Rating:  -
In 2004, with the success of SMALLVILLE and the forthcoming release of SUPERMAN RETURNS, the good folks at DC Comics decided it was time for Superman's origins to be re-invented for the first time since John Byrne's popular THE MAN OF STEEL series in the 1980's. Mark Waid was given the task of writing the new series and re-thinking the Superman legend; and re-think it he did. While the essential elements of the Superman mythos are left intact, much of Supes' history is re-written. In a wise move, Waid borrows from the SMALLVILLE storyline by having Clark Kent meet Lex Luthor while in high school. The Lex of this series, however, is very different from SMALLVILLE's version of the character; Lex is a heartless fiend even as a youth.
BIRTHRIGHT begins with Clark on a freelance writing assignment in Africa. The violence Clark witnesses while there lead him to wonder if there's a way he can use his powers to benefit mankind. So he returns to Smallville, where - with the help of his parents - he creates the Superman costume. From there, it's off to Metropolis.
Flashbacks show us a young Clark befriending Lex, but we see nothing more than that. The rest of the graphic novel is set in the present, where Clark searches for his place in the world while battling the evil Lex Luthor. Much is left out that could have enhanced the series; for example, Clark discovering his powers. Instead, we get an over-the-top storyline which is neither new nor exciting.
This series' redemption comes from Leinil Francis Yu's excellent artwork. It's strong and colorful, but rarely is it bright. It fits the story perfectly. For this reason I would recommend this comic. I found it interesting to see a writer attempt a new take on Superman's origins, but in the end I was left thinking, "That was okay", rather than, "Wow, that was great!"
Rating:  -
Superman is the classic all American hero whose origin desperately needed a new millenium upgrade. Superman : Birthright does exactly that without compromising any of the critical fascets that makes Superman the great hero we are all familiar with, while adding new twists to keep any reader glued to the pages wondering what will happen next.
The book starts on Superman's homeworld, just before the planet explodes, and allows you to feel the heartache and desperation Kal-El's parents go through in sending their only child off into the unknown universe alone. You feel for his earth parents, and their fear of Clark's secret being known, and possibly having their adoptive son taken from them.
Lex Luthor has always been an intriguing villian, and he is never more so compelling, and brilliant, and dark as he is in this book. Lex's genius is the key in helping Superman understand his true origin and background, which Lex also uses to his advantage to make the citizens of the world fear and distrust the man of steel. It's a great plot, in the story, which just intertwines the two bitter enemies even more.
This book is a classic story re-told, and upgraded wonderfully. It's a great read, and comes highly recommended.
Rating:  -
This was an very good read. DC takes a fresh perspective at retelling the origins of the man of steel that makes it a worthy read. From the destruction of a the sleek futuristic Krypton, to why Superman became a hero, to Metropolis accepting him. The telling of how Superman learning his origins and how people of Metropolis reacts to finding out he's from another planet. This is an excellent read, and I highly recomend it. It shows Superman more as a person than the legendary icon we've grown up knowing.
Rating: -
This is shocking because i expected this book to be crap. Although i am a fan of the classic superman story, this new story is likable. I encourage potential readers who are contemplating reading this book to give it a chance. It is a great book and should not be overlooked.
Rating: -
I read all of the bad reviews before picking up this trade, believing that it would pale in comparison to the John Byrne modern-age revamp of the character back in the 80s. I was almost tempted to tell the clerk at the store as she was ringing up the trade that I had changed my mind on buying it, thinking it might be a waste of $20. I sat down for a couple hours and read it front ot back, which is something I usually don't do for something 12 (comic) issues in length, and I found this instantly became my definitive origin for the Man of Steel, despite my love for Jeph Loeb's interpretation in his "Superman: For All Seasons." He wasn't instantly accepted by society as a savior, instead having to prove himself the hard way, against the machinations of a (for once) truly menacing Lex Luthor. This was the first trade in a while that I felt compelled to pick up again to flip through on the same day I read it. I'm generally a Marvel fan, but in these handful of instances such as with "Birthright" and "Batman: Year One" where DC publishes a gem that shines above the rest, at least within my opinion.
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