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Superman: War of the Supermen
DC Comic
1 review about Superman: War of the Supermen
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Typical DC ending, but still fun to read
-
Jun 7, 2012
- by Madpenguin
- posted in Speech Bubbles: Comics & Graphic Novels
Rating:
+3
Superman freed the bottled city of Kandor from the clutches of Brainiac in a brutal battle, that ended with his adoptive father Jonathan Kent being killed by the mad alien. 100,000 Kryptonians were freed, and due to the different views between them and people of Earth they fled the planet. Several figure-heads behind the scenes of Earth are not satisfied with the Kryptonians existence, since they all possess Superman's powers. As a result, they embarked on a genocidal campaign led by Lois Lane's father General Lane. The two sides are approaching a full scale war.
Previous Volumes:
Superman - Brainiac
Superman - New Krypton Volume One
Superman - New Krypton Volume Two
Superman - Mon-El
Superman - Nightwing and Flamebird
Supergirl - Who is Superwoman?
Superman - New Krypton Volume Three
Superman - Codename: Patriot
Supergirl - Friends & Fugitives
Superman - Mon-El: Man of Valor
Superman: Nightwing and Flamebird Vol. 2
Supergirl - Death & The Family
Superman: New Krypton Volume Four.
Superman - Last Stand of New Krypton Vol. 1
Superman - Last Stand of New Krypton Vol. 2
Superman - War of the Supermen:
Brainiac's attack on New Krypton has failed and the villain was defeated by Zod. After witnessing Lex Luthor on Brainiac's ship, Zod has all the reason to believe that his attack was aided by the people of Earth. In retaliation, Zod declares war on the Earth, and he has ordered the surviving Kryptonians whose numbers are still around 80,000 to attack. Superman hopes to reason with his people and prevent a massacre on both sides. -summary
War of the Supermen concludes the New Krypton saga wrapping up two years of storytelling. And typical DC, the ending is nowhere near as strong as the beginning. This finale heavily focuses on the big brawl to settle it at all, while the thought-provoking aspects that took place earlier is all jettisoned. I can't say that the story is bad, in fact, it's not bad at all if you're sold on the action, plus the first half of the story kicks ass from well, Earth to New Krypton. Superman: War of the Supermen definitely could have been a lot better, if as usual, DC decided to take some risk. Written by James Robinson and Sterling Gates, this TPB collects War of the Supermen 0 - 4 and Superman 700.
Robinson knew how to get things in motion, because the build up leading to the climax could definitely get anyones blood pumping. Superman smashes his way to Zod's command post vowing to put an end to his plan, only to learn that Zod has sent the entire military to Earth. During this time, General Lane's plan to wipe out the Kryptonians unfolds with explosive results; with their numbers quickly dwindling, the Kryptonians eventually make it to Earth and all hell breaks loose. Casualties on both sides increase rapidly, but humankind suffers the most by a 1 to1000 death ratio with the British and Japanese Prime Minster's being torn to pieces, along with the White House being annihilated. Earth's heroes and even some villains are trying to fight them off with several falling during the onslaught.
The action will no doubt entertain many, and I would be lying if I said that the character interactions and flying fist, such as the battle between Supergirl & Ursa, as well as Superman & Zod didn't grip me. The problem I have here among others is the rushed feel, and damn does it feel rushed. Once the attack on Earth begins it never lets up and it feels way too rapid. It's almost as if DC got tired of the story, and told Robinson to close the books on this and it shows.
When you look at this final chapter on paper, it has the potential to be the best knock down-drag out in a very long time, because you know all of these Supermen/women are going to bump heads with Earth's finest heroes. Which is why I thought the battle with the Justice League was so disappointing, and even with the JSA, they both were so lazily put together. Characters who played large roles are quickly disposed of, and the ending was just too deus ex machina for me.
Some of the criticism on this book is aimed towards how Zod was handled. During the course of the series, he was developed as someone you can relate to who was all about the people, and there was always that possibility Superman was wrong about him. So to see him degenerate into just another villain put a bad taste in readers mouths. Towards the end, he seemed to care more about wanting Superman dead for his father banishing him to the Phantom Zone than winning the war. I guess I can see where the fans frustration comes from, but it all goes back to Superman never trusting him in the first place and always believing he was a maniac, I can buy that to a certain degree. However, this goes back to what I mentioned about DC not taking risk. They could have easily allowed Robinson to make Zod into a sympathetic figure, but they chose the villain route only to make Superman right about him. Could it have been so hard for Superman to be wrong just this once and have two possible heroes with different views, as opposed to the hero vs. villain cliche? Anyway, I will give it some extra credit mainly for the development of General Lane's character, as Robinson was able to examine the destructive tendencies of a paranoid man with power.
The artwork in the first half has some very good moments. Supergirl's expressions when she hoisted her people's flag and tried to fly full speed to Earth, as well as attempting to pummel Superman told her story very well without the use of dialog. She was clearly in a rage and out for human blood. The second half has its flaws mainly towards the end, and like the story, it feels rushed as well with a lack of detail in several characters on some occasions. Fortunately, the good outweighs the bad here.
This is one story that I really hoped the recent re-read would have helped me like it more. It didn't get worse or better; my feelings for it are still the same and I would give it 3 1/2. War of the Supermen is definitely readable and easy to get through. If you mainly prefer action in your comics, then you'll more than likely enjoy this. New Krypton is still a crossover I recommend, but it shouldn't be very high on your list. Definitely not higher than War of the Green Lanterns.
Other stories to choose from:
Planet Hulk, World War Hulk, Avengers: Under Siege, Justice League: Tower of Babel, Superman: Ending Battle
Pros:
-Loads of action
Cons:
-Doesn't live up to its promise of being epic
Previous Volumes:
Superman - Brainiac
Superman - New Krypton Volume One
Superman - New Krypton Volume Two
Superman - Mon-El
Superman - Nightwing and Flamebird
Supergirl - Who is Superwoman?
Superman - New Krypton Volume Three
Superman - Codename: Patriot
Supergirl - Friends & Fugitives
Superman - Mon-El: Man of Valor
Superman: Nightwing and Flamebird Vol. 2
Supergirl - Death & The Family
Superman: New Krypton Volume Four.
Superman - Last Stand of New Krypton Vol. 1
Superman - Last Stand of New Krypton Vol. 2
Superman - War of the Supermen:
Brainiac's attack on New Krypton has failed and the villain was defeated by Zod. After witnessing Lex Luthor on Brainiac's ship, Zod has all the reason to believe that his attack was aided by the people of Earth. In retaliation, Zod declares war on the Earth, and he has ordered the surviving Kryptonians whose numbers are still around 80,000 to attack. Superman hopes to reason with his people and prevent a massacre on both sides. -summary
War of the Supermen concludes the New Krypton saga wrapping up two years of storytelling. And typical DC, the ending is nowhere near as strong as the beginning. This finale heavily focuses on the big brawl to settle it at all, while the thought-provoking aspects that took place earlier is all jettisoned. I can't say that the story is bad, in fact, it's not bad at all if you're sold on the action, plus the first half of the story kicks ass from well, Earth to New Krypton. Superman: War of the Supermen definitely could have been a lot better, if as usual, DC decided to take some risk. Written by James Robinson and Sterling Gates, this TPB collects War of the Supermen 0 - 4 and Superman 700.
Robinson knew how to get things in motion, because the build up leading to the climax could definitely get anyones blood pumping. Superman smashes his way to Zod's command post vowing to put an end to his plan, only to learn that Zod has sent the entire military to Earth. During this time, General Lane's plan to wipe out the Kryptonians unfolds with explosive results; with their numbers quickly dwindling, the Kryptonians eventually make it to Earth and all hell breaks loose. Casualties on both sides increase rapidly, but humankind suffers the most by a 1 to1000 death ratio with the British and Japanese Prime Minster's being torn to pieces, along with the White House being annihilated. Earth's heroes and even some villains are trying to fight them off with several falling during the onslaught.
The action will no doubt entertain many, and I would be lying if I said that the character interactions and flying fist, such as the battle between Supergirl & Ursa, as well as Superman & Zod didn't grip me. The problem I have here among others is the rushed feel, and damn does it feel rushed. Once the attack on Earth begins it never lets up and it feels way too rapid. It's almost as if DC got tired of the story, and told Robinson to close the books on this and it shows.
When you look at this final chapter on paper, it has the potential to be the best knock down-drag out in a very long time, because you know all of these Supermen/women are going to bump heads with Earth's finest heroes. Which is why I thought the battle with the Justice League was so disappointing, and even with the JSA, they both were so lazily put together. Characters who played large roles are quickly disposed of, and the ending was just too deus ex machina for me.
Some of the criticism on this book is aimed towards how Zod was handled. During the course of the series, he was developed as someone you can relate to who was all about the people, and there was always that possibility Superman was wrong about him. So to see him degenerate into just another villain put a bad taste in readers mouths. Towards the end, he seemed to care more about wanting Superman dead for his father banishing him to the Phantom Zone than winning the war. I guess I can see where the fans frustration comes from, but it all goes back to Superman never trusting him in the first place and always believing he was a maniac, I can buy that to a certain degree. However, this goes back to what I mentioned about DC not taking risk. They could have easily allowed Robinson to make Zod into a sympathetic figure, but they chose the villain route only to make Superman right about him. Could it have been so hard for Superman to be wrong just this once and have two possible heroes with different views, as opposed to the hero vs. villain cliche? Anyway, I will give it some extra credit mainly for the development of General Lane's character, as Robinson was able to examine the destructive tendencies of a paranoid man with power.
The artwork in the first half has some very good moments. Supergirl's expressions when she hoisted her people's flag and tried to fly full speed to Earth, as well as attempting to pummel Superman told her story very well without the use of dialog. She was clearly in a rage and out for human blood. The second half has its flaws mainly towards the end, and like the story, it feels rushed as well with a lack of detail in several characters on some occasions. Fortunately, the good outweighs the bad here.
This is one story that I really hoped the recent re-read would have helped me like it more. It didn't get worse or better; my feelings for it are still the same and I would give it 3 1/2. War of the Supermen is definitely readable and easy to get through. If you mainly prefer action in your comics, then you'll more than likely enjoy this. New Krypton is still a crossover I recommend, but it shouldn't be very high on your list. Definitely not higher than War of the Green Lanterns.
Other stories to choose from:
Planet Hulk, World War Hulk, Avengers: Under Siege, Justice League: Tower of Babel, Superman: Ending Battle
Pros:
-Loads of action
Cons:
-Doesn't live up to its promise of being epic
What did you think of this review?
Helpful
15
Thought-Provoking
15
Fun to Read
12
Well-Organized
15
Post a Comment
FM_ALEX
June 08, 2012
Good outweighs so that is good enough for me, I will eventually check these out.
Madpenguin
June 09, 2012
I'm definitely sure you will enjoy this a lot. It has everything you enjoy, so I recommend you check it out quick.
show text editor
woopak_the_thrill
June 08, 2012
Is it really necessary for me to get the other volumes to read this?
Madpenguin
June 08, 2012
Hmmm. I think you should glance over my entire take on the series and decide for yourself. There are some really good moments here. I didn't give some of those books a 4 for nothing, especially Superman - Brainiac, Codenamed Patriot, and Supergirl's run.
Expand 1 more response
woopak_the_thrill
June 08, 2012
I asked because I saw this for real cheap!
Madpenguin
June 08, 2012
I'm a completist, and I would never recommend skipping a story and go straight to the end. That's like recommending someone Siege, and they haven't read comics in like 10 years. I just can't do that. If anything, check out the main series, Codenamed Patriot, and the first two Supergirl books in order, the third isn't that necessary unless you really care about Lana Lang.
show text editor
peterww
June 07, 2012
"The good outweighs the bad." After an investment of so much time, that's the least a reader should expect. Thank you for your interesting reviews of a series that sounds like it failed to capitalize on its tremendous potential. Well done.
Madpenguin
June 07, 2012
Thanks. It could have been so much more, fortunately I still had fun going through it. At first, I wasn't going to do the crossovers but then I felt people should know about them.
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1
Related Topics
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Comic Book/ Graphic Novel
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