| Title | : | Superman: Peace On Earth |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1563894645 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781563894640 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 64 |
| Publication | : | First published November 1, 1998 |
| Awards | : | Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards Best Graphic Album–New, Best Painter (for Alex Ross) (1999) |
Superman: Peace On Earth Reviews
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A job that even Superman can't do!
This comic book is part of a series illustrated by Alex Ross, featuring different icons from DC Universe and published in a big size format.
Creative Team:
Writer: Paul Dini
Illustrator: Alex Ross
WORLD'S FINEST... IN COMIC BOOK PUBLISHING
What?!
Paul Dini AND Alex Ross working together in the same comic book and it was about Superman?!!!
Oh, yes!
I must have it and thanks to the priceless help of a very good friend of mine, I was able to get this wonderful comic book (along with others in this series).
Dini & Ross, indeed the world's finest in the comic book publishing.
THERE ARE THINGS...
There are things that even Superman can't do...
...like stopping the world hunger.
That was the goal that Superman took himself in this story and he does a great feat on bringing tons of food to the countries suffering disastrous-level hunger, but...
...as a little child ask Superman...
...And you will come tomorrow wiith more food?
That's the moment which Superman realizes that there are things that not even his vast powers can resolve.
Yes, he can bring a massive quantity of food today, but tomorrow? And the day after that?
People is hungry, and they need to eat, but they need to eat each day, for the rest of their lives.
Not even Superman can be doing that for the rest of his life. No one can.
But, the wisdom of humble Jonathan Kent holds the key to the solution to this problem.
First, it isn't a problem of Superman, or the hungry people, it's a problem for all of us, we are in the same planet together, a tragedy like world hunger can't be something to affect only to official institutions or certain charity causes, no, stopping the world hunger is something to be done between all of us.
Second, you can't solve world hunger bringing boxes of prepared food. You need to bring seeds and teaching them to plant them and taking care of them to raise their own food. It will take time, but it will bring a long-term solution.
Third, money can't be so unfair divided, where some have too much and other have too few.
Superman can't solve all our problems.
We need to be involved in the solution of world problems.
Only then...
...we would have real peace on Earth. -
Superman: Why Do We Need Him? Also, why was he bestowed with the titles Man of Steel and Man of Tomorrow?
Alex Ross has produced some beautiful paintings to illustrate this book, which answers all those questions in just 64 pages.
The story has great panels of superman battling the real-life struggles of people all around with poverty, oppression and human rights, the motivation to fight for the weak through their daily struggles makes it an enjoyable story to come back to and learn the simplicity of being in that suit and emblem to stand up against all the evil deeds committed by us humans on a daily basis.
Final Verdict: I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding the great modern mythology of a superhero who established the basis for all subsequent superheroes to come within the realm of comics. -
Inspiring with a great lesson on the final page for all of us.
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![[Name Redacted]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1347082397i/287915._UY200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
In which Superman takes a good hard look at the world and thinks "I can fix this! What good are my powers if I only use them for violence?" Only to discover that even a Man of Steel, however mighty and pure-hearted, is powerless before humanity's commitment to self-destruction. This volume actually felt like an implicit criticism of the "big gesture" style of charity, the sort of humanitarian aid that is impressive and flashy and makes for good copy and poll numbers, but which amounts to no more than applying a band-aid to a victim of dismemberment. The ultimate message is that we have to help ourselves, because we're the ones doing ourselves the most harm, and all the miracles in the world won't stop us from ruining each other's lives if we really want to.
ADDENDUM: I might be the only person left who genuinely likes Superman. I don't mean one of the plethora of rebooted Supermen -- the angsty teens, the "social justice" shills, the hip be-ponytailed hunks -- so cynically crafted to appeal to our current obsessions with anti-heroes and seeing white knights dragged through the muck. I mean Superman the big blue "Boy Scout", the old-fashioned champion of truth, justice and the American Way. You know: the Superman that every writer now either wants to kill off or to "re-imagine" to make him more "relevant" (and therefore less timeless). I like that Superman. I like him all the more as a relic of an older time, a time when we weren't quite so sarcastic and smug and self-satisfied with our own oxymoronic Manichaean moral relativism. I like Superman as a character who embodies a certain set of old American values, and I like him even more as a character who constantly finds himself sneered at and mocked and challenged and treated as irrelevant because he's a true believer in an America we no longer wish to be. The tragic hero, the virtuous champion -- that's the Superman I like and whose adventures I'm always happy to follow. -
One word:Masterpiece!!!
This is a short graphic novel which depicts todays cruel reality in a glorious way.
The art is so realistic as well as the story itself.
Poverty and hunger explained through the Superman story.
I'm impressed with this work. Totally reccommended for all humans not only comic book fans.
Cheers! -
Superman battles the ultimate villain of them all: world hunger. This graphic novel tries to answer realistically what would happen if one day Superman takes a break from fighting all the evil superpowered super-villains and instead focus on a much pressing real-world issue, feeding all the hungry people. In the end, it turns out not even the Superman can outright change a world that's not ready to change, with all his powers he still fell short before the eternal selfishness and narrow-mindedness of human nature. At only 64 pages, this is an unusually thought-provoking powerful story that handles real life crisis and problems inserting Superman there to see if the most powerful man in the world would be enough to solve it. But its never about how fast or how many sacks of relief a superman can carry to every corner of the world he's needed, its about humans if they can let go of their inherent vices to be willing to accept outside help and to be open enough to help others.
In just a handful of lyrical lines writer Paul Dini created at once a wonderfully strong, thoughtful, sad and ultimately hopeful story through the eyes of Superman that makes the readers think and want to do better, to their fellow people, to the world, to themselves. And what can I say more about Alex Ross's astonishingly beautiful illustrations that hadn't been already? He is without a doubt the most accomplished artist working in comicbook medium, every double-pages of breathtaking photo-realistic painted illustrations is a work of art, so much so that it feels as less of a graphic novel and much more as a series of paintings telling a story. Even without any text the illustrations alone could've expressed everything Dini and Ross wanted to say. The whole book is a piece of art that deserves to be collected and cherished, and the great story and absolute perfect characterization of Superman was just icing on top.
This book is the ideal example of why Superman is one of my most favorite superheroes, and why once I start reading his stories I can't stop myself from reading more: even after all the cynicism, skepticism, fear, hate, war, destruction, death on the pages... in the end he's tales (better ones anyway) are just so damn hopeful! Even to a hard-eyed cynic like me they give a warm fuzzy feeling after finishing... that maybe everything will be alright, we as the human race is not totally doomed. Who knows maybe in spite of all the senselessness, there is a meaning to our existence after all.
Patiently and gently, I share with others the way to scatter the seeds a few at a time, evenly between the rows so that each one will have enough space. I tell them not every seed will make it--but all of them deserve the chance to grow.
Story - 4/5, Illustration - 6/5
Overall - 10/10. -
It’s Christmas-time in Metropolis and as Superman helps a young runaway find food and shelter, he’s reminded of a quote by Charles Dickens describing the Christmas season: “When want is keenly felt and abundance rejoices.” Superman decides that through a massive single act of charity he will hopefully inspire others to help the less fortunate this Christmas and - however briefly - make the world a better place.
To call this book a comic is to give you the wrong impression of it. Yes it’s a collection of words and images but it isn’t presented like a traditional comic - there are no panels or word balloons. There are captions of text amid Alex Ross’ photo-realistic art but it reads more like a graphic poem. Superman speaks directly to the reader the entire time and we are treated to a visual spectacle that only Alex Ross can provide. I love Paul Dini’s writing but the true star of this book is Ross and every page of this book is eye-catching, gorgeous, and breathtaking.
This book is a beautiful tribute to an amazing character. It’s unabashedly guileless and sentimental, in the best possible ways, celebrating everything about Superman that we love about him. Superman spends the book delivering food and aid to war torn and poverty stricken areas around the world and encounters desperation, hate, and violence as much as gratefulness and joy but in all instances endures it with his quiet compassion. Any writer wanting to write Superman should take their cue from Dini and Ross who say it simply through this book: “It’s easy - he’s the good guy.” And that is abundantly clear as he helps everyone he can in the story. That’s why we love Superman. He does the superhero thing of beating up baddies but there’s a beating heart behind it all that puts him over the top.
But the book also seeks to remind us of our humanity. As much as we draw inspiration from Superman, he draws inspiration from humanity, and the reason he keeps going in the face of pessimism and failure? Hope. And the potential good of each moment. This book wants to remind every reader of the heroic acts of kindness we all have within us, and to act on it instead of passively ignoring that impulse.
Ross and Dini dedicate this book simply “For Superman himself, who inspires us all” and it is a fine sentiment to echo. This is Golden Age Superman but it’s also the real Superman, the character who inspires us to be better people by being that strange paradox: an alien who represents the best of humanity. “Peace on Earth” is a warm hug from a timeless character, reminding readers in a cynical world why it’s important to care and keep going - all the time, not just at Christmas.
Clark Kent ends the book beautifully: “Patiently and gently, I share with others the way to scatter the seeds a few at a time, evenly between the rows so that each one will have enough space. I tell them not every seed will make it - but all of them deserve the chance to grow.” -
3.5 stars. The artwork is as awesome as usual, the story is well-meaning and I like how it highlights ordinary people have to solve problems instead of relying on superheroes to solve problems for them. I can appreciate that.
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A panel to panel slideshow of this book would make a great music video for the famous ‘Five for Fighting’ song.
Complete story is written in first person, as a soliloquy by Clark Kent, with cinematic artwork flowing in a third person fashion. There is a reason why I mentioned Clark Kent instead of Kal-El or Superman, which the book would be able to illustrate best. In fact in thirty something pages, this book achieved what All Star Superman been striving for in 12 issues.
I picked this book out of approbation for Alex Ross, and to comfort myself in Paul Dini’s affable writing. But this oneshot did something far more wonderful, without undermining my suppositions - helped me appreciate Batman v Superman more.
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Superman, der Mann aus Stahl und dem Herz aus Gold dürfte bereits gegen so einiges gekämpft haben, aber noch nie nahm er sich etwas von so großen Ausmaßen vor. Getrieben durch Erlebnisse in der Weihnachtszeit fängt Clark Kent über das Thema Hungernot zu recherchieren und entschließt sich ihm entgegenzuwirken.
Wer den Band das erste Mal sieht, dürfte als Erstes das fantastische Cover auffallen. Doch danach folgt gleich die Größe, welche so manchen Fan des Helden etwas überfordern dürfte, da er ein Übermaß besitzt und nicht in ein normales Regal passt. Dies ist auch der einzige Kritikpunkt an ihm, denn ansonsten ist dieser Band inhaltlich und optisch einfach sagenhaft.
Wie bereits beschrieben behandelt dieser Band die Hungersnot auf der ganzen Welt und wie Superman mit seinen Kräften versucht ihn zu beseitigen. Doch kann ein Mann den Hunger auf der Welt stillen? Kurz gesagt nein! Und dies bewies dieser Band eindrucksvoll. Er zeigte wie schwierig es ist Menschen zu vereinigen und wie schnell aus Not aus Leid wird. Ja, dabei schwingt eine ganze Menge Kritik mit, doch zurecht, denn das Problem ist nicht die Nahrung selbst, sondern der Mensch.
Und das zeigte Zeichner und Künstler Alex Ross mit Bildern, die eindrucksvoller nicht hätten sein können. Statt klassischen Comic-Zeichnungen erhielt man hier auf jeder Seite regelrechte Kunstwerke, welche nicht nur das sehr ernste Thema perfekt in Szene setzten, sondern auch Superman selbst imposant darstellten.
Fazit:
Alex Ross und Paul Dini erschufen zusammen einen Band, in welchem die Hungernot auf der ganzen Welt der ärgste Gegner von Superman wurde. Zwar wurde er wunderschön illustriert, aber konnte trotzdem nicht darüber hinwegtäuschen, dass man hier ein äußerst ernstes Thema ansprach, das zumindest mich tief bewegte. -
Solid story with a powerful message.
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inspiring story with a powerful message . Also loved the art style. My younger self would have loved this
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Wow. This book was very poignant. The story is well-told, and Alex Ross' magnificent illustrations really add punch to the storytelling. It starts out with Superman helping one homeless girl, and seeing that he can do more, reaches out to the world to help feed the hungry. Of course, he himself volunteers to deliver donated food to needed locations. Many are grateful for his aid, but of course there are these jerks who don't want to see him doing any good, including a dictator who insists that Superman leave the food with him so that he can then distribute the food to his own people. Naturally, Superman knows he is lying.
This is a beautifully-told story, but with some very harsh truths which leave the reader thinking a good while after they have read this book. I applaud the people responsible for this book, it truly was a worthy project. -
What wonderful story that I have just witnessed.It is true that I tend to like those stories much more where the hero can be more depressed and where they explore unusual dark facets. However, I must admit how extremely well this optimistic and benevolent direction suits a superhero made for human hope like Superman (despite his native country's chauvinistic attempts to simplify it into "defender of the American way of life").
In this story the antagonist is not Luthor or Brainiac. There is no visibly defeatable villain, but rather a human frailty that not even the son of Krypton himself can annul, but only barely, and always incompletely, influence it. In this story, Superman renounces the arrogance of being a moral guardian of the world to humbly accept his role as a symbol. -
Nota 10.
"Por hoje verão que alguém não desviou o olhar."
Uma das Graphic Novels curtinhas mais impactantes que já li!
Mostra que nem um Superman consegue curar falhas feitas pela humanidade, como a pobreza, fome e guerra.
Em uma história narrada poeticamente e desenhada por um dos melhores desenhistas dos Quadrinhos. -
Una historia corta donde Superman intenta acabar con el hambre en el planeta pero se da cuenta de que ni un superhombre puede hacer eso y ese cambio lo debe dar la humanidad al completo.
El arte de Paul Dini es de otro mundo, solo por eso le doy las 5 estrellas. Parece que estes viendo a Superman en persona, muy realista. -
Sakra banální příběh, který táhne (ve srovnání s Ligou slabší) Rossova kresba. České vydání zachraňuje monstrformát.
2,5* -
Só o monte de crackudo pra colocar isso entre as melhores do Super mesmo, aposto que realmente nem leram essa porra, só veem o nome do Ross na capa e saem dizendo que é a melhor coisa da humanidade, a história não tem nada demais e a arte do Alex Ross é o jeitão de sempre, se bem que ele funciona infinitamente melhor em histórias curtas e simples como essa do que minissérie ou os caralho.
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HQ curtinha, mas certeira. Temos aqui um roteiro inspirado de Paul Dini, aliado à incrível arte de Alex Ross. Após salvar uma menina faminta, que vive nas ruas de Metrópolis, durante a fartura do Natal, o Super-homem decide realizar uma missão para acabar com a fome no mundo. Pelo menos, por um dia. Ele percorre diversos países necessitados, inclusive o Brasil, carregando mantimentos doados pelo governo dos EUA. A ideia da HQ pode parecer boba, uma patriotada ofensiva, mas o roteiro de Dini mostra a complexidade da tarefa do Super-homem e as próprias incertezas dele quanto aos resultados. As ilustrações de Alex Ross, num estilo velha guarda dos anos 40 e 50, faz com que a luta do Super-Homem contra vilões da vida real (ganância, medo, desespero, violência, opressão) ganhe um tom nostálgico, como se bondade fosse algo do passado. Mas a mensagem final acaba olhando para o futuro.
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Superman decides to fight world hunger on a global scale for a day.
There’s actually no way to really describe this story. The elegance is in the metaphoric writing by Paul Dini. The heartbreaking imagery of Alex Ross.
Since, Superman, in many ways, represents America, this is story of how one man can’t really solve the world’s problems with big bold heroic gestures.
It’s about the little things. It’s about planting seeds and letting them grow.
It’s about the giant tree that can spring from something little.
Really, this is a Christmas story. Superman loving Christmas and wanting to spread the holiday spirit of giving. To energize people to give and finally coming to a realization of what that requires. -
A poignant story of how even Superman can't solve the huge problems of the world, but how each us can make a small impact and help bring about the change the we wish to see. When his mission to end world hunger by bringing huge supplies of food to the most starving people around the world doesn't go as he hoped, Superman is forced to realize that even the world's greatest super-hero can't solve the big problems of humanity by himself. But then, acting as the son of a farmer, Clark Kent teaches school kids how to plant seeds that will hopefully grow into crops to eat. Paul Dini's wonderful story is exceeded only by the truly amazing artwork of Alex Ross! A must for all Superman fans.
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Although slightly different from many Superman/Superhero stories, it was still enjoyable. It's not quite a Christmas story Superman, but it's more literally about the title: Peace on Earth, and Superman's striving to reach the goal. Looked at in a much different way, and answering the question that lots of people have asked about Superman: why are there still all the problems/suffering if Superman's able to basically stop almost anything/one. A more philosophical twist on things, and moral examination of the Superhero. A nice change of pace, well drawn with gorgeous artwork, this could almost be a coffee-table comic.
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A very poignant Superman story wherein he attempts to tackle world hunger, but finds that (of course) it isn't that easy. I was reminded of his attempt to help the people of Gotham during "No Man's Land". His intentions are the best, but most people just aren't like Superman. But you have to hand it to him, he never gives up.
I really liked this, and the art by Alex Ross is of course stunning. It works better for me in this format than in books like "Justice", actually. -
Superman: Peace on Earth is a visually stunning examination of the problem of world hunger. Superman decides to try to make a real difference by alleviating hunger, but discovers that the problem is too complex and intrinsic to be solved by just distributing excess crops to the needy. This is a brave, beautiful book.
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Give a man a fish, and he eats for a day. Teach him to fish, and he eats for a lifetime.
Superman tidak bisa melakukan segalanya, termasuk mengatasi bencana kelaparan di dunia. Namun apa yang telah telah ia coba lakukan dapat menginspirasi manusia untuk membantu sesama...
Great artwork, but I think Clark is rather fat here... -
Sentimental, but effective. It's the holiday season, and Superman is moved to do something about world hunger.
The oversized format offers plenty of space for the impressive, hand-painted artwork. The unique look and lack of speech bubbles make this more of a picture book and less of a comic. Pretty cool. -
A coffee-table sized tone poem to my favourite super-hero...and a perfect encapsulation of why the world needs a Superman. Alex Ross' astonishing artwork is up to the challenge of illustrating Paul Dini's simple but powerful parable of power and human emotion. Had I possessed this as a little boy, I would have worn it through with love and adulation.
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An absolutely gorgeous book that follows Superman as he tries to end world hunger. Any fan of Supes (or superhero comics in general) should take the time to read this. I can't say enough about how beautiful Alex Ross' paintings are in this one.
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Superman at his truest and most pure. Beautifully drawn with a beautiful sentiment of acceptance that the world's problems aren't one man's to solve but everyone's. Not a hint of modern cynicism nor sadness, just pure and good at heart in its intentions of humanitarianism.
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Loved it. It even made me cry. Sometimes there are things that even Superman cannot do.
