Adventures of Superman: The Book of El #1: Future State

Adventures of Superman: The Book of El #1 kicks off an epic 12-issue maxi-series set to span from September 2025 to August 2026. This issue picks up the threads from Future State: Superman – House of El and Johnson’s run on Action Comics, finally weaving them into a single, sweeping arc. The premise is immediately compelling: the Super-Family enjoys a rare moment of peace, until a once-trusted ally betrays them, backed by a god-aspect of Olgrun, the mad god of the First World. The trouble escalates quickly, and when the Super-Family can’t fend off the invasion, Superman is transported, against his will, to an unknown realm where surprising allies await.

In interviews, Johnson describes this story as “the most epic thing I’ve ever written,” blending the mythic scale of Superman lore with visuals and pacing inspired by Samurai Jack. This first issue hits the ground running. It feels less like an introduction and more like the next chapter in an unfolding saga, which is perfect if you’ve been following Johnson’s previous Superman work, though new readers might feel a little disoriented without that context. What stands out most is the emotional tone. There’s a quiet confidence here, a reminder that Superman doesn’t need to be gritty to be relevant. Themes of hope, perseverance, and moral clarity are front and center, but they’re presented with nuance rather than nostalgia. The dialogue is sharp and purposeful, balancing philosophical weight with classic Superman earnestness.  One of this issue’s coolest features is the backmatter: each issue will include a chapter from the “Book of El,” chronicling the Superman lineage of the 31st century. Johnson teases a mystery about the authorship that unfolds over the series. For long-time readers, such world-building is a compelling hook, a payoff for sticking with the saga through Future State and Action Comics.

Scott Godlewski’s art is dynamic and bold, perfectly suited for the sci-fi/fantasy scope of the story. His designs exude both grandeur and grit, making cosmic stakes feel both otherworldly and grounded in emotion. Colorist Alex Guimarães ramps up the drama with vivid, high-contrast palettes that accentuate action and atmosphere. Combined with Dave Sharpe’s clean, expressive lettering, issue #1 visually delivers a cinematic punch. The art, pacing, and stakes make it a visceral and exciting start. It balances cosmic mythology with personal drama, setting up a journey that promises both scale and secrecy.