Superman: Birthright (DC Compact Comics: Superman)

What makes Clark Kent the Superman? What drives him to become a superheros and what's his place in the world? And how can a reader identify with an angelic pure hero like Superman? These questions are answered by the amazing team of writer Mark Waid and artists, Leinil Francis You and Gerry Alanguilan. If you think the character is outdated in our cynical 21st century, this comic will prove you wrong. If you're a fan of the character, it is a must read. The production of the book is excellent. Informative foreword and afterword with cover gallery.

Some legends never get old and in Superman we have the most known origin story reworked in a new way that entertains with every page. We also have a detailed description of the origins of another famous person from Smallville, Led Luthor. This volume details his initial friendship with Clark and the brilliant wannabe scientist always thwarted by his own brilliance, his impatience or the Neanderthal nature of his peers and teachers. His eternal quest for alien life from a very young age begs a question whether he was aware that Clark's one too. Left to the imagination here but it manifests itself in later pages with abject hate for Superman. Luthor in his megalomania can never accept anyone else being the centre of attention on earth. Excellent visuals, art and entertainment.

This is a fine origin story for Superman, retrofitted for modern times. Couple of things I don’t like: The art style makes Superman look scary, not warm and inviting. Superman is a little too tough, with many scenes where he’s drawn like a jerk. The third act’s pacing is too fast, blowing through the finale with the resolution feeling too sudden and too convenient. However, there are some nice ideas in there that we haven’t seen in other Superman media.