Just in time for Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel and the 75th Anniversary of the world’s most recognised superhero, Scott Snyder and Jim Lee present their all-new series: Superman Unchained. As an avid fan of Snyder’s work in the pages of Batman as well as Jim Lee’s art for series such as Justice League, I was looking forward to seeing the two pair up and present a brand new original story. And although this isn’t the strongest debut issue for a new series I’ve seen, it has certainly interested me enough for me to want to read the next couple of issues.
The issue starts off simply establishing Superman as the hero we all know him to be as he saves a crew of astronauts from a satellite falling from outer space. Thanks to Jim Lee, these pages do look beautiful, but Scott Snyder’s Superman narrative definitely feels weak. It seems he hasn’t quite humanised the Man of Steel as I’d hoped, as the narrative talks more of ripping through steel and flying across space instead of anything that makes this version of Superman a likeable protagonist. Although the book is slowed down by Scott Snyder’s writing, Jim Lee’s artwork is what picks up the pace by drawing some beautiful and thrilling action sequences that liven up the book. However, there are times when his drawings can feel blocky and clustered.
Although none of his dialogue really grabbed me, one thing Snyder has done well in this issue is building up this mystery. There’s enough here to make me want to read on, as Snyder has opened up a lot of questions, but left the answers for later. It’ll be interesting to see how this story pans out, as Snyder has proven he can write a well thought out and intriguing mystery story in such works as Batman: The Black Mirror and Batman: Night of the Owls. And, although I would prefer something with more style to it, Jim Lee’s artwork is more than satisfying and has plenty of stand-out moments in this single issue.
Snyder also includes an epilogue in this issue that has me just as immersed and intrigued as his main storyline as it brings the focus to some of the supporting characters, and may even be the key to fully understanding the mystery of Superman Unchained, just like the backup stories in the pages of Batman that were told by Jarvis Pennyworth and wrapped up the mystery of the Court of Owls and Thomas Wayne Jr. nice and neatly, so hopefully this backup will do the same when it concludes.
Overall, #1 of Superman Unchained is a satisfying issue worth the cover price that, although isn’t an essential read for Superman fans, is worth picking up if you’re looking for a new Superman series to follow every month. If that’s the case, this is easily the Superman series most worth your time and money, but we’ll have to wait and see how Snyder wraps up his first story arc, and whether or not it will prove to be as pleasing a conclusion.
"Now go and read that free issue of All-Star Superman again..."
-George