Review — All-Star Superman

There is no question that All-Star Superman is one of the most significant epochs in the entire Superman mythos. Even director James Gunn shared that this comic series was one of the largest inspirations for his recent movie.

Content Guide

Language: multiple uses of h***, d***, a** and b****. 

Sexual Content: A few scenes showing cleavage, some suggestive comments. In one panel, a woman is shown in the shower.

Spiritual Content: Several minor character refer to themselves as gods.

Positive Content: Strong themes of kindness, humility and decency.

Other Negative content: A scene depicting a teenage girl attempting suicide.

Review

Lex Luthor has finally succeeded. He has at long last found a way to kill the Man of Steel, and Superman realizes that no matter what he does, he will die. Throughout the entirety of the series, the overarching question is this: “If you knew you were about to die, what would you do? How would you live your life any differently?”

The authors manage to create a short series that spans the entirety of the Superman universe, even Planet Bizzarro is given its own issue. Action and true feelings are masterfully woven throughout the narrative. I was thrilled seeing so many elements from decades of comics seamlessly fused into such an emotionally charged story.

This is an unapologetically positive series. Superman never delves into depression or gives over to his darker emotions. Knowing he is about to die, he devotes himself to the love of his life, Lois Lane, and to saving everyone he can. There’s a touching sequence where a teenager attempts suicide, but Superman steps in and convinces her that life is still worth living. In “The Gospel According to Luthor”, Superman even tries to reason with Lex. Despite everything Luthor has ever done, Superman still believes that there is some good left in his arch-enemy and tries to convince him to change. 

There’s no getting around the fact that many of the elements this series incorporates are weird and quirky at times. (Clark Kent meets a poet on Planet Bizzarro, so there is that.) After reading this series, Gunn’s movie will make a lot more sense, I promise. There is such a flow of optimism and positivity woven through every scene that you can’t help but feel touched by the humility and goodness of the Last Son of Krypton. 

The artwork is also truly beautiful. I would go as far as to state that All-Star Superman contains the best artwork I’ve ever seen in a Superman comic series. Many of the panels look so carefully thought out and absolutely come to life with so much vibrant color and detail. Truly, this has the look and feel of a true comic-book masterpiece. 

Some of the best elements would require me to spill spoilers, so we will not be doing that here. I will close by stating that growing up, Superman was my hero; and now that I’m older, he still is. I continue to be inspired by the humility, strength, and undying belief that humanity is capable of being good. This comic series truly sums up everything I love about Clark Kent. In fact, there were times I felt myself moved to tears.

All-Star Superman shows me that being not just a superhero but a good man is about character, kindness, decency, and service. Living according to Jesus’ teachings is not weakness; it is the only true strength. Our world today needs more stories like this. The authors have my highest praise for reminding us all that these positive traits are not for “boy scouts” but for real superheroes.