Superman: Secret Identity #4

[MudshovelForYou]

Superman: Secret Identity #4
Written by Kurt Busiek
with Art by Stuart Immonen

In the finale to the prestige mini-series, we get a nice look at an older Clark Kent and his adult children.

I really don't want to spoil anything of this issue for those who were waiting, because it was just so sincere and full of wonderful little moments. Getting to see Clark's entire life, basically, made for a wonderful narrative. Busiek has always had an understanding of superheroes in general, but in this one, he pinpoints out Clark so accurately that I felt I knew him. Also, Immonen's art was wonderful and was quite apt at letting the emotion come through the page.

Most importantly, though, nothing came off as sappy. Even the winks to other DCU characters (or history) didn't feel forced, but more natural. I love the world that this series created, which turn lead to quite amount of sadness by series end.

I realize it sounds like I'm gushing, but I honestly have not read a Superman story that was this good and that was published in the past 10+ years. Honestly, with all the hoopla over the Superman relaunch, all off the books are going to be hardpressed to be as richly satisfying as this.

I really hope for a nice hardcover (just not a 75 dollar :mad: hardcover).

Final Grade: A This is some of the best work of both Busiek and Immonen's careers.

[MatthewSmith]

Matthew's assessment of Superman: Secret Identity: Wow.

This series was amazing. If the regular Superman books were half as inspiring as this book, then DC would have a goldmine on their hands.

Amazing...

When I first heard the premise of this series, I was skeptical. A kid named Clark Kent gets super powers for real? I just knew it was going to be cheesy. But, it had Kurt Busiek and Stuart Immonen's names on it so I gave it a shot. And I can't express how glad I am that I did.

It's not a real Superman story, but I'd put it up against any Superman story ever written. I think this story has what it takes to stand the test of time.

Matthew bestows upon this book (and the entire series) the grade of A+.

[MudshovelForYou]

Originally posted by MatthewSmith
Matthew's assessment of Superman: Secret Identity: Wow.

This series was amazing. If the regular Superman books were half as inspiring as this book, then DC would have a goldmine on their hands.

Amazing...

When I first heard the premise of this series, I was skeptical. A kid named Clark Kent gets super powers for real? I just knew it was going to be cheesy. But, it had Kurt Busiek and Stuart Immonen's names on it so I gave it a shot. And I can't express how glad I am that I did.

It's not a real Superman story, but I'd put it up against any Superman story ever written. I think this story has what it takes to stand the test of time.

Matthew bestows upon this book (and the entire series) the grade of A+.

For the record, I'd give the entire series the A+.

And whew, thanks, Matt. I was afraid no one was reading this. :)

[MatthewSmith]

Originally posted by MudshovelForYou
For the record, I'd give the entire series the A+.

And whew, thanks, Matt. I was afraid no one was reading this. :)

No problem. I'm there for ya, man!

[TheFoo]

How did I forget about this one?!? I NEED to pick this up tomorrow!!

[Fazhoul]

This was a great wrap-up to a great series. I think that SI is as good as anything Kurt Busiek has written to date in his career. I also think that this is the best Superman story since Alan Moore's "For the Man Who Has Everything" & "Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?". And the art by Stuart Immomen is gorgeous too, I don't want to leave him out of the praises for the series. If all of this doesn't make you want to read this series then there's just no hope for you. :)

[Auron]

SUPERMAN: SECRET IDENTITY #4
That’s it, this is one of the best miniseries ever made. I actually can’t put my finger on everything this book has going for it, but whatever it is it’s a must-read. As he proved with marvels all those years ago, Busiek clearly has tapped the essence of what makes a super-hero so interesting. It’s not the powers and it’s not the escapades and it isn’t the life behind the mask, it’s a combination of all three elements, and this has combined them perfectly. Clark’s saga comes to an end that is touching and poignant, as does that of his FBI contact with a particularly great scene. I don’t know what else I can say about this. It’s perfect in every way, from the writing to the art. The thoughts of Clark at the very end, with that gorgeous cosmic sunset…this is the stuff classics are made of, folks.
10 out of 10

[DaFalcon]

I agree with every review here. I e-mailed Kurt to personally thank him for this series: the first time I have ever done such a thing. The writing and the story take what could so easily be a cheesy premise and make it real. And the artwork is an absolute perfect match for the book: great colors, great atmosphere...

Every single issue in this series deserves an A+. If a reader were to pick up issue three with no prior knowledge of the series, it would work as an awesome stand alone story. When that reader finds the other three issues to get the beautifully set up big picture of Clark's life he will be in comic book heaven.

A+