Superman is one of my favorite
superheroes because of his undying determination to do what’s right, his love
for his companions and perhaps most of all, his desire to just fit in. Writer, Peter
J. Tomasi along with partner and artist, Patrick Gleason, have been creating a
comic series for a new yet familiar version of Krypton’s last son in a
masterful fashion with their run, “DC Rebirth: Superman”.
This current run of
Superman is about 30 issues in and mostly follows Clark Kent, his wife, Lois,
and their son, Jon, who has powers of his own inherited from the man of steel.
When I realized this run would focus heavily on the Kent family I had my
concerns; I love the adventures of Superman like when he’s saving the world
from Darkseid or thwarting one of Lex Luthor’s evil schemes. Kal-El’s romance
with Lois Lane is one of the greatest in comic book history but the idea of
them having a child and it being the pivotal point of the story seemed like it
could be the incorrect approach for the blue boy scout. Boy was I wrong.
Tomasi and Gleason have
made the dynamic of the Kent my family my favorite aspect of their comic run
thus far as Lois and Clark continue their timeless chemistry only now they’re
parents. Jonathan Kent is a superb addition to the Kryptonian family and I was
worried he’d be irritating but he’s far from. Of course, he can be a whiny brat
at times but Jon is a kid who learns from his mistakes and seeks to better his
emotions the same as his powers which is a focal point of his relationship with
his father. The writers don’t hold much back with how dangerous Jon can be with
his powers if unchecked which creates an intriguing with Superman; should he
hide (protect) his son’s powers from the world or teach Jon to be a protector of
the people, a beacon of hope as he is? Superman always strives for the greater
good and that doesn’t change here only Tomasi and Gleason implement a
complexity for the character. Clark wants to protect his son and show him the
hero he can be but those two goals don’t necessarily mix perfectly leading to
brilliant characterization between the man and son of steel.
Character is what makes a
story great and Tomasi and Gleason are adding to these established characters
of Clark and Lois by inputting parental features as well as maintaining what
has made them special over the years. Lois and Clark love their son more than
anything and I haven’t doubted that once while reading and I’m not just saying
that because that’s how any parent would be written in a series like this. I’m
saying that the Kent’s work together beautifully and not just as a super
family, a real family too, one that I believe truly loves one another not because
of heat vision or super strength but because Clark will put off being Superman
for one evening to go to the county fair with his family, because Lois Lane,
not a superhero by the way, will enter a giant metal Hellbat Batman suit to
save Jon’s life (yes, that actually happens in the run and it’s awesome).
Tomasi and Gleason have
created a dynamic for a family that feels real and super. Of course, Jon and
Clark go on adventures together stopping forces of evil and Clark also teaches
his son the morality and restraint required of being someone like him. Tomasi
and Gleason’s Superman comic series is a true representation of the legendary
character while also being a fresh take on 80-year-old superhero and I can’t wait
to see where they take the Man of Tomorrow next.
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