The Man of Steel #1

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis Artist: Ivan Reis Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: May 30, 2018 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 49 User Reviews: 62
8.1Critic Rating
8.1User Rating

A new era begins for Superman as a threat from his earliest origins reemerges to destroy the Last Son of Krypton. As Superman struggles to come to grips with what has happened to his wife and son, he must also face a new threat that's determined to burn down Metropolis!

  • 10
    Big Comic Page - Dave MacPhail May 30, 2018

    Supermans newest series is guaranteed to be a hit for longtime fans and newcomers alike, taking what we know from his other appearances and builds on it. The book is ideal for new readers due to some clever writing, but it wont frustrate older readers either. The series is off to a great start and given its weekly schedule means that we wont have to wait too long for the next instalment! Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Forces Of Geek - Lenny Schwartz May 30, 2018

    It's exciting. There are so many questions raised in the first issue. This six issue series starts off great and is fueled with great inspired writing. My only question is if Bendis can make the big picture satisfactory. The adventure started off great here. Let's see where it takes us. For now, it's a high level book that will be at the top of my reading pile. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    You Don't Read Comics - David Harth May 30, 2018

        Man Of Steel #1 has a lot riding on it and it delivers. Bendis has captured Superman perfectly and set up several interesting plots. The cliffhanger ending is extremely effective in whetting the readers appetite for more. Bendis seems to get Superman and gets what makes the character work. If Man Of Steel can keep this up, it will be able to stand with the biggest and best Superman stories. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Chuck's Comic Of The Day - Chuck May 31, 2018

    I'm reserving judgment on the new villain, who seems to have a bit of retcon business hanging over his (its?) shoulders, but by any standard, this issue is a strong entry and does exactly what it's supposed to do: breathe some new life into the Big Blue Boy Scout. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles May 30, 2018

    After this issue, I understand DC's decision to give the Superman reins to Bendis. He's got some interesting ideas and he's not grounding Superman to the point he sounds like Daredevil, Jessica Jones or Luke Cage. If you're on the fence, this issue just might win you over. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Razorfine - Alan Rapp Jun 1, 2018

    Brian Michael Bendis does quite a bit to sell me on his version of Superman (although I still have some big questions about Rogol). Ivan Reis proves to be an excellent choice of artist for the issue that feels both classic and modern, and I can't say how happy I am to have the Big Blue Boyscout not going commando anymore. Worth a look. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Bounding Into Comics - Daniel Mills May 30, 2018

    But every one of those pages is alluring with a classic touch, thanks to the consistently detailed work of Ivan Reis. One of DC's most prominent veterans joins this brand new writer on his brand new beginning.Man of Steel #1ends far too quickly. Thankfully, it's only just the beginning. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Epicstream - Brian McCormick May 30, 2018

    The Man of Steel #1 is a showcase of everything that makes comic books great! It's a promising start for Brian Michael Bendis and deserves serious consideration on your pull list. The only bad thing I have to say is that the issues cover art displays the Justice League, which is entirely absent from the issue. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Crusaders - Johnny "The Machine" Hughes May 30, 2018

    So with all the hoopla surrounding Bendis, does his writing work in the DC Universe? In my opinion, Bendis, like Stanton, may be starting off slow, waiting to get the bases to get loaded before hitting the grand slam. I guess we will have to wait a few more innings to find out. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield May 30, 2018

    There's a lot of unanswered questions here, but do I like the way Bendis writes Superman? I do. A lot. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Book Corps - Tom Zimm May 30, 2018

    Superman's appearance as an unstoppable force appears to have the venire which writer's like Bendis love to tarnish - or I read Action #1000 and see where this is going. Either way, this is a nice start for Bendis and I am very intrigued where this is going. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Word Of The Nerd - Bryan Brown May 31, 2018

    This issue is well thought out and executed nicely. A great story, surprising twists, and mixed with fantastic art, Man of Steel #1 is a fun and satisfying read. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    The Brazen Bull - Charlie Chipman May 30, 2018

    With Man of Steel #1, Brian Michael Bendis and co. have succeeded in revitalizing an icon; a new era, that promises excitement and intensity, has begun. This issue is filled with great moments, sharp and witty one-liners, and high-quality artwork. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comicosity - Chris Campbell May 30, 2018

    Overall as asingle issue, TheMan Of Steel #1 is a success. It is the first step in the right direction by Bendis and shows that he has an excellent understanding of the property he is working on. Instead of trying to do something cool and flashy he is reinforcing what many may have forgotten about Superman. It is Superman's humanity that makes him the hero that he has become. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Outright Geekery - Antonio Pedro May 30, 2018

    I am feeling very cautiously optimistic. I really enjoyed this issue and I tend to like Bendis anyway, but I still know he can screw it up. The story didn't go many places but, at this point, it didn't need to. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    All-Comic - Milo Milton Jefferies May 31, 2018

    Brian Michael Bendis' brand new mini-series that heralds his arrival at DC Comics opens very strongly, laying the foundations down for a Superman story that has the potential to become a modern classic. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Bleeding Cool - Joshua Davison May 15, 2018

    Man of Steel #1 is a relief to read. Superman is written as the charismatic and caring protector of the innocent he should always be. The villain remains to be proven. The pacing is solid and never lags. Reis, Fabok, Prado, and Sinclair do a great job on the art. This is a great read and earns a recommendation. Give it a read when it comes out on May 30th. Read Full Review

  • 8.8
    Comicsverse - AJ Zender May 30, 2018

    MAN OF STEEL #1 is a really strong opening issue for Bendis' time at DC Comics. It has some issues with the plot, namely a lack of information, but this will be remedied in future issues. Bendis perfectly captured the beloved character and his intended villain, and the art by Reis and Fabok is some of the best in the industry. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Capeless Crusader - Jeremy Radick May 30, 2018

    All in all, Man of Steel #1 should thrill and entertain readers new to the character (if those exist) and fans of the Man of STeeel. Bendis had high expectations for the kick off of his run, but he and his collaborators deliver. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Supergirl Comic Box Commentary - Anj Jun 1, 2018

    All in all, it is only the Zaar part which I am still undecided about. A solid opening to a bold new direction indeed. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge Jun 1, 2018

    The opening issue gives us some pretty decent foundations with a lot of "understoods" in place that keeps it from getting bogged down. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    IGN - Jesse Schedeen May 30, 2018

    Man of Steel #1 suggests that Superman will remain in good hands as Brian Bendis takes over the franchise. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Sequential Planet - Quinn Morris Jun 1, 2018

    The Man of Steel #1 is finally out, and so dawns a new age of Superman. Read Full Review

  • 8.3
    Heroes Direct - Joseph Kime Jun 1, 2018

    This is the Superman reboot we needed to remind us of the character we missed! Definitely one to follow. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Flickering Myth - Ricky Church Jun 1, 2018

    Bendis makes a great formal entrance into DC withThe Man of Steel #1. It's a shame we don't see a bit more of Superman's supporting characters in this issue and the ending is a little abrupt, but Bendis' focus on Superman and this mysterious new villain shows he has a good handle on the title hero. Reis' art showcases Superman in all his glory with some nice colour work from Sinclair.From this first issue,The Man of Steellooks to be a fun and worthwhile weekly series for Superman. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills Jun 2, 2018

    Brian Michael Bendis' proper debut on Superman is off to a good, reader-friendly start, though the scary new villain leaves a lot to be desired. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Weird Science - Reggie Hemingway May 30, 2018

    This issue promises the fans that the Superman we know best will be evinced in Brian Michael Bendis' run on the character. Unfortunately, that's all we've gotten from him for the last two outings, and I'd sort of like to see some meaningful content. Oh well, I'm sure there's some diabolical stuff forthcoming. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Pop Culture Uncovered - soshillinois May 30, 2018

    If this first issue is anything to go by though, I think we'll be enjoying ourselves quite a bit with Bendis writing Superman, he's in good hands. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Bin - Philip Schweier Jun 4, 2018

    Seeing anice simple Superman story, in which he flies about the city doing good(complete with red trunks) somehow makes me feel all is right with the world ofcomics. Im eager to see more from Bendis. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally May 30, 2018

    This is a really fun story that seems to be leading to some really interesting turns and mysteries. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Doom Rocket - Jarrod Jones May 31, 2018

    The Man of Steel #1 feels like a shot in the arm for an already very healthy patient. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    GWW - Christopher Rodriguez May 30, 2018

    Brian Michael Bendis gets off to a strong start with The Man of Steel. It was a lot off fun. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Watch - John Jack Jun 8, 2018

    If anyone ever wants to contact me, look me up in my groups for the love of comic books andNew Fans, Old Comics, I also have several comic pages dedicated to my various true loves, Batman, Superman, Indie Comics, Spider-man, Marvel, Oldie Goldies, and Hats! (Long story on that last one haha) or on Twitter @johnbatusijack Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    The Beat - Alexander Lu May 30, 2018

    Overall, I liked The Man of Steel #1. Bendis' scriptwriting and the visual team's artistic skills fire on full throttle throughout this debut, portraying a more fun and grounded version of Superman than we've often gotten in the past. Read Full Review

  • 7.8
    Black Nerd Problems - Mikkel Snyder May 31, 2018

    This is definitely a different take on Superman than I am used to. This is a story where Clark/Superman are isolated and online, and his interactions with the auxiliary cast are a little more stilted than usual. I'll go ahead and reserve judgement on what this means for the future. Right now, I'm just glad the next issue is next week. Read Full Review

  • 7.6
    Monkeys Fighting Robots - Jose "Jody" Cardona May 30, 2018

    The first issue of The Man of Steel lays out its villain's past and Clark Kent's depressing present. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    AIPT - Robert Reed May 30, 2018

    Man of Steel #1 is a fun Superman book with creators Brian Michael Bendis and Ivan Reis really showing off the Big Blue. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Graphic Policy - Logan Dalton May 30, 2018

    Even if the bad guy is a little underwhelming and the overarching narrative stumbles out of the gate,Man of Steel#1 proves that Brian Michael Bendis understands Superman/Clark Kent and how his commitment to truth and justice affects the dual aspects of his life. He even adds a little dry Midwest wit to the proceedings and gets out of the way to let Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, and Alex Sinclair craft soaring splash pages and hellish planetscapes to set up a battle between good and evil. Read Full Review

  • 7.4
    Major Spoilers - Matthew Peterson May 30, 2018

    The Kent family appears all together and some new villains make their way to Metropolis. But what menaces await in deep space? Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    On Comics Ground - Damon Cagnolatti Jun 1, 2018

    Bendis is Bendis'ing like never before! Although this is only the first issue, it seems to already be off to a choppy start. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    411Mania - RobF Jun 7, 2018

    The Man of Steel is off to a very good start. Bendis does a decent job, preferring the slowburn to the huge impact. Only time will tell whether this is just another story or one of the classics. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Newsarama - Pierce Lydon May 30, 2018

    Bendis hasn't fully realized the texture of the world he's working in yet, but if he can, things will start to come together. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Heroic Hollywood - Louis Otero May 30, 2018

    Theres a lot of potential here, but The Man of Steel #1 is a lackluster debut from Bendis. You cannot deny the immense talent that went into this book, but it still doesnt make for an engaging story. Instead, youll find yourself clinging exclusively to the characters. Theres nothing necessarily wrong with that if Bendis intends to bring those character-heavy moments to the center of the plot, but the uninspired villain will make that all the more difficult. It would be great to be proven wrong in the next issue, but there are plenty of better comics running right now and this issue makes it hard to justify adding this series to your pull list. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Comic Bastards - Garrett Hanneken May 30, 2018

    With all that being said, The Man of Steel #1 sacrifices any outstanding or invigorating moments in order to affirm Superman holds onto his virtuous characteristics. The result is Bendis assuring fans that he knows what Superman stands for while any exhilarating parts, in which we got a taste for in Action Comics #1000, will come into play later. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Kabooooom - Matt Morrison May 31, 2018

    The Man of Steel #1 is a solid Superman story but nothing more than that. The bits focused on Superman being Superman are fantastic. The parts involving the new villain are beneath the creators involved. So far, this series is proof that Superman doesn't need to be redefined for a new generation of readers " he needs to have what he already is looked at in new and unique ways. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Newsarama - Matthew Sibley May 31, 2018

    Bendis is still setting a lot up, not yet digging into the meat of his story, but this suggests he has a confident handle on where Superman is heading under his pen. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    We The Nerdy - Jean-Luc Botbyl May 30, 2018

    In other words, a DC comic. Take that as you will. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    ComicBook.com - Russ Burlingame May 30, 2018

    The Man of Steel #1 is certainly not a bad comic; it is gorgeously illustrated, engaging, and includes a few very nice character beats. Still, it feels more like a teaser for something potentially really interesting than the beginning of it. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    DC Comics News - Ari Bard May 31, 2018

    The villain feels like an instant classic, but some other aspects of the writing and storytelling definitely do not. Maybe my expectations are unreasonably high for Bendis, but I hope to see some better Superman in the issues to come. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Chip Chipperson May 31, 2018

    Just gives me a good feeling like when Snyder took over Batman. Good dialog, story and art

  • 9.5
    Steve C Jun 1, 2018

    Loved it! Great start to the series! Bendis’ writing and Reid and Prado’s art are both incredible.

  • 9.5
    Dispatchdcu May 31, 2018

    Welcome to the Oblivion Bar where the first round is on me and the pretzels are free! Be warned: like the pickled eggs at the bar, this issue is going to get SPOILED rotten.

    Bendis kicks us off really well with Man of Steel number 1. Why don’t we fly on in shall we? The story opens with Krypton but in the past. A new character, at least to me, is shown named Rogol Zaar. He appears to be asking a council of elders from individuals that look like guardians, High father, to who knows who else, and wants to put an end to the Kryptonians. And it appears he wants to be the one to do it. And this guy looks mean! Amazing art by Ivan... truly amazing. Rogol looks fierce.

    Next, we jump to Metropolis now with Firefly trying to more

  • 9.0
    Wolf Warner Jun 4, 2018

    Well done

  • 9.0
    axdn May 30, 2018

    I was afraid of Bendis, but his issue was actually really really good. I'll give him a chance.

  • 8.5
    Mike L. Jun 1, 2018

    Solid start, look forward to see what direction book is headed.

  • 8.5
    KFuqua May 31, 2018

    Not a Bendis fan and was really concerned about what he will do with Superman and his family, but I did enjoy this issue and it gave me hope that maybe it won't be so awful.

  • 8.5

    I was sad to see the previous team leave the book, because I really enjoyed Superdad. However, Bendis is off to a good start. There is a lot bigger focus on Metropolis, at least in this mini series and that is something we haven't seen in a while. My only gripe is the cliffhanger was very dumb and tells you basically nothing.

  • 8.5
    EvilPenguin543 May 30, 2018

    It was better than I was expecting. Seems moving to DC was just the shot in the arm Bendis needed.

  • 8.5
    Bill Blaze May 30, 2018

    This issue is alright. We see another day in the life of good ol' Supes with some Bendis bantering. Bendis is playing it safe. Maybe a little too safe. Can't blame him though. So much hype to live up to. The art is great of course. We'll see what happens... and next week at that. Save up, kiddies.

  • 8.5
    WhistleBlower May 30, 2018

    Shows a lot of promise and understanding of Superman. People can put their pitchforks down.

  • 8.5
    Simon DelMonte May 30, 2018

    Spot on perfect Superman, intriguing story, good mystery and great art. Still not sure about the new characters but otherwise I am in. Ben did might actually do it.

    + LikeComments (1)
  • 8.0
    Spock's Brain Jun 12, 2018

    There are elements to "Man of Steel" that I really liked. What first caught my attention was the way Bendis created a credible and understandable conflict in just the opening couple of pages, and then I next was really thrilled by the page where Superman catches a stray song in his and tries to focus on it, only before it is drowned out by the screams for help in Metropolis. It shows his fantastic powers and humanizes him at the same time. Perhaps this is just a small sample of the kind of writing Bendis can bring to the character.nIvan Ries' art was great. I'm pleasantly surprised here. I felt that Bendis generally went down with a thud at Marvel, but I'm excited to read more!

  • 8.0
    mrDovydas May 31, 2018

    This was actually...much better than I've expected. The dialogue is, surprisingly, quite good, and the story is compelling too. Reis' artwork was stunning as usual, and the last couple pages by Fabok were great as well. There's quite a lot going on and I'm sure more will be introduced later, but this start left me quite excited.

    Oh and I really hope that firefighter won't cuck Lois.

  • 8.0
    egonnn244 May 30, 2018

    After a preview in AC #1000 I was interested, but a bit unsure. After a preview in DC Nation I was a little worried. But Man of Steel issue #1 is here to clear all the doubts.

    This is a strong start for this miniseries.
    The idea of some galactic council deciding fate of a planet and empire is both exciting and frightening. We of course see Superman save the day and his interactions with people feel natural (Bendis is good with that most of the time), especially with the deputy fire chief.
    Also something bad has happened to Lois and Jon. I just hope that it's nothing too bad, because Superman with a family is what made me like him.

    Ivan Reis on the art is always a good thing. I especially liked how Superman l more

  • 8.0
    Nihilist May 30, 2018

    A solid beginning, touching a bit of everything - Superman's work and powers, Clark Kent's work and daily life, explaining who's who at Daily Planet and laying down foundations for a new villain to appear.
    It's a good starting point for those who want to begin reading about Superman, since I can imagine, Bendis will take his time introducing both new and old in the next issues. And frankly, I can't wait.

  • 7.0
    SloboSOY May 31, 2018

    So I don't like criticize a book without reading it. Bendis and me we have some story. I didn't like is Avengers era at all. I despite the awful Secret War - Ultimate End. A number of his story wasn't made for me. But I also find good in his Uncanny X-men, All New X-men, and Invincible Iron Man (The one with Riri) stories before he made some weird sh... And I love I loved is Ultimate Comics All New Spider man. Less his Miles Morales - Ultimate Spider-man & Lesser the Spider-Man title with Miles).
    So Superman ... I what Jurgens did in Superman : Lois & Clark story. Love Jon. So I was a little worried. Much more since the Action Comics 1000 & the DC Nation 0.
    But I kind understand why some find good stuff in it. But that was a regul more

  • 7.0
    Bloodraven May 30, 2018

    Better than I thought it would be.

  • 6.0
    nec May 30, 2018

    Hated the parts w superman as there was too much bendis speak. The rogul zaar parts were the best part of the book.

  • 5.5
    Odisseia Cultural May 30, 2018

    Superman talks to much with the reader and Bendis wants to force new relationships. I don't like the path that Bendis choice to Superman.

  • 3.5
    MKW69 May 30, 2018

    Meh. I wanted Superman, not Iron Man. And Terrax sucks.

  • 10
    Super17 Jun 13, 2018

  • 10
    FlipGeek May 30, 2018

  • 9.0
    Snapfire Jun 26, 2018

  • 9.0
    sebastianorellana95 Jun 7, 2018

  • 9.0
    Daizo_Amora May 30, 2018

  • 9.0
    BitchWitcher May 30, 2018

  • 8.5
    ZachPort123 Jul 14, 2023

  • 8.5
    SnakeWilson Jun 14, 2018

  • 8.5
    en487 Jun 6, 2018

  • 8.5
    Yippeekiyay Jun 1, 2018

  • 8.5
    Grifter Jun 1, 2018

  • 8.5
    DarePool53 May 31, 2018

  • 8.5
    ActionCity May 31, 2018

  • 8.5
    Spider-Man Prime May 30, 2018

  • 8.5
    Haand May 30, 2018

  • 8.0
    Julhin Mar 22, 2021

  • 8.0
    mikesbr42 Mar 8, 2020

  • 8.0
    Psycamorean Jul 20, 2019

  • 8.0
    drwasheewashee Jun 16, 2019

  • 8.0
    EdNothIng Jun 9, 2019

  • 8.0
    NoShape Feb 14, 2019

  • 8.0
    PacoPavlov Jul 29, 2018

  • 8.0
    VanillaCone Jul 17, 2018

  • 8.0
    Omer Jul 14, 2018

  • 8.0
    Martin Jul 8, 2018

  • 8.0
    nickogle Jun 22, 2018

  • 8.0
    TA13OO Jun 17, 2018

  • 8.0
    blackmanta221 Jun 15, 2018

  • 8.0
    Ashearer88 Jun 13, 2018

  • 8.0

  • 8.0
    JoLo Jun 3, 2018

  • 8.0
    JBL Reviews Jun 2, 2018

  • 8.0
    Jon Comics Jun 2, 2018

  • 8.0
    Nicetrylaoche Jun 2, 2018

  • 8.0

  • 8.0
    sovereignsfall18 May 30, 2018

  • 8.0
    matmene May 30, 2018

  • 7.0
    pizzamain Jul 6, 2018

  • 7.0
    truffaz Jun 3, 2018

  • 7.0
    CesarCastanha Jun 1, 2018

  • 6.5
    Críticas Crónicas Nov 4, 2020

Reviews for the Week of...

December

November

More