Superman Earth One Writer: Joseph Michael Straczynski Designer: Shane Davis Publisher: DC Comics Pages: 136 Price: $ 19.99 Clark Kent is different. He can fly. He can see through walls, objects ignite a single glance. He is a god among mortals. But he is alone and without purpose. Like all young
twenty years, he does not know what he wants to do with his life. He can do what he wants: sports, science, finance, media. Only the sky is the limit if he chooses to hide his powers and his true identity to the world.
But when a ship appears a distant planet and the Earth is threatened, Clark must make the most important decision of his life: to reveal its presence to the world, abandon hope of a normal life ... or let the world perish.  |
| onset of the multiverse - Flash # 123 |
Before starting to talk about comics, it seems necessary to make a little history on that One is Earth and the notion multiverse of DC Comics. Everybody does not necessarily a culture comics and more, the DC universe is much less known in France than Marvel. Everything begins in 1961 when DC decides to separate the different worlds in
Justice Society of America, a group of super heroes
the golden age of comics , and
Justice League of America, comprising
versions of the Silver Age of comics . Now, JSA operates in a land called Earth-1 and JLA evolves in a land called Earth-2. It was the birth of the multiverse at DC Comics. Other versions of the Earth will appear as Earth-3 is an Earth reversed where Lex Luthor is the only superhero to fight against villains inspired heroes of Earth-2. This multiverse is going well evolve for over 20 years. Locals found easily by cons for this new world is coming somewhat difficult to access. In 1985, DC Comics will then make the decision to simplify his world and will launch it for the mini series "Crisis on Infinite Earths
" twelve numbers which will completely destroy the multiverse DC. The different versions of the Earth will be merged into a single hero and many will disappear, while others will see their history rewritten. The objective is to half reach because at the end of this mini series, there are still many inconsistencies in the DC universe that the editor will endeavor to correct more or less in subsequent years. During the 2000s, the DC universe was still pretty messed up. It was the decade of "crises" with
Identity Crisis in 2004 and
Infinite Crisis the following year. This latest crisis has had major consequences for many super hero and the official continuation of the DC universe. One of the most important changes is revealed at the end of the series
52 : the multiverse is back. The land where changes the super hero was renamed "New Earth" and 52 versions of this New Earth appear (1 to Earth Earth 52). You find it complicated? This is normal.
In this post-Crisis Earth One Superman adventure that takes place. DC Comics for a simple goal. Rid of a bulky continuity, it is to propose a modern version of Iron Man. Superman One Earth is a kind of reboot
, or if you prefer an alternative version which aims to compete with Marvel and its collection success
Ultimate that modernizes its heroes The most popular offering a new version in a parallel universe. So, the multiverse there are not that at DC there a. .. When the story begins, Clark Kent is 20 years old. Freshly landed in Metropolis from Smallville's home, he wondered. Who is he? Where is it? What is the meaning to his life? It must use its extraordinary powers to risk giving up a normal life? All his life Clark Kent was treated as a pariah. As a child, his schoolmates put him away, feeling in him something different. Clark Kent aspires therefore only one thing, tranquility and incidentally discover who he is. But a terrible alien menace arrives in Metropolis. A threat that will force him to make a choice and who will teach him the truth about his identity and his home planet, Krypton ...
So it's a darker Superman before us here. Christopher Nolan has led the way with his Dark Knight, the watchword in DC is black, black, black and those who were annoyed by the side of "Mr. Clean" Superman may be surprised. He is human, profoundly human, full of doubts and uncertainties. Straczynski's writing, any subtle and delicately translated very well this state of mind. Little action in this comic. Many questions. It was not too used to seeing Superman like this and many fans were surprised to say the least, annoyed to see that we touch so much an icon of American popular culture. But history has a strong dramatic potential. The psychology of the character is more nuanced. Clark Kent receives his powers like a curse. There are also questioning the legitimacy of the character. What gives him the right to proclaim himself a protector of humanity has finally asked for anything? Straczynski and then allows himself a few changes from the mythology of Superman, mainly on the destruction of the planet Krypton. Unwilling spoiler, I will not say more. It just opens an interesting way just waiting to be exploited.
This story is not perfectly enhance the design of Shane Davis, a very talented artist who is predicting a great future. He presents a Metropolis differently. Less fit, less shiny. The colors are less vivid, more realistic, more nuanced. The style is simple. It has a small traditional side while modern. It is very far from what can be seen in some great artists who rework their designs computers. Is less smooth, less clear but it has more character ... As this sort of Clark Kent. We can only blame a lack of emotions on faces. And yet, perhaps it is he wanted given the state of mind of Clark Kent.
Earth One Superman is a comic book that I highly recommend it. Only available in vo in a beautiful hardcover, it would probably be quickly translated. However, the level of English is not great. Understandably very easily by anyone with a good level of English education. Other Adventures of Superman are planned in this universe. I look forward to having his hands. DC also talked about a Batman Earth One even darker than usual, with new enemies. I saliva in advance.
