Superman For All Seasons

Chosen by Pete and discussed on September 1st, 2009, the SLJP's first ever meeting.

Superman For All Seasons was originally published by DC Comics in single issue format from September to December of 1998. Told by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, each of the 4 issues was set in a different season of the year and was narrated by different characters crucial to Superman's life. The book primarily focuses on Clark Kent's transition away from his simple farm boy life in Smallville to his early years as the premier superhero of Metropolis.

The book's name comes from A Man for All Seasons, a play written by Robert Bolt in the 1950s retelling Sir Thomas More's struggles with being a man of constant conscience under King Henry VIII in 16th century England. In Bolt's play, as well as this book, "one who remains true to himself and his beliefs at all times" is a man for all seasons.

The first chapter took place in the Spring, as Clark feels the yearning of a life devoted to helping others in need. This chapter was narrated by Clark's father, Jonathan Kent, and was very much a coming-of-age story as the young boy of steel reveals his powers to his long time friend Lana Lang and ends up moving to Metropolis.

Summer is told from the perspective of Lois Lane.

The next chapter, Fall, is a "love story," or at least that's what Lex Luthor believes it to be as he recounts how "his" city of Metropolis has betrayed him.

Finally, in Winter, Lana Lang narrates an almost somber chapter about Clark as he returns to Smallville to find a nearly catastrophic flood causing a panic.

Themes: growth, coming of age, coming "out of the closet." Fav chapters, fav characters, emotions evoked.

Rating (out of 5, with 5 being "Outstanding!" and 1 being "Burn it!")

Dave: 4
Anna: 3.5
Pete: 4
Angie: 4
Nick: 4

Average Score: 3.9 out of 5.