So I kind of went on a Jeph Loeb-Tim Sale spree this past week after picking up 3 of their trades for about 15 bucks (Superman for All Seasons, Catwoman: When in Rome, and Daredevil: Yellow). I had already read The Long Halloween and Dark Victory and loved both of them. I know that Loeb has become somewhat out of favor in recent years, but I have largely ignored his recent work as I would rather remember him in his so-called prime. In any case, Tim Sale's art is worth more than 15 bucks, so I grabbed these 3 books, sat down with a Pepsi and read away.

Superman for all Seasons was the first one I read. I have never really read much in the way of traditional in-continuity Superman comics, I much prefer to read Elseworld's tales like Superman: Red Son and The New Frontier. I know that I will one day make an attempt at getting into Action Comics and Superman, but for now I will just take my Superman in little self-contained bits.

Story:

I liked the story very much here. It is basically your traditional Superman tale with a few little changed details. It evokes a nostalgic feel like DC; The New Frontier and other books like that. The splitting into four "seasons" was clever and the use of different fonts for the different narrators was a nice touch. The writing flowed beautifully, allowing for maximum Tim Sale awe time, and it provided some thoughtful insight into many of the characters we've come to know and love. My favorite part was the vulnerability that Loeb was able to generate. He really created a coming of age tale where Superman needed the people around him just as much as everyone else needed him.

8/10

Art:

I have always loved Tim Sale. His art in this is just as beautiful as ever. I love the use of color, especially when Superman is moving at high speeds. The art is a bit more simplified compared to the other 2 books I read, more in the ilk of The Long Halloween and Dark Victory (which is to be expected as it came out much earlier). His character designs are also great as per usual - everyone has their own look, and is distinguishable form everyone else.



8.5/10

Overall: 

This is a great Superman story, and one that everyone should check out. It can be had for cheap, or you can go all out and get a nice hardcover. Loeb and Sale were a magnificent team and churned out some amazing stories once upon a time, and it is a great thing to be reminded of! Plus...Tim Sale art!



8.25/10