A parent might reach for this book when their teen is facing the overwhelming pressure of new responsibilities and the fear of not living up to expectations. This graphic novel continues the story of the popular TV show, following Clark Kent as he finally steps into the role of Superman. However, he quickly learns that being a hero is far more complicated than he ever imagined. The story explores themes of self-confidence, identity, and resilience as Clark balances global threats with his personal relationships. Appropriate for older teens, this book uses the familiar superhero genre to tackle the very real anxieties of growing up and defining oneself. It's an excellent choice for a reluctant reader who loves action, as it provides a model for navigating immense pressure while showing that even the strongest people need the support of their friends and family to succeed.
Characters are frequently in life-threatening situations and face global threats.
Romantic ContentMild
Focus on established romantic relationships, including kissing and emotional intimacy.
Sensitive Topics
The book contains superhero-style violence, large-scale destruction, and peril. Character death is present but not gratuitous, with the approach being direct and focused on the emotional consequences for the survivors. The core conflict is a secular exploration of good vs. evil and sacrifice. Resolutions to story arcs are generally hopeful, in line with the Superman mythos, but often come at a significant personal or strategic cost, lending a realistic weight to the characters' victories.
Ideal Reader
A teen, 13-17, who is a fan of superhero stories and is grappling with the transition into young adulthood. This reader is likely feeling the weight of future expectations, whether from school, family, or themselves, and can relate to the pressure of having to get things 'right' on the first try. They connect with powerful characters who are still learning and vulnerable.
Parent Prep
While prior knowledge of the "Smallville" TV show enriches the experience, it is not essential. The comic provides enough context for new readers. Parents should be prepared for standard comic book action and violence. The complexity of the interpersonal relationships and moral dilemmas are the main areas that might warrant a follow-up conversation. A parent observes their teen struggling with performance anxiety or perfectionism. The teen might say things like, "I can't mess this up," or, "Everyone is counting on me, what if I fail?" The parent is looking for a story that models resilience and shows that making mistakes is part of the process.
Age Experience
A younger teen (12-14) will likely be drawn in by the action sequences, superpowers, and the introduction of other famous DC heroes. An older teen (15-18) will better appreciate the nuanced themes of public responsibility, personal sacrifice, the political implications of a superhuman presence, and Clark's struggle to maintain his humanity.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many comics that feature a fully-formed Superman, this book's strength lies in its focus on the 'becoming.' It is fundamentally a story about the difficult, messy transition from being a person with potential to being a leader who fulfills it. This makes Superman's journey uniquely relatable for young adults who are on the cusp of their own major life changes.
Read plot summary
This graphic novel series serves as a canonical continuation of the "Smallville" television show. Six months after the series finale, Clark Kent has publicly debuted as Superman. He must navigate the world's reaction to his existence while battling new and escalating threats, including the return of a vengeful Lex Luthor, alien technology, and cosmic menaces that force him to team up with other heroes like Green Arrow, and for the first time, Batman and Wonder Woman. The narrative balances large-scale superhero action with the personal story of Clark's relationships with Lois Lane, Chloe Sullivan, and his own evolving identity.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Clark struggles with the world's expectations now that he's Superman. Have you ever felt pressure to be a certain way for other people? How did you handle it?
2
In this series, we see heroes like Green Arrow and Batman who have very different methods than Superman. Do you think there is only one 'right' way to be a hero or do good in the world?
3
Chloe Sullivan uses technology and information to be a hero without superpowers. What does her role in the story tell us about the different ways a person can make a difference?
4
Lex Luthor believes Superman is a threat, not a savior. Can you understand his point of view, even if you don't agree with it? What makes a character a villain versus just an antagonist?
