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chknwng205's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
trin's review
4.0
In some ways, what Waid is trying to do with this graphic novel is the exact opposite of what [a:Tom De Haven|9226|William Gibson|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1192825810p2/9226.jpg] was attempting in his (prose) novel [b:It’s Superman]. That book returns Supes’ origin story back to the 1930s, the era when the character was conceived; Birthright updates it to modern times with things like an internet-savvy Martha Kent and a Lois Lane who’s striving to break stories on The Daily Planet’s blog.
While it did not blow me away quite like It’s Superman, Birthright was still really good. Like De Haven, Waid does a great job of humanizing Clark, while at the same time emphasizing the ways in which Clark Kent is Superman in disguise (and not the other way around). Things get a little hammy at the end, but in general, there’s a nice emotional and psychological realism that makes the story compelling. The Lex backstory was especially inspired: Waid writes him as a disturbed genius who feels as alien in his brilliance as Clark is in origin. Reading this graphic novel is a kind of revelation: “Oh yeah! This is what Smallville would have been like if it were good!”
While it did not blow me away quite like It’s Superman, Birthright was still really good. Like De Haven, Waid does a great job of humanizing Clark, while at the same time emphasizing the ways in which Clark Kent is Superman in disguise (and not the other way around). Things get a little hammy at the end, but in general, there’s a nice emotional and psychological realism that makes the story compelling. The Lex backstory was especially inspired: Waid writes him as a disturbed genius who feels as alien in his brilliance as Clark is in origin. Reading this graphic novel is a kind of revelation: “Oh yeah! This is what Smallville would have been like if it were good!”
cobaltbookshelf's review
3.0
3.5 stars
Not my favorite origin story but moments "he is with us" and " I made it " hit hard.
Not my favorite origin story but moments "he is with us" and " I made it " hit hard.
polymorph's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ssxras's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Mark Waid you have done it again!
My thoughts at every (ish) issue:
Issue 1: what a good way to start off, especially as someone who hasnt read any superman comics prior! I feel like this first issue did a good job of introducing both plot and character, im excited to read more!
Issue 2: sad conclusion to Clarks journalism in Ghana, but a lovely introduction to the Kents and Smallville.
Issue 3 & 4: I dont feel like Pa Kent is upset with Clark so much as worried and sad for him! So sweet how Clarks parents are helping him come up with a disguise, there were some really cute moments in this! I already adore Lois just from these couple of scenes! They did a great job at quickly establishing things like how reputable the Daily Planet is, and Lois (even Clark though less so) is such a respected and decorated journalist, what with her already being on the case for Superman even before his debut.
Issue 5-7: Clearly Lex was isolated growing up, but his response to those kind to him and his general air of superiority make it obvious that even if kindness was offered to him he didnt care enough about others to accept it. Of course I can emphasize with him, but only to an extent. Now that hes an adult we see that he has decided to go down the route of oppressing others, contrary to Clark who was also isolated (and continues to be 😭) and still expresses kindness to others. (They were so mean to clark like?? 😭 because hes quiet?? Thats so terrible! Clark Kent you have to stop! Your costume too tough! Your social skills too bad! You swag too different! Theyll kill you!)
Issues 8-12: fantastic!!!! All I can say to end it off is that i am truly full of a kind of bittersweet joy knowing that Clarks birthparents were able to know that the chance they took paid off and that their son survived 💔😭.
My thoughts at every (ish) issue:
Issue 1: what a good way to start off, especially as someone who hasnt read any superman comics prior! I feel like this first issue did a good job of introducing both plot and character, im excited to read more!
Issue 2: sad conclusion to Clarks journalism in Ghana, but a lovely introduction to the Kents and Smallville.
Issue 3 & 4: I dont feel like Pa Kent is upset with Clark so much as worried and sad for him! So sweet how Clarks parents are helping him come up with a disguise, there were some really cute moments in this! I already adore Lois just from these couple of scenes! They did a great job at quickly establishing things like how reputable the Daily Planet is, and Lois (even Clark though less so) is such a respected and decorated journalist, what with her already being on the case for Superman even before his debut.
Issue 5-7: Clearly Lex was isolated growing up, but his response to those kind to him and his general air of superiority make it obvious that even if kindness was offered to him he didnt care enough about others to accept it. Of course I can emphasize with him, but only to an extent. Now that hes an adult we see that he has decided to go down the route of oppressing others, contrary to Clark who was also isolated (and continues to be 😭) and still expresses kindness to others. (They were so mean to clark like?? 😭 because hes quiet?? Thats so terrible! Clark Kent you have to stop! Your costume too tough! Your social skills too bad! You swag too different! Theyll kill you!)
Issues 8-12: fantastic!!!! All I can say to end it off is that i am truly full of a kind of bittersweet joy knowing that Clarks birthparents were able to know that the chance they took paid off and that their son survived 💔😭.
woffles's review
5.0
A great modern take on the classic origin story of Superman. This is everything that Man of Steel should have been.
newmutant192's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0