“Batman: Earth One” (DC)

Writer: Geoff Johns | Artist: Gary Frank | Inks: Jonathan Sibal | Colours: Brad Anderson

Batman is not a hero.

He is just a man.

Fallible, vulnerable, and angry.

In a Gotham City where friend and foe are indistinguishable, Bruce Wayne’s path toward becoming the Dark Knight is riddled with more obstacles than ever before. Focused on punishing his parents’ true killers, and the corrupt police that allowed them to go free, Bruce Wayne’s thirst for vengeance fuels his mad crusade and no one, not even Alfred, can stop him.

Following on from the huge success of Superman: Earth One (both volumes of which have been New York Times bestsellers), Geoff Johns and Gary Frank bring us a new take on the origin of the Dark Knight. It’s an interesting and bold move, actually, given how well the origin story has been re-visited in the New 52 Batman titles. That being said, the Earth One books are meant to be taken as completely separate entities, which is just as well: this is quite excellent.

“Superman: Earth One” Vol.2 (DC)

Writer: J. Michael Straczynski | Artist: Shane Davis | Inks: Sandra Hope | Colours: Barbara Ciardo

Young Clark Kent continues his journey toward becoming the World's Greatest Super Hero, but finds dealing with humanity to be a bigger challenge than he ever imagined! From a ruthless dictator to a new love interest who’s NOT Lois Lane, things are never easy for this emerging Man of Steel.

And the worst is yet to come, in the form of a man-monster with an insatiable appetite, the Parasite! The only thing that might appease his hunger is The Last Son of Kryptonian! But that will also mean he will have Superman's powers without his conscience, and Kal-El cannot come anywhere near him, even though he has to stop him!

The first volume in the Superman: Earth One story was one of my favourite graphic novels last year – it balanced a great new reinterpretation of the Superman origin story with some of the best artwork I’ve ever seen. It had heart, it had strong writing, and was visually stunning. Volume 2 continues this trend.

“Superman: Earth One” (DC)

Writer: J. Michael Straczynski | Artist: Shane Davis

Forget everything you know about The Man of Steel and brace yourself for a staggering new take on the world’s most popular Super Hero. What would happen if the origin of The Man of Tomorrow were introduced today for the very first time? Return to Smallville and experience the journey of Earth’s favourite adopted son as he grows from boy to Superman like you’ve never seen before!

This is the second Superman graphic novel I’ve read (after the thoroughly underwhelming All-Star Superman Part 1). Superman: Earth One is set in an all-new continuity apart from the pre-New 52. It takes us right to the beginning of Clark’s experiences in Metropolis. To be perfectly honest, this is what I’ve always thought Superman comics and graphic novels should be. The quality of the writing and artwork, the accessibility for people not steeped in the extended weirdness canon that became the Superman world… This is superb.