The Alpha Review
By Andrew Uys
I’ve heard that trade paperbacks — a run of comic issues collected into a graphic novel — are all the rage today. But which ones are worth your time? This column aims to put the spotlight on the spectacular trades — at least according to this writer. And just for fun, we will start with the letter “A,” and each subsequent review will follow with the next letter of the alphabet. While you might object to my taste or my opinion, I hope that this column will help save you time and money when you are next buying a trade paperback, as well as effort in alphabetizing.
A is for All-Star Superman Vol. 1
Written by Grant Morrison
Art by Frank Quitely
DC Comics, 2007
Superman is one of the most iconic heroes of all time, and thus it is fitting that these reviews start with him. While there are dozens of trades out there featuring Superman, most of his best stories are either out-of-continuity or from the Elseworlds line. This trade paperback is no different. One might ask why this is so, and the answer is simple — originality. The storylines in the various Superman titles are often crippled by the weight of his history, and the sheer number of plotlines that have already been developed. The “All-Star” line of comics by DC hopes to overcome this by developing new stories that are set outside of regular the monthly titles, but not entirely removed from the “known” histories of the characters. For me, the All-Star Superman has been the most successful at showcasing this, while not distorting what we love about the hero (I’m looking at you All-Star Batman). All-Star Superman Vol. 1 collects the first six issues of the series, in what is slated to be a twelve-issue run.
Grant Morrison is know for his ability to rejuvenate B and C list heroes, and in All-Star Superman, he brings this skill to one of the greatest characters of all time. The comic starts with a modern Superman, but immediately sets itself apart from regular continuity with an amazing twist on how Superman’s powers work. No, I’m not talking about some version of the Blue/Red Superman. Rather, Grant Morrison crafts a story where the threat is based on how Superman gains his powers, and the solution lies beyond the merely physical. To write any more would ruin the first issue, but I can say that I’m eagerly awaiting the end of the run to discover how this plays out. The rest of the series develops the other major figures in the Superman mythos, but the focus remains squarely on the main character. Each issue can be read as a separate storyline — except for the two parter featuring Lois Lane — but the plot developed in the first issue remains as a guiding force, tying all the threads together. As I have already mentioned, what makes this run great is the originality of the stories. I would love to discuss them in depth, but that would ruin the fun of reading this trade. Adding to the comic’s quality is Frank Quitely’s art. His Superman has a supremely square jaw and barrel chest, while Clark Kent is the depiction of apparent meekness and clumsiness. The merging of the writing and illustrations makes for a wonderful read, and this trade is well worth its price tag.
For all the fabulous character development and exciting plot twists of All-Star Superman, there is one problem with this comic. Fortunately, it is partially overcome by the trade format. I am talking about the incredible delays between issues. What made this TPB so exciting when I read it (and I have been reading the issues as they have been released), was how wonderful the stories were when I could read them together. I even thought that I must have missed an issue or two along the way, but alas, the truth was that it had been so long between issues, I had merely forgotten minor plot details that are expanded upon in later stories. So, here is my warning — you’ll love this trade, marvel at the plots and artwork, but be prepared: it will be a lengthy wait till the second volume is shipped (the regular run is only at issue nine). As this is the only flaw with the book, I heartily and in good conscience can say that this is one of my favourite reads of the year, and it certainly stands apart from the mass of trades that you’ll find in your local comic store.
