Superman's Secret Identity #1...

[fajrdrako]

I think of this comic as Kurt Busiek's reaction to Smallville.

It's about Clark Kent, but not the one we know and love. He's a kid (probably about sixteen) in Picketsville, Kansas, son of David and Laura Kent. Because of his name he is teased about Superman and given Superman merchandise on his birthdays - he hates it. He's an introspective, lonely boy, who denies being like Holden Caulfield.

Then one day he gets Superman's powers and has to decide what to do about it. Become a celebrity? Get a TV show? Keep it all secret? Help those in trouble?

He struck me as being more like Peter Parker (as he was back in Amazing Heroes #15) than like Clark Kent. He had those same dilemmas, those same initial problems. I'm not sure there's anything truly original here, but it's so artfully done it doesn't matter. There may be more surprises in store - we shall see.

Kurt Busiek's writing is smooth and convincing. I always did like Stuart Immonen's art, but he has developed - I was extremely impressed with compositon and layout here, not just individual drawings.

Comments

[rhiannonhero.livejournal.com]

Wow. That sounds really interesting. You're making me want to go to the comic store! Is there a link for online that you know of? Mr. Rhi was permanently banned from our local comic book store (bwah!) because he failed to pick up the items in his folder in a timely manner.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

You're making me want to go to the comic store!

I'm always happy to spread around my personal vices.... (g)

Is there a link for online that you know of?

There are some nice reviews of it online. You might look at this review (http://www.icomics.com/rev_011404_secretidentity.shtml), where they show some interior art by Immonen.

Mr. Rhi was permanently banned from our local comic book store (bwah!) because he failed to pick up the items in his folder

Uh-oh - I've had that problem. But they never banned me, they just scolded me.