SUPERMAN: AMERICAN ALIEN #4 Review
Writer: Max Landis
Illustrator: Jae Lee
Colorist: June Chung
Letterer: John Workman
Cover Artist: Ryan Sook
Publisher: DC Comics
Max Landis has been chronicling the early days of Clark Kent before he became Superman. A one-and-done story in each issue with a rotating cast of today’s most talented artists.
We have reached the point where Clark is an adult and moved to Metropolis. The opening pages displays the playful tone that Landis brings to the Man of Steel. As Clark is talking to his Mom on the phone, something bad happens to his property. Instead of being upset about it, Clark has already moved on and is working on Plan B.
Issue four has the first meeting between Clark Kent and “Louis Lane.” Again, another funny moment. Having never met Lois, Clark thought she was a man. Which is where “Louis Lane” came from.
Easter Eggs are sprinkled throughout the series. One I appreciated in this issue was the name of two intersecting streets. Morrison Boulevard and Quitely Street. Named after creators Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely.
Artist Jae Lee utilizes creative panel layouts to show discussions. Examples are Lois Lane surrounded by a Clark essay and the back and forth between Clark and Oliver Queen, and Clark and a young Dick Grayson. There is heavy usage of dark, rough colors from June Chung. Lots of shadows draping characters and washing them out. While it helps set a subdued tone it can also be overwhelming at times. Also, Lee has a tendency to draw everyone with Asian features.
I mentioned Clark and Oliver’s conversation earlier. It was nice to see a reflective Oliver Queen. This is Oliver after being shipwrecked on the island. Oliver shares with Clark his new outlook on life. In fact, every interaction Clark has lays the groundwork for him becoming Superman. Lex Luthor’s boasting of being above everyone. How some people are destined to help shape the world. Dick Grayson speaking on how darkness (Batman) needs light. Fear needs hope. An encounter with Batman even plants the seed for Clark to use a cape. A phone call with Lois where she offers a partnership. “Why make a splash when we could stir up a tidal wave?” Think big. Lots of imagery to digest here.
Timdogg
#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE
