Superman, Vol. 1: Before Truth

Two-time National Book Award–finalist Yang (American Born Chinese) makes his superhero debut with superstar artists Romita (Kick-Ass) and Janson (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns). After Superman discovers a new “solar flare” superpower that temporarily drains him of his powers, he sets out to understand how his powers are changing. But the world’s greatest hero has no time to rest as a new threat emerges from the shadows: the nefarious Hordr_Root, whose technological crimes aim to reshape the world. With his secret identity exposed to a mysterious enemy and his powers still returning, Superman faces challenges that will alter his place in the DC Universe. Yang’s creative script deftly merges modern technology with super-pseudoscience, and introduces a new, intriguing character of color to the DCU. His writing skill is all the more apparent in contrast with Romita’s clumsy introductory story. Luckily, the creative team works together seamlessly to show the widescreen action in Yang’s tale; collectively, they succeed in turning the Superman mythos on its head. (Apr.)