reflection

Tom King and Andy Kubert present a great jumping on point for new readers, as well as an interesting angle on Superman’s unquenchable need to save the day for established fans. 
Writing/Story
Pencils/Ink
Colors
Lettering

Review: SUPERMAN: UP IN THE SKY #1 Has a New Take on the Man of Steel

Superman: Up in the Sky #1 is the first part of a six issue miniseries, which was originally printed in the Superman Giant series hidden somewhere in your local Walmart. 

** Spoilers Below **

Superman: Up in the Sky #1 Cover

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Story

Aliens have kidnapped a young Earth girl from Metropolis, taking her off-planet. Superman goes in pursuit of them, but with each stop along the path, the mystery of who the aliens are deepens, and the Man of Steel is faced with a new task. Is he getting closer to rescuing the girl, or further away? And who is protecting Metropolis in his absence? This galaxy-spanning question poses a moral dilemma for Superman: How much is one life worth compared to the millions back on his adopted planet? How far will he go, what foes will he face, to find that answer?

In Superman: Up in the Sky #1, Tom King has gone for a ‘back to basics’ formula to telling this Man of Steel story. Readers are given a strong emphasis and why Superman is the hero we know and love. His supporting players, including Perry White, Pa Kent, and Lois Lane are also put in the spotlight to give a clear idea as to who these characters are, for any new readers. 

King is known for his emotionally complex take on established characters. Sometimes they are revered (see: Vision), while others are met with division (see: Heroes in Crisis). Here we see an obsessive Superman, one who must be able to save anyone and everyone. He refuses to accept that he cannot help people individually, whilst also being the savior the entire planet needs him to be. It’s very reminiscent of Batman, who will stop at nothing until the mystery is solved. King leans heavily into the investigative journalist that Supes is supposed to be, but rarely seen.

Superman: Up in the Sky #1 Page

Art

Penciller Andy Kubert brings his visceral and bold style to Superman: Up in the Sky. Much like his work in The Dark Knight III: The Master Race, there are some images of Superman in this book covered in shadow, and with heavy, vivid creasing. When he draws closeups of his characters, Kubert is a master of facial expressions, particularly that of rage. There is also some beautiful imagery of Superman saving the day time and time again. That’s not to say the artwork is flawless. Some character proportions and facial expressions are a bit uneven.

Conclusion

Tom King and Andy Kubert present a great jumping on point for new readers, as well as an interesting angle on Superman’s unquenchable need to save the day for established fans. 

What did you think of Superman: Up in the Sky #1? Let us know in the comments!

Michael Fromm
Michael Frommhttps://www.michaelefromm.com/
Michael E. Fromm is an all-around scrivener, writing screenplays (short and feature), short stories, novels, poetry, blogs, articles, and press releases. Since first learning to hold a pen, he has done little but read, watch, and write about characters and worlds of fantasy. It would be very difficult to find him without a pen in hand and an idea in mind, which is problematic for anyone wanting to have a conversation with him. Michael graduated from Rowan University, primarily focusing on improving his skills as a filmmaker and screenwriter. After said schooling, he joined an elite force of Rowan grads who also had the notion of becoming filmmakers. This group, known as Justice Productions, call on him every so often to write short films. And, until this whole writing thing pays off, Michael currently does development & marketing communication (writing, graphic & publication design, social media and website upkeep, etc.) for a web development company in Central New Jersey, where he currently resides.
Tom King and Andy Kubert present a great jumping on point for new readers, as well as an interesting angle on Superman’s unquenchable need to save the day for established fans. Review: SUPERMAN: UP IN THE SKY #1 Has a New Take on the Man of Steel