UP IN THE SKY - The Best Modern Superman Story

In this video, Owen explains the history of Superman: Up In The Sky, how Tom King and Andy Kubert brought this ambitious story to life and what makes it one of the best modern Superman comic books.
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▶ Timestamps:
0:00 - Prologue
0:37 - Introduction
3:09 - The Real Origin of Up In The Sky
8:35 - Through Hardship to the Stars
15:32 - Why It's Great
20:09 - Outro
▶ Music Used:
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#Superman #DC #ComicBooks

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[@joelsilva699]

Aside from Batman: Universe and Superman: Up In The Sky, are there other new stories collected in the rest of the walmart giant books for Justice League, Wonder Woman, Teen Titans, and others I don’t know about?

[@CEWThree]

I adore that last issue of Up in the Sky. Maybe my favorite bit is his exchange with Alice on fighting Batman: "Okay, if you and Batman fought, who would win?" "The Joker." "I'm serious. For real. Who would win?" "Batman." "For REAL?" "For real." Aren't you stronger and faster and you have laser eyes and he doesn't?" "Yes." "So you WOULD win?" "No, he would win." "Do you even know what you're saying?" "I do." "HOW would he win?" "I'd let him." "What?! WHY?!" "If you knew Batman, you'd know. It'd mean a LOT to him." "So?" "He's gone through a lot. He deserves some happiness." "Don't YOU deserve happiness?" "Winning fights doesn't make me happy." "What does?" "My family, my work, my dog, this." "This?" "You, Alice. Talking to you. Seeing that you're good. That makes me happy." "More than beating BATMAN?" "Yes. A lot more."

[@CEWThree]

Up in the Sky is a showcase for why Superman is the best. He's just a good guy, and so disinterested in his own power that he can't even fathom misusing it. He *can* help people, so of course he does, because that's how his pa raised him. The big conflicts aren't if he can punch better than the bad guy, they're how he can use his talents to do the most good, because there are only so many hours in a day and he can't be everywhere at once. The best Superman writers understand those aren't shackles that keep you from doing anything interesting with the character-- they're the *reason* he's interesting in the first place. Superman has never been trendy, never been "cool" in the way Batman is. He's a total dork who's always trying his best, an idealist whose very existence is a middle finger to our most cynical impulses. And he makes us want to be better.

[@acrsclspdrcls1365]

I gotta stop procrastinating and start reading this damn book.

[@TheLonelyLurker1995]

This comic book made me want to see more of Superman. Seriously, I don't get those people who make a satire out of this beautiful Superhero. The world doesn't need nihilism. It need hope.

[@derek96720]

All-Star Superman and For All Seasons are two of my fav standalone runs. So I'll definitely be checking this one out as well. I feel like the best Superman stories are the ones that focus less on the baddies he fights and more on what he represents to us.

[@johnmeehan7884]

That's just fragile people like you.

[@jeanMvang]

I agree with this. Batman is my number 1 but Superman as of late has become such an important and relevant character for me. Inspiring hope and courage.

[@sigurdrr1015]

All that you said i second.

[@mcurran6505]

“Dreams save us. Dreams lift us up and transform is into something better. And on my soul, I swear that until my dream of a world where dignity, honor, & Justice are the reality that we all share, I will never stop fighting…ever!” - Superman, ‘What's So Funny About Truth, Justice, And The American Way?’ (2001)

[@EvenTekr]

Superman is a character that makes me want to be better person - to show empathy, care and love to others. Up In The Sky is a perfect encapsulation of those traits I love in him and why we need more hopeful stories.

[@timotheninja]

Captain America shares a lot of those values from what I've seen. I haven't read many comics though and mostly know them from other media, so I might be way off from what they are like in the comics.

[@devanbarrios9216]

Tom King can be a very hit or miss writer for me but Superman: Up In The Sky is one of my favorite books he's written.

[@daelen.cclark]

I’m quite hesitant to read what he writes, but the praise for this book makes a convincing point.

[@RickReasonnz]

That seems to be the overall consensus of King, doesn't it...

[@joeclarke7982]

@@daelen.cclark just stay away from the majority of his Batman run. Vision, Mister Miracle, Up In The Sky, & Supergirl Woman of Tomorrow are all fantastic. Even his Batman/Elmer Fudd crossover issue was pretty fucking stellar.

[@bazzjedimaster]

agreed, I loved his run on Omega Men but I was so dissapointed with his Mr.Miracle, the man is a mixbag, kinda like DC's version of Jason Aaron.

[@mttylerdurden9]

@@daelen.cclark Kings Omega Men, Sheriff of Babylon, Supergirl, vision, Batman/Catwoman, strange adventures,Hard target, Rorschach, and Grayson are really great books.

[@Dragon_Moth]

Everytime I read this masterpiece I can help but hear Reeves' voice in my head when I read Supes' lines

[@PeaceXShabazz]

I always hear George Newbern's voice whenever I see those Superman speech bubbles.

[@TitaniumXHero]

I prefer Christopher Reeve.

[@jamessherman7512]

I’ll admit I used to be one of the people that was very dismissive of Superman because he had essentially all the powers and no weaknesses. Then you actually read the stories and realize he’s good because someone Hass to be and his sense of the goodness comes from his being in touch with humanity and that longing to belong which can resonate with most comic book readers probably one of your best videos yet 👍

[@johnmeehan7884]

That must be why he always loses to wonder woman.

[@tristanmaldonado670]

My favorite parts of Up in the Sky *Superman waiting in a line and see the possible "deaths of Lois *Superman boxing fight *Superman and Flash race *Clark and Superman split in two *Superman eating with Batma. And Wonder Woman *Superman and Alice talking to each other

[@kristianwhite1061]

We need more superhero stories like this. Not everything needs to be seen through the lense of either self-aware slapstick or gritty pessimism. We need good old fashioned hope, and good-heartedness for the sake of simply doing the right thing. We need Superman ❤

[@WilliamTarver848]

Up in the sky is such a good Superman story. I wish more people talked about it. :( This, Phantom Earth: The Unity Saga, Smashes the Klan, and Rebirth are my favorite modern Superman comic runs. (Also I love the rebirth suit, it's perfect modern Superman outfit in my opinion). Superman: Up in the Sky is a great blend of badass science fiction, wholesome moments, and classic superhero fiction.

[@livebyfaith4647]

superman rebirth is my favorite comic run ever (prob shows i havent read too much compared to many but i just love it so much). it made gleason my favorite artist next to ryan ottley as well

[@fishin4bass2002]

Smashes the klan is a dumb story. It’s for little kids yet people act like it’s some masterpiece because it’s about racism

[@WilliamTarver848]

@@fishin4bass2002 Honestly I don't give a damn. I liked it. Agree to disagree.

[@zemox2534]

@Ryan Wilson Just because something is "meants for kids" doesn't necessarily mean it is meant for kids. It is the kind of story that can be enjoyed by All ages, unless they are all bloody cynics like you

[@johnthai6188]

@@fishin4bass2002 what's so bad about superheroes stories dealing with the ideas of racism? and just because it's a kid comic doesn't mean it can't be written well.

[@StareachValcin]

This is definitely a great Superman story that not only challenges Superman as a person and a hero, but it shows how special Superman is and why he's the greatest superhero of all time. Great analysis video about a great Superman story.

[@MikaylaJLaird]

I forgot for a moment that I recorded Alice lines and made myself jump. The joys of being ill for several days. Amazing work Owen! This is one of my favourite stand alone Superman Stories and one I hope more people read.

[@theirongiants]

My favorite part of Up In The Sky are the hallucination or world travelling scenes. Especially the scene where he gets in the middle of the war and has short-term memory loss. He just shows his Kansas farm boy energy. And, Clark was shown through the lenses of the general, which I think is the best way to show Superman, from the perspective of normal people. Like, when he says how "Kansas" (used for Superman by General) was everything, Truth, Justice and a Better Tomorrow"

[@Anthintendo]

I think it was an OSP video about “satirizing Superman,” where I first heard this stated in plain words, but now I think it really hits hard. Superman SAVES people.

[@rileykasprzyk3651]

I can't wait to hear about this, but in my opinion the War World Saga that just wrapped up in Action Comics is the best modern Supes story imo.

[@kingofthebis1068]

Easily

[@loganthomas2421]

PKJ has been killing it on action comics. Very good and underrated run

[@livebyfaith4647]

what issues? when does that story start and end so i can check it out?

[@projekttaku1]

I'm surprised there's even a saga with how fast dc cycles through writers and how short stories are.

[@colonelweird]

I haven't read this comic yet, but from this description it sounds like it parallels Tom King's recent Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow in many ways. The latter is a kind of space-opera version of True Grit, with John Wayne being played by Supergirl. It's a beautiful and deeply moving comic.

[@kyleco9149]

Just recently read it, such a badass yet beautiful story

[@devmag52]

So good to see the actual Man of Tomorrow on sequential art again. Long overdue and much missed

[@kvoltti]

when Clark rebukes the villain at the end... always gives me chills

[@loganthomas2421]

I loved Up in the sky. Exactly the Superman book I need post Rebirth and during Bendis’ run. Not the biggest fan of Tom King but this and Mr. Miracle had him at his best

[@owensreviews625]

So hyped for this. I love Tom King and most of his work has been pretty solid. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind if he did a Superman ongoing at some point.

[@outpostalpha]

Yes! Up in the Sky is great, King and Kubert crafted an epic Superman tale!

[@jakemayorquin5460]

My all time favorite comic book story. It’s the only story that makes me cry at least a little bit every time I reread it

[@Koopaklown]

These out of continuity Superman stories like Tom King's Up in the Sky, and Robert Venditti's Man of Tomorrow instantly became favorites of mine with their portrayal of Superman. Where one feels like an epic celebration, the other feels like a binge of something along the lines of The Animated Series. I highly recommend both to anyone looking for great Superman stories.

[@franklinachu2937]

Great books Superman 78 as well from Venditti is also well worth reading

[@Koopaklown]

Oh yeah, that one's fantastic!

[@bgt2848]

“No one cares about her. She is worthless” “No sir.she is NOT” That is what superman is❤

[@DzustComics]

While I prefer books like Secret Origin or Allstar, this is one of my favorites too! Just a fun and uplifting takie of dedication, compassion, humanity and strength! King does best in the Mini series format and this is one of the best examples why!

[@Matt_El_Comicologo84]

Beautiful well narrated Owen. Thank you for this. Truly this milestone story from the mind of Tom King, is what Superman is still relevant for all of us as readers and as human beings keeping on mind the feeling of hope. And the times I read again this story, I always shed some tears of joy (which your video did as well). 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@voyager7]

I agree...Superman-Up in the Sky is an amazing tale, and in just a few books both a reminder of what true heroes look like and what comics today generally as stories, are not.

[@ryanoseguera1207]

This is part of my personal mount rushmore of superman comics! For the Man Who Has Everything Kryptonite All-Star Superman Up in the Sky

[@ricardorios2355]

This is my favorite Superman story. It makes cry every time I get to the last issue.

[@evandavid2816]

Owen, this is probably a long shot, but is there any chance that you could please cover 'Superman: War of the Worlds' any time soon...? It's an Elseworlds tale by Roy Thomas and Michael Lark that pits the Golden Age Superman against H. G. Wells' Martians, and it's a cracking read...!!!

[@misterverb8251]

Clark has been my favorite since I was a three year-old. Now, at forty-four, I have to thank you sincerely. You've just introduced me to my favorite Superman story.

[@OwenLikesComics]

Wow, thank you!

[@sirspookingham5329]

Thank you man! I really enjoyed that a lot. I am happy to hear that the Superman who cares is not gone. He’s still fixing the sun.

[@BladeYGO]

I’ve been waiting for weeks for this vid, and it did not disappoint! Great work as always Owen, excited for more

[@Aquaman77773]

I'm a Shazam fan but to be honest "Superman Up in the Sky" and "All Star Superman" are my personal favourite Superman modern comics.

[@Mephiestopholes]

I've been waiting for this video. Thank you, sir.

[@OwenLikesComics]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@geeksplainedpod]

Absolutely LOVED the video Owen! This is one of my favorite stories and you did a great analysis on it. Another banger!

[@OwenLikesComics]

Thanks so much, Aeric! And thank you for bringing Superman to life so perfectly.

[@shanelorrison5224]

After watching the video, I’m adding this comic to my ever expanding comicbook want-list.

[@antoniobifulco623]

Absolutely loved the vid. Beautifully written and acted!

[@OwenLikesComics]

Thank you so much!

[@rah0210]

Supermans exhange with his dad was really well written too. His dad wanting hin to go find the girl but letting clark come to that conclusion on his own.

[@FancyGeeks]

I love Superman: Up In The Sky and (and Tom King). Great video, as always. Man, if I could steal your voice I totally would.

[@quarterpie2769]

you are in my top five favorite channels. Your content is so good brother!

[@OwenLikesComics]

Thanks so much!

[@captain1jones354]

This is the version of Superman that James Gunn may be aiming for

[@loganwendigo937]

The best Superman story since All-star

[@beefhardcaque9258]

thank you for showing me this story, i havent seen this before and its so good im going to read it rn. 🙏 🙏

[@frogurtcremebrulee5252]

Honestly I’m just still waiting for THIS Superman to be the head of a future DC Cinematic Universe. The live action Superman we have now is…..something. Great video Owen :)

[@abps9947]

Bruh Just superman returned in black Adam We DC movie fans are already happy

[@abps9947]

But don't add Whedon supes

[@chriscampanozzi6516]

Owen, thank you. Great information as always.

[@OwenLikesComics]

Thanks so much, Chris!

[@joshheralal8758]

Such a great book. Great video as always Owen!

[@OwenLikesComics]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JoeLovesComics]

Great video! I need to read this.

[@batfreeze56]

I've been meaning to read this for quite a while. I think it's time I finally bite the bullet.

[@evandavid2816]

Certainly some great Super-moments in this one, I especially like the following two bits: Superman: 'Hope is a myth used to motivate men to do what they cannot...' Clark Kent: 'Y'know, pal...you almost say that like it's a bad thing...' and Wonder Woman: 'We won...? I don't...' Batman: 'They're just robots. They're controlled. Someone just defeated the controller.' Wonder Woman: 'Clark.' Batman: 'Yes.' Wonder Woman: 'How...?' Batman: 'We were...in need. And he's Superman...'

[@mttylerdurden9]

Grant Morrison's Action Comics run during the New 52 was pretty good.

[@azanyahyisrael101]

Was literally just thinking about what people found to be the best modern Superman story is and here you deliver it to me on a plate right before lunch...... excellent 👌😎

[@TheHylian-fd6fn]

Truth, Justice, and the American Way. Period.

[@ProductionJournal]

Great video Owen!

[@OwenLikesComics]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@aguywithalotofopinions412]

I kinda needed this today ngl

[@watchtower0988]

You're fantastic. I love this channel and your love for the big blue boy scout. =)

[@MajesticFella]

“Andy HUBERT” 😂 Great bud as usual!! Thanks bud 😊

[@TevyaSmolka]

This such a hopeful Superman story by Tom king.

[@wesuda]

Imho this is a masterpiece in comic book writing 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@kjbeast677]

This would actually be a great story to adapt for a live-action Superman film

[@juansariles]

What an amazing story ❤️

[@Zynirel]

One of My favorites thing about this book is whenever there something impossible for a person to do, something can't be accomplished, a contradiction, something no one can do, and when superman did it, they all said the same thing about Clark "He's superman" I really like that, you don't need to explain why an alien can do whatever he want but be a hero instead or beat a super villain that the whole JL lost to or run faster than the flash or how an alien can punch a multiversal being or why would Clark leave everything to save a someone he doesn't even know is alive or not, you don't need an explanation for any of that All characters always have a personal reason to go out of their way and fight through the universe to save someone, but not Superman and the answer is simple and obviously and everyone know it "It's because......he's Superman"

[@javivillarreal7008]

Man awesome video my favorite part is the interaction betwen sergent rock and sups

[@MadameTamma]

I would love if it DC adapted this comic into one of it's animated movies.

[@peronafanman]

Nice new intro!

[@fracture4047]

Babe, wake up. OLC just dropped another banger

[@baki484]

Love Andy Kubert's artwork

[@pendantblade6361]

I always tear up a bit when I see Superman being the Boy Scout that he is.

[@miguelgarcia6170]

James Gunn seems to take inspiration for his new reboot Superman

[@jameshowlettii761]

I only learned of this wonderful book this year and read it for the first time last month. I didn't know the behind the scenes origins of how it came to be tho. Very interesting. Now I'm curious to learn what Bendis' Batman book was like and if it lived up to what Tom King accomplished with *his* take on Superman?

[@OwenLikesComics]

I covered Bendis' series, Batman Universe, on the channel as well. I loved both books, and if you enjoyed this I highly recommend checking it out!

[@jameshowlettii761]

@@OwenLikesComics I cannot *wait* to watch it!! I *thoroughly* enjoyed your analysis and review of this work. Thank you! 😊👌

[@thataintfalco7106]

I never like Superman when I think about how overpowered he is. But I love him when I think about how he inspires me to be a better person.

[@Xehanort10]

11:30 I bet that really pissed Lex off.

[@pistaalkohol]

For me it was really unexpected that it came out this good. Superman is really different to the other characters Tom Kings worked on.

[@galactic85]

I just read this last night and unfortunately I thought it was pretty bad. I checked it out from the library after hearing the hype and to me it was just a story filled with ideas that were poorly executed or had been done better in other comics that I read. Superman and Clark Kent being split into 2 identities is fun but I enjoyed mark waids take on that in "JLA: divided we fall" more than I did here. I also thought the Sargent rock story was pointless and kind of jingositic. I also don't like the way that Tom King writes dialogue. Nonetheless I hope the people who read this and enjoyed it wind up checking out more superman comics in the future. He's one of my favorite characters and if this made you interested in Superman then that's a good thing. The world could always use more superman fans. If you liked it then more power to you. :)

[@ginofrancejr555]

Excellent video Tom kings DC work has been very divisive with me I love his Superman and supergirl stories as well as his collabs with Mitch Gerard's. But I hate his Batman run his roarschach series. But Superman up up and away is a masterwork of a Superman story. I want him to tackle a Superman ongoing

[@mgs2014]

What a great comic book.

[@debrachambers1304]

Your face matches your voice perfectly

[@Morphed626]

This is one of the superman stories I don’t like as it’s too hammy and lovey of the character with a lot of plot holes but I appreciate hearing why others appreciate it because overall it’s not terrible. Thanks for the video 👌🏽

[@CoreIreland]

Up in the sky should be the next Superman movie,

[@miguelgarcia6170]

James Gunn is taking an inspiration of this comic

[@RadioofHorror]

Wasn't Mr.Oz aka JorEl introduced prior to BMB ?

[@CamboxSpidey]

Can you do another green lantern video?

[@danlikesraccoons7546]

instructions unclear, ended up reading all superman comics on a plane

[@mttylerdurden9]

Have you thought about making a video on ASTRO CITY?

[@Chellariat]

maybe this is a hot take but Up In The Sky is my go to Superman rec. not All Star, not anything else. it's this or Superman Smashes The Klan.

[@cassjr17]

I got a question… if you pull Superman out of bed while he’s sleeping would he slam through the ground or does he have that much control over his powers?

[@claudelarose8831]

Comic Drake sent me here!

[@Dragon_Moth]

Hey Owen, could you talk about Superman: Secret Identity¿? I personally consider the best Superman comic ever made

[@OwenLikesComics]

I'd love to!

[@bryandempsey3840]

Yes! Tell the masses about that beautiful story.

[@Zynirel]

It's because you are Superman

[@logan2b]

Got my copy of this awesome story signed by Tom king himself this last weekend at nycc

[@OwenLikesComics]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing.

[@samwill7259]

I will never know why people thought the reboot was a good idea in general. Like, I can see the most demented, insane madness of wiping away continuity if you had no idea how continuity actually worked or how fans engage with it. But killing off his parents, pairing him with Diana, getting rid of his marriage to Lois. There is no explanation as to why ANY creative would think that ANY of these were good ideas and I defy anyone to present actually good reasons for ANY of it.

[@mray4784]

I don't like Tom King's writing, but I must admit that this comic was Super indeed.

[@aurahoneydew9607]

It is pretty solid since most of Tom King's annoying deconstruction or jabs [exclusively on male characters] aren't used, those sour his other works like his Batman run, Manhunter, and Supergirl letting Superman read like something from his Greyson and Mister Miracle days.

[@DzustComics]

King wrote Manhunter?

[@aurahoneydew9607]

@@DzustComics yeah a miniseries(though they call it maxiseries now because writers these days refuse to be associated with something called mini or limited). In which he writes explicitly says and shows in that Martian Manhunter can't have relations without crying and is berated for it in the scene.

[@johnthai6188]

@@aurahoneydew9607 he's crying because he is having an adult relation with Fire. which as the name implies, has fire abilities. and as we know, that martain manhunter is scared of fires.

[@pious83]

I never tire of Kubert art. It's funny that, although a one-off. King seemed to have a much better grasp of Superman than Batman. A run that should have been, perhaps?

[@demm9000]

Its good, but not as good as I expected. I still prefer ALL STAR SUPERMAN and Superman vs The Elite.

[@adamkoudsi535]

Yo where the Comic the Drake fans at!?

[@aurahoneydew9607]

The New52 Superman rocked though Bendis' run has next to no redeeming qualities. *Shudders* With his One More Day approach feeling forced and annoying with how slowly it tears one thing people liked about rebirth every issue.

[@judeconnor-macintyre9874]

Get down from their Superman, it's not safe in the sky, that's where people fall from.

[@thesmilyguyguy9799]

V - D