Let me say that I'm fully aware that you have three other fantastic reviews of this issue at this point and really don't need me giving you a fourth, but the fact is, I'd really feel silly if I missed the chance to throw my two cents into this story.
I'm a fanboy. In fact, a very very whiny fanboy. I won't buy Brand New Day on principle. I take every opportunity to rip into Civil War now a year after said series ended. I randomly make fun of Prime's "ret-con punch" even though it was two years ago. I've stated on several occasions my desire to beat down Joe Quesada with a shovel. I just sound very negative about current comics much of the time and, yes, it's a lot because I wish I was able to write the books I so often criticize and mock.
I like All-Star Superman because I never whine when it comes out. I like this book because it proves I don't just whine for the sake of whining. I don't whine about the lateness. I frankly couldn't care less. I love this book for whatever scheduling flaws it has because it's just that good. It's a great book that is always the highlight of my week when it graces us with its presence.
All-Star Superman is all about how Superman is going to die and how he's dealing with it. Samson back in issue 3 told him of 12 labors he'd accomplish before dying. So far, he's done seven. So, Superman goes out, fully aware he could kick off at any moment, to go these tasks and generally just make the world a better place. There's something really great here abo7ut this issue in that if any of us were in Supes' shoes, we'd probably mope around the Fortress eating gallons of ice cream or looking for more "Super-Woman' serum to hand to Lois for some between-the-sheets action or taking over the planet for the heck of it. Nevertheless, there's Superman, doing everything he to save the planet without a complaint. Why? 'Cause he's just that kind of guy.
This issue was very much kind of a "This is all you need to know about Superman" story and Morrison worked it masterfully. From his interactions with nameless kids and suicidal goth girls to his own Lois who just found out two issues ago he was dying. And, of course, we have the Luthor scene. As great as Morrison writes Superman, his Lex is just as awesome. As Superman visits Lex in prison (who just happens to be reading a book titled "Increase Your Brainpower.' Heh.), he declares Lex the "winner" of their battles and petitions the bald Machiavelli to be a good force in the world after the Man of Steel passes. Lex says no words, simply walks up to the glass, spits on it, and just glares at his oldest nemesis. It was, by far the best scene of the issue and captures the dynamic of the two perfectly. As always, Superman will always stretch out his hand in redemption and, as always, Lex will simply bite it.
As the book begins to close, we have a nice little scene between Dr. Leo Quintim (what a name) and Superman over the latter handing the former the entire gene sequence of Superman to, conceivably, clone a new hero from Kal-El and Lois's DNA. It's a touching scene and shows again how completely selfless Superman is even in the face of death. Even as the might of Kandor cannot save him, he simply flies to a hospital of terminal children and hands them the miracle Kandor was attempting to hand the Man of Steel. If only more people were this good-natured...
All in all, this issue was spectacular. Grant Morrison captured every character perfectly and Quitely's pencils bowl a 300 once again. This team is simply excellent. The original Shuster design of Superman nearing the end was an incredibly nice touch to a completely awesome installment to a completely awesome series. I thank the team once again and wait patiently for the next issue to roll around. Grant, Frank, kudos on a job very well done.
Story: 5 - Excellent
Art: 5 - Excellent
