Superman: Wedding & Beyond

Rating:
Summary: The Wedding
Review: Forget about Superman for awhile. This is a story about two people, Lois and Clark. Ever since they met each other they were at each other's throat. In this case, it was Lois more than the mild mannered Clark that did all the throat grabbing shenanigans. The lady was tough as nails on Clark and took him on a spin with her sharp tongue and strong personality. Clark, on the other hand, was the quiet, more stable of the two. His time as Superman made his alter ego more reasonable and clear minded than Lois. Underneath it all, however, one can realize that both of these characters were in love with one another in a young-hearted kind of way. Lois fell in love with Superman at first, but it was more of an infatuation. She grew to understand Clark and slowly felt true feelings towards him. It was only until Clark decided to tell her he was the Man of Steel did true showing of her love and emotions surface.

Some people blame the TV series, Lois and Clark, for the marriage that soon came to be. This, of course, is not entirely true. Though the series brought the two character closer to one another, they have always been in love ever since their early days together. The series simply made the transition easier for a classic iconic figure like Superman. It was more publicity for the comic rather than anything else and it did help bringing them together easier and more acceptable to the readers, young and old. Spider-Man was married before Superman ever did, but readers will always remember him as the single guy who can't find a date. They would not let that concept go. This made the creators rethink about his marital status and put an end to it earlier this year. People could not imagine him as a married guy. Superman had a series that made Lois's and Clark's coming together smoother. You ask anyone out there, they would know that Superman is married. He has always been married to Lois they would say.

This TPB was brought together by the comic industry's top talents. Great writers, including David Michelinie who helped Spidey tie the knot long time ago, were on the helm with some great artwork to boot. Superman's marriage brings on the coming together of two popular characters of modern American culture. Has the marriage worked through out all these years? One can only say that it has grown stronger each day. Readers love the concept and the antics that the two happy couple go through in their marriage. Their relationship is that of love, respect and being there for your partner at times of need. Apart from the super-powers, those things are exactly the right ingredients for any happy marriage out there to truly work.

Rating:
Summary: RSVP
Review: I usually am a bit skeptical when the creative talent behind a major comic book hero announces a big event (i.e. the death of a character) for the ongoing storyline. To me, the turning point only signals one thing, sagging sales. It is that firm opinion that makes me look past the hype, and stay clear of the "event". I must admit though, in the case of Superman's Wedding, curiousity got the better of me, and I just couldn't resist checking it out. While out shopping, I was able to buy the trade paperback for The Wedding And Beyond, at a steep discount. Since it was so inexpensive, I figured, why not. After all, I own and enjoyed, the entire Death Of Superman trilogy, in trade paperback edition. Even with reservations, I forged ahead...

THE STORY-I have to say that it was better than I thought. The writers came up the great idea of making the story center on Clark and Lois. It is about a couple getting married. As opposed to a "mere mortal" marrying a "God". The Caped Wonder has a limited role here. With that his alter ego is given a chance to shine. The story has all of the trappings, one associates with getting hitched, without much daring do. In the end, I think that was the best way to go, with this 5-part story. Lest that I should give you the idea that it's all a bunch of gushy prose, fear not, the action is there as well...just that it's not what you might expect. Besides I HATE too much of that anyway. Written by the same team of folks responsible for Superman comics in the 90s, it is a well crafted tale, with a few surprises along the way.

THE ART-Bringing together the current art team, with many others who have worked on the chacters before, was a great idea. Having John Byrrne, Gil Kane, Kane, Dick Giordano, and my pesonal favorite, Curt Swan, contribute to the wedding part of the book makes it all worth it. "The Wedding Album" is the best part of the book for that reason

The trade paperback includes an introduction by DC Comics, President and Editor in-Chief, Jennette Kahn, and a cover gallery that has all 5 covers from the saga as they appeared when originally published. The book has 192 pages and comes recommended

Rating:
Summary: The long awaited momment
Review: In 1996, comics were changed forever as two of its most important characters were married: Clark Kent and Lois Lane. The particular wedding issue was not about Superman. In fact, it Superman only makes a limited appearance. It was about Lois and Clark. Two opposites that knew they could not live without each other. The wedding issue took me 90 minutes to read and it was worth the time. Even the ceremony is played out to the entire length. Another special touch was that the priest was actually the image of Jerry Siegel. Other images of real life people are drawn into the final scene such as Dan Jurgens, Jeanette Kahn, John Byrne, and a whole lot more. That was another special touch since it made it look like the past and present creators could watch these two tie the knot. The other issues in this trade paperback are just basically filler for the 'main event'. This is a landmark event in comic book history and it is a must for every reader's collection.