The Monitor Tapes for 9.28.2009
SUPERMAN SECRET ORIGIN #1 (OF 6)
Written by Geoff Johns; Art by Gary Frank and Jon Sibal; Covers by Gary Frank
Superman Secret Origin is the third “official” retelling/ retcon of the origin of the Man of Steel post Crisis on Infinite Earths, to some this may seem redundant, but it’s the first “Origin” story that focuses on Clark Kent years of discovery and the difficulties of growing up while learning about himself.
Out of all the versions of Clark Kent’s formative years, Secret Origin is the absolute best! Tough I’ve been partial of Mark Waid’s “Superman Birthright”, due to it’s inclusion of going back to the original “origin” over John Byrne’s “Man of Steel” reboot. Unlike Birthright however, Johns’ focuses on young Clark, making the character’s story a coming of age that’s easily relatable, as Johns excels at writing characters both believable and relatable.
Not to say there’s anything wrong with MOS, Birthright, or any other retelling of the Superman origin story, but Secret Origin goes directly into the development of Clark Kent as he struggles to understand his own self. As many debate the thousands of characters in the comic worlds as to whether the costume or the “secret ID” is truly the person, the story lets Clark shine as it should. Despite being from Krypton, being able to fly, and all the other things that make up Superman, the most important part of the character is Clark Kent, it’s who he is!
Superman would not be superman without Clark Kent, without the loving family who raised him, friends, and lessons he learned growing up in Smallville, Kansas, Kal El of Krypton would not have the nobility and selfless nature that makes Superman great.
The story starts with a young Clark staring off to the sun with a single page intro with the words “Why are you here?”, within the story a question in regards to the kids playing football including best friend Pete Ross. While having context within the story, it also doubles as a deeper question setting up the story as Clark begins his journey of self discovery.
As Clark catches the ball and thrills to the excitement of inclusion (beautifully mastered through he art of Gary Frank, who has some of the best, most expressive story telling ability in the realm of comic artists), he unfortunately manages to break Pete’s arm when he tries to tackle Clark. What’s great is the fact Clark knows something strange is going on with himself (as later evidenced in the story) and feels terrible and dumps guilt upon himself for the accident, despite his growing strength, it could have easily happened to two normal kids without either of them having super-powers.
After the arrival of an ambulance and Clark’s father, John Kent, the ride home is portrayed as mostly silent with the exception of John questioning Clark’s “fabrication” regarding him telling his father he was going to the library. John does not press the issue as he can not only see how much guilt and suffering his adoptive son is going through, but also as not knowing what to do as their family dynamic is not normal as to be evidenced later (though I’m sure you know why already).
As the story progressed along with Clark’s abilities, his past and genetic parents are revealed when John decides that Clark needs to know, much to Martha’s dismay as it will change everything. While at first as the Kents’ reveal the rocket that they found Clark in becomes a discovery of elation to him, it soon turns to revulsion and horror as Jor El and Lara reveal themselves. Through the recordings upon the ship, the long dead parents tell the familiar tale of the last days of Krypton. In a first, the story is woven in to the story as natural exposition, complementing the story rather than starting it. Clark runs off crying into the night after these revelations only wanting to be “Clark Kent”, son of John and Martha.
The story perfectly takes the backdrop of Clark’s early teens (a strange time for any teenager) and uses it as a double whammy as Clark begins dealing with his emerging powers. That along with the introduction of those in his life during those difficult years (including an early meeting with Lex Luthor) makes the first book of the series a strong story and introduction to the boy who will become Superman. My favorite part of the book being the final page introducing the introduction of the union-super suit we all know and love along with Clark’s embarrassed reaction to it.
Superman Secret Origin is possibly the most perfect Superman story introducing the character in a difficult time in his life. With all the previous history, it’s fresh and important and less of a retread. As a matter of fact, it’s just damn wonderful to read, and possibly the greatest origin for comics’ greatest hero!
Click “here” for a preview of the issue!
And here’s a quick look at the cover for
SUPERMAN: SECRET ORIGIN #2 (OF 6)
Geoff Johns and Gary Frank’s exploration of the origin of the greatest Super Hero of all time continues! In this second issue, readers will witness young Clark Kent’s initial journey into the late 30th century as Superboy and see how meeting the Legion of Super-Heroes shapes the Superman he will one day become! Plus, more on the beginnings of the young Lex Luthor!
Available on October 28, 2009
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As always, thanks for reading!
