The origin of SUPERMAN! | Superman: Secret Origin

Pick up Superman: Secret Origin here! amzn.to/2FlDvDk The superstar team of writer Geoff Johns and artist Gary Frank redefine the origin of Superman for the 21st century. This explosive story spells out the definitive origin of Superman, chronicling Clark Kent’s journey from the cornfields of Smallville to the skyscrapers of Metropolis. Witness a whole new look at the beginnings of Lex Luthor, The Legion of Super-Heroes, Lois Lane, Metallo, Jimmy Olsen, The Parasite and more of your favorite characters from the Superman family. It’s a look at the mythic past of the Man of Steel with an eye toward the future. 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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[@Dorkyboi-1218]

My fav trope of back issues is whenever Ben perfectly guesses what is going on but he was trying to joke around and gets shocked that he is right

[@landonny]

Geoff Johns. **finger guns intensify**

[@comicsmisexplained]

Yes same lol. In this house we do finger guns each time we hear Geoff Johns 👈😎👉

[@antgto]

I fired off the finger guns this past weekend when someone mentioned Geoff Johns. I was just stared at.

[@Mr.Nyongo]

YOU WERE RIGHT. Secret origin is back in continuity in Doomsday Clock.

[@Tamaki742]

Man, I feel that "we need constraints" so much. As an artist, I hate nothing more than people just telling me "just draw anything", because 5/10 times, they tell me to change a ton of things after I finished. Would've helped if you told me what you want in the first place.

[@daelen.cclark]

Since I’m scripting my own comic, that actually helps me a bit on how to properly inform my artist. So if I tell them to “draw anything”, I gotta be specific in what parts and for how long.

[@Treblemaker1279]

My favorite moments are when Ben, Ethan or Tiffany make a comment they think is absurd but Sal casually goes well yeah that's right, and we get "Wait, What!?"

[@antdujar]

Treblemaker1279 agreed!

[@Ka_Five]

That and when Ben, Ethan, or Tiffany ask something and Sal says "Good question! So, anyway-"

[@Tamaki742]

@@Ka_Five Or "What does x have to do with y?" "Well um... So Batman does this and-" "HOLD ON-" "SO BATMAN DOES THIS-"

[@JamesCPotter13]

Ben’s face for like 5 seconds after the brakes comment was great.

[@d.c.stranded7134]

It is kind of weird that the most popular/recommended Superman stories are usually about him either starting his career, dying, or being a twisted alternate version of himself instead of just normal Superman

[@arttalkwithmr.s6703]

Read Superman:Peace on Earth my friend

[@rcbmmines4579]

It’s true I also noticed that a lot of his best stuff are the beginning, end and alternate, but not all of them are. Like the above person said, there’s What’s so Funny about Truth and Justice. There’s also Must There Be a Superman, For the Man Who Has Everything, Our World’s at War, Superman: Brainiac and even recent stuff like the Rebirth and Doomsday Clock. DDC especially. I think what tends to make those kinds of stories the best is because they’re short classics that aim to do the most in one story like All Star, Kingdom Come etc. On the other hand, and this goes for most comics in general, the “normal” stories are often parts of a whole so they stand out less by themselves.

[@virgilbarrios3174]

Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason's rebirth run is pretty normal. And amazing

[@thecollector4332]

D.C. Stranded Read rebirth’s early run (before bendis)

[@virgilbarrios3174]

@@thecollector4332 Yea, bendis fucking ruined Superman

[@seanrector5264]

You can bet your boots I'm glad for a new Back Issues

[@Gnosis878]

I read this comment before I watched the episode, and internally said 'Who the fuck says bet your boots?'

[@brianadkins3880]

Love that Sal is so happy and seems genuinely passionate about this book and its characters. The scene of Lex looking down on people is a little similar to the first episode of LOIS & CLARK where Lex has the tallest building in Metropolis and remarks he made sure it was so everyone would literally have to look up to him. At the end,Superman is floating near his balcony and says ,"If you want to see me Lex , just look up." And the idea that Clark's heat vision is activated due to puberty was also done on an episode of SMALLVILLE when Clark gets a hot teacher at school. lol

[@FatSnorlax]

3 minutes in and I’m already in love with this episode XD. “I’m not making a political comment about the sitting president” lol

[@loograt]

We need a ComicPOP origin story

[@AnarchicArachnid]

Gabriel San Roman I'm still curious when Comic Pop War/Comic Pop Crisis will happen and we get all new/new 52 comic pop

[@oatmat]

we really do

[@Just_Some_Guy_with_a_Mustache]

You can tell your version, and then I'll tell my version a little ways down the line. And then Grievousish can tell his version after that.

[@jonryder7269]

no its marvel rules, there is only one ComicPOP origin.

[@SHADOWPROB13ACE]

This years Christmas special the birth of comic pop

[@TimedRevolver]

Really wish people would understand Clark's disguise isn't just glasses. It's the fact that he alters his voice, slouches, wears baggier clothes and the glasses dull his eye color. Not only that, but Superman doesn't wear a mask. And he's this larger than life super-strong figure. Nobody would believe Superman is Clark Kent. Like, literally. In one story, Lex builds a machine to help him figure out who Superman is. When it says Clark Kent, he declares it both an idiot and a waste of his time.

[@cameronjosephvideos5942]

That makes sense for basic acquaintances, but its just embarrassing for his close friends not to notice.

[@joshuanelson6795]

My favorite Superman origin story is "Birthright". "Secret Origin" is still really good though.

[@adammillan8332]

"Everything's wrong, and then he murders a guy!" You guys just keep cranking out t-shirt material!

[@lawrenceperry957]

Most of the people who like Man of Steel don't like Superman. Most people who like Superman don't like Man of Steel. I want them to do a movie of this book.

[@gilmerrobles548]

Ben's hair grew fast

[@andrewcummins5201]

Sal says "bet your boots" in their luthor back issues too lol

[@BlueScarabGuy]

I love Gary Frank's art....with one exception. When he draws Clark Kent as a boy, he doesn't look like child Chris Reeve...he looks like emaciated adult Chris Reeve. It's kind of disturbing. He's still in like my top three Superman artists though, and a great deal of that is purely because he draws Clark as Chris Reeve.

[@rcbmmines4579]

BlueScarabGuy yeah he probably shouldn’t have tried to make young Clark look like Reeve but otherwise it worked great.

[@AnarchicArachnid]

Lex also became president, curious what his art of the deal book would be like

[@matthewrascoe8690]

Anarchic Arachnid I would definitely buy it (It's very similar to his biography parody comic)

[@ToonGal12]

This origin sounds kinda' fun, although it seems like they tried to throw in everything but the kitchen sink. "Birthright", on the other hand, was just focused on the origin and Clark as a person, without trying to throw in every major villain into it. So while this version was perfectly fine, "Birthright" is still the origin I like the most.

[@normansmith9009]

ToonGal12 you should read the story yourself before saying that the “kitchen sank”

[@Damon.]

I enjoy the fact that Gary Franks makes the characters look like the chris reeves movie characters, I even liked how imr the brainiac one he drew he made supergirl look like Helen slater and made Cat grant look like the lady that played her in the 90s Lois and Clark show.

[@bergerchicken]

Man. I'm an english major and your finishing comment about the warm summer breeze and Lois' embrace of the sun and wind really reminded me of english class. I really appreciate of that kind of metaphor. It makes me feel like more of a nerd than I am reading comic books.

[@luckyafro4991]

80 WHOLE MINUTES?! CATCHING US AT THE LAST MINUTE WITH A LONG ONE I SEE

[@megamonmon]

Lucky Inn his power went out around 6

[@ridge825]

One of my favorite back issues ever, also that scene at the end when Jimmy says "Superman is pretty cool Miss Lane" that scene is also at the end of Superman The Movie thanks to you guys I finally read this book.

[@daelen.cclark]

It's great to see more people getting this series.

[@DoctorMcBoss]

Ok this episode was great, but the last 2 minutes is the greatest. It's what ComicPop is all about!

[@Evyscreations]

Ya know, I liked this story when it came out but felt it lacking in some ways. But hearing it told via someone who really cares about it and appreciates it makes me fall in love with it. And that's why I love ComicPop. It makes me fall in love with this art form all over again. Thanks all you, you've no idea what you and your passion means to each of us Poppers.

[@superioridiot3846]

​@@floorbossbruh, between the fact that you're replying to a heartfelt comment towards the comicpop crew in the most rude way imaginable and replying to said comment five years too late. I don't know what to say except a question. Why didn't you just make a comment about it instead of replying?

[@oatmat]

I love this book, it came out at the time DC was going Silver Age Superman crazy (mid 2000s) with All Star Superman doing so well and Superman Returns had just come out Geoff Johns decided to get in on the action, But because of its heavy Silver Age aspects (Superboy, Parents dying and Superman being the real Identity) its not my favorite Superman Origin but I still love it

[@oatmat]

Favorite Superman Origins: 1. For All Seasons 2.Birthright 3.Secret Origin 4. Man of Steel 5.American Alien 6. Action Comics New 52(Really Mediocre) 7.Bendis Superman Origin?

[@TevyaSmolka]

The RED Samurai wait what do you mean by bendis oh wait never mind

[@LoneKaiser]

Does Superman Secret Identity count because thats my favourite comic of all time

[@oatmat]

Secret Identity is really cool but its an alternate universe story basically an ElseWorlds Story

[@LoneKaiser]

The RED Samurai I agree but you could also say that about American Alien which I also love

[@unclemetal8774]

Someone on Amazon is asking almost $4000 for this book.

[@joshpecker4352]

Uncle Metal Probley a dumbass kid

[@unclemetal8774]

the Watcher the price is down to $45.

[@ExleyConfidential]

1:05:41 Ethan: "I'll stop shootin' as soon as you keel over dead." Great delivery. EDIT: Please consider voiceover work, sir. If not acting.

[@ForceWave-1139]

After reading Secret Origin and Doomsday Clock, I can’t imagine Superman’s origin any other way. It’s the true Superman: Year One.

[@daelen.cclark]

Makes more sense than the actual "Year One" Frank Miller made.

[@LOSTchrisPSN]

Holy shit, never noticed the Art of the deal cover for Luthor. That’s great

[@jonfrombuckland_3784]

YASS!! Finger guns Geoff Johns! Excited to watch this

[@liamgibbons5266]

“This is the only Superman origin that matters until Geoff Johns no longer works for DC editorial” well we didn’t have to wait That Long after all lmao

[@hacksawjimthuggin4957]

Out of the years I’ve been watching this show, this is the first episode that has sold me so hard on a book that I bought it the very next day.

[@AVC-qd8lr]

Well I'm sold on this amazing origin on Superman. This will be the next trade I'll get sadly not in a paperback nor hardcover format that's cheap so I'll get the digital edition. Also I'll check out more Superman stories by Geoff Johns thanks for getting me to get the trade this is one of my favorite back issue episodes ever.

[@asiydah.6817]

This episode was quaint and sweet. I love this story, it makes me feel warm and nostalgic. Thanks Comic Pop!

[@taylorpechter5422]

Great episode guys. I also really love this story. It consolidates pretty much all of Superman's history into a great story. Gary Frank's art is also phenomenal. I consider him the quintessential Superman artist. Hopefully you could do Brainiac in the future.

[@jakemurphy4832]

Hail to the chief creative officer.

[@jordanmyers2108]

Haven't gotten the chance to watch back issues in a while. And man that's a shame because you guys continue to kill it! This was a great one! Keep up the good work!

[@michaelthethird702]

Another great episode. I'm so glad you covered this book. I'll be sure to add it to my list of must reads. Thanks

[@SpiralSine6]

Alright Sal and Population, what’s your personal favorite Superman origin? For me, it’s Superman For All Seasons.

[@oatmat]

Yup thats my favorite too

[@2211keshav]

Nick Grimes Birthright.

[@joshuanelson6795]

"Birthright"

[@snorlaxcore4394]

Birthright is probably my favorite as a Superman story but For All Seasons is one of my favorite coming of age stories ever.

[@BlueScarabGuy]

Origin?.....Yeah, it's For All Seasons. Haven't read Birthright, and I DO like both Secret Origin and the first volume of Earth One, but For All Seasons is the real, the one that truly emotionally resonates like nothing else.

[@ItsOver9000Productions]

An hour 20 minutes? Holyshit yes. I'm getting my food and games ready.

[@unknownpassenger4025]

It's Over 9000 Productions Me every back issues .

[@fabiogams]

Guys, you're so damn funny. "Because she's not really a glasses manufacturer, ok!"

[@darrenfromwales7978]

Another brilliant episode. Thanks guys

[@user-sw2xe2qg8j]

I thought Superman: Secret Identity was an alternate universe story

[@oatmat]

it is

[@user-sw2xe2qg8j]

The RED Samurai that’s what I thought lol. I guess sal misspoke

[@Enzo_Matrix92]

It used to be the definitive modern origin story of Supes but I think Rebirth sort of but not really changed it.

[@nakyer]

*Enzo Matrix* Secret Identity was never a modern origin story for Superman. It was an alternate universe story, just like Genius and RED Samurai said. You are evil and should be sent to the Phantom Zone.

[@Nasir3623]

No, it was a post-crisis superman origin story that replaced superman: birthright. It was cannon from 2006 until the new 52 reboot

[@calanives3270]

I learn so much watching this channel.

[@spideyfan6296]

This just makes me hate Man of Steel even more, because of how Fantastic this story is. Look don't get me wrong, Henry Cavill is a great Superman and a awesome guy, he's a gamer, and a fan himself. But he's been given crappy material to work with sadly, fun fact the reason Superman killed in Man of Steel is because Zack Snyder said that he wanted to give Superman a reason for his no kill rule. Which is dumb because you don't need to kill someone to say killing is wrong and that you don't believe someone deserves to die.

[@jakemurphy4832]

I love this origin. A perfect distillation of all his origins and a love letter to the Silver Age and Richard Donner.

[@kurtoogle4576]

Love this & love the story! :)

[@astrangehero]

Hey, you guys should do All-New Ghost Rider! That story surprised me by how good it was... and Robbie is just awesome :) And now he's an Avenger!

[@ultimate_lance]

I hope green lantern secret origin comes next or Superman secret identity

[@jonfrombuckland_3784]

Another great episode guys!

[@aacecedoswag]

Great content as always fellas!

[@loki_l_1380]

Love the video. This show has opened my mind to so many different amazing books. And btw, if you could, please please please do a back issues episode of Spider-man Noir. I personally really like that book.

[@ericemanwu]

heh. After coming back to this after watching your man of steel book roleplay, I can see where Geoff Johns (finger guns) got the superman bashfulness before the masses moment. Not as dramatic, but still well done.

[@hyaena23]

I have decidwed to become the WWH guy but for annihilation XD beginning here: When are you guys doing annihilation?!

[@Atem_in_the_streets]

I love Man of Steel, but that tornado scene was dumb.

[@ShadowGothRyu]

THANK YOU!!!!!!! Looking back, I hate the tornado scene as well, they should've stuck with Johnathan's heart attack.

[@bryancohoon9333]

The man of steel tornado comment may be my favorite of all time

[@jwtcosplay4507]

I definitely noticed a ton of stuff was similar to the Smallville pilot and season 1 in general and I definitely dig it. The tornado and saving Lana and him actually flying in that instead of being lifted by the tornado. Him and Lex being friends in Smallville. Clark having powers in school and not knowing he’s an alien. Him using his heat vision to accidentally burn a banner. A lot of the stuff is the same. The second half though is just as good IMO, but I love origins, so

[@peterparker5773]

Another great episode. This is what Smallville should have been. Clark saving Lex just like this story and Lana knowing about his powers from the beginning instead of waiting for seven seasons. Maybe that would have made her character better.

[@jamiekelly6851]

Smallville is what it should be

[@KennethKralyJr]

My favorite Superman origin story of all-time !!!

[@AnarchicArachnid]

8:35...hate Goyer so much, he gets way too much credit especially when you remember he's writer and director of blade 3 and producer on both nick cage ghost rider movies and is quoted as saying She hulk is just a gloried porn star of a character who hulk coud screw.

[@aadityaphadnis8399]

Anarchic Arachnid Not to forget his comment on Martian Manhunter and he wrote both Man of Steel and BvS.

[@rajsalins]

Anarchic Arachnid He's also writing Green Lantern Corps smh

[@aadityaphadnis8399]

Raj Salins Isn't Robert Venditti is writing it? And it's really good.

[@rajsalins]

Aaditya Phadnis i meant the movie script of green lantern

[@aadityaphadnis8399]

Raj Salins Oh god no! It is almost comical to think about a brooding Hal Jordan.

[@TevyaSmolka]

yay power is back on

[@MaximumSpider19]

Funny enough, I read this just months after I saw Man of Steel. This comic is what the whole movie should have been...

[@daelen.cclark]

That movie even got Mark Millar, the edgelord behind the Unfunnies and Nemesis, the incentive to make the wholesome Huck series.

[@nix98zlcy]

Could you guys do DC The New Frontier?

[@darthshadow6836]

God this episode was Amazing!

[@samwayne5115]

thanks for doing this back issue man,this story very special to me,hoped to see whole gang's reaction miss tiffiny in this back issue.plz do more sups story(skip new52 :D)

[@idongesitusen5764]

Basically, they merged the debut of Metallo and parasite from Superman the animated series and update the origin. I like it

[@michaelt9737]

I know this is not really that important but I appreciate the thumbnails having the cast included in the episode so I know the type of content before clicking. I am going to watch it regardless but it is just nice to know at a glance. :)

[@gungathirteen]

This is one of my favourite books, although I haven't read Birthright yet.

[@Cartoonmania-ci3yj]

Up up and away. 🙂

[@davidmarriott6321]

Right after Supermans speach about saving themselves Luthur should have just said "Today I'll save 3 of you!"

[@leonardfabian8942]

Awesome Story love this superman origin.

[@ineptgamer3814]

Pic of Lex Luthor at 2:43 makes me think more of the Kingpin, Wilson Fisk.

[@AC85Bears]

I would love for you guys to look at Superman: Secret Identity, its so different but does such a great job with defining Superman as a character and grounds him in such a unique way.

[@thommuseddard537]

This was a fun one, guys. I'm buying this book.

[@garrethflynn8118]

You guys should review Superman brainiac. from action comics, I was finishing up my yearly binge of your vids and I thought you guys already did it, but I guess you just referenced to it in another vid

[@dcworld4349]

Now that you say Eisenberg Lex was based on Landis I'm starting to think the pee jar has some behind the scenes meaning.

[@johnredd5747]

Cool. Cool, cool, cool.

[@jakemurphy4832]

Frightfully Horrific We know it’s you, Abed.

[@Eudaimonia239]

awesome, thou I like birthright more, but SO is pretty cool too.

[@dr.omaralenezi1059]

this story is amazing

[@mttylerdurden9]

29:25 someone should tally up how many times these guys have quoted Nero from Star Trek.

[@MrNewguy456]

53:22 "did I not before?"

[@WhelmedButReady]

When you're looking at Christopher Reeve you can't help but break a smile and also feel the warmth of his smile. God Bless him!

[@rngengarruthlessgengar948]

This is one of the best episodes ever lol.

[@kylelundy802]

Somehow, Luthor STILL has better hair than Trump

[@deazy6453]

Kyle Lundy that was a dumb joke

[@matiasleon9657]

Steven Ford embrace the baldness, and imagine all the money you gonna save up by not having to buy hair products! That's how lex started his business!

[@SpiralSine6]

Hey, he rocks the bald look.

[@xxmunkiexx]

you take your like sir.

[@aidenjgray]

A hilarious episode.

[@JClassic305]

Shirley Temple played Annie... So bet your bottom dollar you were both correct. And as I write this comment, I realized inhale WAY to much time on my hands

[@Elitistangkevs]

Woohoo More Geoff "Finger Guns" Johns on Back Issues^^

[@dennisssmith430]

Nice shirt, Ben! ;)

[@Martin_TheCollector]

THIS BOOK IS SUPERB

[@ericemanwu]

Having some good fun with the rebirth superman stuff. Now do the arc which reintroduced Mr. Mxyzptlk.

[@kadegetslaid634]

I love the beanie look, suits you

[@noahbaia2902]

Thanks for doing this episode. I didn't really care about this story up until now, but after the episode I think I might buy this. But I think I'll have to go to a store... It's currently around four thousand dollars on Amazon...

[@nakyer]

*Noah Baia* That's for the trade paperback. If memory serves, there's a hard cover going for a little less...$40.00.

[@drw99]

Nice background

[@endergamez5874]

This book reminds me of Superman: Earth Onr

[@AnarchicArachnid]

Sal's face on the thumbnail is like "srsly?!"

[@robertonline6543]

Wasn't the tornado stuff in Smallville?

[@michaelbarletta1024]

There are a lot of aspects of this origin in Man of Steel

[@JoshMunroe]

Old Man Withers really needs to control his wild, roving pack of threshing machines. Danger to the community, it is.

[@ineptgamer3814]

LOL, you guys are hilarious..! Gary Frank's art is great and far better than the vomit-inducing art from Birthright too. Seems like this book keeps some of the best elements from the amazing Smallville TV show as well, so I'll have to get that.