Enjoying Comics - 'Superman: Earth One' - Part 1 (Adolescence)

Superman Earth: One is a reboot of the Superman story which gives new readers a jumping off point. The volume is an origin story, isolated from the larger narrative within DC comics.

We enter with Clark having finished high school, and straight away we are introduced to a character that does not know what he wants to do. As many of us are at that point in life. He pursues different avenues to see which type of career grabs his interest by exploring fields ranging from athletics to science. This is emphasized by the fact that the story starts with him arriving at Metropolis, and not even knowing if he is going to be staying or not.

We are shown Clark Kent the person and not Superman the icon, and so we are treated to a young man who does not know where he belongs in the world. This is compounded with the expectation that is placed upon him by his parents to be something greater, and again by society as a whole to conform to the everyday life that many are stuck in. However, like most of us at that age, all he wants to do is simply to live life on his terms.

Throughout the first half of the volume, we feel as if Clark is stalling for time, as many of us do at that point in our lives. Just so that he can get away for a moment and reflect on things by himself. Should he carry on with his education? Or enter a world of adults that he does not understand? Questions he asks himself, alone in a fresh start to his life.

Not only that, but feeling alone because there is no one to talk to. To help him understand who he is, and coming to terms with the fact that he is an outsider, and would always feel that way. All this, when all he wants is someone to be himself around and not feel alone around.

The midway point when Tyrell arrives on Earth is the point when Clark is shown the reality of life. He is now forced to choose between the quiet life that he wants, and the life that his parents envisioned for him. It was as if life itself was telling Clark that it was time for him to choose. In his case it was not what he wanted that ultimately influenced his choice but the circumstances of those around him. This is the same for many of us though not to the degree as in the comic. We usually take action and make a choice when there is someone with us, and we tend to stall when it is just us by ourselves.

However, this is just the start. Anyone could get overwhelmed by life and end up being crushed by the sheer amount of expectation placed upon them, and sometimes the only way you can push past it and stand up strong is with the help of others that are in a similar situation. Doing the best they can with what they have. This is expressed wonderfully by a masterful page with expert panel work that utilizes the capabilities of a comic book to drive home the point.

Finally, it shows that no matter how bad things get and no matter how many times life beats you down, to always have the strength to get back up and meet life head-on.

These are my thoughts on why I think Superman Earth: One Volume One is just as much a coming of age story as much as it is a Superman Origin story, and personally an inspiring one at that.