The past month saw frequent collaborators Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale reunite for the long delayed “Captain America White.” It’s arguable that few creative teams so dominated the late 90’s and early 00’s as this duo, and one of the finest works to come out of this period is “Superman For All Seasons.” While its claim to fame is its (somewhat dubious) role in inspiring Smallville, its merits extend far beyond. For what it lacks in big action, high stakes, and all the other trappings that have so defined modern superheros, “For All Seasons” excels where many have failed; presenting a fully relateable Man of Steel.
Written by Jeph Loeb
Illustrated by Tim SaleIn this coming-of-age tale witness the experiences and adventures that transform a simple country boy into the world’s greatest hero. Told through the course of four seasons in the Man of Steel’s adolescent life, it illustrates that it is the person, not the powers, that makes Superman a hero.
The catalyst for the “Smallville” television program, SUPERMAN FOR ALL SEASONS is emotional and insightful, humanizing the alien from another planet so that he is not only realistic but also relatable. It also features in-depth characterizations of Lana Lang, Lex Luthor, Lois Lane and the Kents.
I’ll admit upfront, I’m a total mark for this type of story. An admitted Superman apologist, hailing from a small farming town, marrying his high-school sweetheart, moving from said small town to the big city; this story speaks to my soul. As with Lois in the midst of a magic summer, you could say I’ve lost my objectivity.
So, I hope you wont write me off when I say that “Superman For All Seasons” is one of finest Superman stories to have ever been put to page, deserving recognition among the likes of “All Star Superman” and “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow.” Don’t let its gimmicky framing device fool you, Loeb and Sale get to the heart of the Superman mythos, distilling it down to its most accessible and emotionally resonant end.
Now, for a completely objective statement: this is a stunningly gorgeous book. It is arguably one of Sale’s finest works of art. Joined by colorist Bjarne Hansen, whose dreamy pastels and water color-esque panels are truly awe-inspiring, Sale mixes established visual cues with his own distinct style. There are hints of Superman: The Movie, with the film’s early train scene lifted nearly shot for shot. There’s the obligatory call-back to the iconic images of Superman history, i.e. the cover to “Action Comics” #1.
There’s also a unique flavor, one that has since worked itself into the fabric of the Superman visual tapestry. One can instantly recognize the bumbling, oafish Clark Kent in “All Star Superman” in Sale’s own rounded, gentle giant. Sale’s balding but redheaded Lex Luthor is a striking reimagining of the scheming businessman, a far cry from the muscular Mr. Clean analog that pervades public consciousness. Nevertheless, the villain is no less imposing. In fact, Loeb and Sale cast Luthor at his darkest; a man that seeks to do good out his own selfish ambition, regardless of lives that pave his road to glory.
This mix of the familiar and the slightly askew keeps the reader from growing complacent, creating a suitable framework for reestablishing one’s view of Superman and his world.
Of course, even more impressive is the world in which these characters inhabit. Somehow, Sale makes the humdrum rural town of Smallville even more visually interesting than the bustling metropolis of, well, Metropolis. Sale captures the feel of small town life with alarming detail, from the charming city square to the rolling fields and farmlands. Equally as impressive is the presentation of nature; the summer’s thunderstorm, a raging flood, the serene winter’s snow. It’s been said that the best Batman writers treat Gotham as a character, giving the city a distinct life, look, and personality. More so than Metropolis, I would argue that Smallville plays that role for Superman, and this creative team does a commendable job of bringing it to life.
Chronicling the early days of Clark at Smallville High to his ascension to a red and blue sun god, “Superman For All Seasons” hits all the beats you would expect from a Superman origin story. What sets it apart, however, is the grounded view in which the story is cast (no, not that “Grounded”). The “seasons” framework, however charming and aesthetically pleasing, is almost an afterthought compared to the book’s true hook; the story of Clark/Superman in the eyes of those closest to him. Who better to learn about the man than his father, his soul mate, his archenemy or his oldest, most trusted friend?
Again, I anticipate the attack on my apparent bias. Of course I would find Superman relateable in this story, for all the reasons listed previously. However, I believe the story speaks for itself; Superman is the same as the local firefighter, the police officer, the nurse, the pastor, any individual who acts selflessly for the good of others. The only difference here is one of scale. Clark’s conflicts are the same as our own; the desire to use our gifts and the fear of failure. When Pa Kent can relate being a farmer to shouldering the safety of a world, you begin to see how far some have missed the mark in representing the Man of Steel.
Even with the upward swing in the Superman books of late, it’s instantly noticeable just how much out modern Superman is missing. The presence of the Kents alone highlights the gaping hole in Supe’s supporting cast. Of course, the presence of Lana only goes to justify the character’s current resurgence (while somewhat vindicating all you Clana shippers out there). Even in the darkest, trunkless days of Superman’s long publishing history there have remained key aspects of what makes Superman truly special. You can always thank books like “Superman For All Seasons” for keeping those threads alive. To conclude, for any who have ever felt that Superman was just “too powerful” or “too unrelateable,” I recommend giving this book a shot. You may just find that you have more in common with Clark Kent than you think.
