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Jul 19, 2010 Web Exclusive By Jeremy Nisen

And so the new era of Superman begins not with a bang, and not with a whimper, but a series of whimpers. Yes, this is the “Superman walks across the country” storyline, finally here for us to read, not just scoff at based on the premise. Honestly, it’s better than I thought it would be. That, unfortunately, is not saying much.

You know how the little moments, perfectly executed, can turn a story from good into something beautiful? Well imagine a story—about Superman—totally composed of “little moments.” Some of these are brilliant and touching—indeed, writer J. Michael Straczynski has a deft hand, and Eddie Barrows doesn’t just draw, his characters can act and emote. But, when strung together in succession, even a ton of little moments executed perfectly could prove tedious. And these aren’t all perfect. By my count, with these JMS is batting 0.600.

Tale of the tape:

1) Superman the mechanic: a single.

2) Superman proves he’s Superman: walk to first.

3) Superman chats with Lois: ground rule double.

4) Superman earns his dinner at the diner: double.

5) Superman versus crack dealers: strike out. Big time (I’ve never been one to raise the specter of racial stereotyping, but . . . geez, dude.)

6) Superman walks across the street: single.

7) Superman, cardiologist: in-the-park home run.

8) Superman vs. the potential suicide victim: tagged trying to take second (hasn’t this man read the much better version of this in All-Star Superman? Haven’t his editors? My lord!)

9) Superman talks with cop during aftermath: I was sleeping, but the box score says “strike out.”

10) Superman preaches to nerdy guy about being a hero: out at first.

Maybe next time I’ll do a Candy Land version; with all the retreading in this story it does feel like being banished back to the lollipop forest or whatever.

In any case, the art is good and the good moments are swell. I just wish they stitched together some interesting, Superman-worthy stuff, either epic events or Silver Age goofiness, or something other than the decidedly less-than-super events of when the Last Son of Krypton gets mundane. (www.dccomics.com)

Author rating: 4/10