All Star Superman

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All Star Superman

All-Star Superman #1 cover, by Frank Quitely
Publication information
Publisher DC Comics
Schedule Bimonthly
Format Ongoing series
Genre Superhero
Publication date January, 2006 – October, 2008
Number of issues 12
Main character(s) Superman
Lex Luthor
Lois Lane
Creative team
Writer(s) Grant Morrison
Penciller(s) Frank Quitely
Inker(s) Jamie Grant
Letterer(s) Phil Balsman
Travis Lanham
Colorist(s) Jamie Grant
Creator(s) Grant Morrison
Frank Quitely
Jamie Grant
Editor(s) Brandon Montclare
Bob Schreck
Collected editions
Volume 1 hardcover ISBN 1-4012-0914-9
Volume 2 hardcover ISBN 1-4012-1837-7

All Star Superman is a comic book series featuring Superman that premiered in November 2005. The series was written by Grant Morrison, drawn by Frank Quitely, digitally inked by Jamie Grant and published by DC Comics. DC claimed that this series would "strip down the Man of Steel to his timeless, essential elements".[1]

This series is the second to be launched in 2005 under DC's All Star imprint, the first being All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder. These series are attempts by DC to allow major comics creators a chance to tell stories showcasing these characters without being restricted by DC Universe continuity.

Contents

[edit] Plot

Dr. Leo Quintum and his team from P.R.O.J.E.C.T. are exploring the Sun when they are sabotaged by a booby-trapped, genetically enhanced Luthor clone. Superman saves the day, but finds outs he has a new power: able to project his bioelectric aura. Lex Luthor has orchestrated this to overwhelm Superman's cells with a massive amount of yellow solar radiation, as Quintum has figured out: while he has a new power and tripling his strength, Superman now has one year to live. Luthor is arrested, thanks to Clark Kent's article, and as he helps her with her groceries, Clark reveals his secret identity to Lois Lane. For her birthday, Superman takes her to the Fortress of Solitude, while she is still skeptical about the idea that Clark and Superman are the same. During this visit, Lois becomes paranoid after being exposed to alien chemicals, but after Superman calms her down, he gives her his present: superpowers for 24 hours. Now as a Superwoman, she and Superman stop a monster attack in Metropolis just as Samson and Atlas arrive. Flirting with Lois, and showing a newspaper that reads "Superman Dead, by Clark Kent", Samson is revealed to be the one who stole jewels from an Ultra-Sphinx. Kidnapping Lois; the Sphinx demands an answer to the question: What happens when the unstoppable force meets the immovable object?’’ and Superman answers: They surrender, Lois is saved. Superman then defeats in a double arm wrestle against the two for Lois and then they go from the ocean depths to the moon and kiss before her powers fade and she returns home asleep. Superman isn't able to ask his question.

For his For A Day column series, Jimmy Olsen is agreed to "run" P.R.O.J.E.C.T., but the day gets hectic when Superman gets exposed to black kryptonite and becomes evil. In order to save Superman, Jimmy exposes himself to a life-threatening chemical to become a monster called Doomsday. Because Superman becomes weaker the more times he’s eviler, Jimmy uses that to stop and save Superman and himself. As a thank you, Superman writes a message from Jimmy on the moon to his girlfriend: Lucy Lane. After found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death, Clark Kent meets Lex Luthor for an exclusive interview at Stryker's Island. The Parasite manages to free himself and causes havoc when he smells a lot of power coming from Clark's direction. Clark stops him while not revealing his secret identity, and Luthor discloses his respect for Clark as a journalist by revealing a tunnel from his cell for Clark to escape with the help of Nasthalthia, his delinquent niece, but doesn't want to escape himself as long as Superman dies. In the past, Clark goes out as Young Superman with his dog Krypto and encounters a monster called a Chronovore. Three strangers arrive and reveal themselves to be: Kal Kent, the Superman from 853,500 AD, the Unknown Superman of 4500 AD, and Klyzyzk Klzntplkz, the Superman of the 5th Dimension. As the monster is defeated, the Unknown Superman meets with Pa Kent and tells him that his son will be fine. Then, Pa Kent suffers a fatal heart attack, something Young Superman was warned about, ignored, and now has failed to save his father. During the funeral, the Unknown Superman reveals himself to be actually the Superman of the present. Before he leaves to his own time, he meets Superman-Prime (from DC One Million, also by Grant Morrison) along with two other descendants of the Superman Dynasty and he gives him an indestructible flower from New Krypton. In the present, Superman places the flower on his father's grave.

Dr. Leo Quintum explores the Underverse, a newly discovered layer of reality with extreme gravity fluctuations, and notes that a giant life-form is getting closer: Htrae, aka Bizarro World. Superman releases his pet Sun-Eater into space just as he is attacked by a Bizarro group; one metamorphoses him. At the Daily Planet Christmas party, Bizarros attack and imperfectly replicate the people they touch. While the plague is going on, Superman returns to fight Bizarro-Superman and save the Daily Planet staff. Jimmy Olsen figures out sunlight is the Bizarro's weakness and Superman uses his super speed to knock Bizarro World out of the suns way so it can be reflected on Earth to stop the Bizarros. As Htrae retreats into the Underverse, Superman's powers begin to fade and is now trapped. There, he meets his Bizarro counterpart: Zibarro, a "flawed" Bizarro copy with intelligence and empathy. As Htrae sinks into the Underverse; Superman, with help from Zibarro and the Bizarro version of an undead Jor-El named Le-Roj, build a rocket to send Superman back home. Lois is with the staff at P.R.O.J.E.C.T., watching the events of Htrae, and learns of Superman's coming death, and there accepts that Clark IS Superman. As the rocket is completed, Superman is tied on it as it lifts and rockets off Htrae, but to Lois and Quintum's POV, Bizarro World has sunked and there is no sign of Superman. Two months later, Superman finally returns to Earth, but discovers that in his absence, Metropolis has been repaired with Kryptonian architecture, and Earth has been protected by Bar-El and Lilo, Krypton's first astronauts, survivors, and Superman's relatives. But the two have less altruistic goals, as they are preparing Kryptonian dominance on Earth, and in turn, are disgusted at Superman's acceptance of Earth culture. While they overpower Superman, Bar-El and Lilo begin showing signs of illness: the two had passed through a radioactive cloud in space, the cloud was Kryptonite. Despite Bar-El's initial refusal, and their attitude toward him, Superman helps them by placing the two within the Phantom Zone until a cure can be found. Until then, Bar-El and Lilo are more then happy to handle law and order within the Zone.

As the death comes near, Superman accomplishes a variety of tasks: a world tour for terminally ill children to which he help cure, creating life in the form of a non-Superman Earth-Q, Leo Quintum assists him to relocate Kandor to Mars without enlarging it, and he gives Quintum (and Lois) the method to combine human and Kryptonian DNA strands. He stops Mechano-Man's rampage and saves a suicidal girl's life when Lois confronts him on his upcoming death. Cutting back to Earth Q: it is revealed that this Earth is actually our Earth as Joe Shuster illustrates Action Comics #1. Superman's last task, his last will and testament, becomes complete when Lois discovers from Clark's home the headline: "Superman Dead, by Clark Kent". Luthor becomes odd as he is prepares for his death by execution. As the switch is pulled, Luthor is still alive. His last "cocktail" was actually a serum similar to the one Superman made for Lois that gives him powers for a day. Escaping, he meets up with Nasthalthia below one of his lairs to continue his plans he set in motion back in the beginning. Superman finishes off his final plans in the Fortress when he learns of Luthor's secret ally: Solaris, the tyrant sun, who has done something to to sun. With his robots, Superman engages Solaris in space. All seems lost until the Sun-Eater returns to sacrifice itself to weaken Solaris. Superman brings Solaris to Earth but won't destroy it, because he has learned from the Superman Squad that Solaris will become an ally in the future. Clark returns to the Daily Planet, very ill, to submit his article until he falls dead. As the staff tries to save him, the super-powered Luthor arrives just as he is begun attacking Metropolis.

Imagining he is on an undestroyed Krypton, Kal-El joins Jor-El and he reveals that he is dead and his body is converting itself to solar radio-consciousness. He offers him a choice: remain or come back to life. Stating that the sun has turned blue thanks to Solaris, and Earth has become endangered, Clark wakes up and fights off Luthor with a gravity gun. Jimmy Olsen then hands him a Superman costume (believing Clark is at the Fortress) to continue the fight. After the battle, the gravity gun has decreased the time of Luthor 24-hour powers, and now is weakened. As his powers fade, Luthor briefly sees the world as Superman sees it, and weeps as he gains a gleaning understanding, before Superman knocks him out. With Superman's transformation into solar-radio consciousness nears completion, he and Lois embrace one final time and proclaims his love once and for all. He takes off, flying into the sun as his solar-radio consciousness begins to overtake his body, and then, he enters the sun and thus repairs it. Superman has saved the day, for one last time. One year later, a memorial service is held for Superman. Lois isn't sad, as she tells Jimmy that Superman will return once he creates an artificial heart for the sun. Inside the sun, Superman, a solar being, is activating and making machinery within the sun. The story concludes with Quintum revealing that if something happens, they'd be ready. Next to him is a large door with the Superman S-Shield, and the "S" has been replaced by a "2".

[edit] Backstory

Because of the All-Star imprint able to bring in the "hottest, fan-friendliest writers and artists to do their interpretations of classic DC characters in their classic scenarios, free of the restraints of current post-Crisis continuities", Grant Morrison was able to tell his Superman story completely from his approach. That approach in writing this series was to make the reading as universal as possible. As he stated, he wasn't interested in "re-doing origin stories or unpacking classic narratives" but instead wanted to do "a total update, rehaul and refit". However, rather than just creating a "fresh and relevant" update for new readers, Morrison wanted to write a "collection of ‘timeless’ Superman issues".[1] With the help of artist Frank Quitely, it was made sure that modern sensibilities were kept while the stories addressed either a human fear or need in a big, colorful, comic book way. A collection of science fiction folk tales with Superman at the heart of them all, and appealing to a wide audience for a long time like the Greek myths.[2]

The origin and beginning of the series began with the revamp of Superman known by the titles of Superman 2000 to Superman Now, where Morrison, editor Dan Raspler, Mark Millar, Mark Waid and Tom Peyer all generated ideas back in 1998 for a 1999 relaunch[3] [4]. While greenlit, it was later turned down, but he ended up using some of the ideas for this series, even remembering his "shamanic" encounter with a man who looked alot like Superman himself [5], to be used as the cover to the first issue.

"He was perched with one knee drawn up, chin resting on his arms. He looked totally relaxed...and I suddenly realized this was how Superman would sit. He wouldn't puff out his chest or posture heroically, he would be totally chilled. If nothing can hurt you, you can afford to be cool. A man like Superman would never have to tense against the cold; never have to flinch in the face of a blow. He would be completely laid back, un-tense. With this image of Superman relaxing on a cloud looking out for us all in my head, I rushed back to my hotel room and filled dozens of pages of my notebook with notes and drawings."

In his writing of the character Superman, Morrison identifies different aspects of his personality, stating, "'Superman' is an act. 'Clark Kent' in Metropolis is also an act. There are actually two Kents, at least – one is a disguise, a bumbling, awkward mask for Superman. The other is the confident, strong, good-hearted Clark Kent who was raised by his surrogate Ma and Pa in Kansas and knows how to drive a tractor. I think he's the most 'real' of all." [6]

[edit] Reception

The first issue was released in November 2005 and was a sales success, ranking second in the top 300 comics for that period, with Infinite Crisis #2 being the top seller. [7] The second issue also ranked second in the top 300 comics for the January 2006 period, with pre-order sales of 124,328; Infinite Crisis #4 being the top seller that month. [8] The series completed its run upon publication of its final issue on October 2008.

Jeremy Estes, a reviewer from popmatters.com, notes the difficulty in revamping the character Superman in his review of the first issue of the series. However, the All Star continuity allows the writer Grant Morrison much more writing freedom. Frank Quitely's art is praised as "fresh and modern", while still "evoking the classic hero known around the world". At the time of writing. only the first issue had been released, and so Estes was unsure of the direction of the story, noting the creative team "have set up a promising tale, but only time will tell if they take the last train to Memphis or head West, all the way to Vegas".[9]

Ed Mathews from popimage.com reviewed the first collected trade paperback, which collects the first six issues, and praised the creative team, stating the art is "the most elegant work out of Frank Quitely I’ve seen to date". Mathews also singled out Grant Morrison's, saying that the series adds to the Superman mythos "by tweaking bits and parts from the character’s rich history just enough to make old concepts fresh again". He recommended Volume 1 of the collected editions, and stated that "All Star Superman sings a hit".[10]

Another review of Volume 1 from came from Danny Graydon of firstpost.co.uk, who stated that Grant Morrison's writing is "the most vigorously entertaining take on the 'Man of Steel' in decades" and that the "nuanced artwork is to be savoured".[11]

Time magazine's Lev Grossman ranked the graphic novel third in Top 10 Graphic Novels of 2007. He praised the storyline, noting that due to the character's strength and morality, he is a difficult character to write for.[12]

[edit] Awards

All Star Superman won the Eisner Award for "Best New Series" in 2006.[13] and "Best Continuing Series" in 2007. [14] It also won the Harvey Awards for "Best Artist" and "Best Single Issue" in 2008. In 2006 it won the Eagle Award for "Favourite New Comic book" and "Favourite Comics Cover" (for the first issue), as well as the 2007 "Favourite Colour Comicbook - American" Eagle.

[edit] Possible Specials

As the series went to a close, writer Grant Morrison brought up his pitch for the All Star Superman Specials[15]. It would be special one-shot issues on his Superman concepts from the DC Comics All Star imprint line all written by him with a host of artists, though it would be loose in continuity from the main series. The three brought up, or possible first three specials, were: 1) a look at Superman during his first year with a Golden Age powered Superman, 2) a "All Star Superman/Batman" book tribute to the Super-Sons World's Finest team featuring the son of Superman (Superman Secundus, the replacement Superman implied at the end of the series) as well as the son of Batman, and finally, 3) a story on the Superman Squad, led by the Superman of the 853rd Century, and featuring the Supermen of the Superman Dynasty.

However, since he publicly stated his pitch, and with his plans at the time with Batman R.I.P., Final Crisis, and Multiversity for a 2010 release, the current status for these specials seem to be a series pitch that just never came off the ground. Though, things might change in time.

[edit] Collected editions

The series has been collected into two volumes in hardcover and softcover format:

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ a b Offenberger, Rik. "Uniquely Original: Grant Morrison". Comics Bulletin. http://www.comicsbulletin.com/features/112602239631900.htm. Retrieved on 2008-04-21. 
  2. ^ [1]
  3. ^ Comic Book Legends Revealed #194, Comic Book Resources, February 12, 2009
  4. ^ [2]
  5. ^ All Star Memories: Grant Morrison on All Star Superman, 1, Newsarama, October 21, 2008
  6. ^ Brady, Matt. "Grant Morrison: Talking All-Star Superman". Newsarama. http://www.newsarama.com/DC/AS/AllStarSuperman_Morrison.htm. Retrieved on 2008-04-21. 
  7. ^ "Top 300 Comics Actual – November 2005". icv2.com. 2005-12-19. http://www.icv2.com/articles/home/7956.html. Retrieved on 2008-04-21. 
  8. ^ "Top 300 Comics Actual – January 2006". icv2.com. http://www.icv2.com/articles/home/8247.html. Retrieved on 2008-04-24. 
  9. ^ Estes, Jeremy (2006-01-06). "ALL STAR SUPERMAN #1". popmatters.com. http://www.popmatters.com/comics/all-star-superman-1-1.shtml. Retrieved on 2008-04-21. 
  10. ^ Mathews, Ed. "REVIEW: All Star Superman Vol. 1". popimage.com. http://www.popimage.com/content/viewnews.cgi?newsid1177495938,98253,. Retrieved on 2008-04-21. 
  11. ^ Graydon, Danny (2006-01-06). "Superman: the best in years". firstpost.co.uk. http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/index.php?storyID=6517. Retrieved on 2008-04-21. 
  12. ^ Grossman, Lev. "Top 10 Graphic Novels". Time.com. http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/top10/article/0,30583,1686204_1686244_1692109,00.html. Retrieved on 2008-04-21. 
  13. ^ "2006 Eisner Alan Moore Back on Top for 2006 Eisner Awards". comic-con. http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci_eisners_06rcv.shtml 2006 Eisner. Retrieved on 2008-04-21. 
  14. ^ "2007 Eisner Awards Shine Spotlight on Comic Industry’s Best". comic-con. http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci_eisners_07win.shtml#winners. Retrieved on 2008-04-21. 
  15. ^ http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=16045

[edit] References

[edit] External links


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