Superman: American Alien #3
| Writer | Max Landis |
| Artist | Joelle Jones |
| Cover Price | $3.99 |
When his plane crash-lands in the middle of the ocean, 21-year-old Clark Kent finds himself at a raging party on a massive yacht and is mistaken for the guest of honor: billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne!Illustrated by Jolle Jones (Mockingbird, Ladykiller), the third issue of SUPERMAN: AMERICAN ALIEN is sure to have everyone talking!
CRITIC REVIEWS
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10
AIPT - David Brooke
Jan 13, 2016A great issue as we explore Clark Kent letting loose at the young (and very horny) age of 21. It's a side of Superman you haven't seen, but need to! Read Full Review
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10
Comics Refueled - superiorchris
Jan 13, 2016Landis prove that a hero is not made up of superhuman feats alone but as well as a life time of unheroric experiences that can one day craft a young man into someone super. Jones and Renzi make Clark's adventure a colorful and thrilling memory that you'll want to relive time and time again. Don't miss out! Read Full Review
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10
Dark Knight News - Eric Joseph
Jan 13, 2016As I said earlier, I believe this to be the best issue yet and I have a strong feeling that subsequent ones will somehow top it. Joelle Jones' artwork is also the best I've seen to date on this series, which has set another bar. The next four issues can't get here quickly enough. Read Full Review
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10
SciFiPulse - Patrick Hayes
Jan 17, 2016A super story, with equally superb art. Recommended. Read Full Review
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9.8
Weird Science - Jim Werner
Jan 15, 2016Max Landis gives fans another great issue in a series that some seem to hate, but I can't stop loving. How could I not when I'm smiling like a big dummy the whole time I'm reading it? I'm still smiling! The story here is ridiculously hilarious on the surface, but that hides the fantastic way Landis is showing Clark make his way in the world. It's all laying the foundation of what it is to be Superman and I love seeing it happen first hand and without an instruction manual. Add Joelle Jones' art to the equation and I was hard pressed to find anything wrong with this issue. Just check your hate at the door and have fun like it's your birthday. Read Full Review
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9.5
GWW - Geekindad
Jan 13, 2016Superman: American Alien is truly a coming of age story, with Issue 3 being what feels like the turning point, or at least the start of it. Landis does an amazing job with his word play in this book, as well as giving us insight to who Superman is at his core. With 4 more issues left, I'm looking forward to see where things go from here, and am enjoying every moment of it. Read Full Review
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9.4
Monkeys Fighting Robots - Oscar Moreno
Jan 13, 2016Sweet and funny, "Parrot" continues the streak of great Superman stories the "American Alien" miniseries has offered so far. Read Full Review
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9.2
We The Nerdy - John Newby
Jan 13, 2016If you want to see some great cameos and giggle at awkward situations, go pick up Superman: American Alien #3. Read Full Review
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9.0
The Hub City Review - Matthew J. Theriault
Jan 13, 2016What Landis did for the antihero in Chronicle hes doing for the original superhero here in American Alien. Never once does he neglect the emotional core of the characters, all while navigating successfully between being reverently referential and refreshingly original. In my thirty years of following the character of Superman, rarely have I read a run or series so supremely spot-on and satisfying. Read Full Review
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9.0
Comic Book Resources - Greg McElhatton
Jan 14, 2016Throw in another one-page epilogue, this time with a loopy and deliberately perplexing look at Mxyzptlk from Landis, Mark Buckingham and Jose Villarrubia, and the end result is another great comic in this miniseries. "Superman: American Alien" #3 is a perfect example of everything that a relaunch should give its readers; Landis and Jones deliver a story true to the character concept of Superman, but they're also not afraid to provide one that's updated and modern. Read Full Review
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9.0
The Pop Break - Marisa Carpico
Jan 21, 2016Admittedly, all the fun can make this third issue feel slighter than the others. Yet while there's not much derring do within these pages, it's important to remember that Clark Kent wasn't always trying to save the world. He had to decide to become more than just a farm boy from Smallville and this series makes that journey more interesting and human than it's maybe ever been. Read Full Review
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8.6
IGN - Jesse Schedeen
Jan 14, 2016Max Landis has certainly earned the benefit of the doubt after the excellent first two chapters of this seires, but even so the premise of issue #3 was a little worrisome. Do we really need to see a comic about a 21-year-old Clark Kent partying it up on Bruce Wayne's pleasure yacht? We do, as a matter of fact. Read Full Review
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8.0
Big Comic Page - Andrew McGlinn
Jan 13, 2016American Alien three is a delightful escape from the normal responsibility of Kal-El becoming Superman, and its great for the reader just to spend a little time having fun with Clark Kent. Ultimately it may be a fun throw away story, but it does seem to share that one significant moment and perhaps the beginning of the decision Clark makes on who he wants to be. That, tied in with all the exquisite fan service, makes this an issue every Supes fan will want to have in his or her collection to go back to every once in a while and enjoy. If that isnt enough to convince you, the bonus one-page story at the end had me do a virtual fist-pump as I read it. Read Full Review
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8.0
Comix I Read - Boris Roberto Aguilar
Jan 13, 2016SUPERMAN: AMERICAN ALIEN #3 was a fun coming of age story for Clark Kent. I liked the story a lot and while there were one too many coincidences, it all worked out and made for a very fun story. Max Landis' does a great job of really geting deep into Clark's thoughts and struggles as a 21 year old. We really get a sense of how Clark went from Young adult to Superman. The art in this book was just awesome. The entire team consisting of Joelle Jones, Rico Renzi, and John Workman did a great job of making a beautiful looking book that added to an awesome script. Read Full Review
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8.0
ComiConverse - Kyle King
Jan 14, 2016Suspend your disbelief at the dock and enjoy Max Landis's latest delightful and insightful escapade with the young Clark Kent. Read Full Review
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7.5
Black Nerd Problems - Oz Longworth
Jan 15, 2016Bottom Line: This isn't a bad book. In fact, this issue is much better than the series has been so far. In fact, this is like the Peter Parker of Superman comics. Peter Parker could be so many great things, but he'll never reach his true potential because he has to be Spider-Man. American Alien could be one of the great Superman stories that we're talking about years from now, but it won't be. Because Max Landis. Read Full Review
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7.0
ComicBuzz - Gary Murphy
Jan 13, 2016With an anthology-style approach to storytelling, Superman: American Alien is setting up 2016 to be a great year for comics and cements itself as one of the years standout offerings. Issue 3 offers us a fun tale of Clarks youth, leaving you nostalgic for your salad days, but it wont impact you as much as the previous issues. Its a necessary palate cleanser, but nothing more. Heres hoping that the rest of the series issues returns to the more introspective style worthy of the strong pedigree that has been established. Read Full Review
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7.0
Newsarama - David Pepose
Jan 13, 2016Ultimately, though, Superman purists will likely want to steer clear of Superman: American Alien, and that might be what Landis and DC are looking for, given the nature of the marketing behind this series. The overall goal that Landis is pursuing - trying to lend a certain amount of humanity and resonance to Clark Kent before the capes and tights and invincible superheroics render him too "safe" to really enjoy - is right on the money, even if his execution winds up feeling like he's tossing out the baby with the bathwater. The stellar artwork behind Superman: American Alien #3 wins Landis a lot of points, but this Spring Break vacation might be a little too adventurous for its readership. Read Full Review
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7.0
Newsarama - Justin Partridge, &lsquo
Jan 14, 2016American Alien may be divisive, but its ambition and beauty cannot be denied. Read Full Review
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6.9
Graphic Policy - Brett
Jan 13, 2016I can see what Landis was trying to do here, I just think it could have been done in a better way that wasn't so over the top unbelievable and a ridiculous scenario. As part of the overall series, this could work, but as a stand alone, it misses the mark. Read Full Review
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6.0
Batman-News - Jay Yaws
Jan 18, 2016Like I said, even just writing about it improved my mood. Most of it is the fact that this is part of a still incomplete whole, but while I may not totally agree or even like everything that's being done with Clark's character at least it's something a bit different. If nothing else, it's a great spin on the typical Superman/Batman story, and any time we can get one of those where they don't punch each other I'm ok with that. Read Full Review
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5.5
Fortress of Solitude - Byron Hendricks
Jan 13, 2016Is this comic entertaining? Not really. It is more of a read to pass the time, especially if you are not a fan of the character. Nothing really happens here besides Superman meeting a girl that he likes and their fling on a yacht. Other than that, there is no real character growth. I expected a lot more from Superman: American Alien #3. Read Full Review
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4.5
Fanboys Inc - Buddy Beaudoin
Jan 13, 2016Superman: American Alien has been a series of missteps thus far. The narrative is seemingly more derisive of the source material than it is a retelling of it. Though the art team did a phenomenal job in this book, its hard to approach Superman: American Alien #3 with anything resembling seriousness. Read Full Review
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4.0
Comic Bastards - Asa Giannini
Jan 13, 2016The book ends with a mini-comic (illustrated by the great Mark Buckingham). It's a one-page story where Mr. Mxyzptlk poses a philosophical question to the readers. The format is clever and one central panel contains a touch which perfectly explains the character. But the underlying ideas are unoriginal and not particularly interesting with an irritating touch of pretentiousness. It does not in the end provide much insight into the main character and in the end proves to be little more than a curiosity. Sadly, these many problems (and a few strengths) apply exactly to the issue as a whole. Read Full Review
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4.0
Pop Culture Uncovered - John Amenta
Jan 14, 2016Landis has filled three full issues so far with only a few memorable moments, not enough to warrant granting him seven issues in total unless the remaining books are well above the standard we have seen so far. The art team has been different for each issue, and this was in my opinion the weakest in that department thus far. I'll keep reading this series, but only in hopes that it gets better before the final issue. Landis has shown the capacity for big ideas in the Superman department in his videos, it's time to capture that magic in the remainder of American Alien. Read Full Review
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4.0
All-Comic - Erik Gonzalez
Jan 17, 2016Landis has taken a step in the right direction with this issue of American Alien. Readers should still be wary because it is by no means perfect due to some lines and story beats that seem out of character and/or forced. All the easter eggs were a bit unnecessary as well; he doesnt have to try to establish his geek cred by name-dropping characters like Bobby Milestone because the plot and story should be enough to establish that. The cliffhanger of the issue is extremely promising and definitely clinches whether one should pick up issue four or not. Heres to keeping fingers crossed, hoping the book delivers on the promise! In the meantime, give this one a shot. Its nothing exemplary, but its a nice little Superman story. Read Full Review
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N/A
DC Comics News - Steven Brown
Jan 28, 2016If you've read American Alien issues 1 and 2, then 3 will be perfect for you as well. I love how we are seeing Clark at key moments and stages of his life. Although he hasn't put on the cape yet its pretty interesting to see what guides him in doing so. Issue 3 definitely gives us that and also throws in Oliver Queen for a good laugh. I always liked Oliver and its good seeing him a Clark at odds over ideals. Oliver is still in his party boy stage and it shows here perfectly. Now my hope now is that we see the point where Clark decides he needs to become Superman. I think Landis does a great job showing us how human Clark is-and although he's not human he still goes through growing pains just like the rest of us. Read Full Review
USER REVIEWS
Back to Top-
10
Despite a rush start this issue developed a simple story and ended awesomely. There are funny momenst and thera are serious moments, they make you laugh and they make you think deeply. Also this issue is filled with cameos. Enjoy
+ Like • Comment -
10
I can't get enough of this book. Every issue is special in its own unique way. And holy crap did Landis ever get a star-studded group of artists to work on this book with him!! Joelle Jones nails it with the art in this issue. I'm loving Landis' writing too. Surprisingly hilarious. I laughed out loud at a couple lines. This book is wowing me with each issue, and I cannot wait to see what's next.
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8.5
This was a crazy issue, how crazy? Clark, who is mistaken for Bruce Wayne, has sex with Barbara Ann Minerva (Cheetah) during a cruise meant to celebrate Bruce Wayne's Birthday, and that's just one of many things and tidbits that happen in this comic. Certainly not your average Superman story.
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8.5
I read this series many years ago, I have no recollection of the first two issue, but this one I remember well, very fun issue that provides a great angle on a young Clark Kent.
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8.0
This book has been consistently great, and I think Max Landis could really write basically anything he wants once this is over. So marvel will probably come calling soon, and offer him something big and meaty (or an exclusivity contract) and BOOM! He will blow up like the engine on Clark's plane. This story was a great, and unexpected, case of mistaken identity- where Clark is somehow confused for Bruce Wayne when he climbs aboard a luxury yacht after his plane crashes on it's way to his ACTUAL destination- a Bahamas vacation that he won. The artwork was really good in this issue- my only problem was that the female lead of the story- Minerva or Barb? I don't know which she is. Was that first time a dig of some sort? Is she Barbara Gordon? more
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8.0
The way Max Landis introduces characters, pre-Villian/Hero, allows the audience to have a different view of iconic characters, which in turn allows for an interesting read.
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