Superman: Secret Identity

May 15, 2005
The teenage Clark Kent of this book is a Kansas farm boy, but in his world, Superman is just a comic book character, and Clark gets teased for having his name. But one day, Clark discovers that he actually has all of Superman's powers. As he starts to use them, he draws government attention -but this book isn't as much about superheroics and men in black as it is about Clark the man. Busiek ("Marvels"; "Astro City"), one of the finest superhero writers currently working, is known for his fresh takes on the genre. He delivers another wholly satisfying take here as he follows Clark through his life, showing not only how Clark's powers change things but also how Clark remains the same inside through it all and how the issues life poses to him -of trust, commitment, compromise, finding a place in the world, and letting go -are the same ones faced by non -super people. Immonen's realistic artwork is an ideal match for Busiek's approach. Strongly recommended for teen and adult superhero fans and for anyone who feels that the genre lacks "human interest."

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2005
Superman's origins have been imagined and reimagined over the years. Here is a new take on the character's roots. Busiek and Immonen start with mild-mannered teen Clark Kent, who, after years of being kidded about his name, suddenly discovers that he has powers like those of his fictional namesake. He feels obligated to use his capabilities for good but realizes that, to live a normal life, he has to operate in secret, performing his superfeats covertly. His precautions prove insufficiently protective, however, and government agents investigating the existence of a real-life superhero have ominous plans for him. Busiek here uses the same trick--setting characters with fantastic powers in a "real-life" world closely resembling that of readers--that has made his " Astro City " a critical favorite, and Immonen greatly aids him with quietly powerful, realistic artwork. Superman has remained popular for nearly 70 years because of the appeal of having powers "far beyond those of mortal men." Busiek gives us a glimpse of what actually possessing them would probably entail, taking a cue from the contemporary superheroic slogan, "With great power comes great responsibility."

\i (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)