With James Gunn’s new Superman movie coming soon, now’s the perfect time to check out “Superman: Up in the Sky” by Tom King and Andy Kubert. It’s one of the best Superman stories from the past ten years, and it’s a bit different from what you might expect. Instead of a big world-ending threats or team-ups with other heroes, King focuses on a personal Superman story. This twelve-issue series, originally from DC’s Walmart line of comics, sends Superman on a solo mission through space to rescue a kidnapped human child named Ginny. It’s a story that makes you think about what it means to be a hero, the weight of responsibility, and the lasting power of hope.
What makes “Up in the Sky” special is how well King understands Superman, not just who he is, but who he needs to be in a universe without easy answers. Up and away from his friends and Earth, Superman constantly faces hard choices in this series. Often with situations where there’s no clear “right” answer, and whatever he does, or doesn’t do, has big consequences. He meets groups facing big problems, creatures driven by fear or greed, and people struggling with their own ideas of justice. In every encounter, Superman’s strong moral compass is tested, but it never breaks. He doesn’t just use his fists; he talks things through with kindness, inspires with his goodness, and sometimes makes big sacrifices. This series shows that his real strength isn’t just his powers, but his character.
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The way the story is told, with each issue a stand alone actually makes it better to read. Each encounter gets enough space to sink in, letting readers really feel the emotional and deep meaning of each challenge. Moreover, King’s writing style is short and almost poetic, often using Superman’s inner thoughts, which creates a thoughtful mood. Kubert’s artwork perfectly matches this, capturing the vastness of space and strange aliens in a way that feels both amazing and sometimes scary. He always makes sure that even the most fantastical parts feel as real as humanly possible, even in the deep depths of space.
As the series progresses and Superman travels further from Earth in search of this missing little girl, he actually gets closer to understanding how important his own existence is and the unique, often lonely, weight of being the last son of Krypton. The series quietly but strongly explores themes of being alone, the huge responsibility of immense power, and the almost stubborn goodness that defines him, even when facing the darkest parts of the universe. His worries about the scared little girl, and his fear of what might happen if he isn’t there to save her, add another layer to his personal struggle, raising the question: if not Superman, then who?
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In the end, “Superman: Up in the Sky” is a strong reminder of why Superman is still one of the most beloved characters of all time. It shows us that being a true hero isn’t just about super strength or not being able to be hurt, but about constant kindness, deep understanding, and an unshakeable belief in good, even in the darkest and strangest parts of the universe. It’s a challenging, thought-provoking, and ultimately hopeful read that confirms Tom King as a modern master of superhero stories. It’s a much-needed reminder of what truly makes Superman super, emphasizing that even one life, a single child, is worth crossing galaxies for, which is at the very heart of Superman’s beliefs.
‘Superman: Up in the Sky’ Graphic Novel Review: A Refreshing Take on the Man of Steel
“Superman: Up in the Sky” is a strong reminder of why Superman is still one of the most beloved characters of all time. It shows us that being a true hero isn’t just about super strength or not being able to be hurt, but about constant kindness, deep understanding, and an unshakeable belief in good, even in the darkest and strangest parts of the universe.
