Superman: Blood of My Ancestors

    (DC, 2003)
™ and © DC Comics, Inc.

The original Outer Limits television series frequently used men in rubber suits and other B-grade monsters as catalysts for telling stories with philosophical overtones. Similarly, Superman: Blood of My Ancestors employs a memory-stealing cyclopean beast with snake-like tentacles to kick-start a tale about Superman’s ancient ancestor, El, a Conan-like character (at least in appearance) whose power is derived from the ancient god of Krypton. The theme of the story, which holds reader interest from beginning to end, revolves around faith in a power higher than one’s self, and it works well in this regard.

The key selling point of this prestige-format one-shot is the art, which features the last published work of two comic-book legends: Gil Kane and John Buscema. The pairing’s pencils mesh well together (had they needed a third penciller, Barry Smith would have fit right in), and fans of Buscema’s work on Savage Sword of Conan will enjoy seeing his take on the ancient “Superman.”

— Brett Weiss
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#1

November, 2003
Cover Price: $6.95
5 copies available from $5.98 		Gil Kane, Steven GrantGil Kane, John Buscema