Publishers: DC Comics
Writer: Max Landis
Artists: Nick Dragotta
Colourist: Alex Guimaraes
Editor: Alex Antone
Release date: OUT NOW!
Price: $3.99

Superman: American Alien, written by Hollywood screenwriter Max Landis, explores the depth of the experiences of a young Clark Kent before he becomes the Man of Steel we all know and love. And frankly, for this reviewer, it is about time.

In the first issue of Superman: American Alien #1, which will span a seven-issue miniseries, a 12-year-old Clark begins to manifest his powers and flying in particular. It begins with him uncontrollably rising in the air, dragging Martha Kent with him. Clark is terrified not only of being a freak, but of doing the wrong thing.

After seeing the movie E.T., Clark Kent starts feeling self-conscious and ends up punching a hole through a bathroom wall. “When you break something, you’re not just breaking the thing, you’re like…hurting everyone who made it the way it was,” Clark later realizes.

The story in Superman: American Alien #1 is also about Clark’s step-parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent, as much as the young Kryptonian. Jonathan especially struggles in coming to grips with his new son. Slowly Jon puts his fear aside. “Who needs normal?” he tells Clark, “Maybe weird is better.” In the end helping Clark control his power gives them valuable bonding time.

Nick Dragotta’s anime-influenced art hits its target and almost feels like you’re watching a video. A scene with a terrified Clark in a foetal position and floating hundreds of feet above his barn is particularly effective.

DC takes a break from being gritty to paint the picture of Clark’s psychological development. It’s thoughtful and off to a great start. It also reminds us of the Superman we used to know until Zack Snyder’s film Man of Steel turned him into city-wrecker and a killer. And we thank Landis for that.

Reviewer: Joe Lovece
Reviews Editor: Steve Hooker