Superman: Secret Files 2009

DC Comics
Superman: Secret Files 2009
By Andy Frisk
August 13, 2009 - 21:48

DC Comics
Writer(s): James Robinson, Greg Rucka, Geoff Johns, Sterling Gates
Penciller(s): Pete Woods, Jamal Igle, Jon Sibal, Dave Perez, Francis Manapul, Renato Guedes, Jose Wilson Magalhaes, Matt Camp, Fernando Dagnino, Stephano Gaudiano, Raul Fernandez
Inker(s): Pete Woods, Jamal Igle, Jon Sibal, Dave Perez, Francis Manapul, Renato Guedes, Jose Wilson Magalhaes, Matt Camp, Fernando Dagnino, Stephano Gaudiano, Raul Fernandez
Colourist(s): Pete Woods, Pete Pantazis, Nei Ruffino, Mazi, Brian Buccellato, David Curiel
Letterer(s): Sal Cipriano
$4.99 US

Superman: Secret Files 2009 is an encyclopedia of sorts on the many characters, locations, and organizations taking center stage in the Superman Family books, which just recently, by the way, grew by one more with the launch (or rather re-launch) of Adventure Comics, starring Superboy.

This special one shot opens with a short, but inclusive, one page recap of the events in the life of Superman over the past year or two. Covered briefly are: Superman Brainiac, Superman New Krypton, and parts of Superman World of New Krypton, and World Without Superman, along with the events of Final Crisis Legion of Three Worlds, which brought back Conner Kent/Superboy.

There are page after page of entries and descriptions of characters from the obvious (Superman) to the not so obvious (Krypto). Commander Kal-El’s Kryptonian Military Unit “Red Shard,” Project 7734, and The Metropolis Science Police are a few of the organizations covered.

Most importantly, and enjoyably, there are three short, self contained stories titled: “Vigil,” “Double Act,” and “Legacy.” “Vigil” tells the story of Ursa’s Kryptonian Military Unit’s battle against the forces of Brainiac, as he attacked Krypton in order to steal the city of Kandor from the face of Krypton to add to his collection. “Double Act” tells the story of Mon-El/Jonathan Kent and his Sci Po partner Billi Harper’s early patrols as the new plainclothes officers of the Metropolis Science Police division. It’s easily the strongest of the three, as Mon-El is the most interesting character highlighted with a short tale in this special. “Legacy” reveals the first moments surrounding the creation of Project 7734. They occurred further back than you might think.

Every writer and artist who is currently working on a Superman Family book at the moment contributes to this special. The reader is treated to a wonderful sampling of some of the great art and storytelling going on in the Superman titles.

Superman’s titles are some of the best being written and drawn in the industry at the moment. Superman: Secret Files 2009 is a great point to get on board with these books. You won’t regret it.

Rating: 10/10