C'mon, admit it... you've wondered what it would be like if you had super-powers. You've wondered what you'd do with those powers. Fame and fortune probably entered into the equation. What about secrets? Privacy? Safety? There's so much to consider, but ultimately, it makes for a nice little daydream. Kurt Busiek goes beyond the fantasy, though, and examines the reality of life as a superhuman incredibly well. The first issue of this limited series was entertaining and thoughtful, but it also struck me as a little bit conventional. Busiek breaks out of that mode and really challenges the reader with ideas, strong characterization and palpable emotions.
Clark Kent has moved to Manhattan, landing work at The New Yorker as a writer. He continues to help people with his powers, always careful not to be seen. But just in case he is spotted, he sports a Superman costume so as to throw people off and cast doubt on reports of sightings. Clark gets to fly, help people and write... only one thing is missing that would complete his life. He meets an incredible young woman -- named Lois, of course -- but he struggles with keeping his secret from her. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Clark, there are others who are determined to learn his secrets as well.
I noted in my review of the first issue that Immonen's linework was washed out by the colors at times, that there was a hazy quality that interfered with it. Well, that's certainly not the case this time. The artwork is so grounded and realistic here that I have to wonder if photo references were directly incorporated into the visuals here. Immonen shows us how Clark has grown since the first chapter of this series, and he shows us that he still has some growing up to do yet. The fear and sadness that overwhelms the main character in key scenes shows on his face as well. There's still a dreamy quality that looms over the book as a whole, but it brings a thoughtful and mature tone to the storytelling.
I found it incredibly easy to relate to Clark and Lois here because I'm at a similar place in my life and in my relationship with a certain someone, and everything I see in the connection between these two characters is something to which I find it incredibly easy to relate. Maybe I'm being sappy, but what the hell... happy is happy. Busiek clearly knows what it's about, and I'm sure there are many readers who connect with what he has to say about that magical experience of sharing oneself with another person so completely.
Clark's fear and paranoia is what really drew me into this comic book, though. Busiek brings the intensity of emotion out in the narration perfectly, and one of the reasons it works is that everything Clark fears is perfectly reasonable and realistic. The fear grips him and invades every aspect of his life, and it's heart-wrenching.
