Reexamining the Great Superman Stories: Part 4

Superman for All Seasons by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale

Superman for All Seasons was originally published as a four issue mini-series in 1998. It was written by Jeph Loeb with art by Tim Sale, the same creative team behind the hit limited series Batman: The Long Halloween. On Goodreads, the series is described as follows,

In this coming-of-age tale witness the experiences and adventures that transform a simple country boy into the world's greatest hero. Told through the course of four seasons in the Man of Steel's adolescent life, it illustrates that it is the person, not the powers, that makes Superman a hero.

The catalyst for the "Smallville" television program, SUPERMAN FOR ALL SEASONS is emotional and insightful, humanizing the alien from another planet so that he is not only realistic but also relatable. It also features in-depth characterizations of Lana Lang, Lex Luthor, Lois Lane and the Kents.

Originally, I was going to cover Superman for All Seasons in Part 3 of this series, but after I finished my re-read I couldn’t think of what to say. Well, I couldn’t think of what to say beyond “this is amazing,” so I decided to sit it to the side and read something else. I’m glad that I did.

There are some writers that truly get to the heart of the character of Superman better than others and Jeph Loeb is one of them. The framing of this story through the four seasons is brilliant. But what really makes it work is how it is told from the point of view of four very different but still incredibly important people in Clark Kent / Superman’s life.

The first issue is set in the spring and told from the point of view of Jonathan Kent, Clark’s father. It tells the story of Clark’s last days in high school and Smallville. Loeb showcases Clark’s humble beginnings and Tim Sale’s art creates a picturesque atmosphere of times now long past. And in one page, you are shown everything you need to know about the character and demeanor of Clark Kent.

The issue shows the Kents coming to grips with the changes happening to their son and that sooner or later, he will be leaving the farm for the wider world. It also introduces us to Clark’s oldest friends Lana Lang and Pete Ross and gives the reader a taste of the world of Smallville, KS. We also see Clark’s trepidation about the future.

When a tornado hits Smallville, Clark is pulled into its vortex yet is still able to save someone.

It is during the cleanup after the storm, that Clark has an epiphany.

After graduation, Clark decides that he must leave Smallville if he wants to be able to “do more.” Before he leaves, he shares with Lana his secret and plans. Before taking in one last Kansas sunrise with his father.

Enter Metropolis. We meet the gang at The Daily Planet, Lex Luthor, and get to see one of Superman’s great early saves.

Issue # 2 takes place in the summer and is told from the point of view of Lois Lane. She is struggling with the fact that someone with the abilities of Superman would use them to help people, or as she puts it he is someone who is –

Throughout this issue Clark is dealing with a sense of loneliness and feeling out of place which sends him back home to Smallville. We also get a glimpse into this version of Lex Luthor and his machinations.

Issue # 3 takes place in and represents the fall. It is told from Lex Luthor’s point of view and opens with his arrest.

This issue gets to the heart of Luthor’s personality, motivations, and grievances. He is an extremely entitled and privileged man who thinks he is the victim. He is driven by greed, malice, and hate and by the end of the issue, has driven Superman to the breaking point.

The final issue takes place in the winter and is told from the point of view of Lana Lang. Her narration begins with the night that Clark told her his secret, how it changed her life, and how it caused her to run away and reexamine everything in her life. This whole time, Clark is struggling with self-doubt, unsure about his place in the world. When a torrential downpour threatens Smallville with major flooding, Lana pulls Clark aside and –

This brings Clark back to himself as he flies off to help the people of his home town. It is also a callback to a scene in the sixth issue of 1986’s The Man of Steel.

Lana’s perspective on Clark is the most complete of all of Superman for All Season’s narrators. It is through her that we truly see Clark and it is her inspiration and faith that helps Clark find himself.

So far in this little journey, Superman for All Seasons is the first story that, in my humble opinion, truly shows us what makes Superman great. Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale captured the pure essence of this character: his humanity, his heart, his desire to help others, and his love. That is what makes Superman for All Seasons one of the greatest Superman stories of all time.

References

Absolute Superman for All Seasons. (n.d.). Goodreads. Retrieved May 24, 2025, from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/112258273-absolute-superman-for-all-seasons

Byrne, J., & Wolfman, M. (2020). Superman: The Man of Steel, Vol. 1. DC Comics.

Loeb, J. (2023). Superman for all seasons. DC comics.

Superman for All Seasons. (2025, February 27). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Superman_for_All_Seasons&oldid=1277989499

Superman for All Seasons (1998—1998). (n.d.). DC database. Retrieved May 24, 2025, from https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Superman_for_All_Seasons_Vol_1