In its short life the weekly digital DC release Adventures of Superman has hit several moods, most obviously high adventure and sly humour. This week the prevailing tone is poignancy, as we get a mother’s perspective on Superman. But there’s nothing depressing about this book, it’s a life-affirming ode to moms everywhere; yes, Clark has the super-power, but Martha Kent nourished the heart that lets him wield it so well. And no matter where he may go in time and space, she’s never far from that heart.
Martha Kent doesn’t get enough time with her boy Clark, more than most mothers she has to share her son with the world. Here she’s the narrator, wondering about his life, worrying about the ‘scrapes’ he gets into. Unlike Martha, we see the latest batch of scrapes – featured battles with Lex Luthor and Brainiac, and brief run-ins with some of the classic DC Universe’s most colourful characters.
Theirs is a classic Superman, mostly Bronze Age, but with a dusting of George Reeves charisma and a smattering of post-Crisis set-up in Martha’s apparent widowhood. There’s also a delightful dollop of Silver Age in the shape of the Fortress of Solitude’s contents and Clark’s dinner companion. All of which might make for a mishmash – instead, it’s a wonderful blend of Old and Slightly Less Old.
This Superman is beloved by his fellow Metropolis citizens because he keeps his eye on them, ensuring they can get through breakfast without being stomped on by a giant robot. He’s not the New 52 guy, mistrusted by half the world, more likely to fight the US Army than work with them. He’s the undisputed good guy – and that doesn’t mean boring.
How could a Superman strip be boring when it features so many superb characters and story springboards? As well as the Adam Strange panel, there are three more teased adventures, any one of which would make for a compelling tale.
Williams ensures Martha’s narration is never maudlin, it’s more about wistful pride and the natural inclination of any mother to wish to see her children more. And there’s plenty of humour with the Planet staff (including a nod to the much-missed Superman Family Adventures all-ages comic).
There’s a bit of a Curt Swan vibe to Superman here, especially in the early pages, but the overall effect is pure Weston – clean, detailed, as real as a superhero book can look. His characters have a true spark of humanity, from the main cast down to the many walk-ons. Weston gets to draw Smallville, Metropolis, space, the Arctic and every setting looks just right. It helps that as well as illustrating, Weston colours too, making for a feast for the eyes.
I’d change just one thing about this instalment – the title. To my mind ‘Saviour’ (OK, it’s printed ‘Savior’, but hey, I’m a Brit like Weston and Williams) is wrong for a story that foregrounds Superman’s humanity. I’m tired of the Man of Steel being likened to Jesus Christ. Yes, his mother Mary traditionally stayed on the sidelines as Jesus embarked on his public mission, and she had her sorrows to sow … but godlike powers or not, Clark isn’t a barely approachable paragon, he’s a super-Everyman. Superman isn’t predestined to give his life for our sins, he’s here to star in fun, life-affirming adventures.
Too Dangerous For a Girl 2 
Nice to hear that it is good. I'm trade waiting this series like the Legends of the Dark Knight (which is finally releasing its first trade this coming September), so it'll be a while before I get to read this though.
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mart is nice for remembering president bizarro you get best blog of the year award
bizarro
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Thank you for the kind words. Appreciated. Chris Weston.
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It's worth the wait!
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Am not delighted, Anonymous 😦
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And cheers, Chris.
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cheer up mart at least the best blog award isn't rigged like the most handsome genius award heard beast has it rigged i mean how else could he have won it all these years
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Hello Martain, would you happen to know when this will be out in print? I've been trying to keep up with Adventures as much as possible but this really sounds and looks like a story I'd love to have a pysical version to leaf through.
I'd buy a Super ongoing from this team in a heart beat. Wetson knows his Superman, that top panel says it all. No malevolent leaking heat vision or horrified realization that he can feel pain for once(for the fifteenth hundred time), just a dab at the presumably smarting area and a determined 'right then' expression. Straight forward and fantastic stuff.
Simon
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Hi Simon. If DC keep to the current format of three stories per issue, this should appear as the last story in Superman Adeventures #4.
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The artwork's very nice – very clean, pleasant. Youre right about the Curt Swan vibe, Martin.
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