In the mid- to late 00’s, DC published a series of books by Dark Knight, The Legends of the Dark Knight. The title tells us that their heroes from Tales of This is relatively unfixed by various creative teams. It started with both the JLA and JSA Classified Series, but then spread in secret books to Superman and Batman. A story intended to inform you of various aspects of the character’s history. Fill in a few details or reveal unknown secrets about the past. Or just let a solid creative team know what they want.
With the Superman Confidential Book, it began with the story of Green Rocks…
“I will rest in these sweet, peaceful energies.”
Superman – Kryptonite, Darwin Cook, Tim Sale, Dave Stewart, Richard Starking, and Jared K. Fletcher’s Kryptonite was the first arc of Superman Confidential (after the fifth part of #5, there are other arcs in the final chapter, but not until #11). The early stories of Superman’s career are first encounters with Kryptonite, navigating his relationship with Lois Lane, and Lex Luthor’s hostility.
The story centers around a casino that first opened in Metropolis and its owner, Tony Garo. It is through that angle that it is through that angle that it turns from Superman Lois’ investigation, his conflict with Luther, and the twist of how Kryptonite comes to Earth. It blends well with classic elements of Superman’s storylines and sci-fi surprise bits, including investigative journalism and Luthor’s attempts to test Superman. Darwin Cook’s narration from the perspective of Kryptonite is oddly persuasive.
The artwork at Tim Sale here is incredible. I can probably safely say it about all his work throughout his career, but there is a next level of his work in this story. The prologue section of each chapter has a wonderful sequence of shadows and light, but there is little darkness here that infuses his Batman work. It reveals the beauty and simplicity of his linework, and the character composition that is incredible. His sad, introspective Clark on the farm is a revelation. Though you will certainly be trapped in the dignity of some iconic Superman staging.
The art is further enhanced through Dave Stewart’s beautiful colours. There is an interesting division between the solid color wash in the flashback and the bright primary color in the main story. and consistency with the style of letters Richard Starking uses for projects he sold. This is the style that Skings began using for sale around Batman.
“To my friends and colleagues, I’m a boy on a farm in a big city and I’m trying to make his mark.”
Superman – Cook, Sale, Stewart, Undress, Fletcher’s Kryptonite fits anywhere in its current continuity. Hell, when it came out, I don’t even know if it was really Canon. But there is still timeless quality about it. A strange, irregular mix of modern technology and old cars and clothing. To tell the humanized story of Superman, not just for the interplanetary rocks that can defeat his powers, but also for the troublesome and innocent man he is trying to do right by his parents and the whole world.
Both Cook and Sale have an incredible taste for telling stories that reach the heart of the character, individually and together. Remove the time and continuity load layers and spotlight what makes them special. And they did a great job with Superman here.
Classic Comics Big Summary: Superman – Cryptonite
Superman – Kryptonite
Author: Darwin Cook
Artist: Tim Sale
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Letters: Richard Starkings and Jared K. Fletcher
Publisher: DC Comics
Release date: November 1, 2006 – January 3, 2008 (original issue)
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