#April 7th - April 28th DC Community Book Club - Superman: Space Age

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sharp fjord
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🚀💙 DC Community Book Club – April Edition! 💙🚀

This month, we’re blasting off into Superman: Space Age! Join us as we experience a bold and imaginative reimagining of Superman’s early years in the context of the Space Race and Cold War. Superman: Space Age takes us through the '60s and '70s, with a fresh perspective on Clark Kent’s journey to becoming the iconic hero we all know and love. This graphic novel is an exploration of Superman’s place in a world at the dawn of space exploration, and his struggle to balance his Kryptonian heritage with the increasingly complicated political and social climate on Earth.

Starting Today, we’ll dive into Superman: Space Age and explore its unique take on Clark's evolution from a young hero to a globally recognized symbol of hope. With stunning visuals and a narrative that mixes history with superhero action, this is a version of Superman that’s both nostalgic and entirely new.

Join us as we discuss the first issue of Superman: Space Age and share your thoughts on Clark Kent's journey through a new era of heroes.

Superman: Space Age on DCUI:

**DC Community Book Club Discussion Questions - Week 1: Coming April 7th!

DC Community Book Club Discussion Questions - Week 2: Coming April 14th!

DC Community Book Club Discussion Questions - Week 3: Coming April 21st!**

Discussion Questions: Issue #1
Week 1: April 7th

**1. ** Superman: Space Age is set against the backdrop of the Space Race and the Cold War. How does the political and technological climate of the '60s and '70s influence Superman's identity and role as a hero? Do you think Superman’s actions would have been different if this story took place in a different era?

**2. ** In this first issue, we see Clark Kent wrestling with the idea of how to best serve humanity in a world that's rapidly changing. How does this version of Superman view his responsibility to Earth, especially when faced with complex global issues? Do you think his approach to heroism is more human or more Kryptonian?

**3. ** This comic reimagines Superman in a different historical context. How does the artwork and writing in the first issue reflect this shift in tone? What new layers or dimensions do you see in Superman’s mythos that weren't as prominent in earlier depictions?

**4. ** Lois Lane is a key figure in Superman’s life and a prominent part of his story. How is Lois presented in this issue? Does this version of Lois represent something different from other iterations you’ve seen?

**5. ** Throughout this book, Lex Luthor is quite prominent. Did any of the actions that Lex made in this issue shock you?

**6. ** While the first issue focuses mainly on Superman’s internal struggle, we also get glimpses of how he interacts with other heroes or figures of power. How will these other heroes fit into the narrative? What does Superman’s relationship with the other characters in the issue say about his role in the larger superhero community?

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sacred hedge
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WEEK 1

1. ||With the backdrop of the cold war, and considering what stories we usually see from superman’s origin, I absolutely think that his actions would have been different in a different era. Additionally, I think the actions of others would have been different. In this story due to the era this is set against, Superman is forced to take a step back and to fully grow into his role and make sure he knows everything he possibly could before he dares step into the boots and become superman. The first time he tried he was shot out of the sky by Hal Jordan and almost led to mutual assured destruction. We only see after that tension is broken and the warheads start flying does he finally step in, but even then he still doesn’t reveal himself and hides the warheads on the moon. He has to take every step even more delicately than before, and unlike other stories he is not the first public superhuman. Wonder Woman is the first to take the public stage. ||

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2. ||Superman’s approach is definitely more human in this story, and that is exemplified by his conversations with the hologram of his Kyrptonian father. Clark believes that the best people in this world are the ones who simply show up. It doesn’t matter if you believe you are ready or not, because the world will not wait for it. This is strikingly different from his Kryptonian side, who believes he should have already mastered his powers and grown in intellect towering over everyone else to truly be ready to be the guardian of Earth. ||

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3. ||The writing and artwork make me feel like superman is secondary to this entire world, that he is something much smaller. The artwork is a lot calmer and focuses on facial expressions and what the characters are feeling in that moment vs blockbuster action and the writing focuses so much more on how the driving forces in the world affect people. This different historical context allows for a new layer to character backgrounds and experiences to help influence Clark’s decisions. We are able to hear about experiences from both Clark and Lois’s fathers during the war, each offering a completely new perspective for Clark to think about as he continues his journey and interacts in this world.||

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4. ||Lois is presented as the Pulitzer prize winning voice of reason muckraking reporter that pulled herself from the bottom of the daily planet to write stories and go where there can be real change. Most of the time when we see Lois she is the reporter throwing herself into a dramatic superhero-esque danger to get the scoop, but in this issue she is right there on the front lines for the civil rights movement and for nuclear annihilation not backing down from anyone. It represents everything we have always known about Lois, but by putting her in this time period we are able to attribute her work to real world events that end up resonating so much more.||

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5. ||There was one big event that shocked me from Lex. I can’t quite remember what it was
oh that’s right
WHEN HE BLEW UP COAST CITY TO SPARK THE DESTRUCTION OF THE WORLD?! I had 0 clue when it first happened, I was looking at the page with the giant explosion and thinking, “oh that’s cool, so I guess the test was successful? Wait, are those ships? Is this some fake naval base for the test?” And then as I continued to read and realized he pulled a full FALLOUT (tv/game series) level twist of being the evil millionaire who started the war so he could survive, I was completely dumbfounded. It is interesting to see what opportunities Lex would grasp onto under a different political climate. ||

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6. ||Near the end of this issue we get quite the tease with Superman meeting up with the other members of the justice league for the first time, but I don’t think that was the most important or most powerful character he interacted with. I think his most important conversation came when he talked to that nutcase in the bar
Pariah. Especially with how he treats Pariah, how he sees the deep fear in his eyes and feels a chill in his own body. It’s crazy to believe, but with how close they are to destruction every day, could it not be true? He can only be minimally aware of the crisis looming, and now with the JLA forming they will no doubt try and work together to stop it. With all of them rallying behind superman as shown when he introduces everyone in the hall of justice. But as the destruction, and acceptance of this destruction show at the start of this issue, I am not sure they will stand much of a chance.||

sharp fjord
sacred hedge
sharp fjord
sacred hedge
sharp fjord
knotty latch
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Wow what a read, I want to rush into the next one, but I want to pace myself with book club.

  1. ||The tense political climate created an interesting background, It constantly hit on Clark not being ready to be a hero, but the world needing him to be. It also focused on him (and others) not being the "main character" but part of a whole.||
  2. ||Much of the tension in the book comes from Cold War tensions. Will this be the end of humanity? And less on fighthing a big threat. To see Clark struggle with wanting to be a hero early on, to almost causing a war, to training and having to put the suit on early anyway makes him more human than alien. Accepting responsibility even when you don't feel you are ready is as human as it gets!||
  3. ||I do agree with Cyber, the artwork here focuses on emotion and not spectacle, allowing the readers to FEEL what these characters are going through. The writing, especially the WW2 flashbacks, and what Lex did, push that emphasis even more||
  4. ||Lois is brave, caring, and willing to push the envelope. Her being happy to be locked up illegally with people protesting racism prove this. This Lois is caring, a fighter, a mentor for Clark, and a damn good writer. She is everything that a Lois Lane should be.||
  5. ||I was completely shocked by what Lex did near the end. Lex is always a vile character, but this has to be one of the most evil versions of the character. Not seeking money, or vengeance against Superman; this lex is all about power and creating a new world from the ashes with his rich and powerful friends||
  6. ||I really enjoy the other heroes, and their parallel to Supes. Be it Hal not being worthy of the ring, but being there when needed parallels Clark not being ready, but being needed as Superman. I am excited to see how the Justice League fits into the story (and how Crisis fits in as well)||
slender fossil
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Someone’s gotta remind me to read the first issue tomorrow

sharp fjord
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Discussion Questions: Issue #2
WEEK 2: April 14th

1. The idea of "inevitability" is a key theme in this issue, especially with the looming Crisis. How does the knowledge of an unavoidable future shape the decisions Superman and others make? Do you think knowing the end is coming makes them more heroic? or more human?

2. How does the story use science fiction elements (aliens, cosmic threats, time travel, etc.) to reflect real human fears?

3. Superman's relationship with Lois continues to evolve, even as the world around them becomes more unstable. How does their bond serve as an anchor for Superman? What does this say about the role of personal relationships in the face of global or cosmic crises?

4. The 1970s in America were a time of political disillusionment and social unrest. How does the comic use this context to deepen the story’s stakes? Are there specific real-world parallels that stand out in this issue?

5. If you were Superman and knew the world would end in 20 years, how would you live differently? What would you prioritize? Would you still try and save the world? Or would you accept the inevitable?

sacred hedge
slender fossil
sacred hedge
# sharp fjord **Discussion Questions: Issue #2 WEEK 2: April 14th** **1.** The idea of "inevi...

WEEK 2

1. ||The idea of inevitability and what certain heroes will do is shown starkly in contrast between superman and batman. Specifically this issue takes those ideas and presents them through the classic ethical dilemma: the trolley problem. Batman sees the solution as the obvious one, flip the switch and save the five lives
not because you are saving 5 over 1, but because you will deny whoever tied them to the tracks what they wanted. You are ruining the inevitable death in their plans completely and taking the power of life and death in your own hands. Superman on the other hand sees it completely differently, he thinks you should make no direct action to flip a switch and instead strive to save all 6 lives. Because at the end of it you remain the person who tries to save everyone and refuses to play god even if you can.

Within the context of these ideas and thought processes, knowing the end is coming can make them more heroic or more human depending on what they do. I believe that Batman's ideas show him to be more heroic at the expense of his humanity. While superman has the exact opposite effect. To be human is to be flawed and to try your hardest at getting the best possible outcome even if it is unachievable and leads to an undesirable outcome is a human trait. Superman talks about looking at the most hopeful outcome multiple times throughout this issue. While Batman's ideas show that taking those ideas then using them to fight back against the force bringing the end even at the direct expense of others for the greater good, shows Batman operating on a more heroic level.||

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2. ||In this issue we see Superman save the planet from an asteroid, something he is quite proud of and for a time brings up whenever he can
only for others to not show the enthusiasm he was looking for. The space age may have come, and the world has laid down their arms
but now they have a new threat to look up to. How do they know that Superman will not decide one day to wipe them out? After all
he can save the planet from an asteroid. It took some time but once Superman finally faced a power greater than himself and felt the same fear that people saw in him, he finally realized the fear people could feel moving from one world ending force to another. “Power is the seed from which monsters grow. So how do I convince people that among all the other things in the universe they have to worry about
I’m not one of them.” This caused a complete shift in superman’s behavior, causing him to be a lot more open to the world and to show them that he is not something to fear, allowing him to build a bridge of trust to quell those real fears.||

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3. ||Superman’s relationship with Lois is everything to him in this issue. Earlier in the issue he saw hope as a comforting lie, something people grasped onto so they could ignore the inevitable. But by the end of this issue he has built a life with Lois, they even have a child, so when a world ending crisis comes to their door he fights with everything he has to save it. And once that crisis ended, he went back to them
and saw hope for a future with them. Maybe they aren’t as doomed as people say they are, maybe hope is not a bad thing to grab onto, maybe the inevitable can be stopped, and maybe the world can be truly saved. Without this bond with Lois, Superman may see the inevitable as inevitable.||

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4. ||There is a very real world event in this issue that best shows this time of political disillusionment and social unrest, but it is instead completed through Lois’s actions. And that is the Watergate scandal that eventually ended with Nixon leaving office. Now what’s truly important about this is how this deepens the story’s stakes through its fallout. Lois broke the story and it ended up costing a lot of reporters at the planet their press passes to the white house
but their anger opened the door for Clark to step in and step up. Not only did he defend Lois and become a new editor, but he made a brilliant point about courage. How in a war the one who really lets the rest of their platoon down are the cowards who freeze up and pretend they are somewhere else when their buddy is bleeding out. This shows one of those turning points for Superman as he starts to truly understand the importance of fighting for what they have and working together to do it, and none of that would have been possible without the umbrella of the real-world event of this time.||

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5. ||When Superman discusses his answer to the trolley problem, where he thinks he would try and save everyone using the full extent of his power
I am not sure he really believed it. To that point he really never had a chance to put it into action. But when this issue comes to an end he finally can put his money where his mouth is and he now fully understands what he is fighting for and what he is trying to protect. Just like superman I would like to think that if I knew the world was coming to an end I would fight with everything I have to try and save everyone and I would pull everyone I can in to help and make sure we are all ready to do so. But I do still believe there is a chance within that time to not only live a full life and really experience everything the world has to offer
while still working to save everything and everyone you can.||

sharp fjord
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Discussion Questions: Issue #3
Week 3: April 21st

1. The world-ending Crisis finally arrives in this issue. How do the characters respond, especially Superman, Batman, and Lois? In what ways do their actions reflect their core values, and were any of their responses surprising to you?

2. Superman repeatedly emphasizes hope, even in the face of total destruction. Do you think hope is a strength or a flaw in this story? How does this version of Superman redefine what it means to be a symbol of hope?

3. How do Batman and the rest of the Justice League contribute to the resolution? Are they used effectively in the story's conclusion, or does it ultimately feel like Superman’s journey alone?

4. With massive cosmic forces at play, what do you think this issue is trying to say about humanity’s role in the universe? Are we powerless in the face of cosmic inevitability, or is there something meaningful about how we choose to act anyway?

5. Now that the story has concluded, how do you feel about Superman: Space Age as a whole? Did this alternate-history, philosophical take on Superman deepen your appreciation of the character? What will stick with you the most?

sacred hedge
# sharp fjord **Discussion Questions: Issue #3 Week 3: April 21st** **1.** The world-ending C...

WEEK 3

1. ||With the world-ending crisis finally here, all of the characters in the Justice League respond exactly how they always intended to
fighting until the very end even if there is nothing they can do to stop it. But here are a few other characters that are highlighted a bit more and their actions are shown to be driven by their core values. First off, superman fully accepts the end is coming and even that is not okay
it doesn’t have to be. This leads him to accept the part of him that embraces love and his love for the world and its people, and to instead devote his time to try and save as many people as possible even if it means that he doesn’t survive and there is a lower certainty that his plan doesn’t even work. Ultimately it does work and he is able to transfer billions to another world with a superman and his dead planet to rebuild
but the point stands that our Superman died on his world without knowing it would work or not which just continues to encompass everything that superman stands for. ||

||Leading into that same thought process, Batman went down a very familiar path as superman that can be summarized when he says: "It's not humanity that matters...it's the people." Bruce Wayne ends up going against the Joker in this issue, who kidnapped the children of the Wayne board in order to manipulate them. This ended up in a showdown directly between Bruce and the Joker where the Joker was fully planning on walking out dressed as Bruce, and without releasing the children, just to continue to hold it over their heads and threaten them with it. Instead Bruce took the option to put on a clown mask himself and tackle the disguised Joker into the line of fire from police snipers. In the process taking as many bullets as Joker and dying alongside him. Just like superman he sacrificed himself for the greater good, while continuing to follow his core values of making sure to deny the villain whatever they wanted any means necessary.||

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||Finally, Lois was the most surprising to me. Although we do not see a whole lot of her in this issue, In the face of Lex getting released from prison we almost see her loose faith in the world. She has seen everything changed in front of her and doesn’t recognize it anymore, and doesn’t see how others can’t see how much they rely on each other to survive. But in typical Lois fashion we see as she puts her faith in her family and in Clark and sticks with him until the very end. ||

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2. ||Hope is a definitive strength in this story, every piece of the crisis or even the forces working against the crisis, such as Pariah and Brainiac, see hope as a flaw. The end is coming and there is nothing you can do to stop it other than accept it along with the other worlds or pull what resources matter to try and fight back. None of these forces act on hope, only what is. But with Superman we see him truly act on hope through uncertainty. He does accept that his world will die, but he also presents an opportunity to save the people of this world even though he will never truly know that it was successful. ||

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3. ||I feel as though both Batman and the Justice League are effectively used to contribute to the resolution just as Superman is. As Superman points out, and as I discussed in question 1, all of these characters represent the same unrelenting hope and fight until the bitter end even if they know that their actions will not result in an ultimate victory. As discussed in question 1 Batman serves as a direct parallel to Superman’s actions, and provides another situation where a character sacrifices themselves to protect other people without knowing if their sacrifice will be in vain. Overall, with the inclusion of all these characters it shows that Superman is not and never will be alone and even if his results are a bit more tangible
he is still the same as the other heroes fighting in the world in the knowledge that they will never know if they will continue to survive. ||

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4.|| Funny enough I think that Lex’s words in this issue actually answer this question. Even in the face of cosmic forces that see and treat us as ants to be stripped of resources without any pushback
we still ultimately survive, or as Lex would put it
we win. In the face of that adversity the one thing that we can do to truly beat those cosmic forces
is to live. Which ultimately shows that we are not powerless in the face of inevitability, although it may take sacrifice and survival may be completely different depending on who you ask
it still has meaning that humanity and its people continue to live on.||

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5. ||Overall I really enjoyed this story, and especially by answering these thought-provoking questions it has helped me to deepen my appreciation for what hope in the face of inevitability truly means. Aside from that, I do think the thing that stuck with me the most was Batman’s side storyline that encompassed the entire series. Going from someone who wanted no place in the business world
only to see the direct consequences of greed as he worked to take his place back to make change again. ONLY to have the effects of that greed come back to haunt him again through Joker, pushing him to finally make the ultimate sacrifice of his own life to protect others. ||

sharp fjord
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||Bruce might not have accomplished as much, but he certainly did everything he could||

sacred hedge
faint hound
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This was a fantastic book club series. Not gonna lie this makes me absolutely love DC comics infinite! Can’t wait for Zatanna!

fallen plover
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Grabbing mine tomorrow