessly romantic that they seem perfectly in line with Superman's ethos. One of the big plots that the narrative traces is the relationship between Superman and Lois Lane. once he learns he is going to die, he decides to reveal his secret identity to Lois, who refuses to believe it! it's so amusing. there's also a tension in their relationship caused by his heroic deeds and calling; in one adventure she has to put herself in harm's way just to have a conversation with him. their relationship is handled very sensitively and maturely, but with all of the fun of classic comics. of course Superman's other great relationship, with his arch enemy lex luthor, is also a cornerstone of the book. lex is unendingly jealous of Superman's powers and abilities, not only that, but the adulation that humanity pours upon him. his character is quite over the top in the book, but it is also grounded in very relatable feelings of spite and guilt and fear. I'd never read this one before, so I was very entertained to see how the great Superman story of my youth - the death of Superman / Doomsday arc - was evoked in the course of the narrative. having also recently read the brilliant matt fraction limited series, "who killed Jimmy Olsen?" I was also delighted to see how that character was treated. it's also very clear in a post corenswet/ gunn movie landscape how this book influenced the film, especially in its hopeful tone, innocent if a little bit spoiled and only-childish hero, and the vitriol with which lex approaches his vendetta against Superman. Four stars for me because even though I love the art, the digital air-brush coloring really throws me off. it feels more Myrtle Beach than metropolis. one way or another, this is a great book if you want an in and out, one and done really classic Superman story. I also very highly recommend "Superman: space age" by Mark Russell, which I like even more. but you can't go wrong with either! this is Superman with no strings attached, and fun for all ages.

Best. Superman. Comic. EVER (imo) Without a doubt the best Modern Superman Story. If you wonder who Superman really is and do not want to read Decades of Stories to understand... Just Read This. This really is the Only Superman Story you need to read to understand sooooo much about Clark, Lois, Lex, etc... Grant Morrison and Frank Quietly created a Modern Masterpiece.

This is my favorite Superman story of all time. In fact, I went from a casual fan of Supes to being a believer. Besides, I was in a tough spot in my life, and dare I say, this story (specifically, the animated movie of the same name) did its share of instilling hope in me to keep moving in life. Cheesy I know, but inspiration can come from anywhere, anyone, and anything right? Four reasons (from this story alone) why Grant Morrison is a comic book legend: 1. When everybody and their mom depower Superman to humanize him in their stories, Morrison goes, "F*** no." Possibly Morrison: "I will supercharge him, and will still tell a very personal, yet extraordinary story for the man of tomorrow." 2. Building Superman's character based on how the other characters interact with him. 3. The prison segment with Clark and Luthor. 4. "The origin story" Extras: From the Absolute edition, there are sketches, covers, and other bonuses. Excellent binding, nice quality pages, and a cool dust jacket. Overall, this is a fantastic way to collect this story, if you can't get the Absolute edition. People with no knowledge of Superman lore may find a couple stories unnecessary/boring. However, this is one of the those stories that warrants multiple reads. I've read it 4 times now (in 3 months, as of Feb 2024), after watching the animated movie, and still find stunning hidden details. This story gets even more impressive after one consumes more (ahem) quality Superman material. (Most Superman material is either tedious, mediocre, or outright trash.) If you could consume only three Superman materials because you're short on time/patience, here's my prescription, featuring the cream of the crop, in the proper sequence for consumption: 1. Superman: For all seasons. (Superman: Year One of sorts.) 2. Superman: The Animated Series (Prime Superman adventures, by Bruce Timm and co. The same team behind the legendary Batman: The Animated series.) 3. This.

In general I'm not the biggest Grant Morrison fan, but this story proves he is a genius. The freshest take on Superman that I can remember. Enjoyable and moving in its way.

All Star Superman is well written, and fun to read. Definitely not an origin story, so you need a little basic Superman knowledge to get the most out of it. Grant Morrison is a great writer, one of the best in comic history. That being said, this is good not great. It’s not as good as his work on Batman. But that doesn’t make it bad, I’d say 4 out of 5 stars for writing. The art is a matter of taste. Again, good not great. There’s some amazing panels, and some that kinda look meh. Most of the anatomy in the book is good, but a lot of Superman himself is odd and bloated looking. And not quite the chiseled look we’re used to. I personally wouldn’t seek this artist out again based solely on style. 3 out of 5 stars for art. I don’t want to give the plot away, it’s more fun to go in a little cold. But it moves along at a brisk pace… almost too quick. But again, this is more a positive than a negative. The characters are written true to form, though Lois seems a little all over the place in her personality. It’s definitely worth the read, it deals with deep concepts of the characters and their motivations, and holds attention. I read the first 1/3 of the book in one sitting because I didn’t want to put it down. And it definitely makes me want to seek out more Superman books before the new movie comes out.

Good value

Just as expected

One of the best Superman comics, if not one of the best comics of all time. Really captures the heart and soul of the character. Cannot recommend enough.