Written by: Max Landis
Art by: Joelle Jones and Rico Renzi
Publisher: DC Comics
Comic books have inspired a lot of questions throughout the ages. How old is the Martian Manhunter? Does the Flash count his macros? The list goes on and one, but one of the most important questions concerns Clark Kent’s tolerance to alcohol. Is there a sufficient amount of alcohol that will get Superman drunk?
This may seem like a very trivial question, but it actually plays a large part in Superman: American Alien #3. Basically, Kent is on his way to the Bahamas for a much-needed vacation, but his trip gets interrupted. He ends up making new acquaintances, most of which are big fans of liquor, and spending some extra time in unexpected areas. It’s a very different experience for the Man of Steel, but one that he quickly learns to enjoy. Of course, it also helps when there are loads of pretty gals wandering around and handing out never-ending drinks.
Superman: American Alien #3 is vastly different from other superhero comics, but it’s absolutely enjoyable to read. Clark Kent is early on in his life and is extremely unsure of himself. This lack of confidence makes Kent more appealing as a character, which is strange considering how high and mighty (stuck up) he is in other forms of DC media. He actually opens up about unfortunate moments when talking to one of the side characters and appears to share some honest to goodness feelings.
Strangely, this vulnerability begins to grow tiresome after a while, but some fantastic cameos come in to save the day. Max Landis finds a way to constantly surprise with characters hidden throughout the issue, and you never quite expect the story to go to some of the specific places. Sure, one of the cameos could be considered a reach, but honestly who cares because it’s fantastic.
Superman: American Alien #3 is very light on action—not a bad thing—and a little long on whiny Clark Kent, but it’s an issue worth reading. Max Landis succeeds in making Kent into more of a sympathetic character, which is infinitely more than some other writers have done with the character. Landis also includes unexpected humor, especially when Kent starts partying.
Look, the best way to hype up this issue is by quoting Landis:
BUY AMERICAN ALIEN ISSUE #3, IN STORES TOMORROW SUPERMAN VERSUS VICTOR ZSASZ IN A HOT TUB I’M NOT KIDDING AT ALL
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) January 13, 2016
If you want to see some great cameos and giggle at awkward situations, go pick up Superman: American Alien #3.
