Superman #51
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Artist: Mikel Janin
Ever since Geoff Johns departed the main Superman title, I’ve fallen out of the loop with the man of steel’s comic line. With the exception of Max Landis’ brilliant American Alien, I feel that the recent Superman titles have been uninspired. Unfortunately I was even disappointed with the creative teams announced for Rebirth. I never planned on reading Superman #51 but it was getting a lot of buzz this morning and I decided to give it a shot. Superman is my favourite superhero so I’m always willing to see what a new writer has to say.
Yes this premise is very similar to Morrison’s masterful All-Star Superman, but did that bother me? Not even close. For a die-hard Superman fan upset about his treatment in BVS, Superman #51 was an absolutely refreshing and delightful read. From the first 5 pages, I could tell that Peter J. Tomasi gets it. His Superman is charming, caring, kind, and hopeful. Everything I want to see when I’m reading a Superman comic. The plot is very familiar but Superman was characterized so well that it didn’t detract from the comic. There is a great simplicity to this issue that I find is often lacking in Superman comics.
As for the art department, it may even be better than the writing. Mikel Janin has done a wonderful job on Grayson but this issue is unquestionably his best work. He perfectly captures the kind allure of Superman’s personality and brings a great vibrancy to his world. Unfortunately I don’t think he will remain on this book for long but Janin could easily become a definitive Superman artist if he chooses to one day reunite with Tomasi.
Based on the perfect characterization of its title hero alone I can recommend Superman #51 to any Superman fan. Visually, Mikel Janin also brings a great livelihood to this book to accompany its human hero. I now am very hopeful for Superman’s future and what Peter J. Tomasi will bring to the book come June!
Artist: Mikel Janin
Ever since Geoff Johns departed the main Superman title, I’ve fallen out of the loop with the man of steel’s comic line. With the exception of Max Landis’ brilliant American Alien, I feel that the recent Superman titles have been uninspired. Unfortunately I was even disappointed with the creative teams announced for Rebirth. I never planned on reading Superman #51 but it was getting a lot of buzz this morning and I decided to give it a shot. Superman is my favourite superhero so I’m always willing to see what a new writer has to say.
Yes this premise is very similar to Morrison’s masterful All-Star Superman, but did that bother me? Not even close. For a die-hard Superman fan upset about his treatment in BVS, Superman #51 was an absolutely refreshing and delightful read. From the first 5 pages, I could tell that Peter J. Tomasi gets it. His Superman is charming, caring, kind, and hopeful. Everything I want to see when I’m reading a Superman comic. The plot is very familiar but Superman was characterized so well that it didn’t detract from the comic. There is a great simplicity to this issue that I find is often lacking in Superman comics.
As for the art department, it may even be better than the writing. Mikel Janin has done a wonderful job on Grayson but this issue is unquestionably his best work. He perfectly captures the kind allure of Superman’s personality and brings a great vibrancy to his world. Unfortunately I don’t think he will remain on this book for long but Janin could easily become a definitive Superman artist if he chooses to one day reunite with Tomasi.
Based on the perfect characterization of its title hero alone I can recommend Superman #51 to any Superman fan. Visually, Mikel Janin also brings a great livelihood to this book to accompany its human hero. I now am very hopeful for Superman’s future and what Peter J. Tomasi will bring to the book come June!
A Look Inside
