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Writer's pictureSam DeLong

Because Modern Comics Suck: A Man of Steel 1986 Part 1 Review

It's no secret that I love Superman. I studied Journalism becuase of Clark Kent. I have a Superman tattoo. And as such have studied Journalism my entire life. And yet, I have never really covered anything Superman related here on the Channel. Until now.


When it comes to comic books, I don't really read alot of the modern stuff. The closest was probably the more recent DC Rebrith stuff. I dipped a toe into the 2023 Zeb Wells Amazing Spider-Man run. However, for our first foray into comics content here on the channel -- I decided to start with the John Bryne run of Superman, more spacifinally the Man of Steel mini series -- a mid 80s reboot of sorts that re contenxualized Supes to not only reboot the character, changing alot of his core elements, but also making him more accessible as a jumping on point for new readers.


Many of the elements introduced in this mini series also establishes a status quo for Superman that will will become inconic elements for not only the comics, but future interpatations in movies and tv series going forward. The supporting cast is much more fleshed out, including Clark not really being aware of his origins at the begining of the story. You can very clearly see the effects of the mthology in this first issue and how it will be used in other adaptatations including Smallville.



It would also be very silly to not acknnowlege the similarities of this new orgin has the Christopher Reeve Films. From the design of the characters, particulary Jor-El and Lara. The dialouge of Kal-El's parents has the cadnece of Shakespeare-like drama. By contrast, the Kents' are largely seen in a grandparents framework. Clark's design, using the iconic artwork of John Bryne bears more than a passing ressemblance to Christopher Reeve.



At that point is had only been six years since the release of Superman II, so Reeves' likeness was still very much associated with Superman. Much like in his other origins stories, Clark is shown his ship and starts to discover the origin of his powers. After rescusing an experimental space plane from crashing, Clark has his first encounter with Lois. He realizes that he is little too close to the public eye, and realizes he needs a costume. Bryne's design of the suit would be very much a mainstay for what Superman would wear as his main suit for decades, the only variation being the Yellow S on the back of the cape. And remember, his mom made it.




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