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Superman by Geoff Johns #3.5
Superman: Secret Origin
Hot on the heels of their acclaimed graphic novel SUPERMAN: LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES, superstars Geoff Johns and Gary Frank reunite to present an explosive story that spells out the definitive origin of Superman for the 21st century! Chronicling Clark Kent's journey from the cornfields of Smallville to the skyscrapers of Metropolis, you'll witness a whole new look at the beginnings of Lex Luthor, the Legion of Super-Heroes, Lois Lane, Metallo, Jimmy Olsen, the Parasite and more of your favorite characters from the Superman family! It's a look at the mythic past of the Man of Steel with an eye toward the future!
186 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
Geoff Johns
2,579 books2,308 followersGeoff Johns originally hails from Detroit, Michigan. He attended Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in Media Arts and Film. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1990s in search of work within the film industry. Through perseverance, Geoff ended up as the assistant to Richard Donner, working on Conspiracy Theory and Lethal Weapon 4. During that time, he also began his comics career writing Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. and JSA (co-written with David S. Goyer) for DC Comics. He worked with Richard Donner for four years, leaving the company to pursue writing full-time.
His first comics assignments led to a critically acclaimed five-year run on the The Flash. Since then, he has quickly become one of the most popular and prolific comics writers today, working on such titles including a highly successful re-imagining of Green Lantern, Action Comics (co-written with Richard Donner), Teen Titans, Justice Society of America, Infinite Crisis and the experimental breakout hit series 52 for DC with Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. Geoff received the Wizard Fan Award for Breakout Talent of 2002 and Writer of the Year for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as the CBG Writer of the Year 2003 thru 2005, 2007 and CBG Best Comic Book Series for JSA 2001 thru 2005. Geoff also developed BLADE: THE SERIES with David S. Goyer, as well as penned the acclaimed “Legion” episode of SMALLVILLE. He also served as staff writer for the fourth season of ROBOT CHICKEN.
Geoff recently became a New York Times Bestselling author with the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac with art by Gary Frank.
His first comics assignments led to a critically acclaimed five-year run on the The Flash. Since then, he has quickly become one of the most popular and prolific comics writers today, working on such titles including a highly successful re-imagining of Green Lantern, Action Comics (co-written with Richard Donner), Teen Titans, Justice Society of America, Infinite Crisis and the experimental breakout hit series 52 for DC with Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. Geoff received the Wizard Fan Award for Breakout Talent of 2002 and Writer of the Year for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as the CBG Writer of the Year 2003 thru 2005, 2007 and CBG Best Comic Book Series for JSA 2001 thru 2005. Geoff also developed BLADE: THE SERIES with David S. Goyer, as well as penned the acclaimed “Legion” episode of SMALLVILLE. He also served as staff writer for the fourth season of ROBOT CHICKEN.
Geoff recently became a New York Times Bestselling author with the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac with art by Gary Frank.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
June 17, 2011
3.5 stars
Another good origin story by Johns, but something was missing. It seemed to cover too much. I think if it had been twice as long, it would have been better. Also, even though I love The Legion, what was the point of including them in this? They didn't play an important part in this particular story, and I think the pages could have been better spent on something else.
And, unlike with Superman: Brainiac, I couldn't overlook Gary Frank's Christopher Reeve-like rendition of Clark/Superman. Every time I turned the page, the thought Superman has no lips! smacked me upside the face. Maybe I'm in the minority with this opinion, but Superman is so fugly in this book, that it actually distracted me from the story. I feel compelled to mention that I did not think Christopher Reeves (may he rest in peace) was fugly. He did a wonderful job bringing Superman to life on the silver screen, etc...
I would put this on your to-read list if you are a fan of Superman or Johns. Even though I think it's not as in-depth as it could have been, it's still definitely worth reading.
Another good origin story by Johns, but something was missing. It seemed to cover too much. I think if it had been twice as long, it would have been better. Also, even though I love The Legion, what was the point of including them in this? They didn't play an important part in this particular story, and I think the pages could have been better spent on something else.
And, unlike with Superman: Brainiac, I couldn't overlook Gary Frank's Christopher Reeve-like rendition of Clark/Superman. Every time I turned the page, the thought Superman has no lips! smacked me upside the face. Maybe I'm in the minority with this opinion, but Superman is so fugly in this book, that it actually distracted me from the story. I feel compelled to mention that I did not think Christopher Reeves (may he rest in peace) was fugly. He did a wonderful job bringing Superman to life on the silver screen, etc...
I would put this on your to-read list if you are a fan of Superman or Johns. Even though I think it's not as in-depth as it could have been, it's still definitely worth reading.
November 11, 2012
This is the not-so secret origin story of the most famous superhero of them all, Superman. Geoff Johns runs through Clark Kent/Kal-El/Superman’s life story from his humble beginnings in Smallville, Kansas, growing up on the farm of Jonathan and Martha Kent, slowly realising his powers and alien ancestry as he becomes older, and meeting Lex Luthor for the first time, to his tentative first steps in Metropolis as he gets a job at The Daily Planet newspaper and meets the love of his life, Lois Lane.
If you’re a Superman fan this is all familiar territory. In fact, this is the big problem with the book: it doesn’t need to exist. The origin story has been told so many times before, doing it again feels pointless. I feel that if you’re going to rehash the same story one more time, the writer ought to bring something new to the table, provide a different slant on the tale, but Geoff Johns doesn’t do this. This is the definitive Superman story as it’s been told in many books before. It’s so familiar, even those people who’ve never read a Superman book could probably tell it to you.
And all of the characters behave as you would expect: Clark is clumsy, Superman is noble and heroic, Lois is independent and beautiful, Jonathan and Martha are the perfect parents, Perry White is gregarious, Jimmy Olson is the eager to please kid who’s Superman’s buddy, Lex is evil. They’re all so one dimensional and unsurprising it’s boring to read. Like from the first panel, Lex is instantly evil and muttering darkly about his plans for world domination like a Bond villain. The character treatments just feel rote.
Which isn’t to say the book is a total dud. Johns is a talented writer who completely understands the iconic character and writes his voice perfectly, as he does Lois’, and artist Gary Frank provides outstanding artwork throughout (even if he does make the questionable choice of making Christopher Reeve his model in this book - the visual is just too distracting).
If you’re new to Superman books or looking for a book to introduce the character to someone unfamiliar with him, this is the perfect book to begin with. If however you’ve read a few Superman books, chances are you’ll find little here you’ve not read before in one volume or another. Personally, I found “Secret Origin” to be decently written and well illustrated but was a disappointingly flat and uninspired read.
If you’re a Superman fan this is all familiar territory. In fact, this is the big problem with the book: it doesn’t need to exist. The origin story has been told so many times before, doing it again feels pointless. I feel that if you’re going to rehash the same story one more time, the writer ought to bring something new to the table, provide a different slant on the tale, but Geoff Johns doesn’t do this. This is the definitive Superman story as it’s been told in many books before. It’s so familiar, even those people who’ve never read a Superman book could probably tell it to you.
And all of the characters behave as you would expect: Clark is clumsy, Superman is noble and heroic, Lois is independent and beautiful, Jonathan and Martha are the perfect parents, Perry White is gregarious, Jimmy Olson is the eager to please kid who’s Superman’s buddy, Lex is evil. They’re all so one dimensional and unsurprising it’s boring to read. Like from the first panel, Lex is instantly evil and muttering darkly about his plans for world domination like a Bond villain. The character treatments just feel rote.
Which isn’t to say the book is a total dud. Johns is a talented writer who completely understands the iconic character and writes his voice perfectly, as he does Lois’, and artist Gary Frank provides outstanding artwork throughout (even if he does make the questionable choice of making Christopher Reeve his model in this book - the visual is just too distracting).
If you’re new to Superman books or looking for a book to introduce the character to someone unfamiliar with him, this is the perfect book to begin with. If however you’ve read a few Superman books, chances are you’ll find little here you’ve not read before in one volume or another. Personally, I found “Secret Origin” to be decently written and well illustrated but was a disappointingly flat and uninspired read.
April 13, 2018
Like the title suggests, Superman: Secret Origin is the retelling of Superman's origin story. And if you look at it just as a stand-alone Superman origin, it's certainly good and well-written, but nothing we haven't seen before. In fact, for those who just want to read a great version of Superman's origin, Secret Origin is a good option, but start with the excellent Superman: Birthright. But Secret Origin is great for a different reason — if you look at it as the first chapter in Geoff Johns's Superman run, it perfectly sets up and ties into everything that is to come. I have been reading his other Superman books out of sequence, and after reading Secret Origin I can see how the seeds for so many storylines from other books were planted right here. Wonderful characterisation and gorgeous artwork almost come as an added bonus, and I have to say, this is probably my favourite Geoff Johns comic that I've ever read. It's just so fun, it has great tone and the right mix of seriousness and silliness, and overall leaves a great impression.
April 2, 2021
Holy shit, from Superman: Birthright and Superman: Peace on Earth, two of the best Superman graphic novels I've read yesterday, to this one today: without a doubt The Worst Superman origin story I've had the displeasure to read! And to think that Birthright - the previous official modern origin story of Superman - turned out-of-continuity for this worthless piece of trash which became the new definite modern origin in Post-Infinite Crisis DC. What a damn shame.
Simply put: the storytelling is completely disjointed (we start in the middle of Clark's childhood, then all of a sudden he became Superboy, then out of the blue he's on an adventure in 31th century with the Legion, then in the very next chapter he's fully grown and in Metropolis... WTF?!), badly written with sometimes laughably cringe-worthy atrocious dialogs, even worse one dimensional flat characterizations without proper motivations to drive them or justify them, severely outdated take on Superman's origin eliminating all the post-millennium world settings that Birthright did so brilliantly and organically which justified itself in relevancy and freshness (exactly the OPPOSITE happened in this case)... instead executed the whole thing like a very stale and very bad Eighties movie (most probably Superman IV, and look, Metallo is here as the perfect stand-in for that Radiation Man as well!). The creepy and weird illustrations didn't help either: Clark even in his boyhood looks waaay too much like an old Christopher Reeve's face got pasted on a ten year old boy's body, and can't even begin to express how disturbing and distracting the grown Clark with Reeve's face felt every time I look at him! Its one thing to base the design of a character to have some slight resemblance with it's movie counterpart, its completely different (and unacceptable) thing to try to copy it down to the very last detail. Not to mention the fact that as much as I loved Reeve's immortal portrayals as Superman, he never did have a particularly Superman-ly face, at least not the type of faces we saw on Superman comics since the late eighties through nineties and beyond. All of these shortcomings combined for such a wasted opportunity which I sure as hell want to wash out from my memory. Its even more depressing as the book started very strong focusing on the young Clark's childhood days and his various hardships balancing his new-found powers and his social life... but then everything only went downhill from there.
And to think the creative mind behind such a massive misfire is none other than Mr. DC himself, Geoff freakin' Johns, is just unbelievable! I can safely say this book absolutely did NOT read like a Johns-written story (that's an understatement), and seems to me the only reasons for it's existence are to explain the Legion's involvement during Clark's boyhood, that Clark was once Superboy, and Lex was originally from Smallville with the young Lex had a little run in with the young Clark once. Everything else doesn't really amount to anything in the end, other than giving us an awful origin story that sadly replaced all the previous much, much better written and well-told memorable ones.
Not recommended at all. 4.5 out of 10.
Simply put: the storytelling is completely disjointed (we start in the middle of Clark's childhood, then all of a sudden he became Superboy, then out of the blue he's on an adventure in 31th century with the Legion, then in the very next chapter he's fully grown and in Metropolis... WTF?!), badly written with sometimes laughably cringe-worthy atrocious dialogs, even worse one dimensional flat characterizations without proper motivations to drive them or justify them, severely outdated take on Superman's origin eliminating all the post-millennium world settings that Birthright did so brilliantly and organically which justified itself in relevancy and freshness (exactly the OPPOSITE happened in this case)... instead executed the whole thing like a very stale and very bad Eighties movie (most probably Superman IV, and look, Metallo is here as the perfect stand-in for that Radiation Man as well!). The creepy and weird illustrations didn't help either: Clark even in his boyhood looks waaay too much like an old Christopher Reeve's face got pasted on a ten year old boy's body, and can't even begin to express how disturbing and distracting the grown Clark with Reeve's face felt every time I look at him! Its one thing to base the design of a character to have some slight resemblance with it's movie counterpart, its completely different (and unacceptable) thing to try to copy it down to the very last detail. Not to mention the fact that as much as I loved Reeve's immortal portrayals as Superman, he never did have a particularly Superman-ly face, at least not the type of faces we saw on Superman comics since the late eighties through nineties and beyond. All of these shortcomings combined for such a wasted opportunity which I sure as hell want to wash out from my memory. Its even more depressing as the book started very strong focusing on the young Clark's childhood days and his various hardships balancing his new-found powers and his social life... but then everything only went downhill from there.
And to think the creative mind behind such a massive misfire is none other than Mr. DC himself, Geoff freakin' Johns, is just unbelievable! I can safely say this book absolutely did NOT read like a Johns-written story (that's an understatement), and seems to me the only reasons for it's existence are to explain the Legion's involvement during Clark's boyhood, that Clark was once Superboy, and Lex was originally from Smallville with the young Lex had a little run in with the young Clark once. Everything else doesn't really amount to anything in the end, other than giving us an awful origin story that sadly replaced all the previous much, much better written and well-told memorable ones.
Not recommended at all. 4.5 out of 10.
July 23, 2012
I'm not normally a huge fan of the revised and redone origin stories of the superhuman characters of the DC and Marvel universes. I often feel it's either: 1)laziness, 2)commercially driven to tie into new movies or tv shows or 3)because they simply cannot come up with any new ideas. However this was a very well written origin story that managed to subvert previous superman origin stories and tell a modern Superman story very well.
The major problem with a Superman origin for a modern audience is that the very nature of who he is could make him an unrelatable character. Where Batman is a man fighting crime and Spiderman is (well originally anyway) a teenager with superpowers Superman is an all-powerful alien who is virtually a god. He could (were universes to meet) probably defeat all the members of the Avengers on his own. However what Geoff Johns does here is write a story which humanises and grounds the man of steel in a very intelligent manner, much like what the television show Smallville obviously tried to do for its audiences.
And it does this in two ways. Firstly it tells the story of a Superboy struggling with his powers and his adolescent nature at the same time. He wants to fit in with the other children but cannot. He wants to get the girl but is worried about the fact that he recently found out he's actually an alien. All of which are normal adolescent concerns inserted into the framework of a superhuman teenager. Secondly the story switches to a Metropolis where the Daily Planet is failing and where Lex Luthor holds sway over everything. Here Superman must struggle with finding out how to free these people and bring hope in a City of Tomorrow that's become very dystopian.
If you're familiar with the man of steel or not I encourage reading this. If nothing else it could serve as a solid segue into the new Man of Steel movie coming out next year or it could serve to re/introduce you to the character of Superman. And I must admit that no matter your opinion of superheroes this is a solid graphic novel with some fine storytelling and art.
January 13, 2023
The book that has broken my Superman hiatus. Johns has crafted a near perfect rendition of the Blue Boy Scout. It's an extremely accessible comic for those who aren't as familiar with Clark Kent as it chronicles his life as a child up until his first real adventure in Metropolis. There's just such a great understanding of the titular character as well as the supporting cast that makes this origin retelling so engaging. Bonus points for the art mirroring Christopher Reeves. One of my personal favourite Superman comics of all time, it does everything I want from a Man of Steel comic right, with its only real flaw being the fact that it left me wanting more.
January 22, 2016
Geoff Johns does Superman. What more do you need to know? I have loved all of Geoff John's runs on different comics. He is a great writer. I found out about this series and was glad I did. Wonderful art and a great story. If you are a fan of Superman or G. johns writing then I can not recommend this one enough for you.
March 28, 2021
You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.
There are some stories that you seem to know before you’re even born. Whether it’s the story of a little girl in her red cape facing a big bad wolf or a little lost boy who just doesn’t grow up, there’s always a fascinating array of stories that are shared from one generation to another. Take for example that one story of a human-looking alien crash-landing on Earth only to be taken in by an utterly friendly Kansas couple. Now that’s a story about truth, justice, and the American way. A story about immigration, acceptance, and heroism. A story that makes you root for a hero that will one day become every person’s symbol of hope. While every story-teller doesn’t tell this story the same way, it remains a story that will always capture the heart and soul of this superhero. With legendary writer Geoff Johns teamed up with sensational artist Gary Frank, they revisit the origins of Superman for a new generation of readers without failing to cover every angle along the way.
What is Superman: Secret Origin about? As the last son of a dying planet, the soon-to-be-baptized Clark Joseph Kent crash lands into the life of Ma and Pa Kent where he will be given the opportunity to learn to live a secret yet completely normal life without knowledge of the extent of his powers. As he grows up, he quickly learns about the injustice in the world and how he could become the Man of Tomorrow, a hero who utilizes his powers for the greater good, to ultimately protect the people he loves and the world he calls home. His life only truly takes off once he moves to Metropolis and meets his eternal friends, eventual soulmate, and immortal archnemesis. This is when he learns to embrace his superhero persona and become the guardian of Metropolis.
With an introduction by David S. Goyer, this graphic novel collects all six issues of the miniseries. It starts off by introducing the Man of Steel as a kid who has yet to know what he is capable of and who doesn’t know how to control his powers during emotionally trying times. It then explores his character during his teenage years as he truly embraces his first trials of love and heroism. It then ends on a chapter of his life where he moves out of Smallville, Kansas, to discover Metropolis and begin a new chapter in his life as both a news reporter and as Superman. While writer Geoff Johns does a remarkable job in remaining loyal to Clark Kent’s growth, experience, and personality, he jampacks this graphic novel with an overwhelming amount of lore, making it near-impossible to fully appreciate Superman’s origin story as one would through multiple stories. Covering his childhood, teenage years, and adulthood in just one tale is no easy feat for anyone, especially when you’re trying to shoehorn as many characters known in Superman’s circle, from Lois Lane to Lex Luthor, but it remains a fairly accessible and insightful look at his life through the years.
Although writer Geoff Johns could always carry the weight of excellence on his shoulders alone, he shares the burden with artist Gary Frank who indubitably succeeds in magnificently portraying the characters from Clark Kent’s life. With the exception of teenage Clark Kent, whose facial designs made it hard to take seriously, his character designs are impeccable, especially once he gets around to his adult characters. There is also simply nothing more iconic than his artistic vision for Superman once he’s in his suit, off to save lives and pave the way towards happiness and heroism. Add in inker Jon Sibal and colourist Brad Anderson’s work that effortlessly brings out the vibrant colours associated with Superman’s lore and you have a visually stunning graphic novel that explores the early days of Superman, highlighting the reasons that bring him to become the hero Metropolis never knew they needed.
Superman: Secret Origin is an ambitious yet accessible origin story exploring the Man of Steel’s transformation from childhood to adulthood.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
October 21, 2014
To start this off all I have to say is Geoff frickin Johns. If you don't know him you should. For years now he has been writing stories with rich and vibrant characters. So when you hear he wrote a Superman origin you better pick it up. Secret Origin is a 6 issue tale that takes you through clark's early childhood as he finds where he belongs. But this story is much more than just a clark/superman story, woven in are all the most important people in his life. From his family, friends, and the legion all the way to his greatest nemesis Lex Luthor and company. This graphic novel shows how important each one of them are to making Superman. Lex and clarks early bromance and the legion play a big part in clarks early days. In a short amount of time Johns makes you care for this ragtag group from the 31st century and makes you wish they were around for the rest of the story. The rest of the book plays as Superman's first great adventure and the stakes couldn't be higher. With the city and himself on the line Superman must overcome great odds before he becomes everyone's true champion of metropolis. The art is done by Gary Frank who has teamed up with Johns before and has an eye for making Superman look like Christopher Reeves. With round and who-villish faces it is no wonder the characters look so jolly all the time. The detail and expression put in every panel allows you to grasp what everyone feels. From joy to hatred and everything in between makes a perfect combo between Johns and Frank. The color by Brad Anderson also keeps the story light and bright. An instant Superman classic.
January 13, 2013
I ended up really enjoying this. In fact, I'd even go as far as to say: it's my favourite book by Geoff Johns.
Both Johns and the artist (Gary Frank) merge the Christopher Reeve Superman movies and the long history of comics together in a singular origin story for the character. This manages to do in 40 pages what it took Smallville (the TV show) 10 years to do. And it does it better. We see Clark grow from a young boy into a man, discovering his powers along the way (mostly during puberty when Clark is introduced to GIRLS.)
It's a really good read and the art is pretty great. I love how Gary Frank designs his Clark and Jor-el after Reeve and Marlon Brando from the movies, but other characters (like Perry White) have their classic comic book design.
DC should push this over the coming months with the new movie due out. It's a story that movie fans will really take to.
Both Johns and the artist (Gary Frank) merge the Christopher Reeve Superman movies and the long history of comics together in a singular origin story for the character. This manages to do in 40 pages what it took Smallville (the TV show) 10 years to do. And it does it better. We see Clark grow from a young boy into a man, discovering his powers along the way (mostly during puberty when Clark is introduced to GIRLS.)
It's a really good read and the art is pretty great. I love how Gary Frank designs his Clark and Jor-el after Reeve and Marlon Brando from the movies, but other characters (like Perry White) have their classic comic book design.
DC should push this over the coming months with the new movie due out. It's a story that movie fans will really take to.
July 23, 2019
Well, Superman: Secret Origin by Geoff Johns is the same like this other DC comic I've been reading Young Justice (1998), it is an okay-ish quick read. It's entertaining enough and I like the interaction between the young Clark and Lana, the puppy love between them is cute. Plus the teenage Lex Luther (who actually still has hair and lives in the same small town as with Clark and his parents!) is nice too.
However, the story gets choppy in the middle. I had expected this story will follow Clark through his coming of age as a teen, but in the latter part of the story, all of a sudden Clark is an adult and starts working as a reporter? Plus Luther is already a billionaire and had somehow lost all his hair? The transition is just too jumpy.
Well........despite I don't have many complaints against this comic, I still think Young Justice is better developed than it.
PS: I like the tension between Lois Lane and her estranged father is also mentioned!
And here is my favorite Superman story: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
and comparing this comic with the Earth 1 angst Superman (with awesome artwork and lovely greyish coloring!), I like the Earth 1 Superman more! Have to admit Clark is pretty hot here. XD
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
*goes back to read Batman's online fanfics*
However, the story gets choppy in the middle. I had expected this story will follow Clark through his coming of age as a teen, but in the latter part of the story, all of a sudden Clark is an adult and starts working as a reporter? Plus Luther is already a billionaire and had somehow lost all his hair? The transition is just too jumpy.
Well........despite I don't have many complaints against this comic, I still think Young Justice is better developed than it.
PS: I like the tension between Lois Lane and her estranged father is also mentioned!
And here is my favorite Superman story: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
and comparing this comic with the Earth 1 angst Superman (with awesome artwork and lovely greyish coloring!), I like the Earth 1 Superman more! Have to admit Clark is pretty hot here. XD
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
*goes back to read Batman's online fanfics*
May 31, 2022
3.5 stars
A great retelling of Superman's early years, but wasn't able to get into mostly because of the artwork. A Christopher Reeve face on young Clark was so uncanny.
A great retelling of Superman's early years, but wasn't able to get into mostly because of the artwork. A Christopher Reeve face on young Clark was so uncanny.
February 13, 2016
I love origin stories and Superman Secret Origin did not disappoint. It reminds me a lot of Mark Waid’s Birthright, especially the artwork. But this story begins much early. Clark Kent as a teenager struggles to control his powers and discovers who he really is!
The story begins with the difficult adolescent school years of Clark and then comes the big revelation. I love it how irrationally Clark acts, just like a typical teenager. The first issue also gives us a glimpse into Lex Luther’s past; his eccentricity and issues with his own father.
The second issue starts brilliantly but somewhere in the middle goes way off track with characters like cosmic boy, saturn girl and lightning lad roped in from the future. Thankfully, the writer abandoned it after one issue.
The adult Clark Kent, naïve and polite, enters the metropolitan city to work at Daily Planet. But the city is not what he had imagined. The people are rude and the city is under uncanny control of Lex Luther, except for Daily Planet; standing tall but crumbling under pressure.
There are a lot interesting characters like the chief, Lois Lane and Jimmy.
The artwork in stunning, the long shots of skyscrapers, the full body close ups of Superman, from detailed expressions to the folds in the clothes, the artwork is crisp and clear with no blurred lines.
The volume collects six issues. Six issues of stunning artwork, mild humor, action, drama and Superman. What more can one ask for?
You can also read the review here: Argumentative Watermelon
February 15, 2020
A good intro to Superman.
December 2, 2017
As comfortable as pulling on an old college sweatshirt or flannel shirt, Secret Origin re-examines portions of the Man of Steel's well-trod early years. It appears that the '78 theatrical blockbuster was an influence - the grown-up Clark Kent / Superman certainly looks and acts like the Christopher Reeve interpretation, among other things - but I'm glad that the book covered only certain segments, and was not a mundane 'point A to B' rehash of his beginnings.
One of my favorite parts was the surprise meeting with the Legion of Superheroes. Although I've seen in other reviews that the chapter seems out of place, I think it worked on the heels of Clark's growing unease with superpowers and the estrangement from his Smallville classmates. Saturn Girl's tender 'it gets better'-type assurance should strike a chord with teenage (or others, really) readers about finding peer acceptance. Am I reading too much into it? Maybe.
And then there are the scenes with Lois Lane. I realize now - after reading a lot of Superman books this year - I usually look forward to the Lois / Clark and Lois / Superman interaction scenes. (Maybe it's her snappy way of speaking to him.) They have a great moment after they first meet where she surmises that Clark is hiding something. If she only knew . . .
While it may not be the most original superhero book, it was warm and optimistic. Works for me.
One of my favorite parts was the surprise meeting with the Legion of Superheroes. Although I've seen in other reviews that the chapter seems out of place, I think it worked on the heels of Clark's growing unease with superpowers and the estrangement from his Smallville classmates. Saturn Girl's tender 'it gets better'-type assurance should strike a chord with teenage (or others, really) readers about finding peer acceptance. Am I reading too much into it? Maybe.
And then there are the scenes with Lois Lane. I realize now - after reading a lot of Superman books this year - I usually look forward to the Lois / Clark and Lois / Superman interaction scenes. (Maybe it's her snappy way of speaking to him.) They have a great moment after they first meet where she surmises that Clark is hiding something. If she only knew . . .
While it may not be the most original superhero book, it was warm and optimistic. Works for me.
July 12, 2020
3.5 ⭐️ I'll always read a Superman origin story.
January 24, 2011
Superman's younger years. Again.
Yes, we know that continuity has been shifted yet again, and this portion of Superman's life remains untold, or should I say "not yet re-told". But that's not the problem with this trade. No, the problem is that it's not quite long enough. Odd, yes?
Always one to do the right thing by established lore, writer Geoff Johns did what he needed to do… paid homage to the movie, the Smallville TV show, the Birthright arc, the comic history, and dropped nuggets about the future. In some ways, to do such a thing feels like a cynically motivated cash-in… but when it’s Geoff Johns and Gary Frank, one can’t help but put such rantings aside and just admire the reverence for the lore, and the fantastic art work.
I really like the way Johns writes for Luthor. He also gives Clark a real personality, which a lot of writers don’t do… others tend to write around Superman – Johns writes for him. For that alone, the work is a success. With the amazing art of Gary Frank, who has a wonderful ability to capture emotion and really nail people's body language, this is a worthy addition to any Superman fan's shelf.
Yes, we know that continuity has been shifted yet again, and this portion of Superman's life remains untold, or should I say "not yet re-told". But that's not the problem with this trade. No, the problem is that it's not quite long enough. Odd, yes?
Always one to do the right thing by established lore, writer Geoff Johns did what he needed to do… paid homage to the movie, the Smallville TV show, the Birthright arc, the comic history, and dropped nuggets about the future. In some ways, to do such a thing feels like a cynically motivated cash-in… but when it’s Geoff Johns and Gary Frank, one can’t help but put such rantings aside and just admire the reverence for the lore, and the fantastic art work.
I really like the way Johns writes for Luthor. He also gives Clark a real personality, which a lot of writers don’t do… others tend to write around Superman – Johns writes for him. For that alone, the work is a success. With the amazing art of Gary Frank, who has a wonderful ability to capture emotion and really nail people's body language, this is a worthy addition to any Superman fan's shelf.
September 3, 2013
Yet another Superman origin story? Wow.
However, any time you attach Geoff Johns, there's a good chance it will be worth reading. This is no exception.
The best parts for me are the artwork, and the actual human emotion you feel between Clark as a boy and his father Jonathan.
I also liked the inclusion of Lex in Smallville, his backstory, as well as the origins of both Parasite and Metallo (Metallo I'd already known some of, but Parasite's was a new one for me).
The Daily Planet is done well, Perry, Jimmy and Lois especially.
I also love the trend in art now, to make Clark look like Christopher Reeve, it's an ongoing tribute that I can't argue with, because it forever links the man to the character, and for many of my generation, no matter the number of reboots, the only real Superman isn't Brandon Routh, Tom Welling, Dean Cain or Henry Cavill...
A good book all around then, but it wasn't like WOW...that's what keeps it from 4 stars for me.
However, any time you attach Geoff Johns, there's a good chance it will be worth reading. This is no exception.
The best parts for me are the artwork, and the actual human emotion you feel between Clark as a boy and his father Jonathan.
I also liked the inclusion of Lex in Smallville, his backstory, as well as the origins of both Parasite and Metallo (Metallo I'd already known some of, but Parasite's was a new one for me).
The Daily Planet is done well, Perry, Jimmy and Lois especially.
I also love the trend in art now, to make Clark look like Christopher Reeve, it's an ongoing tribute that I can't argue with, because it forever links the man to the character, and for many of my generation, no matter the number of reboots, the only real Superman isn't Brandon Routh, Tom Welling, Dean Cain or Henry Cavill...
A good book all around then, but it wasn't like WOW...that's what keeps it from 4 stars for me.
November 8, 2014
My preferred Superman origin retelling, well told by Geoff Johns in linear fashion with some nice updates. Gary Frank's art is fitting and I'm still amazed at how much like Christopher Reeve he makes Clark appear. Detailing first meetings with Lois, Jimmy, Perry, the Legion, Parasite, Metallo, and Lex Luthor, this nails all of the highlights of the character in one great primer.
December 3, 2011
Even though this is a retelling, it's absolutely fantastic!
September 8, 2015
Wholly unnecessary yet wholly entertaining. Beautiful art and fine dialogue.
August 24, 2018
One of the best Superman origin stories I've read. Of course, I'm also a sucker for Superman origin stories, mostly because of: (1) Clark Kent's genuine good nature, and (2) Strong familial themes. Seriously, those two elements are what makes Superman such a gem nowadays. Don't get me wrong, I like my Gothic literature and those stories that dive deeply into shades of gray. Those are often my favorites... but what's wrong with someone who wants to be good just to be helpful? With someone who loves their family and whose family loves him back? Answer: Nothing. And, despite popular opinion, those two elements are actually not unrealistic. They can happen, and they do. And Superman is the fictional reminder of that fact. This comic epitomized that ideal, capturing favorite characters like Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen just as perfectly as it captured the Man of Steel himself. I also liked the vulnerability they added to Clark's character: The moments when he was unsure of himself, his future, and his place on Earth. The best stories show how "human" Superman really is, and this comic definitely did just that. I also liked how sweet and kid Clark could be (THAT'S Superman)--especially towards Lois and Jimmy. My favorite moment is when he stared down John Corben (despite the fact that he just remained good-natured through the entire exchange.) I got a nice chuckle out of that scene. Lex Luthor was also well done, as was the inclusion of Metallo and Parasite as Superman's first major villains. The plot flowed seamlessly from one conflict to the next in a way that simply made sense to the overall story. Everything just FIT. I can't say this is my all-time favorite Superman origin (that goes to "Birthright"), just because Lex Luthor wasn't quite as "fleshed-out" in this one. In "Birthright," his motivation for power was being misunderstood. I actually FELT for Lex Luthor at times (even if those times were admittedly fleeting). But in this he was mostly just power-hungry because of his humble beginnings and his own ego. That's still a solid motivation, but not quite as strong as the aforementioned one. Still, this is an EXCELLENT take on the Man of Steel's origin, and it's one that I would definitely recommend... and even probably re-read sometime down the road.
June 22, 2019
Though it's not so secret origin story but I like to re-read superman origin after long time. Also like the artwork very much. Definitely a worth read.
March 22, 2021
"Sentar la cabeza, tener algunos niños. Quizá eso limpiaría tus pensamientos de toda la locura de la que te has rodeado. O al menos atenuaría tu ridícula cruzada sobre "difundir la verdad". Un periodista no puede cambiar el mundo".
February 27, 2016
I know, I know: Superman’s origin… again?! Well, “Secret Origin” is no “Birthright” or “For All Seasons” but hey, let’s be thankful it's not another “Man of Steel” (film, not Byrne) or “Smallville.”
I really enjoyed the early, Smallville set issues. Geoff Johns does a good job capturing the frustration Clark feels as his rapidly increasing powers make him the one thing no teen wants to be - an outcast. The support that best friend Lana Lang and Ma and Pa Kent display is very endearing and goes a long way towards showing why Clark grows into the hero we know.
The second half of the book has a few problems that force me to put this series below the better origin stories listed above. First is the increasingly clunky dialog used to explain the inherent corny qualities of the Superman mythos, such as why Lois and Jimmy don’t recognize that Clark is Superman. My opinion? Just embrace it and move on!
Or better yet – deal with it.
I’m also not a fan of connecting so many of Big Blue’s rogue’s gallery to his origin. It feels very “Spider-Man movie franchise.”
Artist Gary Frank draws Superman looking strong but not in a roided out, Incredible Hulk way. I appreciate that. And I have to admit, I don’t mind that his face is modeled after Christopher Reeves. Frank is a solid artist with an old school feel that is well suited for Superman.
Ultimately, “Secret Origin” is a solid, if somewhat forgettable, retelling of Superman's origin. It’s comfort food in 22 page chunks and sometimes, that’s all you need.
kit: Twitter | Tumblr
I really enjoyed the early, Smallville set issues. Geoff Johns does a good job capturing the frustration Clark feels as his rapidly increasing powers make him the one thing no teen wants to be - an outcast. The support that best friend Lana Lang and Ma and Pa Kent display is very endearing and goes a long way towards showing why Clark grows into the hero we know.
The second half of the book has a few problems that force me to put this series below the better origin stories listed above. First is the increasingly clunky dialog used to explain the inherent corny qualities of the Superman mythos, such as why Lois and Jimmy don’t recognize that Clark is Superman. My opinion? Just embrace it and move on!
Or better yet – deal with it.
I’m also not a fan of connecting so many of Big Blue’s rogue’s gallery to his origin. It feels very “Spider-Man movie franchise.”
Artist Gary Frank draws Superman looking strong but not in a roided out, Incredible Hulk way. I appreciate that. And I have to admit, I don’t mind that his face is modeled after Christopher Reeves. Frank is a solid artist with an old school feel that is well suited for Superman.
Ultimately, “Secret Origin” is a solid, if somewhat forgettable, retelling of Superman's origin. It’s comfort food in 22 page chunks and sometimes, that’s all you need.
kit: Twitter | Tumblr
July 17, 2011
A beyond beautiful book, drawn by Gary Frank with luminous faces and amazing human forms. As Clark ages into Superman, Frank never misses the opportunity to showcase how weird it is to fly and how hustly-and-bustly everyone in Metropolis is, the very thin that keeps them from looking up in the sky.
Unfortunately, Johns' rehashing of Superman's origins doesn't match up to the peerless magnificence of Frank's artwork. Johns is a decent writer when it comes to small character moments, world-building and Green Lantern. Give him a chance to take on other properties solo, though, and you end up with lukewarm stories that generically entertain but still end up rehashing the same old thematic statements from beginning to end without proving them through unique heroic action. This book does not need to exist, given that there were a bunch of origin stories for Clark Kent in the bucket by 2010. I appreciate the effort, particularly as Johns excels in writing the Daily Planet offices and the kooks who work there -- but this story tells me nothing new about the strange visitor from another planet. And origin stories should reveal something new about the character for me to put down money on them.
Unfortunately, Johns' rehashing of Superman's origins doesn't match up to the peerless magnificence of Frank's artwork. Johns is a decent writer when it comes to small character moments, world-building and Green Lantern. Give him a chance to take on other properties solo, though, and you end up with lukewarm stories that generically entertain but still end up rehashing the same old thematic statements from beginning to end without proving them through unique heroic action. This book does not need to exist, given that there were a bunch of origin stories for Clark Kent in the bucket by 2010. I appreciate the effort, particularly as Johns excels in writing the Daily Planet offices and the kooks who work there -- but this story tells me nothing new about the strange visitor from another planet. And origin stories should reveal something new about the character for me to put down money on them.
December 6, 2015
The first story reminded me of the Son of Superman comic book, but this time it was Clark who developed superpowers out of the blue. His reaction to learn about his alien heritage was really interesting as well as to follow his development from being an estranged teenager whose powers are linked to his hormones (I completely ignored Lana though because I never really liked her) to a young man who saves people.
An almost insignificant moment seems to be the first encounter between Clark and Lex as teenagers at the farmer's market but in reality it's one of the great things about this comic book, because it's not only Superman's origin story but Lex Luthor's as well. You learn the backgrounds of both teenagers and how an upbringing can steer someone in different directions.
With the arrival of Clark or rather Superman in Metropolis, he gives the residents of Metropolis long lost hope, takes away Lex' power over the people and thus changed his own life from scratch. His first encounter with Lois as well as her estranged military father or how everyone -except Lois as it seems- first fears Superman but learn to trust him is equally remarkable. In short a very great comic book.
An almost insignificant moment seems to be the first encounter between Clark and Lex as teenagers at the farmer's market but in reality it's one of the great things about this comic book, because it's not only Superman's origin story but Lex Luthor's as well. You learn the backgrounds of both teenagers and how an upbringing can steer someone in different directions.
With the arrival of Clark or rather Superman in Metropolis, he gives the residents of Metropolis long lost hope, takes away Lex' power over the people and thus changed his own life from scratch. His first encounter with Lois as well as her estranged military father or how everyone -except Lois as it seems- first fears Superman but learn to trust him is equally remarkable. In short a very great comic book.
March 8, 2011
With my Green Lantern fix and rededicated fascination for Graphic novels, I got introduced to the writing brilliance of Geoff Johns.
His writing consists of going for the emotional jugular of the character & thus affect us, his readers in turn. What he did in bringing back Hal Jordan was a real coup and instantly I became a fan. After reading his take on Superman, Geoff was finally able to give readers that component of relatability. He humanized Superman and literally & emotionally brought Kal-El down to our level; stripping him off the qualities that made him Kryptonian & gave Superman the qualities that made him like us, human. From his Existential quest to know why he is here, why is he different than others, to being resigned that he is both human & more than that.
Johns also did a great work on Superman's encounter with Braniac which continues on in New Krypton.
Having aced Green Lantern & now Superman & other DC titles, I can only imagine for Johns that the sky's the limit. Pretty much like Kal-EL or Superman
His writing consists of going for the emotional jugular of the character & thus affect us, his readers in turn. What he did in bringing back Hal Jordan was a real coup and instantly I became a fan. After reading his take on Superman, Geoff was finally able to give readers that component of relatability. He humanized Superman and literally & emotionally brought Kal-El down to our level; stripping him off the qualities that made him Kryptonian & gave Superman the qualities that made him like us, human. From his Existential quest to know why he is here, why is he different than others, to being resigned that he is both human & more than that.
Johns also did a great work on Superman's encounter with Braniac which continues on in New Krypton.
Having aced Green Lantern & now Superman & other DC titles, I can only imagine for Johns that the sky's the limit. Pretty much like Kal-EL or Superman
April 1, 2016
A solid comic. Sure, Lex is pretty one dimensional. And yes, some of the drawing in the second half looks pretty crappy *Superman looks 90 years old sometimes* but it's overall good old fun. I like the way Superman deals with criticism in this. Makes the movies look like a joke in terms of character progression and actual superman mentality. I also LOVE some moments with humanity and how THIS Superman deals with it. Just perfect.
Also the fights are entertaining.
However, it does feel rushed. Should have been 10 issues. 5 dealing with kid Superman, 5 dealing with adult.
Still worth reading though if you want an enjoyable Superman origins.
Also the fights are entertaining.
However, it does feel rushed. Should have been 10 issues. 5 dealing with kid Superman, 5 dealing with adult.
Still worth reading though if you want an enjoyable Superman origins.
December 7, 2017
Bardzo fajna seria. Clark, jego rodzice oraz Lois Lane dostają w niej ludzkie oblicze i całkiem dobrze sprawdzają się jako istoty z krwi i kości. Podoba mi się kreska, a Clark jest wzorowany na Christopherze Reevesie co sprawia, że zdaje się bardziej sympatyczny. Sceny z dzieciństwa Supermana również pachną nostalgią i pokazują jak mimo wszystko jest dzieciakiem. Nawet motyw z Lexem w Smallville jakoś się broni.
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