Superman: The Man of Steel Volume 1 (Superman, 1)

I loved this.Admittedly there is a fair degree of premature bias, in that I wanted to love this - Superman was my favourite hero growing up.That said, I had high expectations after reading several reviews online and watching a few on YouTube and this didn’t disappoint. Whilst I enjoyed the occasional comic as a child - I was not a regular comic reader. Sporadically I would pick up a comic from the supermarket when I went shopping with my mum. They were enjoyable stories, but very little in the way of continuity which was abit of a frustration. I would switch between wrestling magazines, comics and different characters (eg superman, Batman, Spider-Man, transformers..).As I got older, I remember buying the odd thick paperback at an airport (Spider-Man greatest villains) which was ok but again I wanted a complete story arc - from the beginning (origin) onwards. Well finally, at nearly 40yrs of age I’ve found it.John Byrnes’ Man of Steel run reintroduced Superman following DC Comics’ reboot - I believe the eventwas “Crisis on Infinite Earths” (an omnibus I will add to my list) but not 100% sure. This volume covers his birth through to his arrival on Earth, the introduction of his dual identity, first meetings with key Characters, Villians, supporting cast - it’s all here.A lot of reviewers have complained about the size of the book - it’s a standard hardcover book similar page size to a comic versus the more lavish and oversized hardcovers. Whilst I loved this enough to buy a more premium edition if one gets produced, I felt the existing size is more conducive to reading than the larger books/omnibus’ I’ve seen (and subsequently bought) for other characters. It’s easier to hold and more portable if you want to travel with it.This comic has reintroduced me into comics, by telling a great story. I’ve since purchased Man of Steel volumes 2 & 3 and the consensus online is that volume 2 is even better so very excited about this.So what more to say? High expectations were met, format is comfortable, story engaging and in chronological order. I’ve enjoyed this so much I’ve bought the following volumes available and subsequently have started collecting other DC hero omnibus’ (flash, green lantern, Batman) - this book has started a new hobby for me, one which I am trying to justify to my wife is for the benefit of our son. Given that he is 3m old - not entirely plausible but I’m sure he will enjoy these stories as I have done. At least he won’t be left wondering what came before / after a particular story in the way I did picking up weekly magazines.If you have an interest in Superman, not sure where to start etc. then I strongly recommend this book.One thing to be aware of, there are moments of adult themes running through this - nothing explicit and probably would fly over most you g children’s heads, but it’s worth pointing out. For example, Lex Luther is a womaniser (powerful businessman who uses his authority to get what he wants) probably being the most obvious adult but real touch.10/10

As delightful as watching Superman The Movie, with better characters though. Luthor is, for the first time here, a ruthless business man & not a "small time" criminal & scientist. Works much better & makes him much darker. Lois Lane is terrific! A real no nonsense tough girl, a whirlwind of a character. Sadly Jimmy Olsen is hardly used & is the usual stereo type but Clark & Supes are more fleshed out & proper real characters! Lovely to have the Kents alive & well too. Making Clark's early years more grounded. They're a sweet couple too, bless 'em. Great to see Supe's first meeting with the Batman too! All in all, a simple, fun adventure series. But just who swiped Kal El's rocket ship?? Will have to buy the other volumes now to find out!!

I quite enjoyed this collection, mostly for providing a solid and compelling retelling of Superman's beginnings.

This, in my opinion, is the definitive take on the origins of Superman; a must-have for any Superman fan. The artwork and storytelling in this volume is phenomenal. Unfortunately, it's a huge letdown that the other volumes in this series are impossible to find (Especially Volume 4), as I would have thoroughly enjoyed reading the rest of this fantastic run. Hopefully, DC will reprint this run with the upcoming movie

I loved the post crisis ret-telling of Superman. I heard about this run so much over the years and I am glad I now have it. I loved reading.

Ok this book is great and very much value for money. However if like me you got it partially for the couple of legion issues think again they ain’t here. Lots of good stories and great artwork however.

My only complaint is that i wish this was the size of omibus editions otherwise this is a nice collection of john byrnes work along with jerry ordway. Will be getting any further volumes that come out

This is a great book a cracker of a read.