‘All-Star Superman’ Doesn’t Live Up To The Hype – Comic Review
All-Star Superman is hailed as one of the best, if not the greatest, Superman stories of all time. I finally read all twelve issues and it was…mediocre. Given that I am a big Superman fan and that this is the usual suspect toping all the “Greatest Superman Comics of All Time” internet lists, the hype surrounding this story led to a surprising letdown.
A few years ago, I watched the All-Star Superman animated movie and thought it was just OK too, yet I held out hope that the comic story would make an impact. A few months ago, I was perusing Half-Price Books and happened to delve into the Superman section. And there, to my surprise, were all twelve issues of All-Star Superman. It was like a sign from the gods. This was my chance. A chance for redemption. After James Gunn promoted All-Star Superman in his DC Studios Chapter 1 plan, I decided the time had come. And, like the movie, the comic ranged from OK to kind of disappointing.
Of course, it wasn’t all bad. There were some great parts in it. One of my favorite comic panels of all time was featured in issue 10, with Superman talking a young person out of committing suicide by telling them, “you are much stronger than you think you are. Trust me.” But as a whole, I am still confounded as to why All-Star Superman is so universally lauded, at least more than some of the Man of Steel’s collection of other great stories.
The Story
The story was a collection of twelve individual short stories all revolving around the idea of Superman’s imminent death. A “what would you do if you knew you’d die” idea, and the morality behind absolute power. Some of the stories felt like odd choices, sticking out of place from the entire story arc (I’m looking at you Bizarro-world). After reading these issues, they felt like random one-offs that didn’t progress the story at all.
The Art
Going into the comic, I knew the art would be different. That is apparent just from looking at the cover. Frank Quietly, also known for his art in Batman Reborn and Sandman: Endless Nights, has a unique style. A year ago, when I read Batman: The Long Halloween, I remember similar criticisms going through my head over Tim Sale’s artwork, yet, by the end of that comic, the art had grown on me. It fit the comic perfectly. Here, however, Quietly’s art never really grew on me. It wasn’t bad by any means, but it also didn’t seem like a perfect fit for the story and it never grew on me. That being said, I do believe the art accomplished its goal in telling the story, I just wasn’t a fan.
The Essence of Superman
All-Star Superman was successful in showing the essence of Superman’s character. One of the biggest complaints about Superman’s character is how he is so powerful that he is unrelatable. All-Star Superman shows how, even after being super-charged with a lethal dose of solar radiation and becoming even more powerful, he still chooses to do the right thing. Even with his days numbered, he spends his time saving people and helping them. The essence of what makes a true hero. But, I would argue that this essence can be found in many other Superman stories, as well. If someone could only read one Superman comic, this wouldn’t be the one I’d recommend. Perhaps Kingdom Come, The Death of Superman, or Superman: Secret Identity instead.
Final Thoughts
All-Star Superman is certainly a decent Superman story that gives insight into the Man of Steel and arguably his greatest superpower: his morality. While some may choose to go on a fancy getaway after learning they will die, Superman does the same thing he has done for years. He uses his powers to help people because that is who he is. That is what he does, whether he is dying or not. The comic is lauded as one of the greatest Superman comics of all time, but after reading it myself, I just didn’t see it. While the story did portray the essence of what makes Superman Superman well, with the collection of twelve seemingly random short stories and the mediocre art, I would argue that All-Star Superman is not the greatest Superman story of all time. At this moment, I doubt it would even fall on my top ten list.
That’s just one man’s opinion. Let me know your thoughts on All-Star Superman below.