Superman #701 & #702
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Artist: Eddy Barrows
Cover: John Cassady
**WARNING! Minor Spoilers Ahead!**
For too long Superman has been in deep space battling his fellow Kryptonians, which culminated in the War of the Supermen. But now that the threat of General Zod and a Kryptonian invasion of Earth has subsided, Superman is making a strong effort to reconnect with his true home, Earth, and his people by choosing not to fly above them, but walk amongst them. This is the plot for J. Michael Straczynski’s first major run on Superman called “Grounded.” While the idea of Superman simply walking around may seem kind of dull, as most people can attest to, with JMS writing the script, no story is dull.
When I first heard the idea for “Grounded,” I was very excited. It’s been too long since we were treated to an intimate, but fun Superman story that’s all about showing us who the Man of Steel is instead of what villains he can beat up.
Starting with a prologue in Superman #700, issue #701 begins with Superman on the beginning of his long walk. The premise of the story comes out in some humorous scenes and dialog, which I particularly appreciated since I can’t really remember the last time I laughed when reading a Superman title.
JMS does a really great job of bringing out the personality of Clark Kent/Superman in this issue, and it’s slightly different from the mild mannered reporter/super heroic boy scout. There’s a little bit of attitude and snarkyness to Superman here which we’ve rarely seen that makes him feel more real and human, instead of some boring “always do gooder” stereotypical man in tights and a cape, which for too long he’s been associated as.
But don’t worry, “Gounded” is still very much a Superman story. He’s still got a little bit of cheese and goofy to his smile, and he’s still saving lives, just in more unique ways; and in issue #702, JMS really gives us a taste of good old Superman science fiction when he encounters a group of aliens hiding as typical citizens of the Detroit suburbs.
While JMS is doing a great job with the words, Eddy Barrows is almost stealing the show with his crisp and cinematic art style.
If you’re not a Superman fan, then “Grounded” doesn’t offer much to change your mind, but if you’re looking for a different kind of Superman story, and something with a little more heart, then “Grounded” and issue #701 is the perfect jumping on point.
Andrew Hurst
andrewhurst@comicattack.net
Good reviews. I’m actually pretty surprised at how intrigued I am by JMS’ opening salvo on the Superman title. I’m especially pleased, though, that you mentioned Barrow’s artwork, which seems to have improved over just the first 3 stories, a not unexceptional feat.
I haven’t really been a Supes fan in years in terms of the comics. This story does seem a bit interesting and even though I’m reminded of Forrest Gump when I heard the premise I’ll see how things take shape and if it’s worth it I”ll pick it up in trade.
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I’m not a big Supes fan, but I jumped on at #700 and surprisingly think it’s been really good so far. I like Superman being…normal. It works.
Great review AH. JMS does weave a decent tale for sure.
@Speech- Supes = Forrest Gump! lol
My budget hasn’t allowed me a full blown pull list but I was glad to find Superman 700 and 701 at my local supermarket spinner rack (a rare thing now a days) and just couldn’t resist. I can honestly say that the scene in #701 with the young woman on the building brought tears to my eyes. I thought, “Wow! Now this is MY Superman”! Don’t get me wrong, I love the idea of Kal doing BIG heroic epic things, but speaking for myself, in the end, that scene of him holding her with the moon behind them is what Superman is all about. I’m really liking where Grounded is going. My 16 year old read them and had the same reaction. There’s no shortage of BIG action heroes out there, but a major shortage of big heroes doing everyday things and inspiring the rest of us.
The whole last year of Superman has forced fans to buy Action, Superman, Supergirl and Adventure Comics, plus the New Krypton monthly. I was glad to see that now, all the books are separate and one could just buy Superman and not need 5 other books. I’m sure that won’t last forever.