In a corner of far-flung space, a world explodes. A lone rocket escapes the destruction and races through space, ultimately landing on a small farm in small-town Kansas. A kindly couple steps with trepidation toward the alien craft as the door opens. Out steps a man named Jor-El, the sole survivor of the planet Krypton! As Jor-El fits in to his new home, he realizes that he can help the world, not just with his newfound powers but with his intellect as well. Witness how a Man of Steel and Science saves the world! Superman: Father of Tomorrow #1 is an interesting Elseworlds tale that has potential but its first issue is a lot of setup and not a whole lot of new.
Written by Kenny Porter, Superman: Father of Tomorrow #1 flips things a bit with Jor-El arriving to Earth from a dying Krypton instead of his sone Kal-El. Porter keeps things pretty familiar with Jor-El connecting with the Kents and instead of adopting a son, they instead connect as an adopted brother to Jonathan Kent. From there, we’re introduced to Jor-El, now going by the name Jordan, and his impact. Instead of going in front of the world as Superboy/Superman, Jor-El, as Jordan, helps the Kents with their farm tasks. We get a sense that Jor-El wants to be helpful, sharing his technology with the world for the better, but is held back due to not wanting to interfere.
We see that change as familiar tragedy strikes forcing Jor-El to face that he could do good if he were to push aside Kryptonian beliefs and instead share his knowledge and abilities with the world.
It’s a familiar concept in many ways. A hero born out of tragedy. A hero realizing they could have done more if they didn’t hold back and hide due to some rule. None of that is new or different and that’s partially what makes the debut issue a bore. Porter doesn’t push things far enough. Instead of a superhero shaped by the beliefs and values of the Kents, Jor-El arrives as a grown adult already with those. We get a sense of that but it’s never really instilled as to the why of it all. Why is he hiding/holding back? Why is he sticking to the rules of a dead planet when he could do more? Beyond “thems the rules,” we’re never given the motivation and drive for the decision.
Danny Earls art is just ok as well. With color by Nick Filari and lettering by Lucas Gattoni, Superman: Father of Tomorrow #1 doesn’t feel quite the visually engaging comic as it could be. The opening sequence lacks drama and the issues biggest moments never really feel all that big. It lacks drama in the visuals. There’s something cool with Jor-El’s costume but overall, the comic has a lot of small issues that add up. Faces look odd. Positions of body parts don’t quite add up. It’s a very choppy and inconsistent art that at times detracts from the moment.
Superman: Father of Tomorrow #1 has potential, and it’s easy to see Jor-El overstep his wanting to do good and become a monster as well as the negative reaction he’ll receive by the world. But, there’s so many small choices, odd choices (why was Lois at the Metallo unveiling like she was!?), that odd up for a rather bland reading experience. This could be a series you can jump into the second issue and not miss much and here’s hoping that follow up gives a reason to do just that.
Story: Kenny Porter Art: Danny Earls
Color: Nick Filardi Letterer: Lucas Gattoni
Story: 7.25 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.95 Recommendation: Pass
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle
