The conclusion to Geoff Johns and Gary Frank's retelling of the classic Superman origin story.
Last issue, the government was after Superman for allegedly attacking the US Army. Lead by Sam Lane the issue begins with him and his men inside the Daily Planet ordering the staff to provide any information they can to assist in the capture of Superman. Lois defends Superman from her father, until he drops the bombshell to everyone that Superman, is in fact, an alien. Meanwhile, Superman is hiding in the sewers catching his breath when the soldiers find and attack him. He engages the US Army.
John Corben, who had been badly hurt last issue, joins the fight and attacks Superman. Now rebuilt by Lex Luthor, Corben is powered by a Kryptonite heart. In the heat of the battle, Corben attacks civilians and soldiers alike. Superman rushes in to save them all and defeats Corben. Lane moves in to arrest Superman, but the soldiers and citizens defend him. Superman tells everyone that they should stop looking for a savior and to look to themselves to make Metropolis a better place. But that he'd always be there to help. He then flies off to confront a pissed off Luthor telling him that he's not going anywhere.
Some time after the events, Clark and Lois bask in the success of their respective stories. Lois with her exclusive interview with Superman and Clark with his interviews with how people in Metropolis feel about Superman. As Clark musters up the nerve to ask Lois out, she finds a note from Superman asking to meet him on the roof of the Daily Planet. The two have a moment, only to be interuppted by Jimmy Olsen who informs them that the Daily Planet has become the city's number one newspaper. Lois asks Superman if he's a man, or an alien. He replys: "I'm Superman, Lois." and flies off.
I didn't like this on the first read. The first five issues of this story were gold, but they sort of condensed the climax with this issue and it felt a bit rushed. With that being said, I had to reread it a few more times for this review and I actually had a change of heart. Johns knows how to pick his words carefully with what he's given and every bit of dialogue in this issue contributed greatly to the story. There was one thing I found uncharacteristic about Superman in this issue. He fought the soldiers and put people in danger. We have to remember, this is his first adventure. He's still a rookie. The Daily Planet's big comeback gives me hope that newspapers can still be saved. We just need a big blue flying alien man to write about. The last scene was pretty good. It was a nice contrast to all the heavy set action and fast pacing that occurred the last few issues.
Gary Frank's art is, as always, top notch. He manages to capture the Christopher Reeve look when drawing Superman and Clark. I can't wait to follow his next project.
4/5
Make sure to check out Superman: Earth One in November!
