The chapter ends in a surprising manner, one most fans would NEVER expect, but toMillers credit, it makes TOTAL sense. It bodes well for me that this is infact a key re-telling of the original Siegel & Shuster story, but with refined layering to address the sensibilities of 2019. Read Full Review

It's always nice to read a story written by Miller, but this time is a very different story, it's a story that does not have the usual violence that Miller brings to us, it's a cool breeze in the field, it's amazing how Miller takes us inside Clark Kent mind where in spite of having very superior strengths and abilities Clark learns to control himself a level of understanding that will give him an unusual maturity in a teenager. Read Full Review

So far, I'm absolutely hooked. This series may seem a bit pricey, but (so far) it's well worth it. Read Full Review

As a Superman origin story maybe it's not that surprising, but don't go in expecting this issue to end with Clark in his familiar blue and red outfit. This is a slower burn despite the larger page count. For Superman fans, Miller is just doing a deeper dive on the time frame a lot of writers tend to breeze by to get to the good stuff. Read Full Review

Superman Year One was an excellent fresh new take on the early days of Superman Read Full Review

Miller, Romita Jr., and team come out of the gates fast and strong. Anticipation for what comes next is high. Up, up, and away! Read Full Review

I am always leery of rewritings of such iconic stories as Superman's origins no matter how well accredited the creative team is. And while it isn't without a small stumble or two, I think Superman Year One #1 sticks the landings in all the most important ways. Reminding us Superman's story has always been one of compassion, equality, and above all, hope. Read Full Review

The debut issue is a solid one. The negativity of Miller's recent works is gone and instead we have a focus on the positive and justice focused nature of Superman. In it, the creators show they get their subject by delivering the building blocks that have shaped his focus on helping those in his later years. It's an unexpected debut and one of the best in takes on Superman in recent memories. Read Full Review

Superman Year One is one of the Man of Steel's most grounded stories, and it benefits from it. Read Full Review

Overall, Superman: Year One, is an interesting look at the beginnings of what formed a young Clark Kent into the eventual Superman he would become, and its an utter joy to read about and see unfold on the page. A little like a Superman Breakfast Club with a twist. Miller takes a very different approach to this title than I ever expected from him, bringing some genuinely touching moments to the page, that anyone having gone through similar situations either now, or in the past, can really relate to.  Romita is great on art duties too making this another Black Label title to come back too and check out for issue two. Read Full Review

Superman: Year One offers a fresh take on the world's most iconic superhero's beloved origin story; however, while it has some strong elements, Superman: Year One will have to continue to develop in order to stand out from the herd. Read Full Review

Superman: Year One could hardly be described as groundbreaking at this point, but it's made for a welcome addition to the Black Label initiative. Read Full Review

Miller is definitely one to “stay in his own lane”. But with Superman: Year One #1 it's to the point of him whitewashing the contributions of others who came before and simply signing his own name in their stead. There's nothing new, nothing we haven't seen or haven't already been told at least a dozen times over. I read this issue because of the names on the cover. I won't be repeating that behavior. Read Full Review

Miller and Romita's work brings plenty of charm, but that's not to say there isn't also some shakiness from this usually rock-solid team, with some of Miller's less savory signature tics seeping into an otherwise promising alternate history. Read Full Review

Year One is a flawed start but boasts gorgeous work by JRJR, showcasing what the legend is capable of even now in the modern age. Read Full Review

Im not saying Superman: Year One needs to be exactly that, but blending the old guard (Bagley Jr.) with the new (Zdarsky) like that title does couldve made for something a little more special. For a character whos often (derisively) called boring by some readers, Superman is capable of so much experimentation! With creators like Frank Miller and John Romita Jr., Year One feels like a wasted opportunity more than anything. Read Full Review

Superman: Year One alternates between rehashing familiar tropes and adding unnecessary new elements to the mythos. Read Full Review

Theres promise on the horizon here, for something different, something big, something groundbreaking coming. Like I said from the start, JRJR and Miller are two of my favorite creators in all of comicsthey have earned my trust in this book. Read Full Review

This is the first installment, however, and I hope Frank Miller's expressed enthusiasm for the Man of Steel will pay dividends going forward. Read Full Review

If you've got $8 and are at the comic book store, buy something else. Read Full Review

This might read better once the entire story has been released, but this first chapter leaves a lot to be desired. It’s admittedly a tall order to try and give the very first superhero a brand-new definitive origin. But Miller is really grasping at straws trying to find something to say. He fills the pages with narration the same way you might start the first draft of an essay in hopes that something comes to you.It’s frivolous. And if Romita is supposed to be a draw to the book, his work is blocked out - an awkward fit for what Miller is attempting to do. Altogether the whole affair just feels off, like it’s a song we’ve heard before played by a band we know, just incredibly out of tune. Read Full Review

Superman: Year One has its fill of head scratching- moments and genuinely good ones. But in the end, its a forgettable retread of a well-known origin story. The best thing that can be said is that it isnt terrible. That doesnt inspire hope for the remaining issues. For the same amount as this issue, readers can pick up a secondhand copy of Birthright or Secret Origin. Unlike Year One, those stories are at least memorable. Read Full Review

A 60-page jumbo comic with art by John Romita Jr., it looks exactly like what a Superman book should look like " but that's the only good thing I can say about this complete mess of a comic. Read Full Review

Superman: Year One #1 is uneven and disjointed on a superficial level, and deeply troubling once one begins to examine its ideology. Read Full Review

Superman: Year One #1 had the potential to be an all-time classic Superman origin that instead shows the destructive power one decision can make on an entire story. Instead,Superman: Year One #1is a tale best forgotten. Read Full Review

Not only does Miller appear not to understand Superman, and not only is the issue riddled with cliches, but the comic's biggest sin is that it's simply dull. This issue is 63 pages long, and it only gets us to Clark leaving homethe Daily Planet, Lois Lane, and the Superman costume are all left for future issues. In 2005, Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely took one pagefour panels and eight wordsto tell Superman's origin. In 2019, it appears that Frank Miller needs three 63-page issues to do it, and to do it extremely badly. Read Full Review

What you'd expect from a washed up, out of touch writer and one of the worst artists working in the business.Utterly abysmal writing and some of the worst art I've seen ever in a Big Two comic, this is one of those rare "must-miss" situations. Read Full Review

The legend done right. Well done, DC.

I could see why people have problems with this. I really don't though. Most people hate Frank Miller for the reasons that I love him. I enjoyed this take on Clark and felt it was an appropriate origin considering what Superman is like in The Dark Knight Returns. The Navy SEALs addition was pretty cool when keeping in mind how Clark later becomes a government controlled puppet in a sense. I also thought that the telepathy part was interesting and alien-like, which I thought was a nice change. The art though... I don't know, I just felt conflicted with it. I read all the Kick-Ass books growing up and I remember JRJR being much better back then. Still, there were moments that I thought looked really cool. Then again there were panels that bugged me due to the weird faces and lack of consecutive detail. At times, I would go from "Wow this looks awesome!" to "Really?".

To sum up my feelings, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the writing and choices made throughout. The art was all over the place. It could look great and detailed in one panel then downright lazy in the next. Overall, is this book anywhere near the flawless All Star Superman? It's great, but not that great. Am I excited for the next issue? Hell Yeah! more

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Dankside - Jun 19, 2019

I also do not understand this hatred for Miller

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I have read/seen more origin stories of Superman, this one feels kind of special. Adds more depth to Clark Kent's life and interprets directly from the eyes of a boy who struggles to understand the workings of the world. Frank Miller's narration is on point, the art by JRJR is gorgeous!

History got me arrested. The art is in the details. Frank, puts the world of Clark in a new perspective. We should wait for the next two for a final note.

Another Origin story for a character who has a comic book life span that goes back over 50 years. Not to say that this isn't a great comic but you would have expected some more divisiveness or outrage over an Origin story retold by Frank Miller. Instead we get something that tastes a bit like its been re heated for the second time. Despite its redundancy Millers ability to make the dialogue and characters so fresh was really what turned pages, God knows it was not for the art. The art on this title is something you will not remember once you put this issue down nor is it a reason you would tell your friends to pick up this issue. Luckily before things got stale Miller had some revitalizing moments like the script on Kents inner dialogue and his punk rock attitude towards life. Most writers have made Clark Kent kind of a simple bitch, just not someone you would ever want to hang out with. This is where Millers young superman looks in a different direction, He has personal desires and is more intellectual than most writers would have made him. Clarks love for Lane and his desire to join the navy was refreshing and Ill be looking forward to reading the next issue. more

So in an interview John Romita Jr. basically confirmed he was what this story was based on, his youth and the general beats. Ignoring this is *not* the definitive Superman origin, it may be the definitive and most realistic representation of growing up in a smalltown in the praries. I have often been embarassed of where I grew up and despised it, like many people from the praries, but this book was so relatable to me and actually made me nostalgic for those years. If a comic has that kind of effect on me, it must be doing something right. I so want to award this a higher score, but it had parts that dragged on a bit long. It may not go down as the best Superman origin, but for me it seems like it will at least be a very memorable one.

I also like the addition of Superman joining the SEALs. This is supposed to be the Superman of Dark Knight Returns, so that detour makes sense. more

While Superman: Year One 1 could’ve definitely been better, knowing Frank Miller, it also could’ve been a lot worse. The art was overall pretty great be Romita and I love a good Clark in Kansas story, even if it’s not as good as Superman For All Seasons. I’m extremely interested for next issue, though, as Clark begins Navy SEAL training, which seems to be quite the plot twist

THE GOOD:

-I actually liked this issue. It was kinda cheesy, but in a fun way at least and I enjoyed it more than a lot of the bland and boring stuff DC is putting out right now.

-The art had it's weak spots, but overall, I enjoyed it for what it is, which is competent, nothing outstanding.

-Frank Miller is good at narration, and that definitely shows in this issue.

-I thought Clark was characterized rather well here. He definitely feels more like Superman than that poser we have in both the current ongoing Superman series.

-I liked the chemistry between Lana and Clark, which is impressive writing, considering I've never liked Lana. So, kudos to Frank Miller.

-I really found that this was an entertaining story. The little vignettes of Clark's childhood we get range from heartwarming to funny in a really nice, natural way.

-Clark joining the SEALS was actually a really interesting addition to his mythos and I'm really excited to see where it goes next issue.

THE BAD:

-Martha and Jon's reaction to finding Clark seemed a little unbelievable. They act like finding a baby in a space ship is the most normal thing in the world, and becoming his parents is the most logical next step.

-I'm not sure if Frank Miller ever went to high school, but I thin he's got it mixed up with Kindergarten in this issue.

-Eh, I got tired of the cliches after a while, mainly the bully stuff. more

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Kreniigh - Jul 23, 2019

Wasn't there a suggestion that Clark was subconsciously manipulating the Kents into accepting him? Which has its own problems, of course.

ohhaimark - Jul 23, 2019

Is that so? I didn't catch that… Very true, that idea does seem to carry some issues of it's own.

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people got harsh on this one huh. it's not that bad

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duBEARck - Apr 16, 2022

But why is it still bad? Maybe I'm just too fanatical about Miller, but I really can't figure out why the rates are 6.5 and lower

Mout - Apr 16, 2022

I understand why the third issue would upset some people. but #1 and #2 are enjoyable.

Hex - Apr 16, 2022

I just think the art is horrendous.

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Disappointing

Ooof. This was bad. The parents are actual idiots, Clark is a jerk, Lana gets to be a victim. Wahoo. Won't be going back for the second. Miller was not a good choice. At least not old, cranky Miller.

Is this comic even necessary, to be honest? How many times can the same story be re-told? I'm fine with modernizations and minor tweaks to make origin stories more actual and relevant, but if I got to be honest, I'd rather read Earth 1 alternate retelling, taking creative risks, than deal with something that's neither old nor new, contantly being held by canon's restrictions.
Red Son was an amazing and refreshing twist, offering us, readers, something unique, different. This one, on the other hand, has to play safe, and there ' no big shake-ups Miller has written.
Think of it as yet another George Lucas re-releae on Star Wars, with an extra CGI rock.

This ain't no Batman year one. What's the point of this series?

Meh. There were some parts I liked. Some parts I didn't. I'm a negative person, so I'll focus on what I didn't like. The repetition. The length. The bullies. Especially, the bullies.

An Issue with full of disappointment.Ink and illustrations are good but the story is totally boring.Still do not know why Superman is like this in the cover...By the way i like the chemistry between Lana and Clark.

Nobody acts like a real human being in Frank Miller's cliche, fractured monologue filled world. I have no idea why Miller or DC thought JRJR would be a good fit for this rustic story with his ever declining art. Cringe worthy dialog and monologues. Dreadfully dull pacing and story. Clark is constantly told not to show off, but that's all this issue does.

Also--this isn't a technical Year One story. It starts when Clark is a Krypton Kal baby up to when he's a teenager. If you want to read an actual Year One take on Superman, read Superman: Birthright. That's everything this wishes it was.

For a Black Label comic, I expected something unique. Maybe some new details on young Clark Kent. Him in school was interesting but it largely was too cheesy, the dialogue of him as a toddler/baby in the space capsule was strange and the worst of all ... Clark Kent joins the Navy?! I was hoping for some impactful stories, not a retcon of quite a few parts.

Disappointing.

With a title like Superman Year One from DC’s Black Label I expected, with high hopes, for this comic to be independent and unalike compared to past origin stories. However, this issue proves to be a retelling of way too familiar tropes for the Man of Steel. We see Clark go to school as a child and go through the same routine of being classified as different and struggling to hold back his powers against the bullies that antagonize him and his friends. These factors help shape Superman as he grows, but the fact that this issue is oversized can become a problem when it only focuses, as I said earlier, on familiar tropes. All in all, I can’t say I enjoyed reading this, but maybe die hard Superman fans might like to see where the rest of the series goes. However, be prepared because the first issue is a very slow burn to Superman’s first years. more

I came for Crazy Steve, but what I got was Steve From Accounting.

This was dull and underwhelming mess with some odd and dated dialogue and views of women thrown in for good measure.
Yes, I know that this is an Elseworld and is supposed to be the origin story for a younger version of Miller's Dark Knight Superman, but I have to say that this still didn't feel like a Superman story. It really just felt like a homemade comic written decades ago that stars an obvious rip-off Superman except he ( and his supporting cast ) has neither Superman's charm nor personality. Pa Kent's characterization was a bit off, I didn't see much Clark in this version of Clark Kent, Ma's characterization felt flat, and Lana started out okay-ish but soon her characterization eventually morphed into just being "The Girlfriend". Also Ma and Pa and at times even Clark's dialogue and character seemed like a caricature of people from the Midwest. I'm from the Midwest and the dialogue made me cringe. Besides that it's just boring. Aside from an odd or bad choice here or there, there isn't much in this book you haven't seen before in other Superman origin stories, and those other origin stories did it better.

The art while wonky at times is Romita's best work yet.

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60 pages of annoying narration, awkward dialogue, gigantic heads, derivative tropes and plot points, and next to nothing happening. What waste of a Year One and DC Black Label title. And Toolsters? Really?

This was truly awful. I will not be back for future issues. Poorly written and definitely not the best art I've seen from JR, Jr. The "doo rags" on baby Kal-El and on Clark were also ridiculous.