I would be lying to you if I said I didn’t have some sort of bias when it comes to the character of Superman. Being a literal god makes some see the character as overpowered or boring. “Nothing can hurt him”, or “There or no stakes with a character that is impervious to physical harm”. Well everyone has the right to their own opinion, even if it means that they are flat out wrong. I could get into all of the how’s and why’s that make up Superman being an excellent character, but let’s get down to business and talk the ups and downs of yet another issue rebranding for the character, on Gaber’s Two Cents.

Since 2011 there have been 3 different reboots within DC Comics continuity. They range from completely wiping the slate clean to adding on to the mythologies that came before it. With the newest rebirth, Dawn of DC, it looks as if the company is attempting to shift back towards it’s roots and try to gravitate toward a newer generation of comic readers. Which for better or worse leads into every major character going back to square one. Which brings us to our first launching point into this new era, Superman #1.

Let me start off by saying that this book has a very different art style than I am accustomed to when I think of a “Superhero” comic. While not terrible it just takes some getting used to, and reminds me more of a Pixar realism style, than typical comic techniques that I am used to. That being said, when Superman is on the page all of these qualms go away. The Man of Steel has never looked better. I have always been a huge fan of when Superman’s emblem takes up the majority of his chest, and here it is no different. The colors and textures of his suit compliment the large emblem, and it’s always great to see his classic red trunks back as well. The problems arise when the panels focus on anyone else but Superman. As previously stated, everyone just looks as if they are characters in a big budget kids film. While not the worst of criticisms, it still troubles me to take everything seriously when glancing at characters that look like they are from a Disney channel cartoon.

All this talk about art, but how about the story? Well, once again we have some pros and cons. The initial premise is both familiar and a tad tiring. Once again Superman is forced to work with his nemesis Lex Luthor, a villain I actually do enjoy, but I wouldn’t mind another rogue taking the spotlight just this once. The pros with this creative decision is the fact that so far it seems that the main antagonists of this tale are after Luthor, not Superman. When this revelation occurs, things to start to pick up and flow more fluidly. Which in turn makes it easier to not get worn out by the very tired concept of “Bitter enemies that must work together”.

All that is serviceable stuff, from okay art to okay story choices, the real question I had to ask myself once reaching the final page is, does this make me excited for what is to come for Superman in Dawn of DC? Yes and no. Having a successful superman comic is integral to DC Comics, but with a first issue that has a tad more bad than good, I just don’t know if I can give it the glowing recommendation that I so desperately wanted to give it. All issues aside however, I love Superman and will be willing to take a leap of faith and see if this particular run of the character finds it’s footing and delivers an epic that is focused and precise in exactly what it wants to be. Until then my fingers will be crossed… the S does stand for hope after all.

All this and more is why I have decided to give Superman: Dawn of DC #1 this particular Cent Score.

Cent Scale: 2 Cents

If being just bearable is something you’re in to, go right ahead and check this out.

Thanks for checking out this post and I hope to see you all soon for my next Film & TV post. Make sure to tap that thumbs up button down below and subscribe if you want to be notified for new posts each week. I will see you next time on Gaber’s Two Cents.