Impressions: Superman: Earth One

Written by Eric Blackwood

Superman’s origin has been re-told countless times throughout the years in various media formats. What can J. Michael Straczynski bring to Jerome "Jerry" Siegel’s tale to keep it fresh and relevant for readers both new and old?

DC: Earth One is a series that allows writers to tell stories free of continuity. Superman: Earth One is a fresh take on the origin of the Man of Steel (originally published in Action Comics #1, June 1938). J. Michael Straczynski's story brings the origin of Superman to the 21st Century and depicts Kal-El's struggle to find his place on Earth. The focus of the story is the transition of Clark Kent to his superhero alter ego.. Another point that is addressed is the “why”. Why would Clark feel the need to fly around in tights and save people? Why does the world need Superman?

Shane Davis and Sandra Hope do an excellent job with the art. There is a lot of detail in the scenes, and the way the artists subtly capture Superman's abilities really impressed me. There is also consistency with the look of the characters.

There has been some talk around the web that Clark Kent seems too ‘emo’ in this book, but I disagree. Clark's angst is realistically illustrated as an alien who can do anything as far as a profession (athlete, scientist, architect, artist, etc), but decides to become far greater with his extraordinary ability. In the midst of trying to find himself, Earth is invaded by an alien race. I won’t divulge anymore for the sake of the story but expect to see Lois Lane putting herself in danger to get the scoop.

I appreciate that Superman: Earth One is a complete story, with cancels the itch found while waiting for a second issue. Though Superman’s origin has been told countless times already, this book is definitely worth checking out, whether you're a long-time fan or mildly interested to learn more about the Man of Steel.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution to Have a Comic Series

Written by Kyle Wagner

One of the game-related stories of New York Comic Con that might have slipped under your radar was some new information about Square Enix’s Deus Ex: Human Revolution line of comics. Due in the first quarter of 2011 from DC’s Wildstorm imprint, the series will run for six issues and have a same-day and date digital release on both the DC and PSP comic apps. For anyone not initiated on the nuances of the digital comic book marketplace, it is still very uncommon for titles to be released digitally on the same day that they are released in stores, making this a significant feature of the release.

Writer Robbie Morrison stressed that the comic is not an adaptation of the game, and that it would revolve around the back-story of Adam Jensen, the series’ protagonist. Only a select few “very important” events from the game will appear in the comic; otherwise, the story will run simultaneous to the game, but feature all-original content.

The creative team seems well suited to the franchise. Morrison is best known for his work in 2000AD, a British science fiction weekly, and the Judge Dredd franchise, so he knows his way around a dystopian sci-fi setting. Editor Ben Abernathy has also worked on a significant number of licensed franchises, including Gears of War, Starcraft, God of War, Ratchet & Clank, and Fringe. While these titles have had varying degrees of quality, they have typically been about as good as their source material, rarely elevating above the cloth they’re cut from. So while it’s a virtual lock that fans of the Deus Ex franchise will enjoy the comic, the audience will probably be limited to existing fans.

Kyle is a comic book geek. He's been gaming long enough to know how to cheat at NES Track & Field and that CLVVRCEK is the password for the last level in Sega Genesis' Jurassic Park, but these days he can tell you more about Luke Cage's home life than Solid Snake's last mission.

DC Universe Online has Good News and Bad News

So which do you want first? Let's just start with the bad news. You're going to die. You're in perfect health and will probably live another 75 years, but you're definitely going to die if you try to see me in Halo: Reach, son! So, now that we've gotten past that, here's the not-as-bad news: DC Universe Online has been delayed until early 2011. That wasn't so bad, was it? Upsetting, maybe, but not as woeful and embarrassing as getting torn to shreds with an assault rifle on Boardwalk.

On the upswing though, the good news is that Sony Online Entertainment has assured us that this delay is helping them to release a much more polished product. Isn't that what all delays are for, SOE? Well, I'm not going to sit here and split hairs about delays, this is a time for coming to terms with the news, DC fanboys.

To make good on it's delay, SOE has released new in-game footage of DC Universe Online; the first being a "fly-through" of Superman's home city of Metropolis. I know what you're saying, it looks really good, but there's not much action. Chill homeboy, that's where the second video comes in. Nothing but a minute and a half of frenzied brawling! It's more confusing than trying to spot Elmo at a Bloods initiation, but the carnage looks fun as hell. 

Watch, enjoy, discuss.