Why ‘Superman: Space Age’ Redefines the Man of Steel – A Must-Read Masterpiece!

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In recent years, Superman has experienced a significant revival, culminating in the upcoming movie release titled “Superman (2025)”. This resurgence began approximately in 2021 with the “Warworld Saga” arc in Action Comics, which is considered one of the best contemporary Superman comics. The Superman series gained a renewed vigor as DC sought to elevate Superman among their top characters, positioning him alongside Batman in terms of popularity. This transformation resulted in an often overlooked masterpiece – “Superman: Space Age“, written by Mark Russell and illustrated by the Allred duo (Mike Allred and Laura Allred). Contrary to initial expectations, “Superman: Space Age” didn’t appear poised to shake up Superman’s mythos. Instead, it drew inspiration from the Silver Age, featuring the Allreds’ captivating vintage art that depicted a story of Superman spanning the 1960s to the 1980s. Unfortunately, many fans didn’t fully appreciate its merit, which is regrettable.

The space-age tale, “Superman: Space Age,” perfectly encapsulates the essence of Superman. It skillfully navigates DC Comics’ complex timeline and delivers a story that distills the core character traits of Superman, unfolding within a narrative that carries multiverse implications. This exceptional work can be compared to timeless classics such as “All-Star Superman” and “Superman For All Seasons,” which drew upon the rich history of Superman to articulate their interpretations of who Superman is and what he stands for.

Superman: Space Age Combines Silver and Bronze Age DC to Create a Unique Kind of Superman Story

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The comic book “Superman: Space Age” begins in 1985, a year well-known to many DC fans as the same year as “Crisis on Infinite Earths.” The world is about to end, and Superman is in his Fortress of Solitude with Lois Lane and their son Jon, spending the final moments before extinction with the people he cares for deeply. The narrative then travels back in time, primarily set in the 1960s, with some scenes depicting his childhood in Smallville. The story lays out Superman’s relationship with Lois, the work environment at the Daily Planet, and Superman’s life as a superhero. He encounters Pariah, a character from “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” who alerts him of the impending end of the Multiverse.

In my tale, I find myself part of an extraordinary alliance known as the Justice League, where we stand guard against threats beyond our own universe. One such menace emerges in the form of Brainiac, seeking to amass cosmic energy and expand his legion of Brainiacs to fight the formidable Anti-Monitor. As the clock ticks down, I, Superman, grapple with the realization that my heroic endeavors have yet to leave a profound impact on humanity.

Determined to make a lasting difference, I dedicate myself to finding cures for diseases and creating a genetic database of mankind. My perseverance pays off as the universe we know crumbles, but I manage to hurl my trove of human DNA through a multiversal gateway into a world ravaged by Brainiac’s pillaging.

Miraculously, the DNA lands in a universe where only Superman remains alive. With this second chance, I breathe life back into the people of Earth, giving me new purpose and reason to carry on my heroic journey once more.

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The comic “Superman: Space Era” excels in capturing the essence of Superman, but it’s not just the fun, retro feel that makes it an exceptional Superman tale. Certain elements seem superfluous, like the extended Lex Luthor narrative where he threatens a city, serves time, and later attempts to sabotage Superman’s charitable endeavors at the story’s climax. The narrative seems slightly overburdened by Batman, which is a common issue in DC narratives, setting the stage for the subsequent series “Batman: Dark Age.”

What truly elevates “Superman: Space Era” is its deep understanding of Superman’s character. Superman isn’t a character who believes that brute force alone can save the world. The dramatic shift in his character towards the end of the story is exactly what one would expect from Superman. His final actions, such as curing diseases and creating a DNA library, represent Superman coming to terms with the realization that his previous methods were ineffective. This revelation leads him to understand that saving the world isn’t always about physical confrontations, but rather using all his abilities to create a new, improved world. It’s this portrayal of Superman that makes “Superman: Space Era” such an outstanding Superman story.

Discussing Superman: Space Age wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the exceptional artistry of Mike and Laura Allred. They are among the finest art teams in the industry, particularly for a comic with a nostalgic vibe. The Allreds’ work throughout the book truly embodies what Russell intended with Superman: Space Age. From the character acting to the captivating artwork, their contributions are worth praising. Every scene is brimming with emotion, thanks to the Allreds’ skillful rendering of each moment. Reading Superman: Space Age makes one constantly admire the art. The Allreds’ Brainiac is perhaps the most chilling portrayal of the character yet, and is just one of the many stunning aspects of the book. Pariah serves as another testament to their expressive pencils and inks, masterfully bringing to life a tormented traveler doomed for soon-to-die universes. Their Superman is equally impressive, a hero whose presence demands attention every time he appears on the page. Superman: Space Age stands as a beautiful demonstration of comics’ unique ability to blend words and images into a harmony that surpasses the sum of its parts.

Superman: Space Age Understands Superman In Ways That Other Superman Stories Don’t

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The tales in “Retro Superman” aren’t freshly minted; DC Comics often delves into their past using a contemporary perspective. One might dismiss “Superman: Space Age” as just another retro Superman story, repeating familiar narratives. However, this book has aspects that don’t seamlessly fit the narrative, preventing it from being a flawless Superman tale. Yet, its deep understanding of Superman gives it an emotional punch, which is the main advantage of “Superman: Space Age.

Superman: Space Age offers an exceptional portrayal of Superman, depicting his evolution across two decades and ultimately shaping him into the ideal Superman. Russell and the Allreds provide readers with an uncommon Superman journey that deviates from the typical experience. Often, Superman stories can become stale when he defends the existing order, but this isn’t always the best. Superman: Space Age presents a Superman who rejects preserving the status quo, recognizing that his true mission lies in using his powers to combat the genuine evils of our world — such as greed and hate. This is what makes it an exceptional Superman tale, one that every fan of the character should read.

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2025-04-02 05:11