Wednesday is Comic Day!

Writer: Jeph Loeb Artist: Tim Sale Publisher: DC Comics Price: $19.95

Follow up:

Superman For All Seasons was originally published as a four-issue mini-series in 1998. Each issue is titled for a season, beginning with Spring and ending with Winter.

I have a maxim when it comes to Jeph Loeb. If the book is drawn by Tim Sale, it will be an excellent, can't miss book. If it isn't drawn by Tim Sale, it will likely be one of the worst books ever printed. It sounds like a strange and harsh maxim, but it is more often true than not. There are few comics worse than Ultimates 3 or Wolverine #50-55. Fortunately, this book is drawn by Tim Sale.

Maybe it is the type or tone of the story. As Superman For All Seasons shows, when Jeph Loeb wants to tell a story that is both an homage and a definition for an iconic character, he can knock it out of the park. When he tries to tell a 'balls to the wall' action story, he strikes out.

Superman For All Seasons attempts to define who Superman is, from the perspective of four people in his life. Spring is narrated by his adoptive father, Jonathan Kent. Summer is narrated by Lois Lane. Fall is narrated by Lex Luthor. Winter is narrated by Lana Lang.

At his heart, Superman is Clark Kent - not the nebbish persona he takes on to keep his secret identity, but Clark Kent, the son of Jonathan and Martha, raised in the cornfields of Kansas. Because of that, Tim Sale's art style is perfect for this story. It has a unique style but is clearly influenced by Norman Rockwell. Sale creates a Smallville that feels real. Real, not in the sense of how it would actually be, but real in the sense of how we would expect it to be. It's hard to describe, but it feels so right.

Those that don't read many (or any) comics, might still be familiar with Tim Sale's work. He is responsible for the artwork used on the Heroes television series - in particular the future revealing paintings used in season one.

Complaints about this book usually stem from it not having an original conflict or plot. This book isn't about the events - it's about the people. It is a loving portrait of an iconic American hero. If you love Superman, you will likely love this book.