Title: Man and Superman.
Writer(s): Marv Wolfman.
Artist(s): Claudio Castellini.
Colourist(s): Hi-Fi et Claudio Castellini.
Letterer(s): Tom Orzechowski.
Publisher: DC Comics.
Format: Hardcover – Deluxe Edition.
Release Date: December 10th, 2019.
Pages: 144.
Genre(s): Comics, Science-Fiction.
ISBN13: 9781401298937.
My Overall Rating: ★★★★☆.
It’s easy to assume that being a superhero doesn’t imply any dilemma or consequences, that being one entitles you to privileges and indisputable happiness. In reality, there are many choices at play and terrifying decisions and sacrifices that are made by these heroes, pondering their own rights and freedom against those of their loved ones and humanity. Imagine how much Superman had to put aside to embody hope for the people of the world. Imagine how much Superman had to sacrifice in his own personal life to keep everyone safe from harm’s way. Legendary writer Marv Wolfman and renown artist Claudio Castellini both embark on a beautiful project to thus tackle the intimate and challenging journey of Clark Kent before he decides to dawn the symbol he brought home from Krypton.
What is Man and Superman about? Set between the moment Clark Kent leaves Smallville and settles in Metropolis, this story explores not only Superman’s arrival but the man he needs to become if he is to pursue his life henceforth. Starting from the bottom, the small-town boy chases after his dreams to become a reporter for the Daily Planet while also trying to figure out how he can utilize his secret abilities for the city he loves. While the city is in the middle of determining their next mayor amidst the crime wave it is suffering from, Clark Kent learns to understand what his place is in this city that seems much bigger than himself. It is when an unknown terrorist looks to spread terror that Clark Kent finds himself looking to thwart this egomaniac’s plan as the grand finale for his coming-of-age tale.
Initially proposed as a four-issue story arc to be included in the abandoned project Superman Confidential, this ten-year-old saga is now released in a stunning deluxe edition with remastered colouring by Claudio Castellini, an introduction and an afterword by Marv Wolfman, the original proposal pitched by Marv Wolfman with additional commentary on what was changed since then, the final draft script for Superman Confidential #1, and an incredibly insightful guided tour by Claudio Castellini on the artistic process, from transforming the script to the colouring and the creation of the cover artwork to be used.
Writer Marv Wolfman does a fantastic job in his depiction of Clark Kent before he fully embraces his uniform and proudly flies around Metropolis conveying hope to its citizens. It’s a very grounded story that follows the journalist-in-the-making as he encounters people from all kinds of socioeconomic statuses and befriends them for their kindness and their way of life. There’s also an intimate look at Clark Kent’s own internal struggle to understand his place in the world as he’s unable to immediately fit in. His conflict lies essentially in his own understanding of what each of his personalities is meant to be, what Clark Kent and Superman are each supposed to respectively strive for in their lives. After all, if one doesn’t survive and adapt to its environment, the other suffers.
Artist Claudio Castellini beautifully transforms the script with some of the most stunning artwork. His focus on the presence of characters and their emotional reaction to their environment is impressive, especially during key plot moments where iconic characters are introduced. His ability to showcase their importance in the eye of Clark Kent through selective scaling on each page helps the reader immediately identify focal events that are life-changing in the smalltown boy’s life. His remastering of an otherwise incredible colouring by Hi-Fi also adds significant symbolism behind those important moments in the narrative. All in all, the creative team behind this project poured their heart into telling a story that marks the beginning of Superman’s adventures.
Man and Superman is a beautiful adventure centered around Superman’s secret identity and his quest for purpose before becoming Metropolis’ guardian.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for sending me a copy for review!
I like the idea of the conflict in Kal-El between Superman and Clark Kent. As long as it is used to propel him towards becoming Superman and not used as a lever to make him whine and complain and throw himself a pity party, you know, Emo-Superman 😀
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I’m fine with either one. A bit of emo-Superman isn’t bad. It’s more relatable.
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See, that’s where you and I differ. I don’t want Supe’s to be relatable, I want him to be an icon, something to strive towards 🙂
Considering how much we see this in super heroes today, I suspect more and more fans are of your persuasion than mine…
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Well, now that is going a bit too far. Yes, I like some relatability, but I definitely like to leave room for motivation to do more/be better. It’s also cool to detach ourselves from reality and immerse ourselves in something that is more of a fairy tale. It’s a delicate balance.
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It’s definitely nice to bathe in these character development stories that are grounded and not always cosmic battles. It is fun, however, to see Superman under different lights, even dark ones that ultimately leads us to a good > evil arc. 😁
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I saw this post on Instagram first Lashaan and the art is indeed fantastic but …muscles!!! LOL
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Hahahaha it is indeed pretty cool and jacked up! 😂
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But that is how he’s supposed to look! A veritable godbody…
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Yep! Needs to put Arnold Schwarzenegger to shame! 😂
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It sounds like a real struggle. Definitely enticing.
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Yep. A good internal conflict explored properly! 😁
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Art looks great, concept hooks me . . . and Marv Wolfman is why I got into comics as a kid. He probably taught me more about story/character than anyone else. I’ve got to read this.
Thanks for this!!
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That is indeed pretty cool! He has written many great comics that are worth checking out. I do hope you enjoy this one when you get the chance! Thanks for reading. 😀
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I always preferred a long-term development, ie. Superman growing and changing even after becoming an icon. But Marv Wolfman, that’s a name to be reckoned with! I might check this one out – thanks, Lashaan!
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I do like the older Superman stories where his experience molds his philosophy and his fighting too. It’s just fun to also revisit these stories that simply remind us what Superman was always meant to be in the first place hahah Glad to put this on your radar though. 😀
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With this kind of smooth artistic style in comics it’s a wonder that some of the other styles even exist. It’s really stunning. More than the story as good as it sounds, it’s the behind the scenes look at creation that would have been of interest to me. So fascinating too what stooge brings up about an icon instead of being relatable. Got my gears turning, 😉
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I too was really intrigued by the behind-the-scenes! It’s not something I hear much about in other volumes but I think there’s A LOT to learn from the process to really understand why some stories are better than others. 😮
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I just read this over the weekend and was likewise impressed good sir, a great standalone story that gets right at the heart and core of Clark/Superman and beautifully drawn and coloured as well. It’s a fantastic hardcover release, the commentaries made for fascinating reading and adds appreciation for the amount of creativity and passion poured into the project.
Wonderful review my friend, slowly catching up with your recent posts!
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Thanks, Chris! 😀 Exactly! It’s an all-around fantastic story. I really enjoyed the lengthy commentary by the creative team, especially in the art department. We don’t often read about the whole process and what goes through their minds as they bring the script to life.
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Wow this looks really interesting. I’ve never known that such volumes of work were out there that explains more into the story and circumstances! Really cool!
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It’s definitely nice that there are stories like these that give us more insight into the character but also the work behind the creation too! Thanks for reading. 😀
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I agree! And will keep reading! Keep it up!
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