'Superman: American Alien' Graphic Novel Review

This comic was released in 2015.

Max Landis is best known for writing several films including Chronicle, American Ultra, and Victor Frankenstein as well as directing the indie film Me Him Her. In 2015, he tried his hand at comic book writing with Superman: American Alien six-part miniseries.

The cover artist is done by Ryan Cook with the issues illustrated by Nick Dragotta, Tommy Lee Edwards, Joëlle Jones, Jae Lee, Francis Manapul, Jonathan Case, and Jock.

The series follows different places in Clark Kent’s life from his elementary school, junior high, high school, college, and finally to his move to the city of Metropolis. It features cameos from DC Comics characters Oliver Queen (prior to becoming Green Arrow), Batman, Deathstroke, and even Ra’s al Ghul. It shows his interactions with his parents Jonathan and Martha Kent as well as his friends from Smallville as Clark Kent grows from being a boy into the Man of Steel.

This is one of the most impressive series I have ever read when it comes to Superman. It is a shame that it is not canon because Landis went above and beyond with the writing. The story is well-developed and gives a close-up into the very human side of the Man of Tomorrow. The one problem I had with the story was it failed to show his connection with his Kryptonian parents. That would have been a bonus.

He partners with the right artists for each issue and they deliver his story in a creative manner. I did not appreciate how he introduced Clark Kent to the Batman. It was somewhat insulting.

Outside of that, if DC Comics were to reboot Superman, they should use this miniseries as a template for the story.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is an anime, comic book, movie, or novel you would like me to review.