Newly minted DC writer Brian Michael Bendis made a solid first impression with the Man of Steel miniseries. Now his Superman run begins in earnest as he takes over both of the character’s monthly titles. On one hand, this first issue is such a direct continuation of Man of Steel that you almost have to wonder why DC published that story as a discrete book in the first place. But on the other, there’s a grander sense of ambition fueling this relaunched series, one that hints at a promising future to come for the character.
Picking up shortly after the climax of Man of Steel, Superman #1 sees Clark dealing with his newly solitary existence. With his Fortress of Solitude trashed and his family missing somewhere in the cosmos, Supes is a man out of sync with the world around him. This issue banks on what is easily the greatest strength of Bendis’ run so far. He’s able to create conflict for the character that challenges him in entirely non-physical ways. Rogol Zaar is a perfectly fine villain, but he pales in comparison to the drama generated by Clark losing his family. And Bendis succeeds in highlighting that conflict without going overboard. His Superman is still a kind, heroic figure, just one burdened by a little more sadness than before.
Source: IGN.com Superman's New Comic Showcases a Sad Hero