After Smallville experiences its first violent crime in years, teenager Clark Kent is pressured by his best friend Pete Ross to take matters into his own hands.

The first issue of Superman: American Alien was one of the best takes on the Man of Steel in quite some time. Writer Max Landis really nailed what makes Superman so special and magical.

Landis is joined by artist Tommy Lee Edwards for this issue which takes us to Clark’s teenage years and his powers are more pronounced. It also appears that a lot of folks know about them.

A situation comes forth and he has to decide to use those powers for good versus staying more low-key and not putting himself in danger. He’s still not completely bullet proof, and his control isn’t quite there. It’s an interesting story that’s a good second follow up, but it doesn’t quite have the innocent fun of that first issue.

This is a much darker tale, and Clark is clearly a teenage torn about using his powers. There’s some good topics that come up like his use of his x-ray vision, just as you think teenagers would discuss, and those moments are highlights for the issue.

I can see what Landis is trying to do and explore about the character, a mix about his learning to use his power to seek justice, as well as trying to not be found out. There’s also the relationship with his parents and friends. It’s an ok take, but doesn’t totally work for me.

Tommy Lee Edwards’ art is solid and I like a lot of his previous work. It really fits the tone of the story and works super well. There’s some solid work and small details that make a lot of the panels pop. I really like Ryan Sook’s cover, in fact loved it since it debuted in solicits.

The second issue of Superman: American Alien isn’t bad, it’s just a very different tone than the first issue, so it’s best to go in to the comic expecting it as single issues of an anthology that share a character. Still, the most interesting Superman comic I’ve read in some time.

Story: Max Landis Art: Tommy Lee Edwards
Story: 7.2 Art: 8.1 Overall: 7.3 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review