Superman #1

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis Artist: Joe Prado, Ivan Reis Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: July 11, 2018 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 48 User Reviews: 74
7.8Critic Rating
6.8User Rating

A bold new chapter for the greatest superhero of all time begins here as the superstar team of writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Ivan Reis begin their run on the all-new SUPERMAN! The fallout from the Man of Steel miniseries has Clark Kent looking at the world through new eyes... with new ideas about what Superman could and should do for the city of Metropolis and the planet Earth. His first job? Getting the planet back out of the Phantom Zone!

  • 10
    Infinite Earths - J.D. Jr. Jul 11, 2018

    Bendis and Reis knock the debut issue out of the park, and set the stage for something truly worthy of Superman's timeless legacy. Read Full Review

  • 10
    AIPT - Robert Reed Jul 11, 2018

    Superman #1 nicely balances the various aspects of Clark Kent's life, even as it unravels before him. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Chuck's Comic Of The Day - Chuck Jul 12, 2018

    I'm lookingforward to the next issue -and yes, this title is back on my "pull" listat the comics shop! Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Forces Of Geek - Lenny Schwartz Jul 11, 2018

    Overall, I think this is another feather in the cap of Brian Michael Bendis. He's giving us a fresh take on a classic comic book character. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    You Don't Read Comics - David Harth Jul 14, 2018

    All in all, this is a near-perfect first issue of Superman. Bendis shows readers the heart of Superman and gives them a lot of cool Superman-being-Superman moments. Read Full Review

  • 9.4
    Comic Crusaders - Kevin Given Jul 16, 2018

    A great intro to what could be an awesome story. I'm sure that Bendis has some extraordinary things in store for the man of steel following the first part of the Unity saga. I loved the set up and the situation that the man of steel finds himself in is relatable. The pacing is good and the build up to the end of issue one is truly memorable. Read Full Review

  • 9.1
    The Brazen Bull - Charlie Chipman Jul 11, 2018

    Brian Michael Bendis' genuine humor and authentic dialogue make for a pleasurable reading experience that works to usher readers into the new age of Superman. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally Jul 11, 2018

    Bendis has stripped everything tethering Superman to the Earth in the previous arc and this new dynamic for the man of steel is interesting to see unfold. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Major Spoilers - Stacy Baugher Jul 11, 2018

    Superman may very well be back onto a path to greatness, and I am looking forward to the journey. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles Jul 11, 2018

    Superman #1 starts the books transition to a monthly title, which will be a major change from the main Rebirth titles. Those books benefitted from denser storylines told in a short amount of time. Bendis is a wordy writer and pacing has been one of his biggest challenges. Hopefully, he can keep the book progressing at a reasonable pace to not turn off readers. This was a solid start, but the verdict remains out on this new era of Superman. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comics Bulletin - Daniel Gehen Jul 11, 2018

    All in all, this was a wonderful issue. Read Full Review

  • 8.9
    Multiversity Comics - Robbie Pleasant Jul 12, 2018

    An excellent look at Superman, a good start to a story, and a comic with fantastic artwork. A must-read for fans of Superman. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Heroes Direct - Joseph Kime Jul 17, 2018

    What did you think of Superman #1? let us know on Twitter @HeroesDirect! Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    ComicBuzz - Tony Thornley Jul 17, 2018

    This is a fantastic relaunch for Superman, and Im in for the ride. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Bounding Into Comics - Daniel Mills Jul 11, 2018

    When Brian Michael Bendis first announced his move to DC, many expected he'd be shaking things up. Creating brand new characters, altering old ones, and shaping this new Universe to resemble some vision he has. IfSuperman #1is any indication, the only vision Bendis has for Superman is wonderful and creative storytelling. The two seem to go together like two peas in a pod. The exciting and bewitching pages ofSuperman #1mark the successful beginning of a beautiful friendship between a comic writing legend and comic's greatest hero. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Word Of The Nerd - Ryan Perry Jul 11, 2018

    I'm more hopeful for Bendis' Superman after Superman #1 than I was after the conclusion of The Man of Steel. The confirmation from interviews that the Kent family will be back very soon is so comforting. Bendis' grasp of Superman's core themes shines here and acts as a promise of things to come. The only problem is you could've said that about the first and last issues of The Man of Steel. If Bendis keeps delivering promises with no fulfillment he'll eventually wear out his welcome on this book. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge Jul 17, 2018

    With a lot of quick-hit heroic moments hitting in between conversations, the book brings us to a bigger place toward the end with where the Earth itself ends up. Read Full Review

  • 8.3
    Comicsverse - Maite Molina Jul 11, 2018

    SUPERMAN #1 is a satisfying read that finds its strength within its imagery. However, the end of the issue will leave readers scratching their heads, unsure of where exactly the series is going. Read Full Review

  • 8.2
    Graphic Policy - Logan Dalton Jul 12, 2018

    Superman#1 is a full showcase for the talents of Brian Michael Bendis, Ivan Reis with Joe Prado, and Alex Sinclair on both a macro and micro level as they show while also show him emotionally coping with missing Lois and Jon and the loss of his Fortress of Solitude while also dealing with an extremely powerful threat connected to the events ofMan of Steel.The book succeeds as both a character study and superhero blockbuster, and Bendis and Reis continue to seamlessly weave in Superman and Clark's “co-workers” in the Justice League andDaily Planetto enhance the narrative. Read Full Review

  • 8.2
    IGN - Jesse Schedeen Jul 11, 2018

    Despite an underwhelming ending, Superman #1 offers a compelling, character-focused start to the series. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Bastards - Damien Becton Jul 11, 2018

    Overall, the book is a triumph and a welcome addition to the Bendis and Superman catalog. I think that Bendis will be able to hit all the right notes by not making Superman too deep and grim while avoiding the super-campy stuff. He has a track record of creating some fun stuff. Hopefully he can keep this up because if this first issue is any sign of what is on the horizon, then we are in for a fun ride. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comicosity - Chris C. Hernandez Jul 11, 2018

    Overall this is a very solid issue. It continues the work that was begun in the Man of Steel limited series and seems to be launching us into a new era for Superman. Fortunately, its not something completely brand new but may a return to a golden age of Superman stories. If Bendis continues the work he has done so far then this will be a run long remembered. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Big Comic Page - Dave MacPhail Jul 12, 2018

    In this issue it really is easy to feel that, despite being the most powerful, the most alien and the most respected of the DC heroes he is also just a man protecting what is important to him, his family. The final few panels had me scratching my head a bit as a new mystery unfolds, but Im definitely looking forward to finding out just how this new situation occurred. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    That's Entertainment - B.K. Mullen Jul 13, 2018

    While this pretty typical Supes issue won't excite much at the beginning, an interesting meeting with Martian Manhunter followed by a shocking discovery gives us insight into how non-typical Superman this story will be. If you thought he had faced the worst of his enemies already, just wait till you see what threat imposes on our crazy Earth this time. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - Justin Partridge Jul 11, 2018

    Though it would have been nice to get this issue six weeks ago, Superman #1 is the issue we have all wanted from Bendis and the stellar stable of artists DC has at its disposal. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    GWW - Christopher Rodriguez Jul 10, 2018

    This issue had some weird moments, some of which may be explained in later issues, but it was also a lot of fun. The ending was a great cliffhanger, but I was already sold on everything going on. There is so much to enjoy here, but more importantly, it has brought excitement back to the Superman series. Something that I feel has been missing for years now. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Razorfine - Alan Rapp Jul 18, 2018

    The issue ends in a cliffhanger that suggests Superman's victory of Rogol Zaar may have been premature. I'll be curious to see just what more is revealed in issue #2. Worth a look. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Impulse Gamer - Jeremy Carr Jul 11, 2018

    Bendis did a wonderful job showing us the emotions that Superman is currently going through. This was a wonderful story with a great twist that will surely have Superman pushing his limits. The cover art for this issue is gorgeous and goes well with art them that put this issue together. Bendis really started the new Superman series out with a bang, earning a 4 star rating from me. I really hope to see his enthusiasm carry over to Action Comics and seeing these two series blend nicely together. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    DC Comics News - Derek McNeil Jul 12, 2018

    Bendis has the unenviable job of proving himself to a number of skeptical fans who would have been content to stick with the previous creative team. But I believe that this issue shows that he the potential is there for his tenure to be in the same league as other great writers over Superman's history. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Black Nerd Problems - Brandon Lawrence Jul 11, 2018

    Superman may end up being the perfect fit for relationship and conversation-prone writer like Bendis and an artist who knows their way around poster-quality action scenes. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Corps - Tom Zimm Jul 11, 2018

    This issue has incredible depth but doesn't get bogged down by emotional themes. The writer keeps this balance by infusing light-hearted dialogue and fluffy action sequences to lighten the tensions. However, the importance of the underlying themes are not lost and stick with you as a reader. The opening epilogue is almost boastful in its description of Superman, I feel, intentionally. The cracks in the Man of Steel are widening; I'm not sure that Superman is aware of them yet. I highly recommend this book to those who love Superman and the DC. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    411Mania - RobF Jul 19, 2018

    Superman needs a purpose, something other that battling villains. Bendis and Co. are exploring this search. It's a strong start with the potential for more. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Jul 11, 2018

    So how is Superman #1? Well, very similar to Man of Steel " some things work very well, but as the issue goes on, there continue to be odd character-based false notes that keep it from entirely clicking with me. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Graphic Policy - Brett Jul 11, 2018

    There's nothing particularly bad about Superman #1. It brings the emotional moments but delivers such a different tone from the previous creators it feels dour, a departure from the “happier” direction of Rebirth. It's not that this direction is a bad idea, it's the tone of it all that makes it a bit of a chore to read. The fun has been sucked out of the series. It's not enough for me to tap out but the series has gone down a few notches in my excitement to read what's to come. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comic Book Revolution - Rokk Jul 16, 2018

    Superman #1 is certainly gorgeous looking, but the lack of any real content or plot progression makes this an issue that is not worth getting. DC is charging $4.00 for Superman #1. The fact is that Superman #1 simply does not deliver anywhere enough actual content to make it worth such a high price of admission. I would save your entertainment dollars for something of more value. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    The Beat - Alexander Lu Jul 11, 2018

    If nothing else, Bendis knows how to make a fictional world feel lived in" and boy does it feel nice to come home to Metropolis once again. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills Jul 14, 2018

    The art is obviously amazing on Superman, but Bendis has yet to really capture me with his ongoing storyline for the Man of Steel. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comic Watch - John Jack Jul 22, 2018

    I feel like this issue was a slight step down from the Man of Steel miniseries, although as I said I liked more than I didn't and overall it was pretty good. A good starting point for new fans, and a different take for old ones. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Bleeding Cool - Joshua Davison Jul 11, 2018

    Superman #1 isnt quite the launch I had hoped for, but it is a solid book. It sets a new status quo while showing a surprising emotional maturity which gives a lot of depth to Clark Kent. Reis, Prado, and Sinclairs artwork is gorgeous too. This one still earns a recommendation. Pick it up. Read Full Review

  • 6.8
    Monkeys Fighting Robots - Jose "Jody" Cardona Jul 11, 2018

    The first issue of Superman has a few stand out moments but stumbles overall. Read Full Review

  • 6.7
    On Comics Ground - Damon Cagnolatti Jul 13, 2018

    Each new pillar works to move Superman in a new direction. But in trying to portray the emotional struggle of a man who's away from his family, Bendis' Superman comes across as more emotionally distracted than iconic. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Supergirl Comic Box Commentary - Anj Jul 13, 2018

    I pretty much liked everything other than the J'onn speech. But that was such a hard fail for me that it really dragged the book down. The art is stunning which brings things up. My hope is once Lois and Jon are back, everything just starts to click more evenly. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    ComicBook.com - Russ Burlingame Jul 11, 2018

    With Superman #1, writer Brian Michael Bendis and the art team of Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, and Alex Sinclair turn in a beautifully-rendered, sometimes thoughtful, but ultimately uneven issue of comics that feels like it would be a very good Superman comic if not for a few strange choices that taint the whole affair. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Weird Science - Eric Shea Jul 11, 2018

    While I was hoping that this issue would grab me immediately and get me on the Bendis trolley, it instead kind of bored me as it reiterated things that I had just read from The Man of Steel and just didn't do much outside of that.  The art in this issue is great and I'm intrigued with the cliffhanger, I just wish this issue was....... Well, a bit more. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    CourtOfNerds - Kevin Carley Jul 11, 2018

    I've been accused of riding the "Bendis hate train" for too long. Perhaps I have. Once upon a time I loved him. I was eighteen and entering adulthood. I've changed my worldview, my priorities, and my passions sense then. I have outgrown many things other than just old leather belts. I have out grown BMB as well. And that's okay. Some things are worth leaving behind. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    PopCultHQ - Christian Kern Jul 11, 2018

    Just once I want someone on a Superman book who doesn't want to try and outdo John Byrne. If he doesn't, then why all these drastic changes that seem at the core so superfluous at best? Time will only tell with this book and the whole world will be watching! Read Full Review

  • 4.0
    Kabooooom - Matt Morrison Jul 11, 2018

    The artwork by Ivan Reis, Joe Prado and Alex Sinclair is fantastic but it's a pretty paint-job on a story that is anything but super. Read Full Review

  • 4.0
    Comic Book Bin - Carter Hutchison Jul 11, 2018

    Seven issues into the Bendis Superman run and it is still struggling to find it's footing. Here's hoping that Bendis is setting this up for a major turn around, but for right now the S on Superman's chest is the only hope to be found. Read Full Review

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