Every couple decades, DC Comics decides to re-invent Superman. The trappings are the same (newspaper, Lois Lane, Metropolis), but the technology and society are updated to current day. From John Byrne to Mark Waid, the reboots keep coming without changing the essential character. In Superman: Earth One, J. Michael Straczynski (creator of Babylon 5) takes his swing at it with painted art by Shane Davis. This is the first in a series of original graphic novels of this new Superman. It’s been compared to Marvel’s Ultimate Universe, but in a different format. So, how is the new Superman.

Let’s start with the art. It’s very dark, not the clean bright world we’re used to seeing Superman in. The architecture of Metropolis is changed and looks a lot more like New York. The characters are more realistically drawn (except it looks like Superman has a 18 pack instead of a 6 pack abs) than the usual superhero art. The color scheme changes in the different places. Metropolis is all blue and red. The old Kent family flashbacks are brownish. The bad guy is more green. And Krypton is yellow. The art is well done and Shane Davis is an impressive artist.

The story…not so much. Clark Kent rides the bus into Metropolis and tries out for football, baseball, scientist, reporter, finance, construction and probably politician. Everyone is eager to hire this smart, strong, fast person. But, I’m sorry, if I see anyone lifting a 300+ pound football player over their head, I’m going to think something’s different about him. Not to mention, few people (outside Lois of course) thing there’s a link between this amazing athlete and the Superman that shows up a few days later.

The villain is not that impressive and I didn’t think much of him. The focus on him for a large part of the story slows it down with a lot of exposition about the background of the villain. And the reason Clark Kent decides to be a reporter seems silly and ridiculous. If he wants to help people, there are a lot of jobs where he could do a lot more help. Overall the story is a bit of a let down and definitely not worth the price tag. If you’re curious, wait for the paperback version. Mildly recommended for Davis’ artwork.