REVIEW: Superman: Father Of Tomorrow #1

Superman: Father of Tomorrow #1 is finally here! Written by Kenny Porter with art by Danny Earls and Nick Filardi, this is an Elseworlds story that explores the idea of it being Jor-El that crash landed to Earth after Krypton’s destruction instead of Kal-El.

But before we jump straight into the issue itself, let’s take a look at the covers. The main cover by Danny Earls and Nick Filardi perfectly captures the promise of the book. The layout of it really gives it a film poster vibe which I love, this is a big scale story and of course it needs a cover of the same caliber.

Riley Rossmo’s variant is stunning, I love the concept and the way it’s made out to look like a newspaper. The details on Jor-El are great too with all of the extra technology incorporated to his being as we see him step out of the crashed ship on the Kents Farm.

The variant by Nimit Malavia is my personal favourite. I love how they pay homage to some of the classic covers and tropes of Superman, it’s usually saving a cat in this particular pose but this adds a great contrast. The details are immaculate too and we get a good look at his suit.

There is also a variant cover by Gabriel Hardman & Matt Hollingsworth.

Superman: Father Of Tomorrow #1 opens up with an origin story, one quite different to the one we know and love but with a touch of familiarity, this time it’s not Kal-El who is crash landing on earth, its Jor-El and here we get a total reimagining of that iconic story. This time Jor-El doesn’t land a baby, he is a full grown man who is able to speak and explain and also remember his horrors. As the ship that carried him crashed into those that belong to the government, he is already in their bad books and it’s an instant opposition.

We see familiar characters but in very different contexts in this issue and it instantly set us up for when this story takes place and where Jor-El is in his life and also where the rest of the characters are in their lives, Pete Ross is a child, Lois has just been born, so it’s certainly an intriguing situation. Instead of acting as the son in this family situation with the Kents, Jor-El or should I say Jordan Kent is actually acting as Jonathans brother.

The artwork feels really classic and suits the story perfectly, it feels like I’m looking at classic comic artwork from the 90s and that is the biggest compliment. There are also moments in the art and also writing that pay homage to iconic Superman moments and reimagines them in this world, which as a fan is great to see!

This issue has a sense of tragedy in it, we see what kind of person this character is and what influence this life has on him, but he has been through a lot previously and also in this issue and I’m looking forward to seeing how that’s going to plan out and influence his life going forward. He’s already showing us by breaking the Kryptonian rules that were set after an ordeal at the hospital, which was to be expected. This Superman is much grittier, willing to do anything to make things right and save people, he has the same values as the Superman we known and love but it feels like he has a tad of darkness there too.

(9/10) Superman: Father Of Tomorrow #1 was a great first issue that really planted you in the roots of this universe and this character. I am a sucker for an Elseworld story and it’s safe to say that this one has me intrigued!