I’ve got two things to get out of the way before the actual review. First, I freaking LOVE that cover (by Astonishing X-Men artist and BDTU favorite, John Cassaday). When you walk into your comic shop and see that cover practically jumping off the shelf at you, you can’t help but pick it up. Second, and I’m apparently in the minority on this one, but I’m a fan of J. Michael Straczynski. I liked his work on the Spider-Man franchise. He introduced some interesting elements that I would have liked to see him explore further, but his hands were tied by larger events. He’s been widely criticized for his work on the controversial “One More Day” storyline, but most of the work there can’t even be attributed to JMS.
His previous work aside, I was excited when they announced JMS would be taking over Superman. I’ve never like the Man of Steel all that much, so bringing in a writer known for his fresh, original ideas was a move I welcomed. We saw the prologue to Superman #701 in the big Issue; 700. After spending a year dealing with New Krypton, Superman was sorely missed on Earth. He wasn’t there when people needed him, or at least thought they needed him. He has grown out of touch with the people he’s supposed to protect.
Which brings us to “Grounded.” Superman reaches the decision that he should no longer live above humanity, but rather alongside them. So, he starts walking. Not really going anywhere, just walking… there’s kind of a Forrest Gump thing going on here. The first issue finds Superman walking the streets of Philadelphia, in another departure for DC, as most of their locations are fictional. It’s an interesting way to reconnect Superman, not just with his fictional world, but with his readers as well.
So, Superman’s on a walkabout, going around helping normal people with normal problems. He uses his X-Ray vision to help someone fix his truck, he cleans up a diner’s stockroom to pay for his lunch, and in a great bit of writing literally talks someone off a ledge. He’s helping real people with real problems, instead of punching invading aliens in the face.
It’s a change I find very interesting, but many readers don’t. They feel Superman is being a smug jerk, ignoring larger problems in order to make himself feel better. As Superman himself says, “If there is [a crisis], I’ll deal with it and come back, pick up where I left off.” He’s not ignoring the rest of the world; there’s dozens of other heroes than can hold down the fort while he’s gone. If the world really does need Superman for something, he’s not gone, but he would rather spend his time actually helping people.
As the issue goes on, Superman becomes philosophical. Why does the world need a Superman? People have become so dependent on his help, and that of other heroes, that they’ve forgotten how to help themselves. That’s the true purpose of his walk. He wants to create a world that doesn’t need a hero, because each citizen is a hero in their own right. It’s a thought-provoking parallel to our own society. Instead of wondering why others aren’t helping, look within and ask what we’re doing to make the world a better place.
True, it may get a bit preachy at times, especially when Superman starts quoting Henry David Thoreau, but aren’t superheroes – these larger-than-life characters supposed to be an inspiration to the rest of us? This is the first time, possibly ever, that I’ve been looking forward to an issue of Superman. I can’t wait to see how the story evolves in Issue 702.
Superman Issue 701: “Grounded, Part 1”
DC Comics
Story: J. Michael Straczynski
Art: Eddy Barrows (Pencils) & J.P. Mayer (Inks)
