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Superman: The Man of Steel, Vol. 3

1 rating: 4.0

Comic Book/Graphic Novel

Superman: The Man of Steel is the title of a monthly American comic book series that ran 136 issues (ending with issue #134) from 1991 to 2003. published by DC Comics, featuring Superman. As a consequence of introducing this series alongside its already … see full wiki

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Superman: The Man of Steel, Vol. 3 - Although a little weaker than the first two, still entertaining

Jun 19, 2011

by Madpenguin
posted in Speech Bubbles: Comics & Graphic Novels

Rating:

In a far galaxy exists a world called Krypton that is on the brink of destruction. The planet is highly unstable and is set to explode in hours. A scientist by the name of Jor-El understands that his doom is near. He decides to put his son Kal-El in a rocket ship and plot a course for the planet called Earth. Years later, Kal-El, who is now named Clark Kent grows up to be an extraordinary talented teen, with gifts that sets him apart from everyone else. After being told his origin from his new parents, he decides to put his gifts to use by helping those in need around the world as Superman.

Previous Volumes:

Superman - The Man of Steel Volume One

Superman - The Man of Steel Volume Two

Superman - The Man of Steel Volume Three

There's never a day of rest for the Man of Steel. While Jimmy Olsen is on a date with his girlfriend, a wild gunman by the name of Bloodsport bursts in and shoots up the place. His hail of bullets holds no prejudice as even women and children are mercilessly gunned down. Superman enters the scene and vows to capture the maniac. -summary

John Byrne's take on Superman continues with this trade paper back. This book reprints The Adventures of Superman #'s 427 - 429, Action Comics #'s 587 - 589, and Superman #'s 4 - 6. The character development continues mainly on the part of Superman here, as we learn even more that although an alien, he is still indeed very human. Other characters are thrown into the mix, and we get a chance to learn more about them as well. Many other heroes from the DC Universe make appearances that adds to the excitement. The only area I can really see these stories lacking would be concerning the villains, with the exceptions of Bloodsport and Lex Luthor, there were no other villains that caught my attention at all.

The first story involving Bloodsport is well written and it's among my favorites in this book. Coming in, it's very easy to imagine Superman storming in and taking him apart, because there's no way a mere mortal should be able to stand up to him. But Byrne manages to make the fight more interesting by evening out the playing field between the two in a creative way. In addition, Luthor continues his obsession to be rid of Superman.

Later stories play more on Superman's human side, and he allows his two lives to clash with each other, something that he swore not to do. The best story to me happened to take place with the Daily Planet's managing editor Perry White. This story thrusts family values into the light, and puts him in a position where he has to choose between safeguarding his family or doing what he believes is morally right. Drama wise, I would say this is the strongest story of the bunch.

Hawkman, Hawkgirl, and the Green Lantern Corps guest star in a couple of issues. These stories are more action oriented, and someone who isn't well versed with the Green Lanterns will get an idea on what they're about. Superman also goes back in time courtesy of Etrigan to save the lives of people in the present.

The artwork has a few standout moments with some good facial gestures that accurately displays emotions. I felt the character designs had more of a dated feel this time around for some reason. I just really didn't take a liking to them the same way I did in the previous volumes. The action mainly delivers during the one on one battles, but there was nothing that truly stood out to me. I guess this had more to do with the weaker rogue's gallery this time around.

Overall, this third volume is good reading. I never felt like putting the book down, and I've read it several times throughout the years. I don't exactly think it's essential to pick up the earlier volumes, but I recommend doing so. This volume is 204 pages.

Pros:
-More character development
-Good stories
-Guest stars

Cons:
-Not as good as the previous volumes
-Somewhat approaching the average side

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Adrianna June 27, 2011

I agree with Alex-- Excellent review! I was just talking Super Man shop with the hubby the other day, so I felt inspired to check out some of your Super Man reviews that I haven't read. Great job as always!

Madpenguin June 28, 2011

Thanks. It's always good to know that there's more fans of Supes out there.

Adrianna June 28, 2011

Agree!

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FM_ALEX June 25, 2011

Excellent review

Madpenguin June 25, 2011

Thanks man, and I see you're back. Plan on kicking out something new?

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FM_ALEX June 25, 2011

Only for a few days, will be gone again for another week. May churn something out tonight.

Madpenguin June 26, 2011

Cool, I may be by later on tonight, but definitely tomorrow to check it out. I ran through a bunch of your QT's and reviews today.

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woopak_the_thrill June 20, 2011

Nice review, I vaguely remember this story arc. I remember Supes helping out Hawkman and Hawkgirl to save Thanagar also, but I can't remember on what volume it was reprinted. Supes became a lot more interesting with Byrne on the helm.

Madpenguin June 25, 2011

Funny, I can't remember the exact volume either, but it's here though. and I agree, Byrne helped him a lot.

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