Review by Frank Plowright

In his introduction writer Marv Wolfman notes how he pitched Man and Superman in 2006 and explains why it didn’t see print until 2019, by which time other creators had supplied their version of Clark Kent first arriving in Metropolis. Wolfman, though, also considers it his best Superman story, and that’s a point it’s difficult to disagree with.

Although presenting Superman prominently on the cover of both the hardcover package and simultaneously released 100 page comic, this is more a story about Clark Kent, hence the title. He’s fresh from Smallville, with the opening pages displaying in detail how different the grubby and potentially dangerous surroundings are from the friendliness of his hometown. Of course, Clark is also Superman, so while the change may be eye-opening, he’s never in personal danger.

Where Wolfman tops other versions of Superman’s early days in Metropolis is by it being the story’s purpose rather than a stage along a journey elsewhere, and while Clark has the confidence of knowing he’s Superman and won’t come to harm, he also has a young man’s uncertainties. He’s still learning in both identities, so fallible, making rookie mistakes and then having to correct them when he realises, and Wolfman doesn’t have him step straight into the Daily Planet. He needs to take other jobs first, so mingles with ordinary people, while danger is provided by a series of terrorist attacks on the city prompting discussion of martial law being imposed.

The realism is beautifully drawn by Claudio Castenelli, bringing Metropolis to life whether bright or seedy, and the difference of Clark using his powers without his Superman costume is also convincingly delivered by the art. While the writing’s good, Castenelli makes this a premium project by virtue of going the extra yard on every page. The backgrounds are filled, but not to the point of distracting from the focus, and his people are convincingly real and ordinary.

Clark’s story is run alongside events at the Daily Planet, with Lois Lane convincing as the journalist unconcerned about embarrassment and prepared to call out bullshit. Her scene with Lex Luthor is great followed by a better one between Clark and Lex, and that exemplifies why Man and Superman is so good. Wolfman is able to transfix even when running scenes Superman fans have read in multiple variations over the years.

People seeing a flying man changes their perspectives, and readers are privy as Clark’s super hearing reveals their impressions, the creators delivering key scenes cinematically. This is whether it’s the action set pieces or the clever drama of Clark and Lois meeting for the first time.

A joy from start to finish, the hardcover edition also includes copious process material.