CREDIT: DC Comics
Rating: 3.5/5 – There’s nothing new to see here.
by ComicSpectrum Reviewer Shawn Hoklas.
There have always been books that dive into the origins and backgrounds of the wide array of characters from DC and Marvel. Since the New 52 launched three years ago, DC has decided it’s time once again to retell the origins of it’s characters by relaunching the series that had runs in both the 1970’s and 1980’s called Secret Origins. In this debut issue, the origins of Superman, Robin and Supergirl are explored in three stories, each around twelve pages long and each with it’s own creative team.
Superman’s origin story is the strongest of the three with the story being told by Greg Pak with art by Lee Weeks. Weeks’ art is a pleasure to look at and I wish we could see his art on a monthly basis. His ability to tell a story with his panels and layouts is some of the best in the business and he absolutely shows that here. Although there really isn’t anything new here in terms of story or revelations, the story is well done and Weeks’ art on Superman’s origin story is a treat.
Kyle Higgins and Doug Mahnke follow up Superman’s tale with the origin of Robin. I’m a huge fan of Mahnke’s art, but I’m not sure if it works so well here. There’s a beautiful splash page towards the end that absolutely delivers, but his work is always best with costumes and superheroes and since this is an origin story, there isn’t too much of that. It’s a solid story, but doesn’t stand out as much as the first.
Finally, Tony Bedard and Paulo Siqueira wrap up this issue by telling Supergirl’s origin. This story is the weakest of the three, but still does a good enough job to clearly tell her origin.
Overall there isn’t a whole lot new or “secret” here to make these stories must reads. There are a couple of little additions to the origins that add some flavor, but nothing that changes the characters in any significant way. If you’re not as familiar with some of DC’s biggest characters, then this book may be a nice entry into that world. For those that are familiar with the characters already, except for some great art there’s really nothing that makes this book a “must read”.
Reviewed by: Shawn Hoklas
(shawn@comicspectrum.com)
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