Superman is one of the most significant fictional characters in history, yet finding the quintessential story for a character that was invented over 70 years ago is no easy task. “Superman: Earth One” is an original graphic novel that tells the story of Clark Kent becoming Superman in the world we know today.

Written by J. Michael Straczynski and with art from Shane Davis, this version of Superman has him finding his place in a world where everyone over the age of 14 has a cell phone, free Wi-Fi is offered at coffee shops, and the U.S. economy has seen much better days.

The core elements of Superman’s origins remain mostly the same. He was born on Krypton, a dying planet, and given the name of Kal El. In order to save their son from Krypton’s unavoidable fate, his parents send their only son off in a rocket ship towards Earth. Kal El lands and is taken in by the young couple of Jonathan and Martha Kent.

Jon and Martha raise Kal El in Smallville and give him the name of Clark Kent, teaching him right and wrong and how to control his superhuman powers.

The setting is as if Kal El landed on Earth sometime around 20 years ago from today – possibly in the late ’80s or early ’90s. The story skips much of Clark growing up and much of his past is told in flashbacks. After finishing his second year of junior college, Clark travel to Metropolis to find his purpose in life.

The social aspects of Clark Kent as a character are quite different here. Whereas the typical characterization for Superman is to have this sense of responsibility that he should help mankind, “Earth One” Superman is young and lost in finding his identity. His first priority with his powers is to help those who have helped him the most. His father has already died, so Clark feels he should do all he can to support his mother. The Kent hospitality remains, as his mother says she wants nothing more than for Clark to be happy and to take his own journey in life.

While the line between loathing and lost is sometimes difficult to see, Clark is very relatable to young readers. Every young person is questioned by an adult about their decisions or their direction at some point in life, and Clark is no exception. He spends a lot of time fighting off this guilt that seems to have no origin. More than anything, Clark wants to dismiss his abilities and fit in.

Rather than having the story focus on one major villain like Lex Luthor or Brainiac, Straczynski creates a new villain from a neighboring planet to Krypton. This nameless foe was responsible for Krypton’s destruction, and he returns as a dark reminder that Clark is not born of Earth. He and his alien race have traveled across the universe to find the last survivor of Krypton and purge him from existence.

Other significant characters in the story include Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen. Lois is much more independent and less impressed by Superman at first, while Jimmy is much more brave and willing to do anything to get a photo for the Daily Planet.

The idea alone of a modern interpretation of Superman is something that is very intriguing, and Straczynski’s plot is laid out very well.

Shane Davis is an artist who is becoming a more recognizable name in the comic book industry, and “Superman: Earth One” certainly helps showcase his talent. Seeing Clark pull the red hood of his jacket over his head as he walks down the Metropolis streets has become one of my favorite images in any medium.

“Superman: Earth One” is a graphic novel that offers readers the chance to see Superman becoming the man we know him to be in a very modern story. New and old readers alike will find something here that warrants the purchase.

The book reads very much like watching a film, and with news of a new Superman film coming out in upcoming years, Hollywood would be very wise to take notice of this graphic novel for advising.

At only $19.99, this is a book that is definitely worth the money.

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