Review: ‘Superman: Heroes’ #1 Dives Deeper Into The Truth
by Tony Thornley
Two months ago, Clark Kent revealed to the world that he was Superman. We’ve seen how it has and will affect his personal life, but Superman: Heroes #1 shows how it affects the other side of his life, and it may tear his whole world down.
This one shot comes from a massive team of talent, including Brian Michael Bendis, Matt Fraction, Greg Rucka, Kevin Maguire, Mike Perkins, Steve Lieber, Mike Norton, Scott Godlewski, Paul Mounts, Gabe Eltaeb, Andy Troy, Nathan Fairbairn, Troy Peteri, Clayton Cowles, and Simon Bowland!
Superman has revealed his truth to the world. In the wake of that revelation he welcomes the reactions of his comrades within the Justice League and more. As his allies discuss and debate the wisdom of his choice, Clark and Lois discover a conspiracy that could destroy their lives…
This issue is full of vignettes and shorts that show stories both big and small involving the world’s greatest heroes. I’m actually kind of angry this is its own one-shot because it’s so good. Every one of the shorts is enjoyable and worthwhile, while some are better than others. The best parts are by far the small vignettes, with the interesting plot advancements acting as a fascinating glue. The writers mesh their styles together extremely well, with no one’s voice dominating the other, while the art teams are stylistically similar enough that the rapid changes in line art aren’t jarring.
The highlights range from a small but funny conversation between Superman and Booster Gold, to a heart to heart between Jimmy Olsen and Clark. The Booster short plays with the sci-fi weirdness of the DCU as the time traveller expresses relief at finally being able to share secrets he already knew.
Bruce and Diana’s heart to heart serves as a reader stand-in for the pros and cons of the larger plot, but then gets right to the heart of the difference between Batman and Superman. Perhaps best of all Jimmy and Clark finally sitting down for a heart to heart, revealing that Jimmy has known the secret much longer than Clark expected, with a sweet and heartfelt moment between friends.
The truth is out and Superman’s world won’t ever be the same. However, it might be an outside force that does more damage than anything in Clark Kent’s world… Regardless it’s shaping up to be a hell of a read.
Superman: Heroes #1 is available now from DC Comics.