The Birth Of The League And The Rise Of Luthor In Superman: Year One #3
by Josh Davison
[*Mild Spoilers Ahead!]
Superman saves Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane from an underwater expedition deemed hostile by the Atlanteans. After the rescue, the US military tries to bring Superman in–unsuccessfully. From there, we jump to Clark Kent’s time at Kansas State University for a journalism degree and then his move to Metropolis where he begins working for the Daily Planet. He also begins Superman’s career in Metropolis at this time, and he lets the city know of his presence almost immediately. The Metropolis Man of Steel takes on thieves, abusers, rapists, and terrorists. He also catches the attention of Lex Luthor and the Batman of Gotham City.
Superman: Year One #3 finishes out Frank Miller and John Romita Jr.’s rendition of the Man of Tomorrow’s beginnings. We see the start of his career in Metropolis and his first encounters with other heroes of the world.
It’s an overall enjoyable experience too. There’s this continued air of old-school Americana and charm balanced by some more modern takes on the world and the threats that surround Superman.
Miller’s take on Luthor is solid. He’s the epitome of arrogance and manipulates Superman for both personal profit and publicity points.
The Batman is very old school. He totes a gun that may or may not shoot real bullets, he talks trash, and he’s very vocal about his enjoyment of punishing bad guys. I enjoyed it, but I could see it being jarring for others.
Romita Jr. once again delivers with another gorgeous and detailed issue dripping with personality. He’s allowed room to breath with a number of full-page spreads shuffled throughout the comic. Danny Miki’s inking does wonders for the book too, and Alex Sinclair’s color art is downright beautiful.
Superman: Year One #3 gives this miniseries an optimistic and fantastical ending that shows Superman’s Metropolis debut, brings together the Earth’s greatest heroes, and introduces the Man of Steel to some of his most dangerous enemies. On top of that, Romita Jr., Miki, and Sinclair knock it out of the park with their visuals. This one ends on a high note and earns a recommendation. Feel free to give it a read.
Superman: Year One #3 comes to us from writer Frank Miller, artist John Romita Jr., inker Danny Miki, color artist Alex Sinclair, letterer John Workman, cover artist John Romita Jr. with Danny Miki and Alex Sinclair, and variant over artist Frank Miller with Alex Sinclair.
Final Score: 8.5/10