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Superman: Up in the Sky #1-6
Superman: Up in the Sky
Award-winning author Tom King (Batman, Mister Miracle) answers the question: How far across the galaxy will the Man of Steel go to bring a single child home?
Aliens have kidnapped a young Earth girl from Metropolis, taking her off-planet. Superman goes in pursuit of them, but with each stop along the path, the mystery of who the aliens are deepens, and the Man of Steel is faced with a new task. Is he getting closer to rescuing the girl, or further away? And who is protecting Metropolis in his absence? This galaxy-spanning question poses a moral dilemma for Superman: How much is one life worth compared to the millions back on his adopted planet? How far will he go, what foes will he face, to find that answer?
Acclaimed writer Tom King (Batman, Mister Miracle, Heroes in Crisis) teams up with legendary artist Andy Kubert (Flashpoint, Batman: The Dark Knight III: Master Race) to spin an all-new, original tale that defines Superman for a new generation of readers!
Aliens have kidnapped a young Earth girl from Metropolis, taking her off-planet. Superman goes in pursuit of them, but with each stop along the path, the mystery of who the aliens are deepens, and the Man of Steel is faced with a new task. Is he getting closer to rescuing the girl, or further away? And who is protecting Metropolis in his absence? This galaxy-spanning question poses a moral dilemma for Superman: How much is one life worth compared to the millions back on his adopted planet? How far will he go, what foes will he face, to find that answer?
Acclaimed writer Tom King (Batman, Mister Miracle, Heroes in Crisis) teams up with legendary artist Andy Kubert (Flashpoint, Batman: The Dark Knight III: Master Race) to spin an all-new, original tale that defines Superman for a new generation of readers!
176 pages, Hardcover
First published April 21, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 302 reviews
June 11, 2020
This was good.
It's not going to make my favorites list, but it was still good.
Superman sets off across the universe to find a little girl who was kidnapped by an alien, and along the way, we are treated to a lot of tear-jerky Man of Steel moments.
I'm a huge fan of these sorts of Superman stories, so I don't know why it didn't make more of a WOW! impression on me. The only thing I can think of was that maybe it was too on the nose, and felt a tad forced or schlocky at times.
I mean, Supes is already kind of hokey (on purpose) anyway. <--but that's one of the things I really love about the character. So yeah. I don't know...
Alright. Clark fights his way across the galaxy for one little misplaced kid from a foster home.
It's definitely sweet and it ticks off all the boxes when it comes to what makes Superman such an amazing character. Each issue deals with a different (sometimes seemingly impossible) problem that Clark has to overcome in order to find Alice.
My personal favorite was The Thousand Deaths of Lois Lane. In this one Superman gets stuck on a DMV-like planet while trying to make a phone call across the universe to check in with Lois. All the while, he's imagining all the horrible ways she's been killed off while he's in outer space and unable to save her.
It was funny and sweet without giving me diabetes.
Does he find Alice in the end?
Pffft. Of course he does.
He's the goddamn Superman.
It's not going to make my favorites list, but it was still good.
Superman sets off across the universe to find a little girl who was kidnapped by an alien, and along the way, we are treated to a lot of tear-jerky Man of Steel moments.
I'm a huge fan of these sorts of Superman stories, so I don't know why it didn't make more of a WOW! impression on me. The only thing I can think of was that maybe it was too on the nose, and felt a tad forced or schlocky at times.
I mean, Supes is already kind of hokey (on purpose) anyway. <--but that's one of the things I really love about the character. So yeah. I don't know...
Alright. Clark fights his way across the galaxy for one little misplaced kid from a foster home.
It's definitely sweet and it ticks off all the boxes when it comes to what makes Superman such an amazing character. Each issue deals with a different (sometimes seemingly impossible) problem that Clark has to overcome in order to find Alice.
My personal favorite was The Thousand Deaths of Lois Lane. In this one Superman gets stuck on a DMV-like planet while trying to make a phone call across the universe to check in with Lois. All the while, he's imagining all the horrible ways she's been killed off while he's in outer space and unable to save her.
It was funny and sweet without giving me diabetes.
Does he find Alice in the end?
Pffft. Of course he does.
He's the goddamn Superman.
June 22, 2020
A little girl is alien-abducted and taken somewhere… Up in the Sky! Only Superman can save her. But if he leaves Earth to go rescue her, how many more will die without his protection? But he’s gotta Saving Private Ryan-it because Plot he’s Superman! Eh…
I’m not gonna come down too hard on this one - Superman: Up in the Sky is fine. It’s a decent Superman comic. Is it great though? Hardly.
The format sees Superman basically do his equivalent of the Labours of Hercules with each completed task taking him one step closer (to the edge - and I’m about to break!) to finding the little girl. Some of them are interesting - most aren’t.
He powers down and boxes an alien; imagines the many deaths of Lois Lane while waiting in an alien DMV; has an “adventure” with Sgt Rock (wandering around a warzone listening to Rock’s macho yammering); races The Flash (again); and, gawd help me, alien robots invade Earth - smashy smashy! They’re not compelling in themselves but throw in the fact that, no matter what, Superman always wins - Because He’s Superman - and it’s even more snores to read.
The little girl herself is more of a plot device than a character and I hated that Tom King tried to make up for that with the overly-cutesy final issue where we get annoying kid-exposition with patient adult Superman. That was so tedious.
Alright: positives. The Deal with the Devil issue where Darkseid makes Superman kill an innocent in exchange for information was clever as was the freak accident that temporarily separated Superman and Clark Kent in a Twilight Zone-type way. Andy Kubert’s art is his usual high standard and King’s writing is good too - he writes a great Superman, really nailing the character. He just doesn’t put the guy in anything approaching a gripping storyline that hasn’t been done a thousand times before.
Don’t expect anything new or brilliant with Up in the Sky - just a varied amalgam of semi-decent Superman stories. Though I suppose given how tough it is to write good Superman comics that’s something eh?
I’m not gonna come down too hard on this one - Superman: Up in the Sky is fine. It’s a decent Superman comic. Is it great though? Hardly.
The format sees Superman basically do his equivalent of the Labours of Hercules with each completed task taking him one step closer (to the edge - and I’m about to break!) to finding the little girl. Some of them are interesting - most aren’t.
He powers down and boxes an alien; imagines the many deaths of Lois Lane while waiting in an alien DMV; has an “adventure” with Sgt Rock (wandering around a warzone listening to Rock’s macho yammering); races The Flash (again); and, gawd help me, alien robots invade Earth - smashy smashy! They’re not compelling in themselves but throw in the fact that, no matter what, Superman always wins - Because He’s Superman - and it’s even more snores to read.
The little girl herself is more of a plot device than a character and I hated that Tom King tried to make up for that with the overly-cutesy final issue where we get annoying kid-exposition with patient adult Superman. That was so tedious.
Alright: positives. The Deal with the Devil issue where Darkseid makes Superman kill an innocent in exchange for information was clever as was the freak accident that temporarily separated Superman and Clark Kent in a Twilight Zone-type way. Andy Kubert’s art is his usual high standard and King’s writing is good too - he writes a great Superman, really nailing the character. He just doesn’t put the guy in anything approaching a gripping storyline that hasn’t been done a thousand times before.
Don’t expect anything new or brilliant with Up in the Sky - just a varied amalgam of semi-decent Superman stories. Though I suppose given how tough it is to write good Superman comics that’s something eh?
June 13, 2024
"You are like [the denizens of Earth], I know. Despite your powers and your fight. Underneath you are them. And like all of them . . . you will fall!" -- the goading villain
"NO, SIR! I WILL NOT!" -- our title superhero, rising from the moment of near-defeat
By a quick and unofficial tally via my GR account King's Superman Up in the Sky is the 75th (!) graphic novel and/or book that I've read featuring the DC superhero who has been kicking around our pop cultural world now for 85+ years. I can also unequivocally state that it is firmly one of my absolute favorites - settling in alongside the outstanding Superman, Man of Tomorrow, Vol. 1: Hero of Metropolis from three years ago - featuring the 'Man of Steel.' It begins innocently (maybe not the best word) enough, with his frustrated ally Batman asking for needed assistance in Gotham City on a home invasion burglary involving a murdered foster family and a missing little girl. It would appear from a survivor's account that said girl, named Alice, was inexplicably abducted by an otherworldly and/or extraterrestrial being. Soon enough Superman is wholeheartedly moving heaven and earth to find and bring home Alice from a galaxy far, far away. As in various other stories this is 'not so much about the destination but the journey,' as Superman is often plagued with doubt and toyed with by the villain - sort of like Christ's 40 days in the wilderness, and not meant in any sort of blasphemous sense - as he undergoes many trials and tribulations on his sincere rescue mission. Whether he's tormented by nightmarish visions of Lois Lane falling victim to a number of possible deaths, or suffering a bout of total amnesia and dropped in the midst of a WWII battle to join up with gruff fictional war hero Sgt. Rock and his Easy Company infantry unit, this was a damn fine graphic novel displaying the celebrated superhero at his altruistic best among some of the very worst situations.
"NO, SIR! I WILL NOT!" -- our title superhero, rising from the moment of near-defeat
By a quick and unofficial tally via my GR account King's Superman Up in the Sky is the 75th (!) graphic novel and/or book that I've read featuring the DC superhero who has been kicking around our pop cultural world now for 85+ years. I can also unequivocally state that it is firmly one of my absolute favorites - settling in alongside the outstanding Superman, Man of Tomorrow, Vol. 1: Hero of Metropolis from three years ago - featuring the 'Man of Steel.' It begins innocently (maybe not the best word) enough, with his frustrated ally Batman asking for needed assistance in Gotham City on a home invasion burglary involving a murdered foster family and a missing little girl. It would appear from a survivor's account that said girl, named Alice, was inexplicably abducted by an otherworldly and/or extraterrestrial being. Soon enough Superman is wholeheartedly moving heaven and earth to find and bring home Alice from a galaxy far, far away. As in various other stories this is 'not so much about the destination but the journey,' as Superman is often plagued with doubt and toyed with by the villain - sort of like Christ's 40 days in the wilderness, and not meant in any sort of blasphemous sense - as he undergoes many trials and tribulations on his sincere rescue mission. Whether he's tormented by nightmarish visions of Lois Lane falling victim to a number of possible deaths, or suffering a bout of total amnesia and dropped in the midst of a WWII battle to join up with gruff fictional war hero Sgt. Rock and his Easy Company infantry unit, this was a damn fine graphic novel displaying the celebrated superhero at his altruistic best among some of the very worst situations.
May 11, 2020
A little girl is kidnapped by aliens and Superman will go to the end of the universe to find her. This is a character study on Superman. It's about his tenacity, his will, his determination, his inability to give up even in the most hopeless circumstances. Tom King just gets Superman. Maybe he'll do a 100 issue run on him one day? That last issue is one of the best Superman comics I've ever read.
If you like splash pages, Andy Kubert gives you a lot of them. Sincerely, his art is great. This book wouldn't be as good as it was if Kubert wasn't able to show Superman's drive and determination in his face. Kubert is great at displaying emotion through his art.
If you like splash pages, Andy Kubert gives you a lot of them. Sincerely, his art is great. This book wouldn't be as good as it was if Kubert wasn't able to show Superman's drive and determination in his face. Kubert is great at displaying emotion through his art.
June 11, 2020
Wow, what can’t Tom King do? Faster than a speeding bullet, flying through the sky, it’s a bird, it’s plane, it’s Tom King rescuing the world and comics from despair. So let’s say you liked the darker, madder Batman of recent years for his depth and angst and the grappling with the difficult ethical questions, and thought Superman was shallow and too much the Boy Scout? Over time we came to see the wisdom and rightness of Batman: The Dark Knight and dismissed Superman--with Frank Miller--as sappy pablum. He’s the other Big House version of Captain America, maybe, just a little too patriotic and scrubbed-clean to be real. Maybe you’ve read Howard Zinn’s The People’s History of the United States, let’s say. You’re a bit too cynical to swallow it? Gave up on all that hopey-changey stuff?
Well, let King walk you through the history and nature of Superman. What King seems to do with each superhero is strip each of them down to their essence, and answer the question of why we should care about them, here and now. Who or what is Superman at the core and why does he matter? Why is he relevant today?
King’s answer is that Superman’s commitment to acting on behalf of other humans in need, and on the side of Truth and Justice is still vitally important, most especially in a time of Lies and Injustice. These are not empty platitudes. Goodness is not idle talk; it requires action. And by you. Superman isn’t our stand-in. We can’t wait for him to do it for us. He’s a model for how we must live in crisis.
King in six issues looks at Clark Kent and Superman in various ways, holds him up to the light for us and turns him around for our appraisal. The basic point here comes in the main story where Supe has to rescue a single little girl. Two sibs are killed, one is injured and leads him to the kidnapped fourth. Should he--should we--care about that single kid when he/we have so much else to worry about, bigger fish to fry?
The executive summary is yes, we have to care about that single lost child held on an alien planet by monsters or we are lost. Lost.
The art from Andy Kubert is throwback to 1939, to its origins, when kids picked up these single issues for a dime and cherished them and deified Superman. And much of this volume is seen through a child’s eyes so we can see the Goodness in him, so we can remember why the world loved him. And why is he such a Good boy still as an adult? Because of his origins, because of good people who raised him right in Kansas as Clark Kent, who cared for this Son of Kai-El come to Earth to become a kind of Jesus.
We see him pitted against monsters in the fight for this single girl, and we also see him in these classic battles with other supes like Flash. Does it matter who is fastest in the world? It IS Flash, as we all know, but if Lex Luthor says he is going to donate 100 million to charity if Superman wins, Superman will do The Impossible, and he will win. That kind of story is meant to be inspiration to kids, to us. King takes us through the Thousand Deaths of Lois Lane, his endless need to protect her. He helps us see the real heroes, which in this book is the military that beat the Nazi threat to the world in WWII. That was the spirit of Superman, King says, those acts of self-denial and altruism.
King has us look at how Superman and Clark Kent need each other, are essential to each other, in one issue titled after George Bernard Shaw's Man and Superman, which is very smart. He’s born of contradictions, he’s not an angel, he’s not a saint. And in the end, yes, you knew it, he rescues the girl. Why? Because he’s Superman. I say this is one of the great comics of the year, one for our time, for the importance of Truth and Justice AS the American--the International--Way. A case for plausible hope.
Well, let King walk you through the history and nature of Superman. What King seems to do with each superhero is strip each of them down to their essence, and answer the question of why we should care about them, here and now. Who or what is Superman at the core and why does he matter? Why is he relevant today?
King’s answer is that Superman’s commitment to acting on behalf of other humans in need, and on the side of Truth and Justice is still vitally important, most especially in a time of Lies and Injustice. These are not empty platitudes. Goodness is not idle talk; it requires action. And by you. Superman isn’t our stand-in. We can’t wait for him to do it for us. He’s a model for how we must live in crisis.
King in six issues looks at Clark Kent and Superman in various ways, holds him up to the light for us and turns him around for our appraisal. The basic point here comes in the main story where Supe has to rescue a single little girl. Two sibs are killed, one is injured and leads him to the kidnapped fourth. Should he--should we--care about that single kid when he/we have so much else to worry about, bigger fish to fry?
The executive summary is yes, we have to care about that single lost child held on an alien planet by monsters or we are lost. Lost.
The art from Andy Kubert is throwback to 1939, to its origins, when kids picked up these single issues for a dime and cherished them and deified Superman. And much of this volume is seen through a child’s eyes so we can see the Goodness in him, so we can remember why the world loved him. And why is he such a Good boy still as an adult? Because of his origins, because of good people who raised him right in Kansas as Clark Kent, who cared for this Son of Kai-El come to Earth to become a kind of Jesus.
We see him pitted against monsters in the fight for this single girl, and we also see him in these classic battles with other supes like Flash. Does it matter who is fastest in the world? It IS Flash, as we all know, but if Lex Luthor says he is going to donate 100 million to charity if Superman wins, Superman will do The Impossible, and he will win. That kind of story is meant to be inspiration to kids, to us. King takes us through the Thousand Deaths of Lois Lane, his endless need to protect her. He helps us see the real heroes, which in this book is the military that beat the Nazi threat to the world in WWII. That was the spirit of Superman, King says, those acts of self-denial and altruism.
King has us look at how Superman and Clark Kent need each other, are essential to each other, in one issue titled after George Bernard Shaw's Man and Superman, which is very smart. He’s born of contradictions, he’s not an angel, he’s not a saint. And in the end, yes, you knew it, he rescues the girl. Why? Because he’s Superman. I say this is one of the great comics of the year, one for our time, for the importance of Truth and Justice AS the American--the International--Way. A case for plausible hope.
February 19, 2023
9/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lo he disfrutado muchísimo. La desaparición de una niña es la excusa para poner a Superman en diferentes situaciones. Como un combate de boxeo, una carrera con Flash o combatir en la segunda guerra mundial. Con un dibujo de Andy Kubert al que parece que se le da bien todo. Expresiones, escenas de acción, primeros planos, fondos y paisajes. ¡Todo perfecto! Una creatividad con los diseños de personajes secundarios, con los que no son habituales de DC, que atrapa mi atención durante todo el cómic y me transporta a un mundo de fantasía. El dibujo logra transmitir lo que el argumento de Tom King narra en ese momento. La única cosa rara es que cuando acaba un número y pasa al siguiente, en algunos, lo hace de una manera brusca. Pero se entiende perfectamente la estructura que propone King y no me ha parecido un defecto. Un sentido del humor que "explota" en la parte final con las preguntas de cierto personaje. ¡Un cómic muy completo! Para entretener, pero por lo menos conmigo, a un altísimo nivel.
Lo he disfrutado muchísimo. La desaparición de una niña es la excusa para poner a Superman en diferentes situaciones. Como un combate de boxeo, una carrera con Flash o combatir en la segunda guerra mundial. Con un dibujo de Andy Kubert al que parece que se le da bien todo. Expresiones, escenas de acción, primeros planos, fondos y paisajes. ¡Todo perfecto! Una creatividad con los diseños de personajes secundarios, con los que no son habituales de DC, que atrapa mi atención durante todo el cómic y me transporta a un mundo de fantasía. El dibujo logra transmitir lo que el argumento de Tom King narra en ese momento. La única cosa rara es que cuando acaba un número y pasa al siguiente, en algunos, lo hace de una manera brusca. Pero se entiende perfectamente la estructura que propone King y no me ha parecido un defecto. Un sentido del humor que "explota" en la parte final con las preguntas de cierto personaje. ¡Un cómic muy completo! Para entretener, pero por lo menos conmigo, a un altísimo nivel.
December 4, 2019
A near-perfect Superman comic, as far as I'm concerned. Between Up in the Sky, Superfriends arc from Batman, a short story from Action Comics #1000 and some others I might be forgetting, I actually think Tom King is one of the top Superman writers ever, and I wouldn't mind if he snatched the main series away from Bendis to write an ongoing Supes story (that's not to short-change Bendis, who's been doing amazing things with Supes, too — I just think Action Comics might be enough Superman content for him, and it feels like his storylines on Superman proper have all pretty much wrapped up or transitioned into other books at this point). The final issue of Up in the Sky is one of the best issues of Superman I've ever read.
April 25, 2020
King strikes gold again with this fantastic Superman title.
It starts off simple enough. Someone has attacked a family, killed the parents, left one child hurt, and another kidnapped. The one child who is hurt tells Superman who took her sister. Shortly after the child passes away. Batman ask Superman to travel to the ends of the Universe to get this child back. Only Superman would be able to withstand what is coming and the heroes put their trust and faith in him. So up up and AWAY! Superman goes on a rescue mission for the ages.
This is a pretty long book with multiple adventures for Superman to go through. Some about him fighting in a boxing match on a alien planet, to deciding if Clark or Superman can really rescue this girl by having some internal mind issues, and then of course Superman facing off against aliens in a epic battle. Some of the adventures do tend to be a bit on the nose at points and not as interesting but when they're good, they're fucking great. The last two issues, especially the final one, is near perfect. It's what I would show people if they ask me a great Superman piece to read.
While not perfect, it'll probably end up in my top 5 Superman titles of all time thanks to the strongest ending I've read in awhile. a 4.5 out of 5.
It starts off simple enough. Someone has attacked a family, killed the parents, left one child hurt, and another kidnapped. The one child who is hurt tells Superman who took her sister. Shortly after the child passes away. Batman ask Superman to travel to the ends of the Universe to get this child back. Only Superman would be able to withstand what is coming and the heroes put their trust and faith in him. So up up and AWAY! Superman goes on a rescue mission for the ages.
This is a pretty long book with multiple adventures for Superman to go through. Some about him fighting in a boxing match on a alien planet, to deciding if Clark or Superman can really rescue this girl by having some internal mind issues, and then of course Superman facing off against aliens in a epic battle. Some of the adventures do tend to be a bit on the nose at points and not as interesting but when they're good, they're fucking great. The last two issues, especially the final one, is near perfect. It's what I would show people if they ask me a great Superman piece to read.
While not perfect, it'll probably end up in my top 5 Superman titles of all time thanks to the strongest ending I've read in awhile. a 4.5 out of 5.
January 2, 2023
This was so good!
Its like one of those books that reads so well and I just freaking love it, its plot is simple like Superman going on a cosmic quest to find this missing girl and trials and tribulations he has to go through to save her and my god its beautiful like there are panels which are just gorgeous!
We get to see him fighting different villains, that wrestling match was the best part and just shows why he is Superman, that issue with Lois and how he is worrying was just anxiety inducing but shows his love for her, the race one vs flash just shows how he won't compromise on the principles but also how he overcomes contradictions because he is Superman and its amazing and so many awesome moments, too many to list but suffice to say it will make you love even more!
In many ways this feels like a love letter to Superman and all that he is and represents and the art is so good, the artist gives it all and Tom just shows you why Superman is the center of DC and like the greatest superhero ever, suffice to say if there is one Superman comic you read, let it be this one, its just too good!!
Its like one of those books that reads so well and I just freaking love it, its plot is simple like Superman going on a cosmic quest to find this missing girl and trials and tribulations he has to go through to save her and my god its beautiful like there are panels which are just gorgeous!
We get to see him fighting different villains, that wrestling match was the best part and just shows why he is Superman, that issue with Lois and how he is worrying was just anxiety inducing but shows his love for her, the race one vs flash just shows how he won't compromise on the principles but also how he overcomes contradictions because he is Superman and its amazing and so many awesome moments, too many to list but suffice to say it will make you love even more!
In many ways this feels like a love letter to Superman and all that he is and represents and the art is so good, the artist gives it all and Tom just shows you why Superman is the center of DC and like the greatest superhero ever, suffice to say if there is one Superman comic you read, let it be this one, its just too good!!
January 2, 2020
Very good! So it's no secret that I am not a fan of Tom King's Batman run at all. But when I saw he was doing a Superman book I wanted to give it a shot and this quite possibly is one of the best Superman books I've read in a while!
So the story has Superman travel across the universe to save a little girl who got abducted by an alien and no one can find her expect for the Man Of Steel! Each issue is broken into two parts which are like mini stories of Superman's adventures in space. It kind of reminded me of Superman Exiled which had Superman travel across the galaxy and visit different alien worlds. I love Superman stories that are about his connection to humanity and King pulls this off almost flawlessly! The writing overall was just on point and King's weird style of writing is way more suited for this then on Batman. Granted some of the stories don't make any sense as one involves Superman in World War 2, teaming up with Sergant Rock. How he got there I have no idea but the story was so much fun that I didn't care. The real star of this book however is Andy Kubert's art which just as amazing as it's always been! It's very much similar to his work on Dark Knight 3 The Master Race, with vibrant drawings but then the close up panels looks like something out of Jim Lee's sketch book! One part in particullar involing Superman and a boxing ring, just looked so visceral and gorgeous looking!
As for negatives some of the little stories in this book aren't as good as others. Like I mentioned before some stories they just drop you as the reader in the middle of things with no real context as to how we got here. There's also some things in the main plot that don't really get explained as I feel this book can be too concerned with getting to the next awesome Superman moment.
But despite my gripes I really enjoyed this series so much so that I want to get the trade when it hits soft cover, just because I feel this will become one of those quintessential Superman books that you just have to read as a comic book reader. And if you hate King's Batman run like I do, I'd say give this one a shot as it may surprise you like it did me!
So the story has Superman travel across the universe to save a little girl who got abducted by an alien and no one can find her expect for the Man Of Steel! Each issue is broken into two parts which are like mini stories of Superman's adventures in space. It kind of reminded me of Superman Exiled which had Superman travel across the galaxy and visit different alien worlds. I love Superman stories that are about his connection to humanity and King pulls this off almost flawlessly! The writing overall was just on point and King's weird style of writing is way more suited for this then on Batman. Granted some of the stories don't make any sense as one involves Superman in World War 2, teaming up with Sergant Rock. How he got there I have no idea but the story was so much fun that I didn't care. The real star of this book however is Andy Kubert's art which just as amazing as it's always been! It's very much similar to his work on Dark Knight 3 The Master Race, with vibrant drawings but then the close up panels looks like something out of Jim Lee's sketch book! One part in particullar involing Superman and a boxing ring, just looked so visceral and gorgeous looking!
As for negatives some of the little stories in this book aren't as good as others. Like I mentioned before some stories they just drop you as the reader in the middle of things with no real context as to how we got here. There's also some things in the main plot that don't really get explained as I feel this book can be too concerned with getting to the next awesome Superman moment.
But despite my gripes I really enjoyed this series so much so that I want to get the trade when it hits soft cover, just because I feel this will become one of those quintessential Superman books that you just have to read as a comic book reader. And if you hate King's Batman run like I do, I'd say give this one a shot as it may surprise you like it did me!
June 8, 2020
At first, this reminded me a lot of Brian Michael Bendis' Batman: Universe, as it is basically a Superman team-up book, with Supes bouncing around the universe on a quest. But King's short stories really got to the heart of Superman as a character and the closing chapters really resonated for me emotionally.
This is probably the best Superman book I've read in decades.
This is probably the best Superman book I've read in decades.
May 28, 2020
Supes gets the Tom King treatment and it was glorious.
Short version: Superman goes the route of save one life and you save everyone in a major way, stepping out to search for an abducted child and leaving Metropolis and the Earth to fend for itself for a while. Each story is a vignette that examines the character, and the character's character so to speak, in challenging and entertaining ways.
Definitely recommended.
Short version: Superman goes the route of save one life and you save everyone in a major way, stepping out to search for an abducted child and leaving Metropolis and the Earth to fend for itself for a while. Each story is a vignette that examines the character, and the character's character so to speak, in challenging and entertaining ways.
Definitely recommended.
April 12, 2022
Whilst it feels narratively jumbled at times, the characterisations really make up for any short comings that the plot has. However, the ending really manages to solidify itself as near perfect Man of Steel content. It's got a lot of heart, but it just doesn't quite scratch the plot itch. Overall, it's a portrayal that wonderfully captures the essence of Superman, and one I hope to see attached to a better story.
October 5, 2020
SUPER FAST REVIEW:
What would be a basic story except Tom King decided to go ahead and be all Tom King-y with the writing. It’s like his plot was a very basic superhero story but he draws it out in an attempt to make it a deep and epic study of what Superman is as a character. It would probably work better for some other people than it did for me.
That said, it is interesting (even with a few plot issues), King writes Superman pretty well and the artwork is good. I just am not a fan of the way it was written.
3/5
What would be a basic story except Tom King decided to go ahead and be all Tom King-y with the writing. It’s like his plot was a very basic superhero story but he draws it out in an attempt to make it a deep and epic study of what Superman is as a character. It would probably work better for some other people than it did for me.
That said, it is interesting (even with a few plot issues), King writes Superman pretty well and the artwork is good. I just am not a fan of the way it was written.
3/5
June 8, 2021
Superman: Up in the Sky was interesting. It's a rather different style of telling a story, using multiple short stories that are joined together in an over-arching "main plot".
Batman asks for Superman's help. Aliens have kidnapped a young girl and taken her off planet. Superman is the only one who can help. This then serves as an excuse to have Superman going around the galaxy tracking down leads to this girl. Each lead takes him to a planet where he must perform some task (almost a Labor of Hercules sort of deal) and these stories are actually little vignettes that serve to illustrate the defining characteristics that make Superman..well..um Superman.
The stories of are varying quality. I did really enjoy the Darkseid-Superman interaction. While I give credit for the concept and I did enjoy some of the stories, this Superman volume was good but not great. I can't honestly say if a Superman fan will enjoy this odd format of a story, but I think they will if they are more interested in the character traits that make Superman such a unique hero.
Batman asks for Superman's help. Aliens have kidnapped a young girl and taken her off planet. Superman is the only one who can help. This then serves as an excuse to have Superman going around the galaxy tracking down leads to this girl. Each lead takes him to a planet where he must perform some task (almost a Labor of Hercules sort of deal) and these stories are actually little vignettes that serve to illustrate the defining characteristics that make Superman..well..um Superman.
The stories of are varying quality. I did really enjoy the Darkseid-Superman interaction. While I give credit for the concept and I did enjoy some of the stories, this Superman volume was good but not great. I can't honestly say if a Superman fan will enjoy this odd format of a story, but I think they will if they are more interested in the character traits that make Superman such a unique hero.
July 4, 2023
I really enjoyed this. It's a heartwarming tale of Superman trekking across the galaxy to save a girl. A simple enough premise but executed very well by both writer and artist. I'd definitely be keen to see more Superman from Tom King.
April 25, 2020
You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.
Heroes come and go. They sacrifice a bit, or all of them, to achieve something that will put a smile on another’s face. But whatever happens to them, they will always leave something behind. Whether it’s a little impression from far away or a life-changing event that directly implies them, heroes see themselves immortalized in the memory of those who witness them in action, sometimes even becoming legends who will go down in history as symbols of a society’s identity. However, within all heroes are emotions fundamental to their personalities. It doesn’t matter if they aren’t human, it is through their actions and their ability to communicate that we identify them as heroes. And sometimes, there’s a toll far too great to ever describe that comes with being a hero. Award-winning writer Tom King (Batman, Mister Miracle, The Sheriff of Babylon) teams up with legendary artist Andry Kubert (Flashpoint, Batman: The Dark Knight III: Master Race) to explore Metropolis’s greatest hero and the lengths he’d go to to save a single little child.
What is Superman: Up in the Sky about? Following a home invasion in Gotham, Batman requests Superman’s help in solving a mystery that no one has time for: who kidnapped a young girl and flew away with her off the planet? Despite being busy in Metropolis with large-scale and crisis-level problems on a daily basis, his mind continuously goes back to this missing girl who might be lost and incredibly scared alone out in the galaxy. As he convinces himself that no life can be ignored, his moral dilemma leads him on an adventure like none other, looking for answers that will help him bring back this girl to her home on Earth. But, at what cost?
Although writer Tom King will probably mostly be known for his contribution to Nightwing and Batman’s characters, he has also dipped his toe occasionally in portraying a fairly impressive and memorable Superman. His ability to deliver one of the best bromances between Superman and Batman also highlights his understanding of their relationship, mostly through the Man of Tomorrow’s character. This time around, for the first time ever, he is even given the opportunity to explore the iconic hero in a brand-new and original stand-alone tale. In that optic, he looks to highlight Clark Kent and Superman’s most humane traits as they ponder one of the hardest questions that any hero has to ask themselves on a daily basis: is one life worth as much as the life of many?
While it is an intimate tale that only really succeeds in its execution upon reaching the final act where emotions are discretely solicited from the reader, the keyword associated with most of the journey is “bizarre”. As Superman struggles to decide what he will do about this lost girl, he ultimately finds himself convinced that his life is meaningless if he cannot save those who need help. He then goes on to merge his conscience with a terrifying source of data which hence allows Tom King to present various short stories of all kind where Clark Kent and Superman have their very existence challenged. From a boxing fight with Mighto to a war mission gone awry, there is very little context given to the reader but still allow enough substance to understand what makes Superman, Superman.
Although the ending has to convince the reader, there is an inspiring trait that can be noted through the artwork completely delivered by artist Andy Kubert. Through stunning splash pages and meticulous attention to detail, especially in his ability to convey powerful emotions in his characters, he succeeds in captivating the reader in a trance similar to what Superman suffers throughout the story without losing the reader in the sequences that are harder to understand due to their lack of context. The bold and contrasting colouring executed by Brad Anderson, on top of Sandra Hope’s inking, also gives a familiar yet refreshing tone to the overall tale. The graphic novel thus gains immensely in the synchronized execution of both story-telling and artwork.
Superman: Up in the Sky is an eccentric yet heartwarming character study of The Man of Steel as he puts his life and values on the line to save a little girl from danger.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
January 18, 2023
I found the story to be a bit disjointed. About halfway through, I was wondering why this was so popular. However, right at the end of the book, all the threads come together, and it's clear that Tom King understands what Superman is all about.
December 19, 2020
I'll probably get some hate for this, but screw it, I'm saying it anyway:
This book is everything that All-Star Superman is supposed to be, but does it much, much better.
Tom King and artist Andy Kubert tell a simple story of the Man of Steel, one where he leaves Earth and travels to the end of the universe in search of one missing little girl, and turns it into the best, most definitive love letter to Superman I've ever read.
As Superman goes from obstacle to obstacle, as he meets friends and enemies along the way, as he struggles and debates (even with himself) about moving forward with the mission, we explore what makes him tick, what makes him happy, what can give him doubt and insecurity, and what makes him the greatest hero of all time.
This book is everything that All-Star Superman is supposed to be, but does it much, much better.
Tom King and artist Andy Kubert tell a simple story of the Man of Steel, one where he leaves Earth and travels to the end of the universe in search of one missing little girl, and turns it into the best, most definitive love letter to Superman I've ever read.
As Superman goes from obstacle to obstacle, as he meets friends and enemies along the way, as he struggles and debates (even with himself) about moving forward with the mission, we explore what makes him tick, what makes him happy, what can give him doubt and insecurity, and what makes him the greatest hero of all time.
December 5, 2019
Tom King continues to prove that he is the master of humanizing superheroes and writing stories that defy all of the traditional comic tropes and stereotypes.
This is truly an essential Superman comic. If someone told me that they knew nothing about Supes and wanted a list of comics that show what he's all about, this would definitely be on it.
This is truly an essential Superman comic. If someone told me that they knew nothing about Supes and wanted a list of comics that show what he's all about, this would definitely be on it.
May 9, 2020
One of the best Superman stories I've read. Tom King does it so well. That last page...all the feels. Just Great!
December 4, 2019
Yeah, I know I don't give out many five star reviews. Why did I do so this time?
Because King was able to hit some very specific emotional buttons for me, ones that go to my being a parent, having a daughter. And, how far I would go to protect, and take care of her. Even though she is an adult, I still feel that way (maybe I shouldn't but...).
This is a simple story told very well. Aliens kidnap a very young girl. For no reason other than it is THE RIGHT THING TO DO Superman promises to find her a bring her back to Earth.
King goes right to what are the core pieces of Superman. What makes Superman both a great character and hard to write well is that he is the ultimate do-gooder. He can't help everyone, but he wants to,and will try to.
There is no quit in him in this tale. Every time he should he doesn't, and when there is a chance to show compassion he does.
The little girl is precious in many way, and King finds those ways to show the reader.
Yeah, this is not for everyone.
But, it sure as hell worked for me.
Because King was able to hit some very specific emotional buttons for me, ones that go to my being a parent, having a daughter. And, how far I would go to protect, and take care of her. Even though she is an adult, I still feel that way (maybe I shouldn't but...).
This is a simple story told very well. Aliens kidnap a very young girl. For no reason other than it is THE RIGHT THING TO DO Superman promises to find her a bring her back to Earth.
King goes right to what are the core pieces of Superman. What makes Superman both a great character and hard to write well is that he is the ultimate do-gooder. He can't help everyone, but he wants to,and will try to.
There is no quit in him in this tale. Every time he should he doesn't, and when there is a chance to show compassion he does.
The little girl is precious in many way, and King finds those ways to show the reader.
Yeah, this is not for everyone.
But, it sure as hell worked for me.
May 23, 2023
What does it mean to be Superman?
At what cost does it mean to save lives even if it's just one?
This book was pretty incredible! I read this a little over a year ago for the first time, and I wasn't too fond of my first read. Now I've revisted it and I really enjoyed it! This book discovers the true power of Superman, which is his hope. What it means to be Superman is to save anyone you can no matter what.
3.8/5
At what cost does it mean to save lives even if it's just one?
This book was pretty incredible! I read this a little over a year ago for the first time, and I wasn't too fond of my first read. Now I've revisted it and I really enjoyed it! This book discovers the true power of Superman, which is his hope. What it means to be Superman is to save anyone you can no matter what.
3.8/5
July 22, 2020
King es uno de los autores más celebrados de los últimos años en materia de cómic superheroico, y se ganó ese prestigio a partir de historias que colocan al héroe de turno en un contexto de conflictos humanos y reconocibles. Incluso, en algunos casos, hasta volcó sus experiencias pasadas como agente de la CIA, cosa que puede verse particularmente en “Sheriff of Babylon”, situada en el contexto de la caída de Saddam Hussein, y hasta en “Omega Men”, que aprovechaba al Green Lantern Kyle Rayner y al grupo del título para reflexionar sobre la política intervencionista de los EEUU en el resto del mundo.
Las inquietudes de King también van por el lado de los conflictos internos de los personajes y la manera en que estos lidian con la depresión y los traumas de su laburo de superhéroes. Por ese lado, ha escrito algunas excelentes maxiseries como “Vision” y “Mister Miracle”. En esa línea, mi última lectura de King fue “Heroes in Crisis”, una historia bastante decepcionante, al menos para el nivel al que nos había acostumbrado.
Con ese antecedente inmediato es que llegué a “Superman: Up in the Sky” y, por suerte, el resultado no podía haber sido mejor. Con la excusa de la abducción de una niña por parte de una raza alienígena, King envía a Superman a su rescate, lo que lo enfrenta a una serie de retos y situaciones interplanetarias, de esas a las que solo el Hombre de Acero puede hacer frente. Por momentos, esa sucesión de retos increíbles recuerda a la maravillosa “All-Star Superman” de Morrison. Y si algo te recuerda a la mejor historia de Superman de todos los tiempos, quiere decir que va por el buen camino.
Es interesante como King juega con algunas técnicas narrativas, y si uno presta atención puede ver la manera en que cada página funciona como una historia encapsulada en sí misma, independientemente del lógico hilo conductor que construye un resultado global excelente. Vale decir que, en algunos pasajes, abusa de ciertos recursos (como por ej. las repeticiones de frases y conceptos) para lograr un determinado efecto en la lectura, que no salen tan redondos como deberían, pero que de ninguna forma opacan el resultado final.
Mención especial para Andy Kubert (un favorito personal), que cada día dibuja mejor, lo que lo diferencia de otros artistas de su generación que con el paso de los años demuestran un cierto desgano en sus trazos (se me ocurren rápidamente los ejemplos de John Byrne y John Romita Jr., dos gigantes a los que parece que ya todo les da paja).
Está claro que King entiende el corazón del personaje a la perfección: su relación maravillosa con Lois, la postura innegociable de no dejar a nadie por el camino, el levantarse cual Rocky de calzoncillo rojo en los momentos en que parece derrotado… todo está presente, y coronado con un final totalmente emocionante y lacrimógeno.
Venía con abstinencia de cómics de Superman y acá encontré exactamente lo que estaba buscando.
Las inquietudes de King también van por el lado de los conflictos internos de los personajes y la manera en que estos lidian con la depresión y los traumas de su laburo de superhéroes. Por ese lado, ha escrito algunas excelentes maxiseries como “Vision” y “Mister Miracle”. En esa línea, mi última lectura de King fue “Heroes in Crisis”, una historia bastante decepcionante, al menos para el nivel al que nos había acostumbrado.
Con ese antecedente inmediato es que llegué a “Superman: Up in the Sky” y, por suerte, el resultado no podía haber sido mejor. Con la excusa de la abducción de una niña por parte de una raza alienígena, King envía a Superman a su rescate, lo que lo enfrenta a una serie de retos y situaciones interplanetarias, de esas a las que solo el Hombre de Acero puede hacer frente. Por momentos, esa sucesión de retos increíbles recuerda a la maravillosa “All-Star Superman” de Morrison. Y si algo te recuerda a la mejor historia de Superman de todos los tiempos, quiere decir que va por el buen camino.
Es interesante como King juega con algunas técnicas narrativas, y si uno presta atención puede ver la manera en que cada página funciona como una historia encapsulada en sí misma, independientemente del lógico hilo conductor que construye un resultado global excelente. Vale decir que, en algunos pasajes, abusa de ciertos recursos (como por ej. las repeticiones de frases y conceptos) para lograr un determinado efecto en la lectura, que no salen tan redondos como deberían, pero que de ninguna forma opacan el resultado final.
Mención especial para Andy Kubert (un favorito personal), que cada día dibuja mejor, lo que lo diferencia de otros artistas de su generación que con el paso de los años demuestran un cierto desgano en sus trazos (se me ocurren rápidamente los ejemplos de John Byrne y John Romita Jr., dos gigantes a los que parece que ya todo les da paja).
Está claro que King entiende el corazón del personaje a la perfección: su relación maravillosa con Lois, la postura innegociable de no dejar a nadie por el camino, el levantarse cual Rocky de calzoncillo rojo en los momentos en que parece derrotado… todo está presente, y coronado con un final totalmente emocionante y lacrimógeno.
Venía con abstinencia de cómics de Superman y acá encontré exactamente lo que estaba buscando.
August 13, 2021
I picked up this book not expecting much as Tom King had let me down before, specially in Heroes in Crisis and his Batman run. But I have to say that it exceeded my expectations.
Tom King has definitely done the character justice, and has managed to show why Superman is who he is; not just because of his superpowers, but also because of his personality and his drive to help everyone in need. Andy Kubert's art further complements this book, and some of the panels are breathtakingly gorgeous.
Up in the Sky is undoubtedly one of the best Superman books to come out in the recent years with a simple but touching storyline.
Tom King has definitely done the character justice, and has managed to show why Superman is who he is; not just because of his superpowers, but also because of his personality and his drive to help everyone in need. Andy Kubert's art further complements this book, and some of the panels are breathtakingly gorgeous.
Up in the Sky is undoubtedly one of the best Superman books to come out in the recent years with a simple but touching storyline.
July 30, 2020
Linda historia. Emotiva y va a la raíz del Superman que todos los comiqueros amamos. Lo malo: toma demasiado del All Star de Morrison pero sin la profundidad, y también por momentos se hace un tanto reiterativa. Igual se lee súper rápido y el dibujo de Kubert es una maravilla.
April 21, 2020
Pretty simple plot but this was more a character study
June 1, 2020
Superman, after some deliberation, decides to travel across the universe to save a little girl. Everyone is amazed that he will do anything possible to save this little girl, and try to get him to stop going after the little girl, and Superman has to overcome these challenges. There are a lot of big static splash pages with lots of narration, there are a bunch of different characters narrating a different part of Superman's adventures, and there's this constant feeling of fighting-back-the-impossible that makes Superman such an inspirational character.
Unfortunately the book is boring. There are 12 parts to the story and each part feels like it drags on forever. It's full of some awkward and corny dialogue that reads as very stoic and flat for how uplifting it's trying to be. Andy Kubert's art feels like it's going for something darker and more mature but it always feels handicapped by trying to be approachable to children. Even with the most poignant moments there's no sense of action, no forward momentum, each part is a snapshot in the journey of Superman but trades in the "journey" for passive reminiscing.
Andy Kubert knows how to draw a powerful Superman, but none of the stories are about Superman being powerful so there's this massive tonal disconnect. Tom King understands what makes Superman tick but can't find a way to make that fun. It's a slow-moving and painful process as each part has a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, this will be the turning point that makes the book better, but even the grandest of ideas end up as just that: ideas. Ideas that many other creators have explored more in-depth and with a greater emotional weight to them.
Unfortunately the book is boring. There are 12 parts to the story and each part feels like it drags on forever. It's full of some awkward and corny dialogue that reads as very stoic and flat for how uplifting it's trying to be. Andy Kubert's art feels like it's going for something darker and more mature but it always feels handicapped by trying to be approachable to children. Even with the most poignant moments there's no sense of action, no forward momentum, each part is a snapshot in the journey of Superman but trades in the "journey" for passive reminiscing.
Andy Kubert knows how to draw a powerful Superman, but none of the stories are about Superman being powerful so there's this massive tonal disconnect. Tom King understands what makes Superman tick but can't find a way to make that fun. It's a slow-moving and painful process as each part has a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, this will be the turning point that makes the book better, but even the grandest of ideas end up as just that: ideas. Ideas that many other creators have explored more in-depth and with a greater emotional weight to them.
March 30, 2021
Tom King does Superman and it's exactly what you'd expect. It's less "Superman defeats the villain" and more "Superman proves over the course of a very long day that he really is just the nicest guy." I'll admit to growing weary of King's foibles over his lengthy Batman run, and Superman: Up in the Sky features many of them.
Events occur without preamble or connective tissue. Characters rarely speak naturally, instead producing clipped thoughts that hint at their true intent. What might have been a neat detective story becomes a psychological journey through Superman's history. King being King, it's still clever, smart, and well-paced. You won't set this book down until Superman saves the little girl (which he will do because he's gosh-darned dedicated).
Maybe I just yearn for a little darkness from my Superman. But that's simply not in the true heart of the character, which is what Tom King is striving to reveal here. In that case, he does a splendid job. I'm the oddball for not being thrilled.
Events occur without preamble or connective tissue. Characters rarely speak naturally, instead producing clipped thoughts that hint at their true intent. What might have been a neat detective story becomes a psychological journey through Superman's history. King being King, it's still clever, smart, and well-paced. You won't set this book down until Superman saves the little girl (which he will do because he's gosh-darned dedicated).
Maybe I just yearn for a little darkness from my Superman. But that's simply not in the true heart of the character, which is what Tom King is striving to reveal here. In that case, he does a splendid job. I'm the oddball for not being thrilled.
September 10, 2020
Superman : Up in the Sky, reprints the Superman Giant Walmart exclusive story by Tom King & Andy Kubert.
Superman journeys through space and time in search for a missing girl, and question his own values.
Essential. Reminiscent of All Star Superman
Superman journeys through space and time in search for a missing girl, and question his own values.
Essential. Reminiscent of All Star Superman
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