Superman – American Alien #6: Fame, Friendship, and First Contact
Genre
đŠž♂️ Superhero, 𧏠Sci-Fi, đ„ Drama
Main Characters
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Clark Kent / Superman – The rising superhero figure grappling with his growing celebrity status.
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Pete Ross – Clark’s loyal childhood friend, struggling to understand the new life his friend leads.
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Kenny Braverman – A fellow Smallville native whose jealousy and insecurity simmer beneath the surface.
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Lobo (Cameo) – The interstellar bounty hunter makes a surprise appearance, bringing chaos and unexpected depth.
Writer
✍️ Max Landis – Known for his deep psychological takes on iconic characters, Landis offers a raw and personal lens into Superman’s formative years.
Artist
đš Jae Lee – This issue features the hauntingly elegant and atmospheric style of Jae Lee, whose visuals add both grandeur and gravity to Superman's world.
Editor Details
đ ️ Mark Doyle – Under his editorial guidance, this issue maintains a grounded tone while juggling emotional intensity and explosive action.
Publisher and Brand
đą DC Comics
đ DC Comics – Standard Imprint (Part of the Superman: American Alien limited series)
Release Year
đ 2016
Brief Plot Summary
Old friends Pete Ross and Kenny Braverman visit Metropolis in hopes of reconnecting with Clark Kent. What begins as a nostalgic reunion quickly turns tense, as Pete grows uneasy with the public's obsession over Superman. The emotional friction among the trio mirrors Clark's internal struggle with his dual identity. The issue takes a wild turn when an alien intruder crashes their awkward meetup—none other than Lobo, the ruthless Czarnian bounty hunter. What follows is an action-packed showdown that forces Clark to choose between his past and the destiny awaiting him in the stars. đđ„
Notable Arcs or Storylines
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"American Alien" Miniseries Arc – This seven-issue series chronicles pivotal moments in Clark Kent’s development from Kansas farm boy to global icon.
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Clark vs. Fame – The issue captures the early burdens of Superman’s fame, offering insight into how his identity creates emotional distance from those closest to him.
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The Introduction of Lobo – A rare, early-universe encounter with Lobo adds cosmic scale to a deeply personal story.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
đ Fans often interpret Pete’s discomfort as symbolic of Middle America’s skepticism toward rapid change and celebrity culture. Kenny Braverman’s subtle resentment and jealousy have sparked theories suggesting he may evolve into a future antagonist, potentially hinting at Conduit—a character from past Superman lore with similar roots.
Some readers also theorize that Clark’s casual handling of Lobo hints at untapped Kryptonian powers he's yet to discover, foreshadowing his evolution into the fully realized Superman we know. đ§ đ
Review Summary
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.5/5)
Superman – American Alien #6 beautifully blends slice-of-life storytelling with high-stakes superhero drama. Jae Lee’s moody, stylized art infuses the pages with emotion and intensity, making even quiet scenes feel charged. Max Landis's script thrives on character nuance, particularly in how Clark balances loyalty with purpose. The emotional fallout between old friends is as gripping as the alien brawl that erupts midway. It’s a thoughtful and thrilling chapter in the American Alien saga, cementing the series as one of the most introspective takes on Superman in modern comics. đđ
Stay tuned for the final chapter of Clark’s defining journey in Issue #7!
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
