List items
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In many ways, All-Star Superman has become the quintessential Superman tale. It finally acknowledges Supes as the God figure he truly is; the Sun god; the "All-Star". It also features what is, to my mind, the definitive take on Lex Luthor as well, and is a pitch perfect representation of the dichotomy between him and Superman.
All this being said, All-Star was a story I didn't like initially. I even considered it overrated. Much of that has to do with the fact that Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely wrote a Superman story for the "initiated"; people who already knew and understood what was great about the character. I still maintain that this is absolutely NOT a great entry point into Kal El's world and, therein lied the problem for me. I read arguably the best story for a given character as my introduction into that world. Never, ever, do that! You have to earn it first.
It took reading various other stories from other writers (many of which were much more suitable introductions to the character). Once I finally understood what I had been missing - what was so special about Clark and his mythic counterpart - I was able to enjoy the creme de la creme of Superman stories, no longer as a mere comic fan, but as a Superman Fan.
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One of the Superman writers who currently stands out to me most is Geoff Johns. His work at DC in general has made him a superstar. But it's his grasp on the Superman/Clark Kent duality which has me hooked. What I mean by that is Johns never loses sight of Superman's semblance of a human life. It's what grounds the character, humanizes him and, also, introduces the readers to his stellar supporting cast.
As for this particular tale, what Johns did with "Brainiac" was finally pit the Man of Steel face-to-face with the REAL Brainiac, in the flesh. Something that, apparently, had never happened before. Good on 'em because this is one of the most badass, gloriously rendered Superhero arcs I've read in recent years (in no small part to Gary Frank's Reeves-esque Superman). It's one you can't wait to pick up and read the moment you've finished.
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For all the great Superman stories out there, THIS is the one that hooked me. This is the one that made me understand what was so great about the character and what I had been misunderstanding about him for so long.
Breaking the story apart into 4 different narratives gives the reader multiple perspectives on Supes and, consequently, displays the greatness of the character but all through uniquely different voices.
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Another Geoff Johns/Gary Frank collaboration makes the list. For one, I just can't get enough of the visual homage to Christopher Reeve. It's perfect! Secondly, I like this story in particular because it's pretty much become a forgotten little gem, and it's barely a few years old! Here's why:
Secret Origin came out shortly before the New 52 continuity. Johns was obviously trying to set something up big for Supes going forward from here, but DC had other plans in mind so this reworking of Supes' origin - which was undoubtedly slated to be the new "official" one going forward - was just as quickly wiped away when DC went for broke with a whole new revamp and reboot.
This is a damn fine origin, sure to get flack because of the countless ones before it. But mostly because Johns never truly got to realize what I imagine to be the vision he had.
Johns writes in these pages quite possibly my favorite rendition of Lois Lane. She's spunky, driven, crusading and downright fun to watch. Clark's scenes are also especially funny - specifically a certain "handshake" which had me loling for quite a bit.
The Daily Planet scenes steal the show in this comic and that's saying something when you're talking about a Superman book!
As for the art, Gary Frank's visuals are expressive and uniquely beautiful. The art and story are a perfect match and make for one hell of an origin. I know this book is somewhat divisive but I completely loved it!
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An old, Alex Ross-drawn Superman plowing the fields is prodded to come back and save the world once more. What more needs to be said?? This comic was destined for greatness.
It may be a Justice League comic but Kingdom Come is also an exploration of humanity and the idea of superheroes in general. Are people worth saving? And, if so, whose job is it REALLY to save us?
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