Writer: Darwyn Cook Artist: Tim Sale Colors: Dave Stewart Letters: Richard Starkings Associate Editor: Tom Palmer, Jr Editor: Mark Chiarello

Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster I'm of the mindset that you can only go to the well so many times before it gets old and you use up what the well holds. Well, both Superman and Batman are adding one more title focused on these two heroes. The premise behind both titles takes a look at both heroes in their early years and shows readers how they became the heroes that they are now. The question is laid out - can Superman and Batman sustain one more title a piece?

The open storyline for this new series takes not just Superman, but Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen and teams them up together to take on a corrupt businessman in Metropolis. The idea is something that's not all that complex but the fun that surrounds this first issue is well worth the cover price and should be picked up by anyone who's looking for a solid story.

This solid story is being written by Darwyn Cook. Cook is probably best known for his work on DC: New Frontier and if you've not been able to read that comic book masterpiece then you're missing out. Go out and get it, but I digress. Cook is a great storyteller and while I'm just a little surprised that DC tapped him to write this opening story arc for this new series I'm quiet happy to say I've enjoyed this book from the first page to the last. If there's something in the writing that really made this issue hit the mark I would say the conversation in Perry White's office when Perry gives Clark, Lois, and Jimmy their assignment to go after Gallo. While there's nothing monumental about the speech Perry gives it still gave me goose bumps, especially the look each of them give Perry and say, "You figured right, chief." and "Just tell us what to do." That's just a great scene.

If you're going to tell a story about Superman's early years then its almost a no-brainer to use Tim Sale as the artist. Sale's work on Superman: For All Seasons is probably one of his best pieces of work and I have been waiting for him to return to the character and put together a substantial story. The art in this one issue is well worth the wait and this is just the first issue of this storyline and I can't wait for more issues. That scene with Jimmy, Lois, and Clark alone proves that point if you're really into an artist setting the mood. Sale does just that in the only way he can.

I asked the question at the beginning - Can Superman and Batman sustain one more title? After reading this first issue of Superman Confidential I can say that if the creative pairings in the future are anything like this first arc then this series will sustain itself and readers will flock to their comic shops to read this new series. Hands down - Superman at his best!