A NEW Superman for a NEW Universe! | Superman Earth One vol. 1

J. Michael Straczynski, the creator of Babylon 5, joins forces with rising star artist Shane Davis (SUPERMAN/BATMAN: THE SEARCH FOR KRYPTONITE) to create this original graphic novel that gives new insight into Clark Kent’s transformation into Superman and his first year as The Man of Steel. This is the first in a new wave of original DC Universe graphic novels, featuring top writers’ and illustrators’ unique takes on DC characters. Pick it up here: amzn.to/1Iu69MP Never miss an episode by subscribing today! bit.ly/2WYvgkt #superman
ComicPop is a few friends talking about comic books. The ComicPop team brings a bunch of unique points of view to every single discussion about a comic book, graphic novel, character or story arc. You can find full conversations about your favorite titles from Marvel and DC Comics, plus a few pretty key independent comics. If you're looking for a long, funny conversation about Batman or a deep dive into why Spider-Man is so neurotic, check out the hours and hours of amusing, insightful and downright stupid conversations about some of your favorite comic books over the years. If you're a longtime comic book reader or just starting out, make sure to subscribe right now!
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[@ItsOver9000Productions]

"you can't just make a new story in the watchmen universe" oh boy

[@RadinV1]

I know right

[@kofteburger]

They were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.

[@jackpot42]

But i wanna see blue man punch soopaman

[@daedalus6796]

Filing this under statements that aged poorly

[@amightyadam]

Sal's eyes lite up at the genius of "Superman: Wild Child". Superman raised by wolves is probably one of the more badass ideas I've heard for an origin story Ben.

[@benbaragona]

amightyadam thanks, I think it would be a really fun, and very strange, ride!

[@amightyadam]

starts here, think he's found in the woods as a baby by the wolves. they have some awesome images of the wolves trying to eat the baby, but it ends with the baby killing one of them. they take the baby in, raise him. trampling through the forest knocking down trees, other crazy feats only the welfare of the pack is threatened by humans. crazy fight happens, with more entertaining ending then i can think up right now lol

[@Tintinandasterix]

check out Superman :Feral Man Of Steel. He is raised by wolves in that one.

[@8Bitnoobgamer]

@@Tintinandasterix The name should have been Pelt of Steel to fit with the wolf theme

[@hollow3607]

Think I'd rather see that origin with Wonder Woman than Superman.

[@jeff8008]

The way Ben laughed when Sal went on the Superman origin rant is *exactly* how I laughed when he started it. 4 mins in and it's been nothing but gold.

[@PlayForLOLs]

I was laughing along with Ben when Sal had his rant on the numerous retelling of Superman's origin, love when you do that voice Sal it gets me every time.

[@IamLucky87]

had to watch that part twice lol

[@eggheadjones9447]

IamLucky87 I had to watch it four times

[@TheWrestlingNerd]

The moment you realize that both Superman and Spider-Man get paid to be narcissistic. I mean Spider-Man gets paid for selfies and Superman is a reporter.

[@christopherb501]

Can't wait for the next Amalgam Universe to yield "Super-Spider".

[@FloorTankMain]

I love Sal's constant shit talking on Straczynski whenever they do one of his books it's hilarious. We just keep coming back to him lol

[@liamfaulds5884]

Thanks for showing that pic of Nicolas Cage as superman guys going to have nightmares for days :)

[@LP-lj9ig]

I love that Sal reread Batman Earth One and in the back issues episode on that he admits to kinda love it.

[@keikurono192]

You guys should totally do Miracleman! I got my hands on the entire series (original prints) and my mind was blown.

[@keikurono192]

I actually bought all the original trades for $200 at a garage sale. Which is quite a good deal since everyone else sells them for like $300+ But this was before Marvel announced they had gotten the rights, so here am I thinking this is going to be stuck in copyright hell for the next decade so I figured why the hell not? lol

[@f00by]

Sal's flip out about the origin re telling was hilarious 😄 great vid again guys

[@alfiehagan438]

The next two volumes of this series are really great. The story of superman and his cat is really sad.

[@benbaragona]

alfie hagan no, don't tell Tiffany that!

[@TheRealZubes]

alfie hagan Ben Baragona whelp I just had to look it up. And imgur provided the pages. That was truly sad; a really humanizing moment for Clark.

[@-k7228]

the cat part was so damn sad :(

[@MysticalGreenBeanie]

i love this earth one trilogy. kinda sucks that it takes them TWO YEARS to continue the story, but whatever. i love this book

[@Avarn388]

Earth One Vol 1 of Superman should have been fully adapted into Man of Steel. While a bit melodramatic, to me it perfectly establishes Clark Kent in a world very similar to ours. Because WB/DC wanted to create a more realistic DC universe. Why not use the Earth One world as a template and as you stated, Sal, draw on the rich tapestry of the all the other aspects contained within the DC main universe. This literally could have brought Superman back to the mainstream public and have something other than the Christopher Reeve Superman. And that's not a slight on the Donner films. They are great. But much like the Adam West Batman, it would be nice to see another take on the character, like the Burton films and Nolan films. But Nope. Synder and Goyer didn't get this character. I love Synder as a director, but he's explicitly stated he DOES NOT like Superman. So that begs the question: Why give MOS to him?! Seriously, I don't get Hollywood. If you know someone who doesn't get/ isn't interested in a character why give it to him? And more so on Synder, why would he accept? He thinks Superman is boring. Why bother? Give it to someone who cares about the character. I'm sorry if I'm coming off as whiny, but it is so frustrating when Synder messes up TWICE. While not my favorite superhero(Dr. Strange for anyone who is curious), he's on my top five. Superman is a character who in the right hands can be a compelling character. JMS gets Superman. Synder and Goyer Do NOT. Rather, they make him into a Batman wannable who is so wooden and flat it's revolting. Overall, great back issue.

[@rayvenkman2087]

It seems like there’s people who really wanted to do a film of the characters but never given the chance to do it while people who could give less a shit about them given the gig.

[@Grievousish]

Just got Superman Red Son a few days ago for my birthday. It was a really good book.

[@benbaragona]

Grievousish Happy Belated Birthday (please be careful with those lightsabers when you cut your cake).

[@Grievousish]

Ben Baragona Don't worry. If I can wield four at once without hitting myself, I can cut a cake. Also, I sent in a letter last week. Hopefully it got to you guys.

[@batnick7230]

Awesome!!!

[@MagoDSnowman]

Superman is Shrek. Superman is love. Superman is life.

[@jeff8008]

Mago. D Snowman Superman is onion. Many layers.

[@ScenekidsDIE88]

Man of steel, the only movie that is for sale for 4$ almost constantly at my local target.

[@kadan922]

The superman suit is like an ugly sweater your mom gets you

[@benbaragona]

Trevor Souther And you're like, "...thaaaanks." And you have to wear it once in a while so that she doesn't take it personally.

[@MercysLittleShoww]

I checked this out from the library the other day and I read up to when he flies away from the Daily Planet. I havent read it in a couple days because I've been really busy but I like that first part.

[@finaltouchstudio_]

3:28 I was dying 😂

[@garrettkloke8679]

It's not cheating if you don't get caught. Ben gives the best advice. I will live my life by those words.

[@alejandrogonzalez00]

34:12 Ben’s reaction to someone having the guts to compare twilight to Superman Earth One which is me as well hehe

[@johndiaz9190]

I did enjoy the concept of Krypton being a war with another world and being assassinated by that world

[@mattskirble6845]

I still think All Star Superman is the best new Superman story you could read it has a short 1 page origin and you really dont need to know anything else about Superman

[@JoshMunroe]

Yay, revisiting a classic Back Issues moment with the Superman origin recap... hey, I already commented on this three years ago! Earth-1 Superman's jealous of this analysis... You know, because of all the layers.

[@Jsearcy18]

Hey Sal, I think we might need another Superman origin story!

[@RadinV1]

Yeah I don't think we understand the concept of a doomed planet and a rocket ship yet.

[@mclovinU2night]

this episode should be called superman rants at break neck speed........read the acclaimed critics reviews Sal from comic pop writes "if you don't like it then you should snap you own neck" ethan from a youtube comic channel that pops writes " yep" ben from that comic pop explains "while superman is cool with layers and can is great at everything, but batman is a dick to hugging dudes" Tiffany who is late as usual writes "i miss story time, aww"

[@dariantierney3110]

I need more back issues in my life this show is great

[@TheGreatDevlin]

Still haven't revisited Superman Earth One and I've noticed no one is asking for it. 🤔 New challenge for 2021. Will Back Issues do Superman Vol 2 before Johns finishes Batman Vol 3?

[@garrettkloke8679]

I was looking through my sub box to find one last video to watch, this was it. Thank the lord.

[@r.babylon2885]

I like that they had him be a chemist in this story. It gets tiring that everyone forgets Clark is actually very smart.

[@ProfessorX117]

Love the rant at the beginning lol

[@HarryOsborneAS31]

Yay a new episode of back issues!

[@roccoborghetti4693]

I feel like Superman's mind is similar to the Flash's in that since they both move at superspeed, their mind's need to process at the same speed as to not hurt themselves. So he has amazing processing power and can think and absorb information faster than any normal person but he hasn't read or studied the same material as Batman, making Batman smarter while still giving Superman that "everyman" quality.

[@kordelshorgar122]

a great story about superman cheating in sports :)

[@RadinV1]

He can't help it though. He is just physically superior.

[@musicninjamat]

It's 3am here in the UK and yet I cannot stop watching Back Issues! This show just makes me love Comics more and more and I have shown it to friends to try and convert them to Comics!

[@mogwai250]

musicninjamat this. good thing i have a week of work and a bottle to kill.

[@benbaragona]

musicninjamat keep spreading the word, and thanks for watching!

[@igorsreviews1673]

2 minutes in and i already like this subscribe

[@comicpop]

Igor's Reviews Thanks!

[@AngusStewart01]

Igor's Reviews Dude i suubed as soon as i saw their was more videos i just got trade of this and everyone seems to only be reviewing the other 2 volumes nice some one is reviewing the first volume on this difrent take on superman i subed to

[@SergeantPancake]

Hell yeah! Last Unicorn reference!!!

[@JoshMunroe]

Sal's "analysis" of Superman's origin(s) at 3:16 is one of the many highlights of this series. Not quite Colossus creating the true "secret" of Secret Wars (1984)--watch the full Secret Wars (1984) Back Issues for that gem--but a damn good moment nonetheless.

[@comicpop]

Thank you, Josh! Totally forgot this tirade.

[@oatmat]

Tyrell looks like Silver Banshee no?

[@FirewolfKnight]

When I saw you guys were doing this I was so excited because this is one of the few comics I own. (Got some trades of Fables and Star Wars, that's it.) And I loved this book.

[@ArtsyTLF]

Actually, I'm pretty sure all the Earth Ones are separate universes. Jeff Lemire wrote an incredibly mediocre Teen Titans Earth One, and did not include any sidekick characters because the heroes didn't exist in his universe. Sucks, because Roy, Tim, Dick, and Wally are my favorite Titans, in that order.

[@thetardis98]

I love Superman Earth One so much! It and the subsequent volumes are some of my favorite comics I've ever read. I do agree VERY much that Batman Earth One was lackluster. Batman is my favorite hero so it pains to have to tell me friends "read Superman Earth One, because Batman kinda sucks..." Batman "defeats" the Dollmaker, then gets his ass handed to him by THE PENGUIN?!? Also Batman is way too emo in Earth One until the end. I'm looking forward to Volume 2 because I'm hoping he keeps moving forward and doesn't go back to being emo the whole book. Also just because it was really bugging me, Sal Superman Volume 2 was about the Parasite, Volume 3 was Zod. Anyways, Earth One has some of my favorite comics (I don't like Earth One Batman, but I'll still read it because it has cool moments.) I do agree they need to come out faster, I want my Earth One Trinity book!! Wow that was a lot more than I intended to write, loved the Back Issues guys! Thanks for another quality video!

[@tnygma0717]

Sal I love your point about the 6 Superman origin stories XD another good point about that is we'll give Superman like 6 origin stories, but we can't even give Flash or Martian Manhunter an updated origin story XD it's kinda dumb to me at least, I mean I don't really need it but I'd like to read like 6-issue Flash origin story or something

[@rayvenkman2087]

That’ll be nice to see.

[@michaellabonte6390]

Thwy have a Flash year 1 now

[@Runge_was_here]

Watching these out of order is a bit confusing as to whether Sal likes a book or Hates a book, which is a new level of fun. 😂

[@bL4zZ3e]

Been waiting for Back issues too ling man

[@mogwai250]

enough with the boy scout! its time for godbomb! Sal you will love it because its epic as shit. Ben will love it because Thor bangs half a village of women. and ethan will love because... well shit, time traveling gods with magic hammers. thats pretty god damn physical. or science, whatever. It has a fucking godbomb in it. deal with that Ethan.

[@nathanjtjw]

Man, your on a mission

[@benbaragona]

mogwai250 I'm on board! (And probably for the reason you mentioned, too)

[@mogwai250]

Plaguesque godbomb arc says otherwise

[@mogwai250]

Plaguesque its amazing

[@mogwai250]

Ben Baragona cool

[@tunz6701]

Best comic channel on KZbin! What are the names of Sal's comics?

[@comicpop]

Reggie Hartig Garth Kirby and the Cookbook of the Gods and fotbcomic.com!

[@TheBurnsie03]

Rewatching this for umpteenth time and I wanted tell the void of the internet that Joe Kelly was the screenwriter for the I Kill Giants movie. That is all.

[@GetUpGetUpGetUp]

did his option change on batman earth 1 because on the ep of back issue when they do batman earth 1 the response is over all positive, but here he says it's shit. (the middle guy, ??sal??)

[@comicpop]

Wasn't a fan, reread it and changed my mind.

[@GetUpGetUpGetUp]

okay, cool.

[@mrdaleward5278]

+ComicPOP the flash earth one coming 2016 can't fricking wait 👌👌👌

[@RoboRope]

Much better than the new 52 superfail.

[@Martin_TheCollector]

no

[@ItsOver9000Productions]

It's 2:00 am and I have another Geometry Test. But I have to watch this...

[@ItsOver9000Productions]

you probably should've studied for that test me from 5 years ago.

[@nicholasgigliotti8899]

Superman should be intelligent, not Batman/Luthor level but, A) His father was a genius (of a highly advanced society that Superman must have literature on) B) Maybe he is above average in terms of iq (not necessarily genius level) but he can think fast and read a bachelor's degree worth of information in the time it takes somebody to eat breakfast. (as an extension of running/reacting quickly, as well as canon depictions of flash and superman talking/thinking on par with their speed) C) He has always been a writer, a competent one at that, and while that need not correlate to genius IQ it certainly indicates some intelligence. I would even argue that him being a writer could perhaps be more original to the character than the "Batman outsmarts everybody" trope.

[@isaacorellana1754]

Superman's appearance in earth one is in honor of alex mercer from the prototype games.

[@justinrichards1124]

The reason Superman chose to write for the Daily Planet was because he actually wasn't instantly great at it and he wanted the challenge of making it good again. So superpowers can give teach you quantum physics, but not good grammar, lol.

[@spideyfan6296]

Lois Lane at 15:05 is based on Jennifer Carpenter. I lover her she's such a great actress, especially her role as Debra Morgan on the amazing show Dexter.

[@zeechoclatemalt957]

YAS backissues!

[@johnruddy4049]

Hey guys. Great video. I was wondering will you guys be doing superman unchained and superman doomed. Doomed would be good I think people would really enjoy it too as apparently it helps you understand convergence a bit more

[@genshishio9316]

WOW sal lost his shit at the beginning of this show

[@beverlymarsh233]

i cant believe this book is 7 years old it was one of the first few comics i ever read as a kid

[@Atem_in_the_streets]

I also agree that the Earth One books need to come out faster. Who knows when Morrison is gonna give us Wonder Woman.

[@MysticalGreenBeanie]

didn't he announce that we was "finishing it up" a year and a half ago?

[@Atem_in_the_streets]

It was supposed to come out last year, but got postponed. Now he claims he'll have it ready this year.

[@MysticalGreenBeanie]

John Van Haute so it might be similar to superman earth one vol 3 where we didn't hear anything about it until 2 months before it gets released. i'm cool with that

[@BforceFilms]

The real question is why DONT writers make more Blade Runner references? The same goes for Mac and Me.

[@noworth4431]

Tyrel looks like David Bowie

[@Farmeryeti]

When I read this book, I thought that the Kryptonian fabric thing was just that because it's woven fabric, the needle just went between the weaves of the fabric. It's not piercing it, it's just going in between the seams or whatever. I don't even know why I care so much.

[@greyscott5908]

So many not so subtle knocks against MOS lol loved it, can't wait for the movie commentary on it in the future. Gonna be a lot of arguing in the comment section though haha. Smallville had the best characterization of Clark and his parents in my opinion. Unlike MOS they knew he was destined for greatness but still let him and preferred for him to live a normal life instead of pushing the fact that he was space Jesus down his throat. Best Jonathan Kent to appear on screen.

[@benbaragona]

Fabio Scott I never got into watching Smallville, but I think you just sold me. If it's on Netflix, I'll check it out!

[@greyscott5908]

Ben Baragona I wish it was on Netflix lol. Had the best Zod too! Now the comparison of an episodic 10 year running series to a 2 hour movie isn't necessarily fair, But in my opinion the way the characters were written was fantastic. Smallville had the best Martha, Jonathon Kent, and Lex outside of the animated stuff and comics. If you do find it though just as a heads up the first few seasons are somewhat slow and it's drama heavy 'til like season 5(Lana/Cark teen drama). Best Green Arrow too. I could talk all day about it but I'll stop now lol.

[@JerseyBoy489]

Like mos was the first time superman has been recognized has a god.

[@walterHonwana]

The worst thing about smallville was Lana, other than that the remaining 99% of it was cool

[@ianmckee4726]

There is actually an elseworlds tale where Clark was found by wolves in an African forest. It's also like the 1870s when he meets English lex and Lois. Imagine superman mixed with Tarzan basically.

[@owenlabate2573]

Pleeeeaaasssssseee do more Superman Earth One!!!!

[@sircasmanmarvellolover1323]

Man we’re in a post Bendis Superman this was so much better

[@prindy1429]

I really hope someday we get to see them talk about vol 2 because I personally think it made the frist vol better vol 2 is great but makes me appreciate volume one better

[@Xatega]

I kinda dig the Man of Steel movie. Sure it wasn't perfect (a movie seldom is). But I really liked it. It was the Superman movie I always wanted to have. Well at least it was better than Superman Returns.

[@garrettkloke8679]

That Tyrell character story reminds me of Frieza.

[@keithgehman3945]

I really like this book as a different angle on Superman, even if the tone is really different from more "Superman"ish stories like Birthright or All Star.

[@kathlynwalker2882]

Another great episode, The sound has a hiss in it though...

[@Adatylmeu]

coffee and back issues! glory be to days off. Much watching and munching of toast commencing post-haste

[@-k7228]

this comic was awesome. lot of similarities to man of steel oddly

[@Newarksfinest05]

15:05 Jennifer Carpenter played Debra Morgan in Dexter

[@Sicod79]

Ah the classic well we live in a Post Man of Steel film world....so this is way better.

[@SvenTuSventu]

They missed the recon boat on not making Brainiac a overprotective bassinet-bot. I mean the Els had no idea what kind of protection their infant might need.

[@superluigiac]

So, there's 52 universes on DC Comics, this story happens on Earth 1 (the main universe story is about Earth 0, or Earth prime)

[@comicpop]

+superluigiac Yes. But they just implied there's more than 52 Earths recently, so that's out the window.

[@superluigiac]

ComicPOP Hey, thanks for the response! Just for the sake of information, the multiverse was re-introduced on Infinite Crisis back on 2005, so is not that new anymore (and Superman Earth 1 came out on 2010). Even so, excellent video! Let's see when i'll be able to finish the playlist, hahaha

[@MrUluporter]

Hundreds of thousands of people didnt die and the whole city wasnt destroyed it was like a quarter of the city but theyre not gonna pan out and show the entire city. And in the context of the movie Clark was a rookie on his first day. He tried to get Zod into space and Zod knocked him back into the city. And again in the context of how Kryptonians were made, Zod was created to be a soldier, actually knrw how to fight and he was only getting stronger as the fight went on. Meaning Zod would sooner than later be able to kill Superman and destroy the planet. And him killing Zod gives Superman a basis of his no killing rule because he did it once and it truly ended his race and doesnt want to kill again. Only problem I had with MOS was the Pa Kent thing. Highlights being Cavills portayel of Superman when hes questioned by the gov., Zod, the action, and way Cavill with little Clark time he had in the film actually showed the side of Clark that is rarely seen and part most people should be able to relate to, being his feeling of being an outsider like the black sheep even though he was raised here.

[@RamzalTimble]

Superman is extremely intelligent. He can recall anything he has experienced or read perfectly, a college graduate with ease and honors if I remember correctly there, and he can analyze information as fast as he moves. Although it brings up an interesting concept of intelligence in comics as people would say that one person is more intelligent than the other... which is hardly ever the case as people tend to be more well versed in one subject while someone else is well versed in another. For example: I'm sure that Batman is possibly a better Chemist than the Flash as Batman spends the majority of his time seemingly creating his hundreds of antidotes to Joker toxins. However the Flash is a better Physicist as he applies his knowledge to his powers regularly and uses physics (and his imagination) to perform the feats that he does.

[@Mysmarttelevision1989]

Still hoping they cover volumes 2 and 3 of this.

[@nibpresscomics]

Watchmen: Back Issues , please.

[@REMIX909]

Birthright is the best origin of all time.

[@lforever_048]

It's funny how you guys talked about how done to death Superman's origin is and how by this point everyone should know it and yet the guys at WB didn't know Krypton blew up during production of Man of Steel

[@ethanwhite8607]

Guys come on I need Vol. 2 and 3 ! Please...pretty please with a movie pitch from JMS on top?

[@oatmat]

Man of Steel kind of Sucks, but I do like how they handled Krypton and Fortress of Solitude stuff with the Suit and Ghost Dad

[@cryptocarlton9618]

Are you guys gonna cover the other earth one superman books and the teen titans earth one books

[@cucumber4cheese]

Well, now I wanna see you guys play out a mock trial against Batman. I would love to write a legal opinion but I don't know enough about American criminal law to argue a case for or against Batman. So I guess I'll have to wait for Batman to "let somebody die" in a jurisdiction I'm familiar with. Alternatively, you could form an acapella group and sing Christmas songs (from "The Silent Night of the Batman") with Batman voices.

[@bowdownORbringthawar]

Somehow, Goyer or Snyder read this and was like: "Let's borrow this".

[@ellrick]

I dont understand the grievance with Man of Steel; isnt it more likely than not that 2 super powered beings or more fighting in a populated area would cause massive amounts of collateral damage? I get the issue with the snapping of Zod's neck though, I want fond of that either.

[@ThePandaSupreme]

Damn I loved man of steel

[@D3ADP00LWAD3]

Superman: Earth One is 136 pages. The average comic is 20 pages, so E1 is roughly 6.8 comics (or 7).

[@06pyroman]

since vol. 3 just came out have you thought of doing vol. 2?

[@wagdawgwag872]

Why is Sting a Superman villain? Shouldn't he be fighting terminators at wrestlemania?

[@captainamerica9363]

Are you guys gonna do vol 2?

[@ufcfan0811]

Im confused about the origin of Superman after reading comics for a while its still unclear. I think we need new Superman origin story so to be clarified

[@bL4zZ3e]

They were making it rain on supes tho it's amazing

[@dertdood]

Daily planet gets publicity because nobody else got a photo of Superman, just red and blue blurs as he moved to fast for a photograph. When Jimmy and Lois help him out of the red sun beam thingy Jimmy is able to take a clear photo of Superman. Perry says that he is not going to allow any other news outlets to use Jimmy's photo of Superman and then Clark walks in with the interview. They publish an exclusive interview and the only clear photo of Superman, making their paper famous.

[@b4thewar540]

You guys ever gonna come back to finish off on Vol. 2-3

[@Medbofekhidna]

How many times can they retell the fucking story? I agree with Sal here.