"Superman For All Seasons" Classic Talkback (Spoilers)

[James Harvey]

Discuss this classic Loeb/Sale collaboration!

SUPERMAN FOR ALL SEASONS



Written by: Jeph Loeb
Art by: Tim Sale

The catalyst for the Smallville television program, SUPERMAN FOR ALL SEASONS is an emotional and insightful examination of Clark Kent's transformation from a powerful boy into a heroic man. Told through the course of four seasons in the Man of Steel's adolescent life, this coming-of-age tale humanizes the alien from another planet so that he is not only realistic but also relatable. Featuring indepth characterizations of Lana Lang, Lex Luthor, Lois Lane and the Kents, this groundbreaking story of a simple midwestern boy with awesome abilities illustrates that it is the man, not the powers, that make Clark Kent a hero.

Comments?

[Joker85]

Strong story-telling. It's so different from Batman: The Long Halloween, but it's such a well done and moving book. The art is great even if Superman looks a little bit off but Sale makes it work.

[Daredevil_2003]

I'm a fan of the Superman cartoon and heard this was a good story to check out that is sort of in the same vein as the cartoon. Is this true? Are any of the Superman titles currently similar to TAS in terms of quality, stories, tone etc??? Man, I wish they wouldn't have cancelled Superman Adventures!

[Jor-El]

I would recommend "Superman For All Seasons." It's written by Loeb with art by Tim Sale )Batman: Long Halloween, Spider-Man Blue) and is collected in hardcover. It's my favorite Superman story and you'd probably enjoy it if you enjoy TAS depictions of the characters of the Super-mythos.

[Daredevil_2003]

I've been meaning to read Superman For All Seasons for awhile now, is it only available in HC? can I get it in TPB? or maybe even the original issues at a reasonable price.

[Jade_GL]

I just had a chance to read Superman: For All Seasons again and it is a true classic. Loebs and Sales work is phenomenal. I think it was one of the best Superman stories I've read, both in the art and writing.

[Gotham Knights '68]

Is "Superman for all Seasons" by Loeb and Sale in TPB?

[Jade_GL]

Superman: For All Seasons is available in both a hardcover version and a softcover version, I believe. I am absolutely sure about the hardcover collection because it's on Amazon.com as a regular item. It should be in a softcover TPB too.

I hope that answers that question.

I read it in the original four part prestige miniseries, so I wasn't sure myself.

[Patrick Bateman]

I just got this book today, and so far it's been a great read, but the artwork keeps bugging me. Sale's art in Dark Victory and The Long Halloween was pretty cool, but I really don't care for it in this book. Superman just looks like too much of a hulking monster, and kind of chubby. He's drawn like he's 10 feet tall. I'm sure some of you like it, and to be honest, I like pretty much all of it except how Supes is drawn.

What's you opinion?

[Marc]

I agree that Sale's Superman was a little "off", but I love his artwork so much it never really bothered me. Besides, if Sale were to have drawn a picture perfect John Byrne Superman, it wouldn’t have been believable. This was when Clark was just getting accustomed to his dual life, and Sale succeeded in portraying Clark as a country boy in the big city. The Superman we all know did not yet exist, for now it was just Clark in a bright red & blue suit. He had never used his powers on this scale, so he was naturally awkward and uncoordinated. I think the art illustrates the innocence and warm feelings of Clark’s past quite well.

Tim Sale is one of those artists who noticeably improves with each new project. His work on Daredevil: Yellow and Spider-Man: Blue is infinitely better than anything he did on Batman and Superman. I have no doubt his future Marvel books will be even better.

- Cap

[Reed Richards]

Sale is Sale-- his art is so unique i cannot compare him to others in the industry

[Zoddman]

I remember when I first saw Sale's interpretation of Superman, I was a little turned-off. But I got use to it pretty quickly. He does wonderful shots of Metropolis, and he draws the sexiest Lois Lane I can remember.

[Reed Richards]

Originally posted by Zoddman
and he draws the sexiest Lois Lane I can remember.

lord knows i practically DROOL over his Gwen Stacy

[Zoddman]

Yep, Sale draws QUITE the ladies. ROWR

[Binker]

I want to know; how good/great is it that would make me want to buy it?

How is it compared to Superman: Birthright?

If theres other things on it, please share.

[Damien]

I've never read Birthright. However, I must say that Superman For All Seasons is one of Loeb's more decent works, so much so that I bought it. It's pretty much just a retelling of Clark's time in Smallville shortly before becoming Superman, deciding how to use his powers, debuting in Metropolis, Luthor messing with his head, etc. I've only purchased three or four Superman books (including Trinity, which isn't exclusively him), and this is one, so that's saying something.