Great take on Superman's origins!
356999
Never before has Big Blue's origin ever been told with such grounded realism. Since everyone has written such lengthy reviews, I won't add my own. The only thing I'll contribute is a major annoyance I have with this book. There are several times within the pages that De Haven goes into what I call The List. At these points in the novel, I don't know if he's trying to impress us with all of the research he did or if he just thought it somehow worked. Regardless, it doesn't. None of The Lists contribute anything to the book and are so annoying that I haven't re-read the novel as much as I usually would have. Every time The List pops up, I get very irritated and skip it entirely.
1391388
As someone who has enjoyed the various incarnations of the Superman legend on TV and in the movies over the years (as well as dipping into the comic books now and then), I liked Tom's De Haven's fresh-by-being-retro take on the character in his novel, "It's Superman!"  Superman, after all, was originally created in the 1930's and dozens of his initial comic book and newspaper strip adventures took place at that time, so why not do a contemporary novel set during the time of the Man of Steel's initial introduction to the world, the time when our grandparents and their contemporaries were first dazzled by the character?

Just be prepared for a more methodical and literary approach than you might expect, with pacing and excitement taking a definite back seat to mood, introspection, and characterization.  Am I saying "It's Superman!" is dull?  Not at all.  After all, it eventually has Lex Luthor building an army of robots to take over the world (a development that Mr. De Haven skillfully fits alongside the novel's many realistic elements and makes work).  Just don't expect a lightning pace and endless wham-bang action, and you'll have no problem enjoying this fine book.

Mr. De Haven should consider making "It's Superman!" the first installment of a possible trilogy.  The way he skillfully and effectively uses many literary techniques (like introspective internal dialogues), as well as the way he's good at placing those elements comfortably alongside fantastic sci-fi style developments, makes it a good bet that he could tell quite a unique Krypton-oriented story, as the author's gritty, down-to-earth, and often moody Clark Kent discovers the true nature of his other-worldly origins.  Talk about the realistic meeting the fantastic!  But, for now at least, we have this moving and stirring book.
3763539
This was actually better than I expected. The classic elements of the Superman are strong on this one.
2138737
The best rebirth story I've read yet.  They've fixed everything they screwed up with the new 52 Superman and the whole depowered, wrestling Superman nonsense.  Tomasi and Gleason are one of the best creative teams working at DC and it shows.  I love the interactions between Clark, Lois, and their son Jon.  My favorite parts are Clark showing Jon the ropes of what it means to be Superman.  I hope they continue to focus on the family dynamic in this book.  It's a great way of making it stand out from all the other Superman books.

Received an advance copy from DC and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
4144293
I consider myself a huge Superman fan; though I don't go to conventions, read the comics, or vehemently track the latest stories on the subject.

With all that said, I felt this movie was an excellent reimagined story telling of Superman. My whole family enjoyed watching the movie and I'd highly recommend this movie to anyone with an open mind on the interpretation if the subject matter.
1152736
The best take on Superman yet. There is terrific back story that you normally do not see. the actions scenes were telling part of the story. Usually I find the intense violence disturbing but here it is necessary to understand the characters depth. I read the critics and think they are both uninformed as to the nature of this legend and the idea of what a movie is. this is not an extension of the comics but a remarkable creative insight.
I am retired but i am so glad I have had this in my collection.
2254354
Honestly, this sounded like a slightly silly premise to me:  "Hey, Batman, I've just had an idea!  Let's find all the Kryptonite on Earth and get rid of it!"  "Sure thing, Supes!"

In fact, it turned out to be a surprisingly good, and not at all dumb, read.  It starts out with a scene that just has to make you laugh, then quickly and smoothly segues into the main point of the plot:  Supes has noticed that there seems to be more and more Kryptonite around, making it harder for him to do his job (and incidentally, kind of dangerous just to live on Earth).  Batman seems to come along on the mission because increasing amounts of Kryptonite presents a mystery, and/or because he thinks the naive, trusting Superman needs a babysitter.  Well, Batman's motivations are always hard to fathom.

The plot is a good ride with a lot of unexpected encounters and events; it changed pace nicely, and gave a good balance between action and character.  Well-written dialog and internal 'thought bubbles' provide nice, if not stunningly original, insights into both Supes and Bats differing reactions to the same events..  The artwork throughout is excellent.  There's a scene where Superman is at the JLA's moon base after exposure to a previously unknown form of (possibly) magic Kryptonite.  The depictions of the other League members from Superman's POV is hilarious; it just misses being over the top, but it works and it's a nice giggle in the middle of an increasingly tension-filled plot.

I can't really discuss the questions raised by what (and who) Supes and Bats find in Kansas without spoiling.  So I'll just say, you can understand everyone's position up to a point, and interesting questions about secrecy, security and patriotism are raised.

I'm giving four stars instead of five for a couple of complaints:  One, the scenes with the new Aquaman just make no sense whatsoever.  No one's motivations or actions make any sense in these scenes, but Aquaman appears to belong in the Aqua-Looney Bin.  Two, Superman's decision to perform no rescues while on the Kryptonite hunt is totally out of character.  And three, Power Girl is not in the JLA; she's in the JSA.  Apart from the Aquaman thing, none of these are serious enough to break the reader's suspension of disbelief.  So maybe it should really get four and a half stars.

The story seems ready to close about four different times, which is cool.  Just keeps hitting unexpected plot twists right up until the end.  And the very last page is... infuriating, heartbreaking, beautiful, tragic, and completely in character.  It's a good idea but by no means original.  With competent execution, it would have been... fine.  In order to make it truly moving, the depictions of the setting and the activity, the writing, and, most importantly, the expression on the character's face, all had to be perfect -- and they are.  That last page is a tour de force.

Note:  This book appears to be set in a more or less current DC 'verse, but doesn't seem to be part of any particular continuity.

If you're a Superman, Batman, or general DCU fan, "The Search for Kryptonite" is definitely worth buying.  Enjoy!
202572
This book gives you the tools you need to start a Epic saga Written by Geoff Johns and James Robinson. I have just finished the 2nd and 3rd vollume. The story really picks up in book two. This is a great Superman story and great start to a very long run. The cover by the Legend Alex Ross are presented in the book wich is a major plus. If you are a fan of the bubble gum version of Smallville or Geoff Johns then this is a must read!
3098285
My first introduction to a super hero was through the television program Superman and he was portrayed by actor George Reeves. I also was a fan of Batman, The Green  Hornet and Wonder Woman but these were live action TV programs also. Being female, my comic book preferences were geared toward Archie, Betty, Jughead and Verinica but my brother and his friends were huge fans of the comic books featuring different super heroes. They thought they were reading them for fun and enjoyment but this newly published book states that they were being shown "spiritual truths in comicbooks and superhero movies".

In 'The Super-Heroes Devotional' author Ed Strauss gives his opinion of how these super heroes displayed true Christian beliefs. Each of the sixty devotions offers a brief history and background of the superhero being featured and scripture is also used to help explain the biblical concept. Some of the superheroes are well-known and others aren't as familiar but they all possess some of the qualities found in Bible heroes. Some were admirable qualities such as faith, hope, and  courage. Others, such as pride and the abuse of power, weren't as positive but God was still able to use them for the good of His people.

I recommend this book highly because
It is apparent that Mr. Strauss's passion for  comicbooks and superheroes is matched only by his love for God. I appreciate that in the last entry he offers readers an invitation to ask Christ into their lives and I believe that this is an excellent devotional for both young and old!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
1670682
I have always been a fan or Superman and Batman. I find they are a terric duo that go very well together. In Public Enemies you do get a quick review of Superman and Batman's origins.
The story starts off with Superman and Batman facing off againts Metallo. There is a very interesting mystery involving Batman and Metallo.
The President Lex Luthor is up for re-election. He and his advisors have detected a Large Krytonite Asteroid on a collision course with Earth. Lex has declared Superman is responsible and has put a large price on his head. Now mostly every villain and even super heroes want to bring in Superman to collect on his bounty.
Well that is a basic idea of the story. Check out Volume 2 Supergirl, that sort of picks up after this volume.
3311599
I love this version of Superman! Only thing that bugged my dad was that Lois' hair should have been brown according to the comics haha. Great movie and came really quickly!!
3955548
In classic D. C. Comic style author, Sarah Hines Stephens, sets up this battle of good versus evil with a short introduction of the heroes and villains.  She goes on to explain what Kryptonite is and the effect it has on Superman, possibly to hook those new-to-the-genre readers into the adventurous life of the Man of Steel. As the story unfolds, Batman, the special guest hero, comes to Superman's rescue by stealing the Kryptonite from Metallo's chest and locking it in a lead box so it will no longer hurt his super friend.  Batman's flash bombs and Superman's heat vision stop the metal monster, melting him into the street.  Batman finishes the cyborg with zaps from the Dark Knight's taser, and Superman flings the hunk of metal into space forever. Tracing all the trouble back to Lex Luthor, the super heroes hand him over to the police and thank each other on a job well done. The reader is thrust into the scenes through the vibrant and colorful illustrations used by Mada Design, Inc.  As this book is written for elementary readers, the use of primary colors on the pages is very relevant. (Previously reviewed for San Francisco and Sacramento Book Review.)
871478
Manu of the negatie reviews I see for this series have one big complaint; they did Superman all wrong.  The character and manner of Superman is definitly different, but I liked the change.

Superman has been around for nearly seventy years, and when characters have been around so long, changes have to be made to make the story fresh.  In this series, Clark, or Kal-El, dose a lot os soul searching about his heritage.  He thinks much about his father and Krypton, and even insists that people call him Kal-El rather than Clark.  This is a darker, more conflicted Superman, who is trying to come to terms with a crisis that e inadvertantly is responsible for.  The image of good old and naive farm boy from Kansas is nowhere to be seen.  I liked the cahnge, though.  Why can't Superman change?  Is he not allowed to get depreesed or angry?  All well written characters must occasionally stray from thier stereotype.

The only reason I gave it a 4 instead of a five is because the dialogue got confusing sometimes.  I had to read over more than once to get the meaning, but just because it is a comic doesn't mean you don't have to think and interpret.

Bottom line: if you want to read a series, keeping an open mind, with a different take on Superman, you will most likely enjoy this.  If you want the same old Superman thats been around for years, do not buy this.
3457112
Max Landis does it again  but I'm biased, I tend to love everything he puts out. Clever spins on Superman's story throughout his career, I love how each issue is named after a bird (most of which are also designations for Planes  I am sure that isn't an accident  "a bird, a plane...").  All the cameos and DC references are awesome, just the right amount of fan service while still wholly being a Superman book.  Simply a masterwork.
2739257
Great book! I grew up on Bruce's work from the 90's with Batman: The Animated Series, Superman The Animated Series, and Justice League. It's wonderful to have somewhat of a tell all guide to the background of his style and his featured illustrations!
2765278
I am, without a doubt, a huge fan of Superman!  I grew up with Christopher Reeve as the Man of Steel and enjoyed his 4 big screen adventures.  It's great that these movies have made it to blu-ray in this great collectors set to enjoy over and over again.  I previously bought the 14 disc DVD set a few years ago so I've pretty much seen all the material but when I found out about this with even better visual and sound enhancement, I had to get it.  The inclusion of the deleted Return to Krypton scene was cool to see on Superman Returns (Even though I'm not a fan of that movie as a whole) but I wish they would've included other scenes that were in previews and clips from that movie.  I also enjoyed the addition of the Science of Superman special.  An interesting and scientific look into just how plausable and reality based Superman's powers and abilities would be.

All in all if you are a huge fan of Superman or you just enjoy these movies this is a must have!  These are movies that you can watch time and time again and they are always fun.
1606129
This is a good tail. It takes Superman in a different direction than I am used to. Fantastic artwork tells an interesting story. It shows what happens if Superman makes a mistake but just what that mistake is takes a while for the reader to find out. Who does Superman turn to to talk through things?